IRU Media Contest 2024:

THE FUTURE OF OUR RIVERS

photo by Peter Reali

With many of our projects aiming to protect the future of Idaho's rivers, this year’s contest theme encourages the public and our members to share what they want to see in the future of rivers. Show us a lasting legacy of serene river miles, clean rivers for people and animals to play in, and rivers running wild and free through Idaho.

Submit your Idaho river still images and video clips to help achieve IRU’s mission to protect and restore the rivers of Idaho!

Deadline for Entry is September 30th, 2024

Show us how you want your rivers to look like forever, and in the future by sending us your best shot or 10 second video clip showing what an Idaho river, creek or natural lake (no reservoirs or fish hatcheries, please).

Entries can feature plants or animals along or in a river, people enjoying rivers, adventure, recreation - whatever demonstrates what healthy, free-flowing, clean rivers look like to you.
The top two entries from each category* plus the top two staff favorites will be featured in an IRU note card pack.
Winning photos and photographers will be showcased in our year-end reports, as well as our social media accounts.
One grand prize winner will be awarded IRU swag bag, a one-year IRU membership, and a gift card to a local partner’s store.
Additionally all other winners selected (11) will also receive an IRU swag, copies of the note cards, and a complimentary one-year IRU membership.

Photo Contest Categories:

Action /Adventure – Photographs of people participating in recreational activities on the water. *(Submissions with people or children consent to IRU’s use of images online, in print, etc).
Flora & Fauna – Animals and wildlife in their natural habitat, including close-ups of invertebrates, or plants including close-ups of flowers, fungi, lichen, and algae.
Angling & Fly Fishing – We want to see healthy fishing practices here, keeping fish in the water, or even better fish underwater!
Wild & Scenic – Expansive and dramatic landscape views of wild, free flowing rivers.
Creative & Clever - Humorous, candid, and rare moment shots go here.
River Loving Dogs - All pups and sweet mutts who enjoy the river as much as we do.

Rules & How To Enter:

Click here to enter!

This contest is open to all amateur, professional, and youth photographers. Please see details here:
Digitally enter up to five images via online entry form (please contact tess@idahorivers.org if you have any difficulties with the entry process)
All photos must in some way relate to Idaho’s outdoor water: rivers, creeks, tributaries, pond, lake, fish and fishing, etc, and fit into the categories (please, no reservoirs).
Each entry must include the category, location of photo, your name, address and phone number. Entries via email or mail must include the words “Entry for IRU Photo Contest” in email subject line or on envelope.
Entries must be at least 200 dpi (preferably 300 dpi) and 1920 x 1080 pixels and in .jpeg or .mpg format.
All photos and video must be taken and owned by you and not previously published.
All photography and video needs to be a true representation of the image or view of the photographer.
Images that have been extensively altered by double exposure; assembly from two or more images; removal of obstructions or other significant parts; addition, subtraction, or duplication of elements within the image; or other alterations must be entered in the CREATIVE AND CLEVER category only.
Idaho Rivers United assumes no responsibility for submissions. Selected images are used on a non-exclusive basis and IRU retains the right to use submitted photos in any advertising and/or promotion it deems suitable. You may be required to sign a release form/model release if photographs contain recognizable people or youth.
By entering the contest, entrants grant the Idaho Rivers United (IRU) a royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to display, distribute, reproduce, and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or subsequently developed, for any IRU purpose, including, but not limited to advertising and promotion in publications and on its website, social media, and IRU event or art exhibition - in any such case your information will be included.
Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit. IRU will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses.
IRU may share your photo submissions via Facebook and Instagram with #futureofrivers for promotional purposes.

Contest Judging

Winners will be notified if their photo has been voted to place in the top 12 best photos. Entries are evaluated on appeal, content, and ability to capture the essence of Idaho’s waterways and activities on our rivers.

Judges criteria is not to critique the level of photography, but to judge based on: is it aesthetically pleasing, does it evoke true meaning of the category, and does it represent Idaho’s rivers. The decision of the judges is final. Winning photos will be limited to one per contestant.

Questions? Please email tess@idahorivers.org