Wildlife Photography Woes

bald eagle takes flight as snow flies from the branches

Learning to Take it Mile by Mile I don’t know about you, but I certainly have my “depths of despair” moments (cue Anne of Green Gables here for the dramatics) in wildlife photography. It seems that every first day of a trip I am certain I will NEVER find another creature again, and I certainly…

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Spring Break in the Smokies

Reflection of the mountains in Cades Cove

Last month we packed up our van, said goodbye to our two Golden Retrievers, and made our way to Wears Valley, Tennessee. For the second year in a row, we headed to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for spring break. This time it would be even more special with my parents meeting us there. If…

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Preserving Wild Spaces

Beautiful view of the Grand Tetons

When it comes to visiting my favorite National Parks out West, I would say I’m . . . intense.  Up at 4:50 a.m. I have a routine down by the third day. Camera batteries charged? Check. Reading glasses? Check. Jacket? Check. Memory cards? Check. Larabar for later? Check. With the checklist complete, my camera bag…

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Photographing Snowy Swans

Plus 5(ish) Tips for Wildlife Photography Each year as winter approaches and temperatures sink, I get nervous I won’t be able to find birds and wildlife to photograph. Most of this December and January I came up empty handed at my usual spots. I did get lucky enough to shoot short-eared owls, muskrats, nuthatches, and…

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Photographing an Eastern Screech Owl

Eastern Screech Owl at Sunset

This is probably the most photographed owl in Indiana, yet I can’t help but take a picture of her every time I enter the woods. As a local, she feels like an old friend to me after a couple years. When I get lucky and she’s perched in her usual spot, I can’t help but…

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My Favorite Image of 2021

Bull elk crosses the Snake River through the fog.

As I look back on 2021, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I got to meet so many new people and help them capture special moments: senior photos, my first wedding, soccer, family sessions, and businesses. Additionally, I was able to explore two National Parks.  We ventured as a family to the Great Smoky Mountains in…

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