Quinta Mazatlan and The Valley Land Fund are currently hosting the annual nature photography contest for kids, Southern Exposures. The contest offers prizes for every child who enters, including cash and a photo feature in the Award Winning Exhibit.

Photographs should have a nature or wildlife theme and must be taken in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Observing and photographing nature is an enriching hobby that helps your child learn in nature,” states Colleen Hook, executive director of Quinta Mazatlán.

The contest is open to anyone ages 6 to 18 and contestants can enter up to six images by July 31 online at valleylandfund.com. Each child will have one image chosen for the exhibit at the Awards Ceremony on Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlán. All youth contestants will receive a free t-shirt, goody bag and recognition in the exhibit.

Supporting Young Photographers

Parents, grandparents and friends can help foster a child’s love of nature and photography by taking them outdoors this summer in the backyard, neighborhood and/or visit a nature center.

“There is an amazing network of distinctly different nature and birding centers along the 120-mile historic river corridor in the Valley,” says Hook.

Support for the photography contest comes from The Valley Land Fund, Quinta Mazatlan-City of McAllen, H-E-B, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative and AEP Texas

For additional support, Quinta Mazatlan is offering photography classes for kids on Saturday mornings. Register online at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

For more information, follow Quinta Mazatlan on social media, call 956-681-3370 and visit valleylandfund.com.