Autumn Anew Photo Contest

AUTUMN ANEW PHOTO CONTEST | 2025
Reimagine • Rediscover • Reconnect
September 1 - October 30, 2025

Our Autumn Anew photo contest is meant to celebrate the wonderful work of thousands of volunteers who over the past few years have helped clear our Capital City Region's rivers, riverside parks, and adjoining river trails of litter, trash, and other unsightly debris. In addition, miles of rivers have been cleared of river-wide obstructions, improving recreational access, usage, and enjoyment.

Through their collective efforts, our rivers have undergone transformational change. We now proudly claim to offer Michigan's most scenic, varied, and enjoyable urban waterways destination.

Help us capture the story of this remarkable accomplishment, our waterways' natural beauty, and abundant recreation. The timing is perfect as our photo contest begins on September 1, near the end of summer, and ends on October 31, a time of spectacular autumn color.

Participation is Easy

1. Anyone can participate.
2. We accept digital photography only.
3. Preferred file format is .jpg. or .png. Sorry, we cannot accept RAW.
4. Both full-color and black and white images are accepted.
5. Entries must include an element of our Grand and Red Cedar Rivers from an area as far west as Williamston, as far south as Dimondale, and as far north as Grand Ledge.
6. You may enter as many times as you would like.
7. Photos must be taken between September 1 and October 30, 2025.
8. All entries must be received before November 3, 2025.

Four Categories For Entry

1. Landscape: Capture breathtaking fall views of our Capital City Region’s rivers, highlighting their natural surroundings and seasonal change.
2. Wildlife: This category encourages entries that depict animals in their natural habitat, emphasizing their connection to our Capital City Region’s rivers
3. Recreation: This category celebrates the joy and experiences that the community enjoys while engaging on or along our Capital City Region’s rivers.
4. Architecture: Highlight how well man-made structures complement the natural beauty of our Capital City Region’s rivers, such as bridges, buildings, and boardwalks.

Judging Criteria

1. Creativity: The originality and uniqueness of the photograph.
2. Technical Skill: Focus, composition, and lighting.
3. Emotional Impact: How effectively the photo conveys a mood or emotion.
4. Relevance: How well the photo captures the scenic and varied beauty of our Capital City Region’s treasured waterways.

Contest Framework

1. An all-star panel of no fewer than four (4) Capital City Region photographers will judge the entries (see section below).
2. There are four (4) categories being judged: Landscape, Wildlife, Recreation, and Architecture.
3. Photos will be evaluated on four criteria: Creativity, Technical Skill, Emotional Impact, and Relevance.
4. By submitting an entry to the Michigan Waterways Stewards Photo Contest, entrants grant Michigan Waterways Stewards the right to use their submitted photographs at their discretion and for their benefit, at no cost. Each entry will be credited to the photographer.
5. Rules of contest may change to improve understanding, participation rates, and judging; to make it easier and more fun for all.

Winning Entries To Be Recognized and Awarded

1. The top three (3) photographers in each category will receive an Autumn Anew Certificate of Photography Achievement.
2. The top 5-10 entries from each category, in order of ranking, will be featured:

On-line: Michigan Waterways Stewards website and social media.
Select Capital City Region public libraries.
Other digital and physical locations to be announced later.

Thank You For Capturing the Wondrous Beauty of our Capital City's Rivers.

If you have any questions, or suggestions for contest improvement, please let us know. We can be contacted directly at either: [email protected] or (952) 239-3943.