2024 Erie Canalway Photo Contest winners

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor recently announced the winners of its 19th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Judges selected first, second, and third place winners in four contest categories as well as 12 honorable mentions from a field of 329 entries.

“These exceptional images are a perfect invitation to visit the Canalway Corridor and discover the richness of its history, recreational offerings, and communities. We congratulate the winners and appreciate everyone who entered and shared the places and activities they love along New York’s extraordinary canals,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Winning images can be viewed online and will be featured in the 2025 Erie Canalway Bicentennial calendar. The popular calendar will be available at no cost at libraries, visitor centers, and by request beginning in December. Funding support for the calendar is provided by the National Park Service and NYS Canal Corporation.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Year after year the stunning images contained throughout the calendar never cease to amaze me and Canal and history enthusiasts across New York State, as they showcase the diversity of the Erie Canal’s landscape, architecture, history, flora and fauna. Once again, I congratulate this year’s winners, chosen from an astounding 314 entrants, who used their talents to perfectly capture everything that this great waterway is all about. As we approach our bicentennial year, this year’s calendar is arguably the most important and exciting edition yet, and I can’t wait for you to see it.”

Daniel Quatro from Albion placed second in the Classic Canal category and Claire Talbot from Hilton earned an Honorable Mention for her photo, Beautiful Spencerport.

All of the winning photos may be viewed at https://eriecanalway.org/resources/gallery/photo-contests.

2024 Erie Canalway Photo Contest Winners

Canal Communities
1st Place, Fairport Lift Bridge (Fairport) by Sarah Woodams, Pittsford, NY
2nd Place, Old Mills on the Mohawk (Little Falls) by John Wilcox, Herkimer, NY
3rd Place, Boom Go the Fireworks (Lockport) by Jeff Tracy, Lockport, NY

Classic Canal
1st Place, Heron Stands Watch at Lock E5 (Waterford) by Zachary Baum, Rexford, NY
2nd Place, Star Trails (Albion) by Daniel Quatro, Albion, NY
3rd Place, The C.L. Churchill heading West (Pittsford) by Dan Judd, Rochester, NY

Along the Trail
1st Place, Ava & Knox (Schuylerville) by Amy Zounes, Clifton Park, NY
2nd Place, Intersections (Wendelville) by Stephen Abbey, Williamsville, NY
3rd Place, Fall Morning (Sprakers) by Patricia F. Clancy, Schoharie, NY

On the Water
1st Place, Bridge Transport (Grand Island) by Neil Ferguson, North Tonawanda, NY
2nd Place, Summer Night Boating (Seneca Falls) by Charles Cappellino, Seneca Falls, NY
3rd Place, A Romantic Walk (Little Falls) by Dave Warner, Little Falls, NY

Honorable Mention Recipients (listed west to east)
Winter Sunset (Gaines Basin) by Jules Hoepting, Perry, NY
Beautiful Spencerport (Spencerport) by Claire Talbot, Hilton, NY
Ship by Canal (Pittsford) by Janine Thompson, Rochester, NY
Mid-Winter Canal Thaw (Pittsford) by Tom Kredo, Rochester, NY
Trinity Church (Seneca Falls) by Charles Cappellino, Seneca Falls, NY
Phoenix Rising from the Canal (Phoenix) by Adam Fine, Liverpool, NY
Tug Erie Tied Up (Little Falls) by Tom Stock, Fort Plain, NY
Erie Canal Aqueduct (Schoharie) by Kyle Bourdon, Liverpool, NY
The Yankee Hill Lock (Schoharie) by Dean Bouton, Schenectady, NY
Buoy Tender at Work (Vischer Ferry) by James Craner, Troy, NY
Mechanicville Hydroelectric Plant at Lock C2 (Mechanicville) by Zachary Baum, Rexford, NY
Upper Hudson Sunrise (Northumberland) by Susan Meyer, Schuylerville, NY

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