Summer 2025 Photography Contest 

Who Can Enter

The contest is open to all amateur photographers who reside within the boundaries of the Bastrop County SWCD (the entirety of Bastrop County). Each participant may enter up to five photos.

Contest Theme 

This year's theme is "Close-up Conservation”. Photos should highlight the small yet significant elements of conservation efforts such as soil health, water in various forms, insects, farm animals, irrigation techniques, earthworms, roots, composting, etc. Photos should feature nature, landscapes, etc. and NOT include people.

Age Divisions

Adults - age 18 and older as of July 31, 2025.

Youth - age 17 and younger as of July 31, 2025.

Judging and Awards

Photos will be judged on technical merit and composition. On technical merit, photos will be judged on whether they are well-framed, properly exposed, and sharp/clear. On composition, the photos will be judged on imagination and creativity. Minor digital enhancements for cropping, filters and corrective functions are permitted; however, an image judged to be significantly altered may be disqualified. Contestants are not permitted to place borders, frames or backgrounds around their images or to place watermarks, dates, signatures or copyright images onto photos. 

One winner will be selected for each age division and will receive a 16” x 20” canvas print of their winning photo. Winners to be featured on the Bastrop County SWCD Facebook page and District website. All entries may be shared in the future on the Bastrop County SWCD Facebook page and District website. 

Entry Instructions and Consent

Submit your photo entries by attachment to an email to BastropCounty@SWCD.Texas.gov. One photo per email up to a maximum of five entries per person. All entries MUST be submitted as a high quality JPG or PNG file with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. In the body of the email include the following:

• Photographer name (if entrant is 17 and under, must also include parent/guardian name and contact information)

• Youth or Adult Category

• Address

• Phone number

• Email address

• Location of photo

• Photo title, and 

• Short description of the photo. 

Entering photo(s) indicates the entrant attests the photo(s) is/are their original work that is property of the person who submits the photo. Each photo entered implies the entrant's consent to the District to use photos for SWCD educational and promotional activities including the SWCD Facebook page and website. Credit will be publicly placed with each photo for all entries using first name and last name initial (example: Maria Summers would be credited as Maria S.).

Questions? Email us - BastropCounty@SWCD.Texas.gov .