The subject of your photo must have been taken in Texas and show a Lepidoptera host plant  OR  butterfly and/or moth life cycle.  The butterfly/moth life cycle means eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises, cocoons or adults.  Choose which of the following categories you’d like to enter each individual photo.

1. Host plant - Tell us the name of the plant and the name of the butterfly or moth it supports. Questions can be emailed to lindaavitt@gmail.com.

2.  Artsy - Intentional motion blur, blurred backgrounds, monochrome, anything goes

3.  First time - Have not submitted in 2024 or 2025

4. Generally, Butterfly and/or Moth Life Cycle.  

There will be prizes for 1st and 2nd  places in each category, and the winners will be announced at our November 23rd meeting.  

Contest Rules 

1. This contest is free to enter but is strictly exclusive to ABF members. By submitting your photos, you grant ABF the right to feature your work on their official website and Facebook group page. Full photographer credit will always be provided for any image used.

2. Photo subjects have to be photographed outdoors in Texas.

3. You can enter up to five photos. Submit entries between October 1st and October 31st.  Photos must be taken between November 1st 2025 and October 31st 2026 and must be your own work. 

4. You can use any technique and any camera, including phone cameras, and photos can be in  color or black and white. Do not include your name or other text on the photograph. 

5. Photos must be in jpeg format. Rename each photo with the subject, your last name and  photo number. For example, Pipevine Egg Avitt 1 and Monarch Adult Avitt 2. 

6. Photo Size Limits - 1,500 pixels (on the long side), 5 MB max file size. If you don’t know how to resize we can help and we appreciate you letting us know at least a few days before the deadline.

7. Submit photos to butterfliesaustin@gmail.com and put “ABF Photo Contest” in the subject  line. Your email must include the Texas county or city location for each photo and which category each photo will enter (pick only one category for each entry).

A Few General Tips for Success 

1. Only include elements that contribute to the subject. In other words, if your subject is the butterfly life cycle, avoid showing a bird or other insects. 

2. Keep the background simple. An out-of-focus or plain background enhances your subject. 

3. Avoid capturing “the human hand.” This means only show nature – Avoid showing man made fences, bird baths, walkways, telephone wires, etc. 

4. If possible, take the photo at eye level with your subject. 

Contact lindaavitt@gmail.com if you have questions or need further information. 

Good Luck – and have fun!