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.
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 6, 2027.
Deadline: April 1, 2027
Rules
Rules:
- Photos are to be taken in Lexington County between July 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027.
- 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.
- Photos will be judged on:
-
Technical merit - judges may check to see if the photo is well framed, properly exposed and sharp and clear
-
Composition - judges determine if the photo features a recognizable center of interest, action, imagination, and creativity.
- 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.
7 Entries must be received by 4:30 p.m. on April 1, 2027
Email all entries to Nick Walker at NwalkerLSWCD@gmail.com
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, 2027, 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.
2025 Photography Contest Winners
Division I
9th - 12th Grade
Back Row: Finn Hazelrigg, 1st Place Native Wildlife; Vanessa Curry, 1st Place Trees & Plants, Caitlin Madison, 2nd Place Trees & Plants; David Medina Gomez, 2nd Place Landscapes, Honorable Mention Trees & Plants
Front Row: Natalie Stephens, Honorable Mention Native Wildlife; Kailey Harmon, 2nd Place Native Wildlife, 1st Place Rural Life; Paige Austin, 2nd Place Rural Life; Ashley Petrano, 1st Place Landscape
Not Pictured: Claire Herbert
Veronica Leon,
Honorable Mention Rural Life
Division II
6th - 8th Grade
Carter Graves-1st Landscapes, 1st Place Trees & Plants, 1st Place Rural Life
Photos courtesy of Metta Watkins