The 2027 UCA Media Contest will Open March 2027

Life Underground: People, Projects, Perspectives

Are you captivated by the abilities of the people in our world? Do you find underground life beautiful and intriguing? If so, then it's time to showcase your perspective in our exciting media contest themed "Life Underground: People, Projects, Perspectives"!

We want to see your creativity shine as you capture enchanting landscapes, innovative technologies, and the brilliant humans that define the underground world. From the intricate designs of tunnels to the bustling activity of underground construction sites, every angle offers a unique story waiting to be told. So don't miss this opportunity to uncover the extraordinary and share it with the world.

See 2026 Photo Winners  See 2025 Video Winners

UCA Media Contest Rules and Release Forms:

RESTRICTED: AI generated images, composite images or heavily edited images will be removed from the contest.

Certify all content in the videos submissions is original, not AI-generated, and belongs to the entrant, or is under creative commons licensing; including any audio.

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You will need a photographic release form filled out by any person in your photographs/videos or by a property owner, so please download the appropriate form below and retain for your records.

UCA Media Contest Prize Categories*:

Best Photos

• First Place – $500 and 1 year of UCA Membership
• Second Place – $250 and 1 year of UCA Membership
• Third Place – $100 and 1 year of UCA Membership
• Honorable mentions – Exclusive UCA branded giveaways

Best Videos

• First Place – $500 and 1 year of UCA Membership
• Second Place – $250 and 1 year of UCA Membership
• Third Place – $100 and 1 year of UCA Membership
• Honorable mentions – Exclusive UCA branded giveaways

*All prizes subject to availability. In certain instances, a gift card may be awarded to honorable mention winners outside the U.S. In that case, SME/UCA will request follow up details regarding location to ensure the gift card can be redeemed in the respective winner's country. Please contact Marketing if you need any assistance.

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All winning images & videos will be displayed in an online gallery with credit. Submissions may also appear in future issues of Tunneling and Underground Construction and on the SME/UCA websites and social media to promote future events.