The City of Grants Pass is inviting amateur and professional photographers of all ages to showcase their talent and creativity by participating in the 2025 Water Quality Report Photo Contest. The annual competition seeks to highlight the beauty and significance of Southern Oregon’s water through original photography, with winning submissions featured prominently in the city’s 2025 Water Quality Report.
The contest theme, “What Water Means to Me,” encourages entrants to capture their unique perspectives on water’s role in their community and environment. Photos can depict rivers, lakes, wildlife, recreation, conservation efforts, or other interpretations that reflect the importance of water in daily life. Eligible photographs must be taken within Curry, Jackson, Josephine, or Klamath counties, ensuring a strong regional connection to Southern Oregon’s natural landscape.
Submissions are open to three categories: K-12 students, amateur photographers, and professionals. Prizes will be awarded to the top two entries. The first-place winner will receive $200, while the second-place winner will receive $100. In addition to the cash prizes, winning images will be featured in the 2025 Water Quality Report, showcased on the city’s social media platforms, used in future promotional activities, and recognized during a City Council meeting.
Entries must be original photographs that reflect the contest theme and be submitted in a digital format suitable for reproduction. All images must be from a single camera frame, whether taken on a DSLR, point-and-shoot camera, or smartphone. Composites created by layering multiple images are not allowed, and AI-generated images are strictly prohibited. Each submission must be accompanied by a completed agreement form, and all entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and relevance to the theme.
Participants should be aware that submitted images become the property of the City of Grants Pass. By entering, photographers grant the city a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, modify, distribute, and display their work across a variety of public information and educational materials. While City employees and their family members are encouraged to participate, they are not eligible to win prizes. Winners will be notified by email on January 9, 2026.
The entry deadline is 5 p.m. on December 26, 2025. Interested participants should submit their photos and the required entry form by email to smorgan@grantspass.oregon.gov.
Complete contest rules and submission details can be found on the City of Grants Pass website:
Full Rules
Entry Form
This annual contest not only celebrates the artistic talents of the community but also reinforces the importance of water as a shared resource. By capturing and sharing their vision of “What Water Means to Me,” participants help inspire others to appreciate and protect Southern Oregon’s waterways for generations to come.