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Capture the Cache is an annual exhibition designed to highlight the beauty, culture, and heritage of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. Photographers of all skill levels are invited to get outside and capture images that reflect their personal connection to the heritage of the river. Selected works will be featured in the exhibition at Visit Fort Collins in the heart of Old Town.

Submission Details

Submission Period: September 1, 2025 – March 16, 2026

How to Enter: Read the submission guidelines linked below and submit your photos digitally via the official submission portal.

Evolving Categories

Each year, the Capture the Cache Exhibition introduces new themes and categories that encourage individuals to explore different facets of the river’s heritage. These rotating categories ensure a fresh and dynamic showcase that captivates visitors and fosters a deeper appreciation for this nationally significant landscape.

2026 Categories

Farm-to-Table – Capture the essence of the farm-to-table journey within the National Heritage Area. Your photos might feature any stage of the agricultural process, such as cows munching on grass in a pasture or farm machinery in action. Highlight a scene from the food production process or the atmosphere at a bustling farmers’ market or CSA (community-supported agriculture). Snap a shot of the culinary dining experience, the lively nature of a brewery patio, or the dedicated work of local producers like Hazel Dell Mushrooms. Tell the story of how local produce transitions from farm-to-table in this region.

Nature – Reveal the breathtaking beauty of nature as you perceive it in the National Heritage Area. Your photographs could encompass the serene presence of water, the plethora of wildlife, or a sunrise/sunset. Consider capturing the varied landscapes of the many Natural Areas or raindrops falling on leaves. Each photo should reflect the natural wonders and environments that define this region’s ecology.

Recreation – Illustrate the ways people recreate in the National Heritage Area, including hiking along rugged trails, paddleboarding/kayaking across calm waters, or the exhilaration of rock climbing. Did you spend the day enjoying the sunshine at one the many reservoirs, raft down the Poudre, or take your dog to the river? Those pertain to this category. Your photos should convey the Colorado spirit of outdoor activity.

Exhibition Details

  • Location: Visit Fort Collins, 1 Old Town Square
  • Duration: Open for public viewing throughout the month of June
  • Free and open to the public!

Competition Rules

Photograph Model Release

Photos containing recognizable people must be accompanied by a model release form (available under Photo Release) signed by the subject or a parent or legal guardian, if subject is under 18 years of age.

Terms

Each photographer will retain all rights to any image submitted – including ownership if applicable – other than those rights licensed in the next sentence. By entering the contest, each photographer hereby grants to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (i) a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free license to reproduce, sell reproductions, distribute, publicly display the images submitted to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and (ii) the right to use the photographer’s/artists name, city and state of residence in promotions and other publications. Photographs and artwork, regardless of the medium, will not be returned. The winning images with appropriate credit will appear on the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area website, social media channels and upcoming printed materials.

Photos containing recognizable people must be accompanied by a model release form signed by the subject or a parent or legal guardian, if the subject is under 18 years of age.

Submission to this call for entry constitutes acceptance of all the requirements and terms outlined above.

Additional Information

FAQs

  1. What types of artwork is accepted?
    1. We are only accepting photographs.
  2. How many pieces can I submit?
    1. Entrants can submit 3 pieces per category for a total of 9 pieces total. All pieces will be submitted on one Entry Form.
  3. Who do I contact regarding questions about the Capture the Cache Exhibition submissions and event?
    1. Please contact Rylyn Todd (rtodd@poudreheritage.org) with any questions.

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