Scouting New Locations

Planning vs Scouting

Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Smartphone image

Scouting new locations is a relatively new thing for me but it is now an important part of my routine. Before I get too far along, let me say that I differentiate "planning" from "scouting" - I have been planning my outings for quite some time. Planning takes place, most often, at home sitting at my computer. I may have an idea of where I would like to go and then use Google Maps/Google Earth to do some preliminary searches for compositions. If I am lucky, I can get a decent angle using "street view" and have a good idea as to whether I should go to the area for further investigation. I will also use Instagram, and other social media, to do some planning.

Scouting, on the other hand, involves actually going somewhere and looking around. These trips are most often the result of planning but there are times when I just see something interesting when I am out and make a slight detour. That is one reason why I normally leave the house well before I need to - detours are likely to happen at any time. When I am scouting a location I sometimes leave the camera in the car and use my phone to identify potential compositions. The nice thing about scouting is that I can do it regardless of the time of year, weather, crowds, etc.... I am not there to produce images for my portfolio, just to get ideas. If I find a great image under the right conditions, I will break out the DSLR. When I get back to the car I will make some preliminary notes and then move on to the next place. It is not unusual to visit three (3) to six (6) - maybe more! - places in a single trip.

Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Why Location Scout?

So, why scout a location? I could just say, "Because it works for me" and leave it at that but there is more to it. My "formal" scouting trips actually started out as simply an excuse to get out of the house and into nature. Since the pandemic hit in March 2020 I have spent almost all of my time at home; I needed an excuse to just "get out." The weather conditions weren't suited for grand landscapes and I was beginning to find myself shooting the same thing over and over again; time to find new places to re-fuel my passion.

Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

When I am on a scouting trip, or "rekky" as some call it, there is no pressure to come away with a portfolio shot or even a "shareable" image. I am like a painter with a sketchpad, roughing out compositions to come back to when I have more time or favorable conditions. A good example of this can be seen here - the first image was made on a four (4) park trip I took in April of this year. It's been years since I have been out to Burlington County and the Pinelands so I researched some lakes in the area, put them in my car's navigation system and took off.

I made a note about Pakim Pond being a place to re-visit for foliage; I was right. I set out one afternoon to scout a new location, Etra Park, shoot foliage at a second, Pemberton Lake, and end the day with a sunset at Horicon Lake in Lakehurst. I got a late start, about 1:00 PM, so I wasn't able to spend much time at my first two (2) stops if I was going to make sunset. This wasn't a problem because the Etra Park stop was just to get an idea of what was there and I had already scouted Pemberton Lake so I had a good idea of my compositions. There are two areas at Pemberton Lake and I stopped at both, coming away with a few decent images. As I was getting ready to head out to Lakehurst I debated a stop at Pakim Pond; I had an extra thirty or so minutes so I took the detour.

This is where my April scouting trip really paid off. I knew about the benches at the edge of the pond so I headed straight to them. I was going to re-create the phone image but shift my perspective a bit so as to include one of the park benches. When I arrived I changed my mind and walked over to the other bench because the sun was lighting up the trees on the opposite side of the pond. The light didn't last long, clouds were rolling in as the sun was beginning to slip below the treetops. I noticed the small, red tree standing out against the dark green backdrop of the pines. I got in tighter, making certain to include the beautiful reflection, and waited for the sun to come out to illuminate the scene. I waited, and waited, and waited a little more - even turning around, looking up and imploring, "Hurry up! I don't have much time!" Of course, I was talking to the sun but unbeknownst to me there was a woman near the other bench who overheard me. She looked, I apologized and explained I wasn't talking to her. Did she believe me? I can only hope.... Anyway, the sun never came back out and I ran out of time. Would the light have made this a better image? Worse? I don't know but I was happy with what I got. What do you think?

Do You Scout Locations?

So, tell me, do you go out on scouting trips? Do you plan your excursions at all? I would love to hear how you plan and any apps or websites you might use. Leave me a comment below with any of your experiences.

If you enjoyed this post, please do me a small favor and share it with others. You will find buttons for many of the popular social media platforms at the bottom of this post. Thank you!

