9th Annual Naturescapes

Sponsored by the Hill Country Photography Club and Hays County Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists the contest was open to resident and visiting photographers of all ages. The unique beauty and value of green spaces in San Marcos inspired the first Naturescapes Photography Contest, 9 years ago, this year, photographers were encouraged to roam farther afield to natural areas throughout Hays, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Travis Counties.   

c Zarella Michael

Goals of the contest and exhibit 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.   This year 186 entries were submitted and 60 selected.  A $100 prize will be awarded for Best in Show, $75 for the best Youth Category photo, and $75 for the best Natural Waterscape photo. Up to four $50 Awards of Excellence will be presented for the next most outstanding photographs. Additional Awards of Merit will be presented at the discretion of the contest juror.

This year's contest juror was Texas Parks & Wildlife Department staff photographer, Chase Fountain. His photography has been featured in many publications including National Geographic Explorer Traveler, Men's Journal, Tide, Prime, Texas Highways and Texas Monthly as well as the Associated Press. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Applied arts and Sciences degree specializing in photojournalism and fine art photography. 

To complement the Naturescape exhibit, the Hill Country Photography Club sponsors an annual "exhibit within the exhibit' . — best entries from their member photographers submissions in response to a theme.  This year's theme is "Icons" and the entries cover a lot of territory.  From the ubiquitous Golden Arches in the sunset  to the Broken Spoke, the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty and iconic cultural images far beyond.  

c Scott Mitchell

Elusive dragonflies and hummingbirds flitting through  color-filled moments of wild grass and flowers—Naturescapes reminds us of nature's fragile freshness. Portraits of ancestor trees and spanning vistas— Naturescapes reminds us of  nature's commitment through generations.

The public is invited to attend the reception and awards ceremony for the 9th Annual "Naturescapes" Photography Contest and "Icons" exhibition Saturday, September 21, 5-7 p.m. at the Walkers' Gallery in the San Marcos Activity Center.  The Wimberley Friends of Music will provide musical entertainment.

Exhibits at the Walkers' Gallery are sponsored by the San Marcos Area Arts Council and the City of San Marcos with support from the San Marcos Arts Commission.

-- Linda Kelsey-Jones