Beginning Oct. 10, Eco/Photo Fest will kick off a weeklong series of virtual conferences that focus on the connection between photographic instruction and relatable topics in the environment, ecological systems, and eco-tourism. The conference starts with “ The Song of Water” by Eldrena Douma and follows with the “release” of a dozen or so pre-recorded presentations with speakers on issues like Dark Skies, Wildlife along the River, Food and Gardening, and more – marrying the Eco with the Photo in a new virtual format.

After the presentations are released, watch them at your convenience, and then join panelists at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Thursday, Oct. 15 to ask questions and interact with the experts.

At 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, join them for the Outdoor Tourism Round Table.

After you’ve seen the experts on photography for the tips of the trade, and the experts on the environment for learning how to look for what’s special, along with photo contest rules, go out and take your best photos in Smithville, Texas. The photography contest runs through Oct. 24 with winners announced in early November.

You are also welcome to do a “tiger trail” and submit screenshots of the your mapped routes and/or selfies at iconic Smithville locations for a chance to win a prize by entering between Oct. 10-24 to be part of the drawing.

Stay informed at www.facebook.com/TexasPhotoFestival.

Although not officially part of Eco/Photo Fest, consider checking out the eco-friendly makers and take some amazing photos at the “Meet your Maker” program on Saturday, Oct. 17 at https://tinyurl.com/MeetMake, spearheaded by the “Get It and Give It” entrepreneur, Bernadette Noll. Bernadette is all about “one person’s trash is another’s treasure” in an effort to reuse and reduce.