We are absolutely thrilled to announce the winners of Hamanasi’s 2026 Winter Photo Contest This year we were blown away by the incredible moments captured by our talented guests and photographers. From breathtaking underwater encounters to jungle artistry and intimate village moments, this year’s entries beautifully captured the magic of Belize.
First, please join us in congratulating our spectacular Category Winners:
Relax, You’re in Belize – Ryan Duba The Spirit of Adventure – Ethan Berke The Art of Nature – Mark Snyder Life in Hopkins – Gus Onken
Our 2026 Grand Prize Winners This year, the competition was so inspiring that the judges simply couldn’t choose just one grand prize winner. We are delighted to award a tie to two phenomenal photographers. Please join us in congratulating:
Ryan Duba | Symmetry of Solitude (Taken February 19th, 2024)
Co-winning the Grand Prize for his entry in the Relax, You’re in Belize! category, Ryan captured the pure joy and tranquility of our seaside paradise. The judges found this photo to be serene, magical and immediately calming: “The repeat of nature’s colors above and below the horizon life focuses the eye directly on the individual and the sun creating a feeling of emotional centering.”
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ryan is known for his candid style event photography. What excites him the most about photography is the ability to capture the emotion of a specific time from which you can feel the emotion exude. Ryan’s ultimate goal and keen ability is capturing the feeling of a life event, the perfect sunrise, or a thrilling adventure. The ability to travel and share emotional experiences with the world is an honor and a pleasure.
Mark Snyder | Ripples of Life (Taken December 24, 2025)
Co-winning the Grand Prize for the Art of Nature category, Mark combined technical photography skills with a stunning composition. The judges praised its creativity and beauty, stating: “The photo conveyed still life with the static leaves, movement with the ripples and depth by inviting the eye below the water’s surface. The frog reveals almost as a surprise.”
Mark is an optometrist from Pennsylvania who loves traveling the world, eating amazing food, and documenting adventures with his beautiful wife, Kristy, and their three wonderful boys.
Congratulations to our winners!
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who submitted photos: thank you! Your images do so much more than showcase beautiful scenery. They share personal stories, spark wanderlust, and inspire future travelers to explore Belize’s reefs, rainforests, rivers, and communities.
We loved seeing Hamanasi through your lens and are deeply grateful for the time, passion, and unforgettable moments you shared with us.
Congratulations again to our winners and finalists. We can’t wait to welcome you back for even more picture-perfect memories at Hamanasi!
