Naturescapes Photography Contest is celebrating its 20th year! The unique beauty of the natural areas within San Marcos inspired the first Naturescapes Photography Contest. The contest includes photographs taken in greenspaces and natural areas throughout Hays, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Travis Counties. Contest sponsors are the Hill Country Photography Club and the Hays County Master Naturalist program. 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. Suggested subjects include natural scenery, wildlife, plants, and people and pets in the natural environment. Accepting entries from April 1st to June 24, 2024. You may view the 2023 contest winners here. Prizes $150 for Best in Show $100 for Best Natural Waterscape, sponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalists. The photo must feature a natural water feature such as a creek, river, pond or lake. $75 for Best Youth $75 each for 4 Awards of Excellence $25 each for 4 Awards of Merit There are also special prizes sponsored by two partner organizations. $75 for Best San Marcos Natural Area, sponsored by the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. The photo must be taken within one of San Marcos’ six natural areas: Purgatory Creek Natural Area, Spring Lake Natural Area, Ringtail Ridge Natural Area, Schulle Canyon Natural Area, Blanco Shoals Natural Area, and Sessom Creek Park. You can find out more about these Natural Areas, including their locations. To be eligible for this prize, a photo must first be selected for the Naturescapes exhibition. $50 each for the Best Adult and the Best Youth Native Wildflower, sponsored by The Hill Country Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. To be eligible for this prize, a photo must first be selected for the Naturescapes exhibition. The contest is open to resident and visiting photographers of all ages. Naturescapes Exhibition San Marcos Activity Center Walkers’ Gallery from September 28th – October 25th, 2024 Naturescapes Awards Reception San Marcos Activity Center on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Mascots CONTEST ENDS JULY 10, 2024 The spirit of the game, mascots get us off our feet and cheering for the home team. Show off the mascot mania of your hometown for our November issue. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Young Photographers CONTEST ENDS AUGUST 10, 2024 Great things come in small packages. We’ll highlight the best work of your young photographers, 13 and under, in the December issue. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Parks CONTEST ENDS SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 Around the corner and around the state, parks are everywhere. For January, we want to see where you and yours go to play and relax. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: I Love CONTEST ENDS OCTOBER 10, 2024 Love is in the air! For February, show us what make your Texas heart swoon. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Small Spaces CONTEST ENDS NOVEMBER 10, 2024 There is magic in the minute, where tight spots can reveal tiny treasures. For March, show us what you found when you looked closely. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.  

Texas Co-op Power Photo Contest: Characters CONTEST ENDS DECEMBER 10, 2024 Texas personalities are as big and diverse as the landscape. For April, showcase the characters in your world. Enter Now. You must be a member of a Texas electric cooperative to enter this contest. Original photography only. Images generated by computer/AI or heavily manipulated by editing software will be disqualified.