Make A Splash Photo and Video Contest

The U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) created the Make A Splash Photo and Video Contest to recognize and document the latest advancements in water power technologies, research and development activities, and infrastructure. The contest also seeks to capture the beauty of the landscapes, people, and communities rooted in water power. By participating, competitors can help WPTO raise awareness around hydropower and marine energy's potential to contribute to a carbon-free power grid.

The contest invites photographers and videographers at all proficiency levels to submit photos and videos of water power. Entrants may submit up to 20 photos total across six photo categories: Conventional Hydropower and Pumped Storage, Small/Distributed/Low Impact Hydropower, Marine Energy, Powering the Blue Economy, Faces of Water Power, and Communities Powered by Water. Entrants may also submit up to six videos total across three video categories: Clip or Timelapse: Marine Energy, Clip or Timelapse: Hydropower, and Clip or Timelapse: Faces of Water Power. All videos must be 30 seconds or less. All photos and videos must be taken within the United States or U.S. Territories or be of U.S. technology in non-U.S. territory.

Contest opens August 9, 2023, with submissions due November 17, 2023. Winners will be announced in January 2024. A total of 27 prizes will be awarded from a cash prize pool of $31,500. Three awards will be given per category: Grand Prize ($2,000), Second Place ($1,000), and Third Place ($500). The competition is open to all amateur and professional photographers and videographers.