AUTUMN ANEW PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST | 2026
REIMAGINE • REDISCOVER • RECONNECT  
​September 1 - October 31, 2026

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Our second annual Autumn Anew photo contest is designed to celebrate the wonderful work of thousands of volunteers who have helped transform our Capital City Region's Grand and Red Cedar Rivers and Sycamore Creek, beautifying our riverside parks and the miles of adjacent river trails.

Because of the collective efforts of these dedicated volunteers, here in our state's Capital City, we now present Michigan's most scenic, varied, and enjoyable urban waterways destination.

We invite you to help us capture the story of this remarkable and unprecedented accomplishment, as well as the natural beauty of our waterways and the abundant recreation they offer. There are four categories for which you can submit your entry: Landscape, Architecture, Recreation, and Wildlife.

The second annual Autumn Anew Photography Contest begins on September 1, near the end of summer, and ends on October 31, a time of spectacular autumn color.

TO VIEW LAST YEAR'S WINNERS AND ALL ENTRIES
Click here to view winners overall and by each category.​
Click here to view all of  entries.

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, and Sycamore Cree 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 31, 2026.
8. All entries must be received by no later than Friday November 6, 2026.

Four Categories For Entry

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

    Autumn Anew Photo Contest Contact and Submittal Form

    If more than one photo is being submitted, please send your multiple entries to: [email protected]. We are limited to 25MB per email.
    Max file size: 20MB

Contest Framework 

1. An all-star panel of no fewer than six (6) Capital City Region photographers will judge the entries (see the 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. The rules of the 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 Region.

​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.

AUTUMN ANEW PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 
​REIMAGINE • REDISCOVER • RECONNECT  
—2026 Entries–

AUTUMN ANEW 2026 PHOTO CONTEST JUDGES

Contest Judging Led by Della Pfeil Our 2025 Autumn Anew Photography Contest Grand Champion.
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Peter Glendinning
W.J. Beal Distinguished Professor in MSU's Department of Art & Art History, and faculty advisor to the MSU photography club.​
​Click here to learn more.
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Rebecca Houlihan 
​Professional photographer, owner of Rebecca Houlihan Photography.
​Click here to learn more.
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Courtland Jenkins
Production freelancer at
​HOMTV in Meridian Township.
​Click here to learn more.
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Amari Kelley 
Professional photographer capturing life's special moments and milestones.
Click here to learn more.
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Della Pfeil 
​Registered nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Sparrow Hospital, MWS BoD member, and 2025 Autumn Anew Photo Contest grand champion.
​Click here to learn more.
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Michael Stout
Michigan Waterways Stewards president and founder, author, photographer, and adventurer. 
​​Click here to learn more.
LOVE OUR WATERWAYS. IT'S A SHARED RESPONSBILITY.