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Technical information:
• Smartphone: Motorola One 5G UW Ace (I use the built-in camera and the camera in Lightroom for Mobile)
• Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i (crop sensor - 1.6 factor)
• Lenses: Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
• Tripod: MeFOTO Roadtrip Classic
• ISO 100
• All focal lengths are as-recorded - the full-frame equivalent in parenthesis.
• Shutter tripped with wired shutter release.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia, All Rights Reserved. They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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An Afternoon at Deep Cut Gardens

Deep Cut Gardens

When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not. - Georgia O’Keeffe

Japanese Hairy Toad Lily

I took a much needed day off at the end of September and spent the day with my wife. For the first time this year we had lunch at our favorite diner, All Seasons Diner in Eatontown, and then, after a quick detour, headed for Deep Cut Gardens. We love going to the park but don't get there nearly as much as we would like. A Thursday afternoon seemed like a great time to go but there were quite a few people there, including at least four (4) other photographers and more than a few women with young children. If you aren't familiar with Deep Cut Gardens, you can check out my earlier blog post - Parks of Monmouth County - Deep Cut Gardens - and I will provide further links below. I will also provide some links to photographs on Instagram featuring Deep Cut Gardens - I encourage you to check them out and follow them. I do!

Zinnias along the Walkway

The walkway from the parking lot around to the Koi Pond is now lined with beautiful fall colors, replacing the tulips that thrive earlier in the year. This flower bed changes thru the year - the last time we were here the Park Rangers were digging up tulip bulbs and giving them away. We will have tulips next year! I have to admit, I spent a while scoping out this bed and trying a number of compositions but nothing really clicked except for the zinnia shown here. It happens sometimes; there is so much going on and I jump from one thing to another like a kid at Christmas. I must make a conscious effort to slow down and work a composition properly. The good news is that, after all these years, I can still get as excited about photography as I did more than 45 years ago when I first fell in love with it.

Celosia

Soon there were three (3) other photographers vying for space; it was time for me to move on. When I turned the corner to the Horticultural Center I was struck by these incredible golden spires, beyond them were bright red ones. These Celosia (see Celosia on Wikipedia) are simply magnificent. I made a few images before moving on to the “Main Event” – the Sargent’s weeping hemlocks and Parterre. The hemlocks are such beautiful, and surprisingly fragile, trees; we stopped to speak with Ranger Don who told us that the limbs sometimes must be supported in the winter if enough snow builds up on them. That is one reason why climbing, or sitting in, the trees is prohibited.

Upper Waterfall

There is a wonderful series of waterfalls & ponds nestled within the trees; perfect for a bit of long exposure photography. I reached for my Ice 72mm CaNDi-5 Solid ND 1.5 and Circular Polarizer Filter (5-Stop) to help cut the glare and provide me with a bit more latitude for my exposures. Each of the three (3) ponds have their own charm so I set out to capture each, trying exposures ranging from about 1/3 second to 2 seconds. I have included my favorite image here – to see the others, along with more Deep Cut Gardens images, check out my Behance Project - Deep Cut Gardens. It was right about now that my wife, I was there with my wife – remember, caught up with me. We sat on one of the benches under a tree to rest a bit. You see, when we go to the park, we tend to go our own way at times. She has her interests and I am like a butterfly moving from one composition to another. She uses her phone to capture and edit images and has become quite good; I would even say that she can out-shoot me some of the time. Don’t tell her that, it will be our little secret. It doesn’t take long before something catches my eye and I am heading towards the Parterre.

Zinnia #1
featured on Instagram by @NJinBloom
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFzcEGqgI_u/

The roses are mostly gone now but a few blooms remain, I used a couple of them to frame the pergola. Yes, I purposely have them out of focus…. No, I’m still not sure if it “works.” What do you think? Let me know in the comments. The destination was the pergola or, more specifically the flower beds in front of the pergola.

I thought the flower beds were a great opportunity, much like the flower beds in the parking lot. I tried focus-stacking an image using the front of the beds as a leading edge. I still believe there is an image there somewhere, but I didn’t find it that day. I did come away with a few individual blooms – the images here represent the best of them. I find myself attracted to the warm end of the spectrum when it comes to flowers which is a double-edged sword. They are strikingly beautiful but also rather difficult to photograph well. They tend to fool the camera’s meter and tend to be under-exposed. If you compensate too much they get washed out and look funny.

