Water is vital to life on Earth and our city is fortunate to be nestled along the mighty Ohio River, and close to beautiful streams and wetlands. But we also face frequent flooding and pollution is a threat to many of our waterways.
To mark Earth Day 2024, the Ripple Effects: Exploring Water in Louisville Photo Contest invites all K-12 students in the Louisville area to capture images of what water means to them. What is most beautiful about water in our community? What water-related problems do we need to address? How do we use, recreate in, and interact with water?
Cash prizes for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75), 3rd ($50), and honorable mention ($25) will be awarded for the best photographs in the following age categories: kindergarten through 2nd grade; 3rd through 5th grade, middle school, and high school. The winning entries will also be featured in an exhibit at the Kentucky State Fair.
Photo submissions are due by August 3rd (one photo per student).
Ripple Effects Student Photo Workshops
- Riverside, Farnsley-Moremen Landing
Saturday, May 11, 4 PM - The Falls of the Ohio
Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 PM - PNC Achievement Center in Beckley Creek Park
Friday, May 17, 6:30 PM - The Boathouse at Waterfront Park
Monday, May 20, 6:30 PM & Saturday, May 25, 4 PM
Please join us for one (or more!) of these free workshops presented by local professional photographers. Workshops include a short indoor visual presentation explaining the Ripple Effects contest and the basics of photography, followed by a trip outside to photograph the surroundings in early evening light before the sun sets. Bring your camera or a phone.
Workshops are FREE for kids & families.
Space is limited and registration is required.*
*PLEASE NOTE: Workshops may be canceled if minimum registration is not met.
The Ripple Effects Photo Contest is presented by the Louisville Free Public Library, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education, Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, University of Louisville, Louisville Water Company, Waterfront Park, MSD, Louisville Photographic Society, Louisville Photo Biennial, and River City Paddle Sports.
Special thanks to the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Louisville Photographic Society, Louisville Water Company and individual donors to the Library Foundation for helping fund this year’s contest.
