WPTO today launched the Make a Splash Contest, a new prize seeking the best photos and videos of water power technologies, research and development activities, infrastructure, and the people and communities contributing to or benefitting from water power.
Water Power Technologies Office
August 9, 2023
minute read time
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) today launched the Make a Splash Contest, a new prize seeking the best photos and videos of water power technologies, research and development activities, and infrastructure, as well as the people and communities contributing to or benefitting from water power. A total prize pool of $31,500 will be distributed over six photography and three video categories.
“This contest serves two purposes—to encourage amateur and professional photographers and videographers to take a closer look at all that water power has to offer, and allow us to share their images and videos of real-world technologies and the people behind them with a broad audience,” said Jennifer Garson, WPTO Director. “The contest submissions will be added to an ever-growing library of images and videos that can inspire viewers about the scope and potential of water power.”
The contest is open now through November 17 to photographers and videographers of all proficiency levels. Contest winners will be awarded up to $2,000 for a photo or video in one of nine categories. Note that submissions showing non-U.S. technologies on or in U.S. land or water are allowed. Non-U.S. technologies on or in non-U.S. land or water are not eligible.
Photo Categories
Entrants may submit up to 20 photos (total) in these categories:
- Conventional Hydropower and Pumped Storage
- Small, Distributed, or Low-Impact Hydropower
- Marine Energy
- Powering the Blue Economy™
- Faces of Water Power
- Communities Powered by Water
Video Categories
Entrants may submit up to six clips or timelapse videos (total) in these categories:
- Marine Energy
- Hydropower
- Faces of Water Power
Contest judges will select three award recipients per category: grand prize, which will receive a $2,000 award; second place, a $1,000 award; and third place, a $500 award.
Submitting Photos and Videos
Submit photos and videos and find a full set of rules and instructions for submission on the Make A Splash Photo Contest website. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Photos and videos will be featured on WPTO's website and in outreach efforts such as presentations, newsletters, educational materials, social media, and other engagement opportunities. Please note that photo submissions will be made publicly available and downloadable.
All submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. MDT on November 17, 2023.
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges selected by WPTO. Winners are expected to be announced in January 2024.
This prize is administered by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory as part of the American-Made program.
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