Zinnia #2

I did manage a few images of the red zinnias that are in the pergola flowerbeds, as you can see. I think I am doing better but need more practice; I suppose I am going to have to keep going back to Deep Cut Gardens. 😉

We decided to go back to the car by way of the greenhouse and Display Garden. This turned out to be the best thing I did all day; it brought me to the Japanese Hairy Toad Lily. I had never seen one of these before and I was captivated by it. Up to this point there was virtually no breeze at all but now that I wanted to get close, and these are on a long, thin, stalk, a slight breeze started. It was almost imperceivably but when I magnified the image to focus, you could see it moving. This flower is going to get a lot more attention whenever I go to the park.

The last stop was the Display Garden where I got to visit with a few of the locals, including a little Garden Fairy! The garden is a fenced in area filled with raised beds growing flowers, vegetables and herbs. Interspersed among the plants you can find some garden gnomes – a few of which I have here.

Garden Gnomes

For more information, check out these links:
• Monmouth County Park System - Deep Cut Gardens
• Deep Cut Gardens on Facebook
• NJspots.com - Smell the Roses at Deep Cut Gardens
• NJspots.com - 7 of the Best Gardens & Arboretums in the Garden State
• NJMom.com - Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown: Adventure Through 54 Acres of Gardens, Flowers, and Wildlife
• GetOutsideNJ - Deep Cut Gardens

Deep Cut Gardens on Instagram:
• Frank Morris - @pixel_plus_photos
• Lauren J. Cooke - @fnygrl
• Tricia Lea - @photography_by_tricia_lea
• Joe Matzerath - @joe_matzerath_photography
• Cheryl - @njgirl00adventures
• Lindsey - @livingthelifeoflindsey

If you enjoyed this post, please do me a small favor and share it with others. You will find buttons for many of the popular social media platforms at the bottom of this post. Thank you!

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Backyard Discoveries

White Clover
who knew a weed could be so beautiful

The "Project"

Today is May 31^st and I have been working from home since mid-March. I mention that because it is the reason I started my "Backyard Boredom Project" and if anything good has come of this pandemic, this is it. During this time I also found the following quote:

The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer. - Unknown

This project has definitely had a positive affect on me as a photographer. You see, most of my photography over the past few years takes place on my way to the office, during lunchtime hikes at one of the parks by the office or on my way home from the office. I will also take a break during a stressful day to walk around the office building and parking lot looking for something to point the camera at. Can you see a pattern? Add to this the fact that the parks all over the state were closed down for a number of weeks and I was left with my yard. I have written a companion piece titled, My COVID-19 Backyard Boredom Project on my other blog.

Dandelion
I've been told it looks like fireworks

My Yard

I have about a half acre of land at the end of a cul-de-sac with woods one two sides, it is nice and quiet with plenty of trees and wildlife. My wife enjoys gardening and has planted quite an assortment of trees, shrubs, flowers and plants over the years but I've never really explored them before now. I usually get a few good images of daffodils we have planted around the yard but not much more than that. The past couple of months have changed that and a whole new world has opened up right outside my door.

Lily of the Valley

I find that just having the camera in my hand can help improve my mood, it often leads to random shutter clicks with no "keepers" but a dramatic uplift of spirit. I was having a particularly bad day "at the office" and grabbed my camera, determined to find something. That first afternoon didn't result in any good images but it did give me a lot of ideas and avenues to explore. I decided to make it a point to get outside with my camera at least once a day, challenging myself to find print-worthy images. The next day gave me this dandelion.

Rosa rubiginosa (sweet briar rose)

The Lily of the Valley image has started another aspect of discovery for me. This time I was sitting on the front porch steps, camera in hand, looking for something to catch my eye. We have flower beds on either side of the porch filled with Lily of the Valley, ferns, hostas, and verbena. In the twenty-six (26) years that we have lived here, I have never photographed a single one. That has changed (see my post Lily of the Valley) and all because of the Lily of the Valley shown here. Looking to my right, thru the porch railing, I saw this Lily of the Valley; I grabbed the camera, leaned towards the flower and made this image. Hmmm.... what if I sit on the steps - front and back - with a single lens, looking for compositions without moving? Sounds like a great exercise. I now do that several times a week.

