If you're looking for an activity that gets the kids outdoors, encourages creativity, and creates lasting family memories, this is one event you'll want to add to your fall calendar!
The Friends of Black Bayou 2026 Photo Contest is now accepting entries, and we're especially excited about the Youth Division (Under 17). Whether your child is an aspiring photographer or simply enjoys exploring nature with a smartphone or camera in hand, this contest is a wonderful opportunity to see Louisiana's outdoors from a whole new perspective.
A visit to Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge can become an adventure as children search for birds, butterflies, alligators, turtles, colorful wildflowers, towering cypress trees, and breathtaking sunsets. Every trail, boardwalk, and shoreline offers another chance to capture something extraordinary.
A Contest for Every Skill Level
The 2026 Friends of Black Bayou Photo Contest welcomes photographers of all experience levels through three divisions:
- Adult – Professional
- Adult – Amateur
- Youth
The Youth Division gives young photographers the chance to showcase their creativity while developing a deeper appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and the beauty that surrounds us right here in Northeast Louisiana.
CONTEST RULES
Categories Include
Participants may submit photographs in the following categories:
- Arthropods
- Birds
- Fungi
- Herps & Fish
- Landscape
- Macro/Micro
- Mammals
- People on the Refuge
- Plants
Photographers may submit up to two photographs per category.
PHOTO CONTEST TIPS
Explore More Than Black Bayou
Photos may be taken at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge or at one of its sister refuges:
- D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge
- Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
- Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge
- Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
This makes for the perfect excuse to plan a family road trip and discover some of Louisiana's most beautiful natural areas together.
Why We Love This for Families
At Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe, we're always encouraging families to trade screen time for green time. Photography naturally teaches children to slow down, observe, ask questions, and appreciate the incredible wildlife that calls Louisiana home.
You don't need expensive equipment to participate. A smartphone or basic camera can capture amazing memories while helping children build confidence, creativity, and an appreciation for the outdoors.
Imagine your child spotting a great blue heron taking flight, a dragonfly resting on a lily pad, or a curious alligator peeking above the water—and capturing the moment forever.
PHOTO SUBMISSION
Don't Miss the Deadline
Entries are due by October 1, 2026.
Winning photographs will be displayed for one year at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, giving photographers of all ages the opportunity to share their work with thousands of visitors.
We can't think of a better way to celebrate Louisiana's incredible wildlife while inspiring the next generation of nature lovers. Grab your camera, pack a picnic, and head outside—your family's next adventure could become an award-winning photograph!
