Youth Conservation
Photography Contest
Sponsored by the Lexington Soil & Water Conservation District
Landscapes - Sunsets, rivers, lakes, parks, pastures, and other impressive views may be the subject in this category.
Trees and Plants - Enter anything from a field of wildflowers to a gnarled oak tree to a branch of peach blossoms.
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Rural Life - Farm animals, crops in the field or on the table, people working in farm fields, farm equipment, old barns and buildings.
Native Wildlife - Wildlife that is native to Lexington County. EX: deer, butterfly, wild turkey in flight, a red cardinal.
Domestic animals (cats, dogs, farm animals) and zoo animals are not accepted as native wildlife.
Divisions:
I - Grades 9-12
II - Grades 6-8
Awards:
1st place in each category in each division – certificate and $50
2nd place in each category in each division – certificate and $25
Honorable Mention — certificate and magazine subscription
Winning photos will be displayed on our website, and at the Annual Recognition Banquet held on
May 7, 2025.
Deadline: TBA
Rules
Rules:
- Photos are to be taken in Lexington County between July 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026.
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- The photographer must reside in Lexington County. The photograph must be taken by the individual entering the contest. Enhancements of photographs are not allowed.
Photos must have the complete information below attached to the e-mail with each photo to qualify:
---A. Photographer’s name, address, city, state, zip code and phone number
---B. Photographer’s grade level and school
---C. Category and title of photograph
---D. Location where photo taken
---E. Month/Date photo was taken
---F. Subject - Name of each person in photo, if any
---G. Email
---H. Name of art teacher
Black and white or color photos will be accepted by electronic means.
Email all photographs to NwalkerLSWCD@gmail.com.
***Note: Pictures must represent the natural world and not be altered***
- Each participant may enter only one photo in each category in the contest.
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- Photos will be judged on:
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Technical merit - judges may check to see if the photo is well framed, properly exposed and sharp and clear
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Composition - judges determine if the photo features a recognizable center of interest, action, imagination, and creativity.
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- All Photos become the property of the Lexington Soil and Water Conservation District who reserves the right to use all photographs in their publications, on their Web site, and for conservation promotion purposes (with credit line given). Participants should keep copies of their photos.
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Entries must be received by 4:30 p.m. on TBA
Email all entries to Nick Walker at NwalkerLSWCD@gmail.com
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All participants will be notified through email about the status of their photo. Winners will receive invitations and will be recognized at our Annual Recognition Banquet to be held on May 6, 2025, at T&S Farms, 3500 Pond Branch Road, Leesville SC 29070.
If you have any questions please contact the Lexington Soil and Water Conservation District Office at 803-358-8688.
Rules
Division I
9th - 12th Grade
Pictured: Pluto Cushing, 1st Place Rural Life; Lucy Dent, Honorable Mentions Landscapes; Ethan Weiser, Honorable Mention Rural Life; Madeline Freeland, 2nd Place Native Wildlife; William Roslen, 1st Place Native Wildlife; Sanovia Parnell, 2nd Place Landscapes & Honorable Mention Trees & Plants, Audrey Waldrop, 1st Place Landscapes, Daphine Shealy, 2nd Place Trees & Plants, Andrew Turpin, Honorable Mention Native Wildlife
Division II
6th - 8th Grade
Carson Myers-1st place-Landscapes, 1st place Trees & Plants & 2nd place Native Wildlife;
Carter Graves-1st Place Native Wildlife & 1st Place Rural Life, 2nd Place Landscapes & 2nd Place Trees & plants
Photos courtesy of Metta Watkins