When I am working at the computer, I can look out a nearby window at a holly tree that is often the host to a bird or two. That same window overlooks some wild roses and sweet briar roses, like those shown here. When I am working, the camera sits within a few feet - armed and ready to go. The screen in the window has been removed so that I can open the window and shoot at a moments notice. While this hasn't exactly gotten me any great bird images, I have gotten some of the flowers and bees that frequent them.

Bee and White Wild Rose

This time has also re-ignited my interest in macro photography. I have always enjoyed macro work but have never had a "true" macro lens - I still don't. What I do have is a Macrofier (see Still-Life Macro Photography with the Vello Macrofier and Product Review: Vello Macrofier for Canon EOS (UPDATED!)) and that allows me to get some really nice macro shots. This brings me to the first image at the top of this post - if I didn't caption it, would you know that it is a common weed called white clover? This image is cropped from a larger one but not too much. I now spend almost as much time shooting macro as I do my other work.

I've really enjoyed working on this project and will continue for as long as I am working from home. It has opened up a world of new possibilities and made me more aware of compositions around me. I am thinking about similar projects - maybe a seasonal one or shooting a particular subject throughout its growth stages during the year.

I hope this has inspired you to get out and explore your own backyard, flower bed, planter, whatever you have around you. If you do, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post, please do me a small favor and share it with others. You will find buttons for many of the popular social media platforms at the bottom of this post. Thank you!

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Lily of the Valley #1
250mm - 1/400 @ f/8 - ISO 1600

Lily of the Valley

We have had Lily of the Valley growing in our front yard for as long as I can remember and for just as long I have made mental notes to shoot them. I finally got around to it this week.

I will often sit on my back steps, camera next to me, and watch whatever is going on. One thing I will do during this time is challenge myself to find compositions without getting off the steps; I don't often come away with much but it is a creativity building exercise. This past Sunday afternoon I found myself taking the bold step of sitting on the front porch! I have always wanted to travel.... 😉

Lily of the Valley #2
96mm - 1/100 @ f/8 - ISO 200

After watching a rabbit and a few birds I looked around for something interesting to shoot. That's when I saw this little Lily of the Valley plant nestled among the big, green leaves. I liked the way they appeared to be peeking out of a hiding spot to see if it was safe to come out, with the one big leaf acting like a roof. The result was image #1. There were a few other reasonably good compositions from this exercise but I wanted to get closer. There was a slight breeze and the front of the house gets very little sunlight and since I was handholding, the ISO got bumped up to 1600 in order to get a shutter speed I was comfortable with and high enough to stop any movement of the flower.

The next afternoon I spent my lunch hour (I am working from home) looking to improve on the previous days' shoot. This time I was shooting macro and came armed with a tripod, extension tube and wired shutter release. It was a bit windier than the previous day so I was set at ISO 200 just to get a little more speed to stop the movement of the flowers; camera shake wasn't going to be a problem.

Lily of the Valley #3
70mm - 1/80 @ f/9 - ISO 200

Images #2 thru #4 are the results of that macro shoot. Using a tripod for macro work in the field is great but can be a bit of a burden. When you are shooting macro, focus is often done by moving the camera but with the tripod you can't do that - unless, of course, you have a geared head that moves.

Lily of the Valley #4
74mm - 1/640 @ f/4.5 - ISO 200

I am happy with the images, as a whole, and learned a lot from the experience. The next chance I get, I will be out front trying to get even closer and refining the compositions. I would love to get a frame-filling image of the inside of a flower; that is going to take a bit of ingenuity!

For further reading on my adventures in macrophotography, check out a couple of my previous blog posts: Still-Life Macro Photography with the Vello Macrofier and Product Review: Vello Macrofier for Canon EOS (UPDATED!)

If you enjoyed this post, please do me a small favor and share this post with others. You will find buttons for many of the popular social media platforms at the bottom of this post. Thank you!

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Interview with Photographer Gabby Salazar

For more interviews, check out my page - The Interviews Collection.

Gabby Salazar
by Rick Stanley

Gabby Salazar

I discovered Gabby a while ago after using Google to search for "female landscape photographers." At the time I was following many photographers on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter but noticed the overwhelming majority of landscape photographers were men so I wanted to try to promote some women. When I contacted Gabby initially she was traveling and working on her doctorate so she asked me to follow up at a later date. Fortunately for me, and you, we were finally able to connect and get the interview done.

