No doubt about it most outdoor photographers love to travel
to new and exciting locations to capture the subjects we love. But truth of the matter is that most of us
can’t be jetting all over the globe whenever we want. Most outdoor photographers I know are able to
take one two or maybe three major trips a year.
Sadly, I also know many photographers that only use there cameras when
they are on one of these major trips.
But I would argue that those same photographers are missing
one of the greatest locations available to them... there own backyard. Most of us live within a short drive of a
local park or piece of undeveloped land where we could practice our craft. There are many benefits to working an area
near your home. One of the greatest
benefits is simply being out there working, it is impossible to make great
pictures if you are not in the field working.
Another important benefit of working close to home is the ability to go out
on a moment’s notice, say when the lighting is really nice, or during unique
weather conditions. Also you can get to
know a smaller piece of land and its inhabitants more intimately. You can make sure you are there when the
cardinals nest in that bush, or you photograph that patch of wildflowers when
they are at their peak.
Consider developing the area to suit your needs, get
permission to put up some feeders and birdhouses to attract birds to the
area. Often times you can obtain
permission from a developer to rescue wildflowers from an area that is going to
be developed into another subdivision or strip mall. Take these rescued flowers and transplant
them onto suitable habitat where you will be able to shoot them. Sure this is a long term prospect, but you
will find these small steps payoff over the long haul with huge photographic
dividends.
We all need to look at our own backyards with fresh eyes,
the eyes of a traveler. Remember your backyard is very often someone else’s hot
travel destination try to look at things with the eyes of a visitor, you will often
be surprised by what you see.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve
Wilderness Images
The Nature Photography of Steve Gettle
8877 River Valley Ct.
Brighton, MI 48116
Studio 810-231-8118
Fax 810-231-8119
Steve's photography has taken him throughout North and South America from the woods of northern Canada to the Cloud forest of Ecuador, from the coast of Maine to the high plateau of the desert southwest. although he travels extensively, he finds much of his inspiration in the natural areas surrounding his home in Brighton, Michigan. Steve leads photo workshops and tours all over the world. As an instructor he has taught for such organizations as: The North American nature Photography Association, The Rocky Mountain School of Photography, The Adirondack Photography Institute and many more. He is a great nature photographer and will be teaching a half day class on both Saturday and Sunday, November 21st and 22nds at CAPS- Chicago Area Photographic School. Steve is being sponsored by Hunt's Photo and Video at CAPS.
To go to the CAPS website go to:
To register for CAPS go to:
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