DAVENPORT, IOWA (November 14, 2025) — This winter, River Action, in partnership with The Camera Corner, invites photographers of all ages and skill levels to bundle up, head outside and capture the winter beauty of the Quad Cities area. The “Winter Outdoor Nature Photo Contest” kicks off December 1 and runs through January 12. All proceeds support River Action’s mission to protect, restore, and celebrate the Mississippi River and our surrounding riverfront communities.
Why participate?
Winter often encourages us to stay inside — but the cold months offer some of our most visually-compelling scenes: Frosted trees, icy water, snow-blanketed landscapes, and wildlife that thrive in quieter months.
Whether you’re shooting on the riverfront or another local park or QC Wild Place, we want your best winter nature shot.
How it works:
- Submission window: December 1 — January 12 at midnight.
- Entry fee: $10 per photo; unlimited entries allowed.
- Categories:
- Amateur: Phone, Polaroid, or older camera users (defined as cameras less than 5400×3600 pixels at 300 dpi).
- Professional: DSLR or mirrorless systems (defined as cameras higher than 7200×4800 at 300 dpi).
Prizes and recognition:
- First Place Professional: Cover feature in River Action’s Eddy Magazine (February issue), a $100 The Camera Corner gift card, and a 16″×24″ metal print of the image.
- First Place Amateur: Inside front-cover feature of Eddy Magazine, a $50 The Camera Corner gift card, and a 16″×24″ Coda Print.
- Second and Third Places (both categories): Coda Prints (12″×18″ for Professionals; 8″×12″ for Amateurs).
Judging:A panel of eight local judges (four professionals and four amateurs) will evaluate entries based on criteria developed by The Camera Corner. Judging takes place around January 12, with winners announced before January 15.
Bonus learning opportunities:
To help entrants sharpen their skills, two workshops are offered:
- Photo Editing Live 101 with George Rangel of Hundred Shots Media — November 19, 4–6PM, at Bettendorf Library.
- Intro Photography 101 with Doug at The Camera Corner — December 3, 6:30–8:30PM, in Davenport.
Support for River Action’s mission:
All proceeds from the contest support River Action’s year-end fundraiser and bolster the non-profit’s efforts to protect, connect, and celebrate the Mississippi River and its vital riverfront ecosystem.
Get started today:
Ready to explore, shoot and submit? Visit riveraction.org/photocontest for full contest details, submission guidelines, and registration. Follow River Action on Facebook for tips, reminders, and featured entries.
About River Action:
River Action is a Quad Cities-based non-profit dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the Mississippi River and the RiverWay environment. Through education, stewardship, trail-making, native-land restoration, and public-engagement programming, River Action fosters a vibrant and resilient riverfront community.
About The Camera Corner:
The Camera Corner is a longstanding local camera retailer serving photography enthusiasts at all levels, offering equipment, expertise, and support for those passionate about capturing the moment.
