2026 GBA Photo Contest Winners
GBA is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Photo and Video Contest, which challenged participants to capture what it means to be ALL IN: Uncompromising Commitment to the Geoprofessions. This year’s entries showcased the expertise, teamwork, safety, leadership, innovation, and project impact that define the work of GBA member firms. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who shared their vision of the geoprofessions through this year’s contest.
Overall Grand Prize Winner
Photographer: Chloe Bjerklie, EIT | DOWL
Location: Yakutat, Alaska
Caption: The Ankau Bridge at sunset. This photo was taken during the geotechnical exploration that supported design of a new bridge for the community of Yakutat. The old timber bridge provides access to recreational and culturally significant land and the community is ready to replace it with a new, safer structure.
Overall Runner-up
Photographer: Chamath Senevirathna, P.E. | D.W. Kozera
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Caption: Dynamic testing of H-piles at the Hellenic Cables Manufacturing Facility project site, where safety was prioritized without compromising productivity. Rather than climbing the hammer leads to position the pile hammer, the crew used a manlift while wearing full fall-protection harnesses to safely access the work area. This proactive approach minimized fall hazards and demonstrated a strong commitment to safe work practices. The image highlights how thoughtful planning, proper equipment, and a safety-first mindset protect workers while ensuring the successful execution of complex construction activities.b
Overall Second Runner-up
Click on image for full video with sound.
Videographer: Andy Siemens, P.E., G.E. | Siemens & Associates
Location: Oregon
Caption: Seismic crew recording a shot as part of a geophysical exploration of a landslide that closed an important Oregon highway. The Siemens crew is working with the state to characterize the landslide and develop re-opening plans to restore service for local residents who have been economically damaged by the closure in many ways.
Category Winner: Technical Excellence
Photographer: Steve Slaymaker | CMT Technical Services
Location: Green Valley, Arizona
Caption: A CMT inspector conducts welding inspections from inside a large-diameter concrete tank/pipe section, viewed through the access opening at Quale Creek Water Treatment Plant’s 10 MG tank project.
Category Winner: Teamwork & Collaboration
Photographer: Jack Powell, R.G., L.G. | Apex Companies
Location: Mulino, Oregon
Caption: Geotechnical drilling at Mulino Elementary School after a sunset rainstorm for a seismic retrofit project.
Category Winner: Safety in Practice
Photographer: Karl Higgins, P.E. | Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates
Location: Prince George’s County, Maryland
Caption: This was a large project whereby we mobilized three of our own drill rigs. Each rig operator, helper and Field Engineer wore the necessary PPE. Each of the three rig work areas was organized with respect to soil spoil collection, reducing tripping hazards and overall safety of our staff. The operators placed tarps and plywood to help contain soil spoils and again reduce slip/trip hazards. I was very proud of my staff and their execution on this project.
Category Winner: Projects & Community Impact
Photographer: Michael Van Helden, Ph.D., P.Eng. | TREK Engineering
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Caption: Geoprofessionals deep in the boreal forest of northern Manitoba, completing hand auger investigations as part of a study for the construction of a new bridge crossing to provide year-round access to a remote indigenous community, who currently has access via a winter ice road crossing, or a summer ferry crossing.
The information they gathered, combined with aerial photo review and terrain analysis, provided valuable insights to route the bridge and roadway alignment to minimize geotechnical risks. Our team hiked through the forest over a couple of days to explore numerous locations along potential alignments. Our safety practices included routine check-ins via satellite communication devices, and never working alone.
This project will enhance transportation access to the community of Norway House First Nation, improving access to critical supplies and offering new opportunities in the community.
Category Winner: Video
Click on image for full video with sound.
Videographer: Christopher Gardner, CPSM | Earth Systems
Location: California