Spring is just around the corner and with the recent hard freeze and
generous rainfall, our upcoming spring season should present quite an
opportunity for the HLNPSOT active members to showcase the Indigenous
Blooming Plants of the Texas Hill Country through the creative lenses of
their Plant Photo Contest entries. Now’s the time to dust-off your favorite
lens of choice and prepare to “hit the trail” between March 1 and April 30
to capture the glorious blooms of our Texas Native Plants.
Subject of Photos. This year the contest will include any indigenous
blooming plants which have been photographed in our native to general areas:
Burnet, Llano, Blanco, Travis, Williamson, Bell, San Saba, or Lampasas
counties.
What are the Judges Looking for? Artistry, beauty, imagination, uniqueness,
and illustration of plant characteristics. Photos may be of any part of the
plant – e.g., leaves, seeds, flower, stem, or any combination. A close-up
photo of a flower should include enough of the plant’s leaves to allow for
identification. In addition to focus and exposure, the background is an
important factor in taking a good photo.
Who May Submit Photos? Any active member of HLNPSOT, except for the three
judges and the photo collector. If you are unsure of your membership status,
please contact Kay Zagst, HLNPSOT Membership Chair, kay.zagst@gmail.com
<mailto:kay.zagst@gmail.com>
How Many Photos May Be Entered? Each member may submit no more than three
photos. While “photoshopping” is not allowed, cropping and digital exposure
adjustment is permissible. By submitting photos to this contest, a
contestant agrees that HLNPSOT may use the photo or photos (with or without
attribution) for any purpose consistent with the mission of the Native Plant
Society of Texas.
How Old May the Photo Be? Since one of the objects of the contest is to give
our members a reason to get out of the house and enjoy nature, all
photographs must have been taken in 2024 and must be plants native to our
area and in their natural setting (no indoor or greenhouse plants).
When May Photos be Submitted? Entries should be submitted by email
beginning March 1. The deadline for submitting entries is April 30. Entries
will be acknowledged by return email.
How Should Photos be Submitted? Entries should be submitted by email to Toni
Strickland at Tonistrickland@verizon.net <mailto:Tonistrickland@verizon.net>
. Each email should include the words ‘HLNPSOT Plant Photo Contest’ in the
title and have just one photo attached to avoid excessively large emails.
Each entrant may send up to three emails, one for each entered photo. The
entries should include the submitter’s name, approximate location, and date
where the photograph was taken. The plant or plants in the photo must be
identified. Make sure you receive an acknowledgment from Toni for each
photo you send her. The photos will be passed on to the judges with an
identifier known only to Toni.
When Will Winners be Announced? Plant Photo Contest Winners will be
announced during the May HLNPSOT meeting. The prizewinning photos will
appear in the Newsletter.