‘Waterways Move America’ Photo Contest Launches

Waterways Council Inc., We Work the Waterways and The Waterways Journal have launched the 2026 “Waterways Move America” photo contest in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit images showing the beauty, purpose and spirit of America’s waterways. Entries will be accepted through October 9 in three categories: People, Places and Patriotism.

The People category highlights mariners, pilots, lock operators, shipyard workers and others who live, work or spend time on the water. Places includes river landscapes, bridges, locks and dams, ports, waterfronts, wildlife and historic river communities. Patriotism focuses on images that reflect the heritage, strength and future of the nation’s waterways.

The first-place winner in each category will receive a $50 We Work the Waterways store credit, a $50 Amazon gift card, free admission for one to the 2027 Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, Tenn., a one-year subscription to The Waterways Journal and an Inland River Guide. Winning photographs will also be displayed at the Waterways Symposium and published in The Waterways Journal.

Each submission is limited to one photograph. Contest details and the entry form are available at: https://weworkthewaterways.com/photo-contest.