Your Lens on Water: Capture the Basin’s Beauty, Power & Purpose
Do you have an eye for the magic of water? Whether you’re paddling down a quiet stream, observing wildlife near a rippling creek, or documenting the incredible work of local water stewards—now’s your chance to shine.
The 2025 H2O Water Network Annual Photo Contest invites photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase their vision of water in the Upper Ohio River Basin. This contest isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about telling the story of our most vital natural resource.
💧 Contest Theme:
Water in the Upper Ohio River Basin
Your photograph must include a water element and may feature:
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Rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands
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Water recreation: kayaking, swimming, fishing, rafting
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Scientific or community-based water research
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Wildlife in aquatic or riparian habitats
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Landscapes where water is the heart of the story
Note: Only photographs taken in 2025 are eligible.
🏆 Prizes:
We’re offering cash prizes to honor your creative storytelling:
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🥇 1st Place: $500
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🥈 2nd Place: $250
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🥉 3rd Place: $100
All winning entries may be featured on the H2O Water Network’s website, social media, printed materials, and public exhibits—with full photographer credit.
📷 Photo Requirements:
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Digital photo, minimum resolution of 2400 x 3000 px (7 MP)
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Black & white or color accepted
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Portrait or landscape orientation allowed
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Filters and polarizers are permitted—but no AI-generated, overly altered, or “Photoshopped” compositions
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No entry fee
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One entry per person
📝 What to Include with Your Submission:
Each entry must include:
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Photographer’s full name, phone number, and email
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Photo location (County/Township/City)
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Title of the photo
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Water subject featured (name of the body of water or activity shown)
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Completed entry form
📆 Deadline to Enter:
Submissions are due by January 15, 2026
Entries received after this date will be returned and not considered.
📬 Submit Your Entry:
Fill out form below or email us here.
⚠️ Legal Details:
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Submitted photographs become the property of the H2O Water Network and may be used in future outreach, marketing, and exhibitions.
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Photographer credit will always accompany the image.
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H2O Water Network is not liable for content submitted.
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Prizes are awarded to winners only.
🌊 Why Your Photo Matters
Your image can inspire stewardship, celebrate beauty, and advocate for clean, accessible water. Whether you’re capturing a quiet streambank or a community cleanup—your photo has the power to influence, educate, and connect.
Help us highlight the incredible waterways of the Upper Ohio River Basin and the communities who care for them.
🔗 Stay Connected
Tag us, follow along, and share your shots online with #H2OWaterPhoto2025
📍 h2owaternetwork.org | 💌 info@h2owaternetwork.org
2025 H2O Water Network Annual Photo Contest
