Naturescapes

20th Annual Photography Contest Winners

Award of Excellence - Black Swallowtail Caterpillar     Photo courtesy Winifred Simon

Jane Dunham

The Naturescapes Annual Photography Contest invites residents of the Hill Country to showcase their best nature photography and compete for awards.

Founded in 2005 by Herb Smith and Todd Derkacz, both members of Hays County Master Naturalist, the contest initially focused on San Marcos and its greenbelt areas. Over time, it expanded to include entries from Hays, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, and Travis counties. This year marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of raising public awareness about the natural world’s importance.

Sponsored by Hays County Master Naturalist and the Hill Country Photography Club, the contest highlights the region’s beauty. Winning photographs are displayed at the San Marcos Activity Center for four weeks.

Here are the winners of the 2024 Naturescapes Photography Contest:

Slideshow courtesy Art Arizpe