A photograph of the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge has earned statewide recognition — and it was taken by a talented young Alabamian.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) recently announced the winners of the 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest. Among them is 17-year-old Joanna Junaid of Mobile, whose image of the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge was selected in the Young Photographers category and received and “Honorable Mention,” in this category.
Each year, the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest showcases the natural beauty of our state — from beaches and forests to wildlife and waterways. This year, one of Alabama’s most important pieces of infrastructure also found its moment in the spotlight.
ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship praised the winning photographers, noting that Alabama offers endless outdoor photo opportunities and remains a paradise for those who love to capture its beauty.
Click here to see the 2026 winning images!
For ALDOT, it’s exciting to see one of our bridges featured in such a meaningful way. The General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge connects communities in Mobile County and carries thousands of drivers safely across the Tensaw River each day. But through Joanna’s lens, it also becomes something more — a symbol of connection, movement and possibility.
Roads and bridges do more than move traffic. They:
- Connect families and friends
- Support local businesses
- Provide access to schools and jobs
- Lead to parks, beaches and outdoor adventures
Sometimes, they also become works of art.
The 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest is sponsored by:
- Alabama State Parks
- Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association
- Alabama Tourism Department
Contest winners will receive prize packs and will be featured in a traveling exhibit across the state in 2026.
Joanna’s award-winning photograph is a reminder that beauty can be found all around us — sometimes in the places we cross every day without a second thought.
At ALDOT, we’re proud to build and maintain the roadways and bridges that help Alabamians reach life’s destinations. Whether you’re headed to work, to the Gulf Coast for a weekend getaway or into the woods with a camera in hand, the journey matters.
So next time you’re traveling across one of Alabama’s bridges or down one of its highways, take a moment to look around. You might just see something worth capturing.
Congratulations to Joanna Junaid and all of the 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest winners. And here’s to continuing to explore — and appreciate — the wonders of our great state.