Gabby caught the "bug" when she was just eleven years old - her father handed her a camera and she was hooked. It didn't take long before she was ready to share her gift with the world. In 2002 she entered, and won, the Youth Category at Nature's Best Photography and two years later was named BBC Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Quite an impressive start to a stellar career.

While preparing to write my introduction I looked at the galleries on Gabby's website and Instagram feed. What I saw was absolutely amazing photography but her work is about far more than just showing us the world's beauty. Gabby isn't a "landscape photographer" or a "nature photographer" or really any particular genre - if you ask me she does so much more. Her images are spectacular but they also reveal a lot about the subject and, I think, the photographer. She gives us grand vistas, wildlife, and intimate details. In addition to showing us the human element - man's dependence on the earth and efforts to help protect critical habitats. There is a purpose to her work that she takes very seriously and performs quite well.

In addition to being a superb photographer and ambassador for the earth, Gabby is a doctoral student at the University of Florida in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation studying environmental marketing and environmental philanthropy.

I am very impressed with this young photographer and encourage you to follow her - see the links below - but I think it is time to step aside and present my interview. I think you will enjoy it as much as I have.

Alaska

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

When I was five or six years old, I was walking alone on some trails behind my grandmother’s house in rural North Carolina. I heard something large moving through the woods and it startled me. I was a bit scared, so I stepped off the path and hid behind a tree. A few moments later, a herd of around two dozen white-tailed deer bounded by. I remember being filled with wonder. I think I keep traveling and photographing because I’m always trying to recapture that feeling (and I often do when I’m in nature!).
(Joe: What a great memory to have! I can imagine the fear and I certainly can relate to trying to recapture that excitement.)

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

Coffee, Cheese, Kale Salad, Grapefruit, Hot Sauce

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

I love cooking. I try to recreate dishes from all of the places I have traveled.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would like to spend some time with Marianne North, a Victorian biologist and botanical artist who traveled extensively throughout the tropics to paint plants in their natural habitats. She had amazing adventures, often on her own, in the 19th century. I think it would be fascinating to hear about her travels and about what it was like to be a female explorer at the time.
(Joe: You seem to be walking in her footsteps, just using a different medium.)

Reflections of fall colors in a vernal pool in the forest
Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I really love opera!

What do you think about when you are alone?

I often think about climate change and some of the large environmental issues that we are facing as a species. I contemplate what role I want to have in helping address some of these issues, even if it’s just at a small scale.
(Joe: I think you're doing a great job, so far!)

What would you like to be remembered for?

Being kind.

Spectral tarsiers
Tangkoko National Park, Sulawesi.

Professional questions:

Why photography and when did you first get the “bug”?

When I was 11 years old, my father gave me a camera and took me to a friend’s backyard bird garden to take pictures. I peered at a blue jay through the lens and was hooked on photography in just a few minutes. Since my family did not have the resources for me to travel to faraway places, I mostly took pictures of nature in areas near my home. In 2002, I submitted one of these images to Nature’s Best Photography and was thrilled to be named the Youth Photographer of the Year. The image was of a honeybee flying into a sunflower and was made just a mile from my home in North Carolina. I was still using film at the time and can remember waiting for hours in the hot sun to capture a bee at just the right moment! The recognition that I received from Nature’s Best Photography changed my life – the award encouraged me to keep pursuing photography and the visit to the Smithsonian exhibit opened my eyes to the power of photography to inspire change. Since that time, I have documented conservation efforts around the world, spoken out on behalf of wildlife and wild places, and taught photography to other young people as a way to connect them with nature.
(Joe: I would like to thank your father, on behalf of those of us who get to enjoy your work.)

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

I really enjoy mentoring younger photographers and am thrilled when they go on to publish their work, win awards, and use their images to promote conservation efforts. A number of my mentees have gone on to do really amazing things and I hope that I’ve helped them along the way.

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

I’ve always been very inspired by the work of Eliot Porter and would love to share a gallery show with him.

An Ornate Day Gecko, Phelsuma ornata,
hangs out on an endangered plant, Pandanus vandermeeschii
Ile aux Aigrettes, a nature reserve on a small offshore islet
in the Southeast of Mauritius.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot, what’s your favorite part about the process and what is your least favorite?

