(Mission, TX) – Kenny Salazar, amateur photographer and resident of the Rio Grande Valley, won the 2013 North American Butterfly Photo Contest, with his photo of not one, but two, butterflies familiar to South Texas. Salazar's photo was chosen from among hundreds of entries in this international contest that is open to anyone of any age, no matter where they live, so long as the photo of a live, free-flying butterfly is taken in North America.

When asked how he became interested in photography, Salazar explains, “My senior year of high school I had to choose an elective. Black and white photography class seemed like an easy 'A', so I signed up. I discovered I had a knack for it and I was hooked. Although I've been taking snapshots since I was 18, it wasn't until 5 years ago that photography became a passion for me. I was given a Digital SLR for my 40^th birthday by my wife and I haven't stopped taking pictures since!”

His love of photography took him into the outdoors to search for subjects; and this search led him to a bird he's never noticed before. The realization that he was probably overlooking a great many things in his surroundings ignited his interest in wildlife and nature photography.

“Our judges chose Kenny's photo for a variety of reasons,” states Marianna Trevino Wright, Executive Director of the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas. “When reviewing all of the photo contest entries, they were asked to consider the basic quality of the photo: focus, color, light, composition; as well as the visual interest and aesthetic appeal of the photo. They were also asked to consider all the intangibles that went into capturing the image, such as skill, patience, and luck. Finally, they were asked whether the photo was engaging; for example, did it tell a story, draw the viewer in, capture the beauty of the subject, and support our mission of education and conservation? Independently, all three judges selected this photo of the Queen and the Gulf Fritillary, and gave it their highest score.”

This serendipitous shot was unexpected by everyone, including Salazar. “I wish I could say I knew exactly what I was doing, when I took this picture,” states Salazar, “The truth is, I was focusing on the single Gulf Fritillary. I didn't realize what I had until I got home and uploaded all of my images. As I was scrolling through them, my jaw dropped, when this one came across my screen.

Since winning the North American Butterfly Photo Contest, people are asking Salazar for advice, like, what camera or lens should I use? Salazar responds, “I tell them it's not really about the equipment. Whether you want to get started or get better, my best advice is to just take pictures. Use whatever camera you have and take LOTS of pictures. In the process, you will begin to see the world in a different way and develop your own special way of presenting what you see.”

This special image of one butterfly nectaring and another approaching, presented by Salazar, won the Rio Grande Prix and a $500 prize. Now it will hang on the walls of the exhibit hall at the National Butterfly Center's Visitor's Pavilion, for all the world to see.

For more information or to learn more about the National Butterfly Center, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. To learn more about the annual North American Butterfly Photo Contest and how you may participate, please check out the contest rules online at www.TexasButterflyFestival.com.

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The National Butterfly Center is committed to ‘Growing Connections’ between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the processes that create sustainable ecosystems. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.

To learn more about our mission and how you can join us, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.

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