First Place Winner
September 2026 Competition
Arizona Grandmother’s Sunset Photo of Her Granddaughter Wins America’s Favorite Photos
Donna Smith was at home with her family when the news came through, and she didn’t waste a second sharing it.
“I told them, guess what -- 'Winner Winner Chicken Dinner,’” Smith said. Then came the happy dance, and the scream.
A Summer Evening in Iowa
Smith’s winning photo, titled “Cherish the Memories,” was taken in August of this year while she was visiting her granddaughter in Iowa.
“We were out walking the dogs before bedtime and she was running after the dogs as the sun was setting,” Smith said.
It’s the kind of ordinary evening that could have come and gone unnoticed — except Smith was there with her camera, and she knew enough to catch it.
“It’s a reminder to me to slow down, cherish the moments,” Smith said. “To freeze the moment in time before it slips away. Especially with my grandbabies!”
A Child Lost in Wonder
For Smith, the photo isn’t really about the little girl running, or even about the sunset behind her. It’s about what the moment captured.
“The photo isn’t about looking at a lens,” Smith said. “It’s about a child completely lost in the magic of the world around her, free and full of wonder.”
It’s a feeling Smith hopes comes through for anyone who sees it.
“I hope they feel the same way I do,” she said.
“To cherish every moment with loved ones and to see the wonder and amazement through a child’s eyes. And to capture it before it slips away.”
Smith is proud to call Arizona home, and outside of moments like this one, she spends her time with family and taking in the kind of sunsets that first drew her to a camera.
Winning for a Reason Bigger Than the Photo
Smith says the win itself means a great deal, but not just for the recognition.
“It means a lot that people saw the same things I did, and to be able to hopefully make someone smile,” Smith said. “Also to be able to contribute to my favorite charity.”
Supporting the American Cancer Society
In honor of Smith’s win, Socialmark has made a donation in her name to the American Cancer Society.
The choice is a personal one for Smith, who has lost people close to her to the disease.
“I have had so many people that I love lose their battles with cancer,” Smith said. “So maybe someday they can find a cure.”
Grateful for Her Family
Asked who she’d like to thank, Smith didn’t hesitate.
“God, for blessing me with such a beautiful family,” she said.
“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!” Smith added.
