News – Page 4 – Hill Country Photography Club

Mike Zarella

Congratulations to Mike for winning Honorable Mention in the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society 2016 Photo Contest for his photo of a manatee.

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society has established an annual photography contests on behalf of Jay Norwood Darling, the Refuge’s namesake, who recognized the importance of art to convey powerful messages about the importance of conservation and protecting our wildlife and habitats. The contest uses wildlife and outdoor photography as great way to educate visitors about the beauty of the wildlife that calls the Refuge “home” in hopes to inspire future conservation stewards.

https://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/photo-contests/2016/DDD_photoContest_2016.html

Florida Manatee
Mike Zarella

Wes Odell

Wes Odell’s monochrome image of a broken down wagon in historic Bannock Montana, titled “Out of Commission” was selected to be in the 2016 “High and Dry” exhibit.

The exhibit is part of Texas Tech University’s International Cultural Center’s emphasis on “The Dry Lands of the World” and features the people, places and culture of these lands.

The exhibit will run from December 2nd to January in Lubbock, Texas.The results of the Photographic Society of America 2016 Green Eagle Award in the Pictorial Print Division were just announced.

odell-wes-out-of-commission

Congratulations, Wes!

Nancy Naylor, Michael Penn Smith, and Winifred Simon

Club members Nancy Naylor, Michael Penn Smith, and Winifred Simon had images selected for the Texas Photographic Society FotoTexas: People, Places & Culture exhibit, juried by Dan Burkholder.

Congratulations Nancy, Michael, and Winifred!

Naturescapes Awards Reception

We held the 12th Annual Naturescapes Awards Reception on September 3rd at the San Marcos Activity Center. The reception opened the Exhibition at the Walkers’ Gallery and also gave an opportunity to recognize the award winners.

We had a nice turnout and it was great to meet all the photographers, their families, and supporters. We were treated to snacks, drinks, cake, desserts, and wine and champagne. Music was provided by the ensemble, Wimberley Friends of Music. Many thanks Linda Kelsey-Jones, the Walker’s Gallery Director and exhibition curator, for organizing the reception.

The program was presented by Carol Serur, Beth Ramey, and Art Arizpe. Carol is President of the Hill Country Photography Club. Beth is President of the Hays County Master Naturalists. Art is the contest coordinator.

Naturescapes is the only juried exhibition at the Walkers’ Gallery and this year we were pleased to have John and Kendra Abbot as the contest jurors. John and Kendra are professional nature photographers, educators and outdoor enthusiasts.

The contest received 235 entries from 42 photographers. The jurors selected 60 images from 23 photographers.

Here’s the complete list of the Naturescapes 2016 Award Winners.

Awards of Merit

Black-chinned Hummingbird 3 – Jørgen Høg
Red Thorns – Nancy Naylor
Water Lily with Bees – Winifred F. Simon
Soldier Butterfly on Purple Coneflower – Drew Wilson
Serene Queen – Drew Wilson

Awards of Excellence

The contest has four Awards of Excellence and each wins a $50 prize.

Favorite Swimming Hole – Rose Krohn Epps
Bluebonnets and Lightning – Andrew Heatwole
bee in flight – Best Insect, Scott G. Mitchell
Texas Mockingbird – Nancy Naylor

Best Natural Waterscape

The Best Natural Waterscape Award is sponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalists and wins a $75 prize. This Award was presented by Beth Ramey.

Jacob’s Well in the Moonlight – Andrew Heatwole

Best Youth

The Best Youth Award is sponsored by the Hill Country Photography Club and wins a $75 prize.

Flame Skimmer Dragonfly – Drew Wilson

Best in Show

The Best in Show Award wins a $100 prize.

Gulf Fritillary Egg – Linda Avitt