I draw inspiration from my surroundings. I like to visit natural areas and spend a lot of time exploring them before I even start taking photos. My favorite part of the process is spending time in nature and my least favorite part is sorting through images on my computer.
(Joe: I certainly agree with you - wouldn't it be great if we could just hand off our images to someone else to process?)

What is your favorite location to shoot?

I love taking photos in cloud forests, regardless of the location. I find these montane ecosystems to be particularly inspiring because they are perpetually covered in mist and clouds and because they are home to a rich diversity of plants.
(Joe: I loved your "Cloud Forest" gallery and encourage everyone reading this to check it out.)

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

My Canon 180mm macro lens. I can always find something to photograph with this lens, whether I’m deep in a jungle or on the streets of New York City.

Do you have a favorite image? If so, what makes it so special?

I do not really have a favorite image. There are many images that I cherish because they remind me of special moments, but those images aren’t always my ‘best’ images or images I would put in my portfolio.

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone just starting out?

If you are just starting out, you should be open to critical and constructive feedback. Ask a variety of people to review your portfolio and take their feedback to heart, even if you do not agree with all of it. I also think it’s useful to attend photography presentations (or watch presentations online) from photographers who specialize in different genres of photography.
(Joe: Terrific advice, Gabby!)

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• “Blue” by Joni Mitchell
• “Buena Vista Social Club” by Buena Vista Social Club
• “Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth)” by Gustav Mahler
• “Graceland” by Paul Simon
• “Pavarotti: The Greatest Hits” by Luciano Pavarotti

Links:

• www.gabbysalazar.com
• Instagram: @gabbyrsalazar

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All photos are © Gabby Salazar.
All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at gabby.r.salazar@gmail.com

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Interview with Landscape Photographer & Vlogger Rachel Lerch

Rachel Lerch

Introduction

Rachel Lerch is a Canadian landscape photographer and YouTube vlogger who I have been following for a while now. I'm not quite sure how I found her channel but I have been entertained ever since. The portrait shown here is exactly what you get in every video - lots of smiles, lots of laughing and lots of great landscapes and knowledge. If you're having a bad day - she will brighten it for you.

Some of my favorite videos involve waterfalls and she has brought many to her viewers over the last couple of years. While the landscape is always the star of the show, she does bring in some supporting characters from time-to-time - most notably her husband, John. John has made appearances recently but none better than in Don't Give the Camera to John! where he brought a bit of cinema verite (and an appetite) to the party. There are also "Challenges" with fellow photographers - someone will suggest a theme and they all go out to find images related to it; the first that I watched was Really Unique Landscape Photography Challenge - check it out and maybe try the challenge yourself! These are just two of the many videos that I have enjoyed, I will add a list of some of my favorites at the end of the interview.

In addition to a career as a landscape photographer and vlogger, Rachel spent a number of years in the stock photography market. Though she no longer actively uploads content, she still earns commissions and is a wealth of knowledge if this is something you want to pursue. There are entire videos dedicated to stock photography - how to get started, what sells, how to shoot for stock, interviews, etc... If you can't learn enough to get started, you aren't trying hard enough.

Okay, enough about YouTube and videos. Rachel is, first and foremost, a talented landscape photographer with a love for waterfalls. Actually, it is far more than that - she has a love for the outdoors! I cannot imagine there are many weather situations that would keep her from going out and have seen her shoot in sun, rain, snow, heat, cold - you name it. She is truly dedicated to her craft.

Lastly, Rachel is the author of a new book, This Side of the Lens, where she talks about her photography and also YouTube and microstock. You can pick up a copy of the book at Amazon - here or buy a copy directly from Rachel, including a special signed copy, here.
(NOTE: I do not receive any commission whatsoever from Amazon or Rachel.)

Oh yea, one more thing.... Rachel also conducts workshops and provides one-on-one coaching - all of this information, along with links to "Lerch Merch" and her book can be found on her website.

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Every year my parents took our family camping to Algonquin park and other beautiful places in Ontario. I loved spending time in the outdoors and sleeping in a tent. I remember stopping at the side of the road to observe snapping turtles, hiking through the incredible forests and learning how to fish. Many times, we would meet friends and other families and the kids would all explore, swim and play games from dawn ’til dusk. Evenings were for sharpening sticks to roast marshmallows over the campfire.
(Joe: Sounds like you had a wonderful childhood – there aren’t many things in the world better than the smell of a campfire.)

