Winners showcased the people and places of Utah through stunning mountain and desert landscapes
Ogden, Utah, July 21, 2026—Bank of Utah announces the winners of its 7th annual My Utah Photo Contest.
- 1st Place: Brooklynn Kelson, showcasing a ballerina dancing on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
- 2nd Place: Trudy Smuin, capturing a cowgirl riding in the sunset of Bonneville Salt Flats.
- 3rd Place: Jason Robison, composing the American flag flying in Snow Canyon State Park.
- Best in Show Award: Taylor Ehat, displaying golden hour light at world-famous Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park.
- Honorable Mentions: Subhasmita R., Jordan S., Ian W., Joelle M., Doug W., Justin C., Kailee M., Andrew H., Tom Moehn and Nat H. will be featured in Bank of Utah’s Annual Photo Contest Calendar.
“As a professional dance photographer, I’m always looking for ways to showcase Utah’s beauty through movement,” said Kelson. “When I discovered the Bank of Utah contest, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to highlight our one-of-a-kind landscapes alongside the local dance community. I love this state—especially the salt flats—and to be recognized for capturing it in a unique way is a dream come true for me.”
Amateur and professional photographers were invited to submit their best outdoor landscape or activity photos that answer the question: “My Utah is ____.” Whether it’s majestic mountain ranges, vibrant red rocks or powdery ski slopes, this contest celebrates Utah’s natural beauty and unique culture.
“I’ve followed the contest for a couple of years, but this is the first time I’ve ever entered it,” said Smuin. “Based on the amount of amazing photos that are submitted to this contest, I am truly honored to be chosen as one of the winners.”
“As a landscape photographer, I always try to capture the majesty and beauty of a scene,” said Ehat. “In the moment, it’s often something that personally moves me, gives me pause, wonder and awe, so it is rewarding when others appreciate it also. I am grateful to those who enjoyed my photograph and voted for it. I certainly appreciate the Bank of Utah for supporting local artists and sharing in a love for Utah’s beautiful, unique landscapes.”
All winners and honorable mentions will be presented in Bank of Utah’s 2027 My Utah calendar, with the first-place winner on the cover and the “Best in Show” photo featured on the back. Watch for the first-place photo on freeway billboards along the Wasatch Front.
Throughout June and July, select submissions were spotlighted in the bank’s “Feature Fridays” series on Instagram.
“Seeing my vision resonate with others is incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared my perspective through photography,” said Robison. “Every photo has a story, and living in Pleasant Grove gives me the opportunity to photograph so many parts of this beautiful state. It is an honor to have my work recognized amongst so many other great photographers.”
To see the winners’ and honorable mention photos, visit: https://www.bankofutah.com/news/bank-of-utah-announces-winners-of-the-2026-my-utah-photo-contest. Photographers can start capturing their own unique perspectives of Utah for the 2027 contest.
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About Bank of Utah
Founded in Ogden in 1952, Bank of Utah has been part of the state’s story for more than 70 years. We’ve supported small businesses and helped individuals and families build their futures in communities across Utah — from quiet mountain towns to thriving city centers. With 20 full-service branches, dedicated trust teams, and mortgage specialists throughout the state, Bank of Utah provides personal service and forward-thinking financial tools. The bank’s comprehensive offerings include business and personal banking, mortgage and commercial lending, personal and corporate trust services, and wealth management and investment services.
Recognized as one of the Top 20 U.S. Community Banks of 2025 by S&P Global Market Intelligence and named Utah’s Best Bank by GOBankingRates in 2025, Bank of Utah blends local insight with award-winning strength. Whether it’s the little details in a banking experience or the big moments in life, Bank of Utah is here to help Utahns succeed. Our commitment is to remain strong, trustworthy, advanced, secure and appreciative — to work side by side with clients on their financial journeys, so they can confidently say: “This is my Utah. Bank of Utah is my bank.” Learn more at bankofutah.com or call 801-409-5000.
