Cozy Captures
Juneau Independent seeks local lens to find light in the darkness.
As the days grow colder and shorter, it's sometimes hard to find hope for the light.
Juneau has no shortage of artists or scenic views to capture. It's important in the autumn and winter to get outside and find the moments of beauty that remain around us.
That's why the Juneau Independent launched its monthly photo contest in October 2025, accepting submissions of moments that bring joy to Southeast Alaskans. Editor Mark Sabbatini and Managing Editor Jasz Garrett judge photos. Winners are notified at the beginning of each month. Submit photos through the form below after reading the submission guidelines. Email jasz@juneauindependent.com with questions.
February's theme can be open to interpretation, but it's suggested that you share photos of what you love about Southeast Alaska.
Submission Guidelines
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All submitted photos must be the original work of the entrant and must have been taken in Southeast Alaska, preferably taken within the month of the contest you submit to. Residents outside of Juneau are welcome to apply.
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There is no fee. The prize is publication in the Juneau Independent's "Cozy Captures" monthly feature. The three winners will be contacted via the email address provided during entry.
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By entering the contest, entrants agree that the Juneau Independent may publish their work. The photographer will retain all rights and ownership to their images. Photos submitted may be featured in publications, social media, websites and outreach materials.
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The Juneau Independent will judge entries. All decisions are final, with the newspaper reserving the right to disqualify any entry that is deemed inappropriate or does not conform to stated contest rules.
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Photos that contain sexually explicit, nude, obscene, violent or other objectionable or inappropriate content, as determined by the Independent in its sole discretion, are ineligible for all categories of this contest.
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Photographs must be submitted in .jpeg or jpg format, at least 2,000 pixels wide and no larger than 10 MB. Mobile photographs are exempt from this size requirement, but must be submitted at their highest resolution upon request.
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Photographs with more than minor digital editing (a.k.a. beyond small adjustments for exposure, sharpness, and color grading) must include an explanation specifying such edits. Original, raw images should also be available upon request.
October Cozy Captures Winners
1. First Place: Guwakaan by YaKunda.ein Avery Herrman-Sakamoto
Petersburg, Alaska
"I was tromping through the muskeg when I came across this relative. No editing required, gagaan came out to say hello and offered the perfect lighting."
2. Second Place: View from first Grandchild Peak by Eva Meyer
Juneau, Alaska
"Backside of the ridge leading up to the first grandchild peak, backside of Mt. Wrather to the left and Stroller White Mountain to the right."
3. Third Place: Rest Stop on Northern Waters by Kerry Howard
Juneau, Alaska
"At Rotary Pond, a hooded merganser pauses as it migrates south. Rest and refuel are the name of the migration game. And small stickleback provides a brief, vital meal to help fuel its long journey ahead."
Honorary Mention: After the Rain by Janelle Palomino
Juneau, Alaska
"Took a walk during a break from work and the raindrops on the spider webs stopped me in my tracks, so I snapped a photo with my iPhone to share the moment with my husband. I’ve heard the best camera is the one you have on you, and I felt that in this moment. Amazing and beautiful how strong and resilient spider webs are."
November Cozy Captures Winners
1. First Place: The Dancing Aurora Borealis by Sara Montero
Juneau, Alaska
"This photo was taken in the front of my yard on Nov. 13 at 5:30. They caught my attraction and heart with its beautiful burst of colors!"
2. Second Place: Surfing at the Shrine by Andrew Park
Juneau, Alaska
"I was out alone in early November surfing the shrine, with stellar sea lions keeping me company. After I finished my session, I grabbed my camera in my underwater housing and snapped some pics of breaking waves."
3. Third Place: Pink Northern Lights by Charley Johnson
Juneau, Alaska
"Coming in from a day of hunting and this beautiful sight caused us to stop dead in our tracks."
December Cozy Captures Winners
1. First Place: Montana Creek Sunrise by James Findley
Juneau, Alaska
"Sometimes we can forget that the storm will pass."
2. Second Place: Night Hike by Clint Farr
Juneau, Alaska
"Just a night walk on the quarry trail off Fish Creek Road. I liked the way my wife’s headlamp sprayed a fan of light that lit up my dog."
3. Third Place: Snow Camping by Adele Fanning
Juneau, Alaska
"A friend and I went camping up on Pittman’s Ridge and took this picture right before we went to bed. When we woke up, there was a foot and a half of fresh powder outside. No editing, just long exposure."
January Cozy Captures Winners
1. First Place: Deer on Gastineau by Neil Steininger
Juneau, Alaska
"I came out of my house for another round of shoveling on Jan. 2, 2026, to find a group of deer hanging out in the road so I ran in to grab my camera. My neighbor's, Cullen Moya, dog was super easy going as the deer checked him out. Minimal editing, just a bit of white balance adjustment, levels, and some cropping."
2. Second Place: Watcher in the Mist by Amberly Hollis
Juneau, Alaska
"This photograph was taken on Sept. 5, 2025, in Juneau, Alaska, during a low-lying fog that softened the surrounding rainforest and muted the horizon. The mist created a quiet, almost reverent atmosphere, isolating the totem as it rose above the landscape. I was drawn to the contrast between the carved figure’s bold presence and the stillness of the environment, how it seemed to stand watch as clouds drifted past and birds moved through the frame."
3. Third Place: Living Room by Tammy Beam
Juneau, Alaska
"I took this picture on Dec. 23, 2025. It just seemed perfect and cozy after all the snow."