20th Annual Naturescapes Photography Contest & Exhibition

Westcave Grotto in the Fall
Tom L. Hausler
2023 Best in Show

The unique beauty of San Marcos’s natural areas inspired the first Naturescapes Photography Contest 20 years ago. The contest and exhibit’s goals include increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting our natural world and giving photographers at all levels of experience a chance to capture, share, and receive recognition for beautiful and inspiring images.

The contest is open to resident and visiting photographers of all ages and skill levels. To be considered for the competition, photographs must be taken in greenspaces or natural areas in one of the following counties: Hays, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Travis. Suggested subjects include natural scenery, wildlife, plants, and people and pets in the natural environment.

The deadline for entries is June 24. Rules and information on entry fees can be found at https://naturescapes.hcphotoclub.org/rules/. To enter, visit https://naturescapes.hcphotoclub.org/to-enter/.

A $150 prize will be awarded for Best in Show, $75 for the best Youth photo, $75 for the best Natural Waterscape photo, and $75 for the best San Marcos Natural Area photo. Four $50 Awards of Excellence will be presented for the next most outstanding photographs. Four Awards of Merit will also be presented.

The Hays County Master Naturalists sponsor the award for the best photo of a Natural Waterscape. The photo must feature a natural water feature such as a creek, river, pond or lake.

The San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance offers the prize for the best photo taken in one of San Marcos’ seven natural areas: Purgatory Creek Natural Area, Spring Lake Natural Area, Ringtail Ridge Natural Area, Schulle Canyon Natural Area, Blanco Shoals Natural Area, Sessom Creek Park, and River Recharge Natural Area. Please note that the San Marcos River and Spring Lake itself, including the trails around it, are not among the designated locations. To be eligible for the SMGA prize, a photo must first be selected for the Naturescapes exhibition.

The Hill Country Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is sponsoring two awards for the Outstanding Adult and Youth Native Wildflower photographs.

The Milky Way
Lucy Gonzalez
2023 Best Youth

We are pleased to have the contest juried by retired City of Austin endangered species biologist and photographer Melody Lytle!

Naturescapes Exhibition
San Marcos Activity Center Walkers’ Gallery
September 28^th – October 25^th, 2024

Naturescapes Awards Reception
San Marcos Activity Center
Saturday, September 28^th, 2024
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm