Capture the Cache Exhibition

Celebrate the beauty and significance of the Cache la Poudre River and its rich heritage through the eyes of the community. The Capture the Cache Exhibition is a juried photography show, hosted at Visit Fort Collins in Old Town. This annual exhibition highlights the vibrant natural beauty, culture, and heritage of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area through the eyes of visitors and residents alike. Individuals interested in being a part of the exhibition can submit their entries for judging through the submission portal, opening in September. Photographers selected for the exhibition will receive compensation for their work.

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!

Evolving Categories

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

Competition Submissions: The 2025 competition has ended but check back soon for an update!

Participants will submit pieces to different categories.
Entrants may submit up to three pieces per category for consideration on one Entry Form.
Photos must be taken within the boundaries of the Cache NHA (map). There is some flexibility (at the discretion of Cache NHA) if the photo was taken in one of the surrounding communities, which include Bellvue, Laporte, Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor and Greeley.
Must be at least 16 years old.
Open to visitors and residents alike.
No submission fee!

2025 Exhibition

Competition Rules

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to any amateur or professional photographer except Cache NHA employees and board members, jurors and members of their immediate families. Entrants must be at least 16 years of age to participate. The competition is open to residents and visitors alike.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must be made digitally through our designated platform by May 2, 2025. Photographs must both be submitted digitally, either the original photographs or photographs of the artwork. Images can be in color or black and white. Images must be a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) and no smaller than 3072 x 2304 pixels (or 10.24 x 7.68 inches). Images should be in RGB color format and be submitted as JPG (at high quality) or PNG. Do not resample small files to fit requirements, as it will compromise the quality of the image. Images can be horizontal or vertical.
Each photographer or artist may submit up to three pieces per category for consideration. Maximum entry is nine submissions per photographer. All pieces will be submitted on one Entry Form.
Each submission must be accompanied by a title and medium.
Each submission must be labeled FirstName_LastName_Category_SubmissionNumber. For example, John_Smith_Agriculture_1
Each photograph must specify the location within the Cache NHA the photograph was taken.

Submission Fees and Commission

Entry fee $0
Photographers will receive a $25 commission for each image selected for exhibition.

Notification of Acceptance

Photographers whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified via email after submissions end. Exact date TBD.

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.

Model Release Form

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.

What types of artwork is accepted?
1. We are only accepting photographs.
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.
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.