2026 Rotary Magazine Photo Awards

A photograph taken by Duluth-Superior Eco Rotary member Kenji Ogura was featured in the June 2026 issue of Rotary magazine. The image was selected as one of the winning entries in the 2026 Rotary International Photo Awards.

The following statement from Kenji Ogura provides the inspiration and context behind this photograph.

Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, holding nearly 10% of all the fresh surface water on Earth. To kayak on this vast, powerful lake—and to live so close to it—is a privilege I never take for granted. While many regions around the world, including parts of the United States, struggle with limited access to clean drinking water, I’m deeply aware of how fortunate I am to live beside such an abundant and awe‑inspiring resource.

Every time I head out to paddle on Lake Superior, I bring my drone to capture its beauty from above. I launch it from my hand while on the water and gather a series of aerial images that reveal perspectives impossible to see from the shoreline.

I am a member of the Duluth Superior Eco Rotary Club, which is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our region through hands‑on, Earth‑friendly service projects. As a recreational photographer, my work is part of that commitment. I aim to create images that honor the fleeting magic of a moment—photographs that convey not only what I saw, but what I felt—so others can share in that same sense of wonder.

This particular kayaking photo is one of my favorites among the many I’ve taken over the lake. It shows my orange kayak gliding across the deep blue water, with clouds reflected like a painting on the surface. My hope is that images like this inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and strengthen awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship.

Additional information about the competition and its winning photographs can be found on Rotary's Photo Contest page.