Many times, I’ll receive comments from those viewing my images that usually contain a statement like “I wish I could travel to the places that you do.”

When I get those comments, I am usually amused by the expressions and replies I get when I reveal that all of my images are taken within 2 hours of my residence. There’s usually disbelief because the area where I live isn’t recognized as being a particularly attractive, naturally beautiful, area.

So, therein lies a challenge. If a photographer is surrounded by a naturally beautiful area, capturing beautiful images is almost a foregone conclusion if even the most basic technical rules are followed. However, living in an area devoid of natural beauty, getting beautiful images simply by following the basic technical rules isn’t quite as easy.

When I decided to pursue Wildlife and Nature Photography, I realized quickly that I would be at a huge disadvantage. I also realized how blessed some Wildlife and Nature Photographers are to live in a location surrounded by natural beauty.

In my area, there are no mountains, few rivers with natural rapids and winding courses, no long stretches of natural beaches or other features that would be considered beautiful. I simply had nothing that I could use to create images that would get even a second glance…or so I thought.

As I pondered my situation, I learned quickly that waiting on the best light, and composing for maximum artistic effect could drastically improve my odds of getting a good image.

My first attempts were less than acceptable, and I began to refine my techniques. I tried to learn from other nature photographers, but it was difficult to learn from their images because they always photographed in beautiful areas.

The turning point for me came when I joined a group of local nature photographers and began to learn how they approached their photography. All of the Photographers were creating images far beyond anything I had ever created. The majority of the members were well known, published, working professionals who were all willing to share their knowledge and techniques.

What I learned from them was very simple, yet very profound. A dedicated, persistent Nature and Wildlife Photographer can find beauty and elegance in the simplest and most familiar subject, in any location and under any conditions simply by applying lighting and composition techniques to maximize impact.

Although I’m not very interested in, and certainly not very good at self-promotion, I must rely on my own images to explain some things I learned from them, since I can’t speak in detail or accuracy about another Photographers images. Here’s what I’ve learned, and what I’d like to share with you.

Look for unusual and interesting angles, like shooting from a low angle or picking an angle to bring out detail and texture.




Use existing light to your advantage by creative backlighting or translucence to bring out unusual or unseen details in closeup images




Watch for changes brought on by the change in seasons and look for new opportunities to photograph items and subjects you may have overlooked at other times




Learn the patterns of the moon and earth, predict, and wait for, the conditions you want for the image you imagine.




Expect the unexpected. Lighting conditions can change rapidly, and last only a moment. Be ready when the chance to shoot presents itself.




Try different backgrounds for similar subjects, and look for unusual, or unconventional angles.




When shooting animals, get the eyes SHARP. Nothing else matters if you don’t get the eyes sharp.




Compose images of simple subjects for maximum impact.




Look for color, color, color…






I wish there was enough room to share more, but at some point the article must end.

I hope all of you will take the time to learn about your surroundings and instead of wishing to be somewhere else, take the time and spend the energy to get stunning images of the subjects and scenes that surround you.

Trust me, the images are there, waiting on you.