BEYOND THE IMAGE

Stories, lessons learned and other notes behind and beyond the images.

I do not like picking favorite images or trying to select what my best images might be. All of the images on my site have been chosen for display for some specific reason - whether aesthetic, the subject matter itself or even a personal memory associated with it. So rather than showcase favorites, I have chosen images for this page that represent knowledge and insight I've gained that might be helpful to others on their own photographic journey.

Coyote, Cades Cove, GSMNP, TN

Wildlife tend to follow patterns and like humans, even have habits and routines. If you carefully observe your subject you can often learn some patterns of behavior and then put yourself in the right place at the right time to nab that perfect shot. On a late fall trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I came across a coyote hunting in a field. I managed to get a few "OK" shots. I noted the time and the area and returned the next day. I located the coyote again and was able to follow along as it again hunted for breakfast. I tried my luck on another day and again managed to locate the coyote. This time I moved ahead and set up to wait for it to come to me, which gave me the best photographic opportunities by far. In a matter of only a few days, I observed this particular coyote's routine and was able to put myself in position to maximize my chances to get great shots. It is simply paying attention and using what you've learned to your advantage. OR, you could just drive along and see a coyote cross right in front of you, sit down in the snow and pose for 5 minutes just for you to take pictures. Admittedly, this was easier...

Juvenille Cooper's Hawk, North Ridgeville, OH

On a cold, early winter morning the hibernating photographer was not inclined to awake from his slumber, nor leave the warmth of his den of blankets. But a primal desire finally compelled him to stir and soon after he found himself stalking his prey in the forest...

I'm not really much of a morning person. Is anybody? I mean, once I am up and about I love being out early. But it's that up and about part that can sometimes be a struggle. As usually happens though, I am driven to get out not only by the photographic possibilities but also the desire to spend some time in nature. So I found myself on this blustery day, and after a bit of a late start, not feeling too optimistic that I would find any worthy subjects to photograph. But just before the trail exited the woods I caught something out of the corner of my eye. It was a gorgeous young Cooper's Hawk scanning for prey from a low branch at eye level. I only had moments to capture a few frames before he flew to another nearby perch. I continued my walk and did photograph other subjects that morning, but this was the one that made it all worth it. I could have slept in and would have never realized what I missed out on. If you don't go, you never know.

Blue Hen Falls, CVNP, OH

Having been on a trip and missing peak fall color near my home, I was planning to visit a favorite waterfall with the hope of photographing them surrounded by fallen leaves on wet rocks. I checked the weather and chose a day that followed a night of early November storms with the hope that the wind would knock any remaining leaves onto the rocks and the rain would help them stick as well as saturate any remaining color. The drive to the falls confirmed that I had missed peak color as most of the trees were barren of leaves. Once I parked and descended along the trail I was pleasantly surprised to find that although the tops of the trees were devoid of foliage, the lower portions sported amazing shades of yellow and orange that could be composed with the falls. I had my fallen leaves on wet rocks as well as fall color in the trees, and to top it off, the rain had given me what I thought was the perfect amount of water flow. It is always good to have a vision, do some research and make a plan. But equally important is just go. See. Be open to serendipitous moments and lucky timing. I thought I was too late, but I was right on time!

Jungle Cascades, Oahu, HI

Undoubtedly you've heard the saying "the journey is more important than the destination" or at least some variation of it. For me this image represents the validity of that saying. I was on a destination hike to a waterfall on Oahu, when I came upon this downstream scene of some beautiful cascades over mossy boulders. Everyone on the trail at that time passed right by and paid it no attention. I took the time to set up and properly photograph the scene before heading on to the waterfall. And while I did shoot the falls as well, they were not nearly as photogenic. This image serves as a personal reminder to slow down, take it all in and enjoy the moments along the way. If we only focus on the destination, we overlook the beauty surrounding us and miss out on great opportunities.

Young Mink, North Ridgeville, OH

Work your subject. What does that entail? It means shoot every angle from low to high. Change lenses and try shooting wide and close or tight with a telephoto lens. Try new things and work to find the most effective way to depict the visual message you are trying to convey. That can be fairly easy to do with a static subject such as a landscape. It isn't going anywhere, although you still may have limited time if the light is changing rapidly. But what about when it comes to wildlife? In the case of this mink, I had been watching a den with a family of five young kits. After the kits started venturing out on their own, I was able to observe them as they hunted, played and squabbled. One day I came across 3 of the kits hunting. Two seemed more content on fighting with each other and kept their distance from me. The third however was laser focused on perfecting its hunting technique, hopping in and out of the grasses on the sides of the path. Having no control over a subject like this, I first visualized the up close portrait shot that I wanted. Mink move fast so I knew I needed a fast shutter speed as well as burst mode for a fast frame rate. Then all I could do was try and anticipate where the mink would pop out next. Looking closely you could see faint trails in the grass that the mink was following. So I got low and placed myself in front of a trail, keeping just ahead of the mink. It took many tries, but finally, the mink popped out right in front of me. It held still for only a fraction of a second. Even shooting at ten frames per second yielded only three frames. Did I walk away after I got the shot? No, I kept on working my subject until it moved on. With wildlife, opportunities abound but are fleeting. So previsualize the shot you want and make the most out of the time you have.

Autumn Watercolor, GSMNP, TN

It can be easy to get stuck in a creative rut. Or become so accustomed to and familiar with our surroundings that we in essence are photographically numb to the possibilities. Whenever I feel this taking hold, I remind myself to see as a child. Children have a natural sense of exploration and discovery. To them everything they see is new, fascinating and looked upon with awe in a way lost somewhere along the road to adulthood. With some practice, focus and everybody's favorite new term "mindfulness", it is possible to see like a child again - to awaken our senses and with fresh eyes look upon what amazing things are right in front of us. This image of fall color reflected in the river is a direct result of that mindset - seeing the beauty of the scene in a different way, without any adult, preconceived notions of what an image of autumn leaves should look like.

Damn Sora, North Ridgeville, OH

DAMN! Missed again. Damn! That one's out of focus. Damn! Grass is in the way... There was a lot of somewhat lighthearted swearing going on attempting to photograph the elusive Sora. Several species of marsh birds, including Sora, are very active, vocal and more visible during a few short weeks in the springtime before the marsh grasses become too tall and overgrown to conceal them. I made regular visits to the local marsh over two weeks trying to get a clear photograph of this species. After several unsuccessful hours of shooting one day, I decided to call it and move on. On my way out, I caught movement off to the side. It was a Sora feeding in shallow, open water away from the tall marsh grasses. I slowly made my way, inching closer, until I had managed to get so close that I reached the minimum focus distance of my 400mm lens and had to back up a bit. I spent around 20-30 minutes with this Sora, which occasionally would dart into nearby cover when loud, casual observers would come by. But once they moved on, it would come back out. For me, this image is affirmation that patience and persistence can pay off.