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Ripple Effects Student Photo Contest & Workshops

Ripple Effects

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.

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?

The Ripple Effects Photo Contest is open to all residents in the Kentuckiana area, including counties on both sides of the Ohio River. 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.

Photo submissions are due by May 18 (one photo per student).

Submit your entry


Ripple Effects Workshops

Kids and families are invited to participate in one of these free photography workshops being offered in conjunction with the annual Ripple Effects Student Photo Contest. Presented by local professional photographers, workshops include a short visual presentation explaining the Ripple Effects contest and the basics of photography, followed by a trip outside to photograph the surroundings.

  • March 8, 2025, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
    Falls of the Ohio State Park
    201 West Riverside Drive, Clarksville, IN 47129

  • March 15, 2025, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
    Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing
    7410 Moorman Road, Louisville, KY 40272

  • March 16, 2025, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
    Waterfront Park, David K. Karem Building
    Next door to Joe's Crab Shack at 131 W River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202

  • March 20, 2025, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
    Jefferson Memorial Forest, Horine Conference Center
    12408 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY 40118

  • March 27, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
    The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Welcome & Education Center
    1421 Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245

Space is limited. Registration required - https://bit.ly/2025RippleWorkshop

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 College of Education and Human Development, Louisville Water Company, Waterfront Park, MSD, Louisville Photographic Society, Louisville Photo Biennial, River City Paddle Sports and Ripple Effects International, and is made possible through a grant from the Louisville Sustainability Council and donors to the Library Foundation.

Ripple Effects Sponsors