Published: October 22, 2009 10:13 am      

Winning Naturescapes photos still on display

A beautiful, winter morning scene along the Blanco River and a granddaughter's love of flowers were the inspiration for Herb Smith and Paul Keese's award winning photographs for the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, Naturescapes Photograph 2009 Contest, now on display at San Marcos Activity Center, through Oct. 30.

The unique beauty of natural areas within San Marcos inspired the Naturescapes Photograph contest, now in its fifth year. It includes photographs taken in greenspaces throughout Hays County, with a special award for the best photograph taken in a San Marcos park or other natural area within the city's extra territorial jurisdiction.

Best in Show 2009 winner was Herb Smith for “Blue Winter Morning,” Blanco River. Best in San Marcos Area winner was Paul Keese with “Roses for Mother,” Spring Lake Preserve.

Awards of Excellence winners were: Kenneth Jones, “We have Touchdown!,” Aquarena Springs, San Marcos; Shannon Brotherton, “Messing With My Head,” San Marcos; Larry Alford, “Autumn Along the Blanco,” Blanco River; and Winifred Simon, “Infrared Tree With Clouds,” Red Hawk Road, Wimberley.

Awards of Merit were awarded: Carol Serur, “The New Bridge,” San Marcos; Carol Watson, “Zebra Caterpillar,” Wimberley; Carol Watson, “Swan Pond,” Driftwood, Herb Smith, “Cypress Creek Below Black Log Crossing,” Cypress Creek Wimberley; Jane Guerin, “Green Heron,” San Marcos; Jane Guerin, “Cypress Knees Reflected In Pedernales,” Northwest Hays County; Kenneth Jones, “Time To Strut,” Wimberley; Raena Wharton, “Shy Sunflower #2,” Northeast of Wimberley; Winifred Simon, “Green & White,” Red Hawk Road, Wimberley; Winifred Simon,” Face to Face,” Eed Hawk Road, Wimberley; and Winifred Simon, “Mushroom,” Red Hawk Road, Wimberley.

Subjects include scenery, wildlife, plants, people and pets, giving photographers at all levels of experience a chance to capture, share, and receive recognition for beautiful and inspiring images. These photos also promote public awareness of the importance of protecting the natural world around us. The exhibition can be seen through Oct. 30 during regular Activity Center hours. More of Herb Smith's photography can be seen at www.herbsmithphotos.com.