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

My father told me that worrying never solved anything, and my mum encouraged me to go after my dreams.

What is your favourite thing to do when you aren’t photographing?

I love to run (while listening to music!). My absolute favourite times are early morning in the spring or fall, but during the winter I’ll use my treadmill, and it’s still awesome.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Jesus… whether to talk or just sit with Him. He cared about people without condition. I’d love to be in the presence of that, and be like that too.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I don’t drink coffee. When I was growing up, my mum told me that kids don’t drink coffee, so I never developed the habit. On a cold winter morning, I drink water.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Bringing encouragement, joy and blessing to other people.
(Joe: That is something we should all aspire to.)

Professional Questions

Why photography?

I’ve always loved it, even as a child, but the ‘why’ is something I understand better now as an adult. Creative expression, learning and discovery, outdoor exploration and technical geekery, all top the list of why I find photography so fulfilling and satisfying.

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

If it’s beautiful, I must capture it.

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Professionally, I would name my photography YouTube channel as one of my most rewarding achievements. Creating videos for the platform has given me a place to share my work, connect with photographers around the world and encouraged me to embrace new challenges, such as writing my book, This Side of the Lens. Running the channel is hard work but it has expanded my photography and videography skills immensely and brought me great joy.

On a more personal note, I sometimes receive emails from people who tell me that my work has touched them, inspired them and had a positive impact on their lives. Hearing their stories, and knowing that I’ve made a difference is so humbling and brings tears to my eyes. I can’t think of a better thing.
(Joe: You’re doing a great job with the channel, I am so happy that I found it.
I can say that you have had a positive impact on me and inspired me at times to get out and shoot. It is humbling to hear from people who say that you have inspired them – I have had similar experiences, almost “out of body”….)

If you could share a gallery show with anyone, past or present, who would it be?

I think it would be my grandparents, who all passed away when I was very young. It would be wonderful to share this part of who I am with them.

Where do you draw inspiration from and what is your favourite part about the process?

I draw inspiration from the landscape around me - the tones, shapes, colours, and sounds that make a place what it is. My favourite part of the process is discovering something new and capturing it for the first time.

What is your favourite location to photograph?

Mountains. They are incredible.

What is your favourite piece of equipment?

My Sony A99ii camera. It is so capable in every situation, and it feels like an extension of my hands because I know it so well.

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

I was mentored many years ago by another photographer who taught me how to take good pictures and run a photography business. The learning and experience were invaluable. My advice to those just getting started is to place equal emphasis on learning the art of photography as well as the financial and marketing skills needed to run a business.
(Joe: Great advice! We tend to think of ourselves as artists, not business people but the business end is vital. It is great that you found a mentor to help you with both!)

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• Any album by the 2CELLOS, whose music I find inspiring
• A homemade album of my dad playing the piano and the violin
• Soca Carnival 94 – to remind me of my island Barbados
• A compilation of Minecraft, Nintendo and retro video game remixes (tons of fun)
• Something country, in the hopes that my husband is stranded on the island with me… he loves country music

(Joe: Interesting…….)

Links:

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/rachellerch
• Website: https://rachellerch.com
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/rachellerchphotography
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachellerchphotography

Some of my favorite videos

• I Can't See a Thing!! Oh wow... !
• Photography Happiness! Snow-Covered Waterfall
• Things Go Wrong... But Don't Give Up
• 10 Motivational Landscape Photography Tips

For more interviews, check out my page - The Interviews Collection.

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All photos are copyright Rachel Lerch
If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact Rachel at rachel@rachellerch.com

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"I go to nature to be soothed...."

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." - John Burroughs

Lily Pad Lake - Allaire State Park

This is a quote that I found posted by a Facebook friend a few years ago and decided to write about it someday. That someday is today.

When I first read this quote I immediately thought of the "Lily Pad Lake" at Allaire State Park. I don't know if it has a "real" name but I have always called it that. This is where I go if I want to be alone with just my thoughts and the beauty of nature. It lies on a major trail but not many people venture that far back. There is something about the stillness and serenity of this spot that I find very soothing and inspiring. The lake is a small oasis in the middle of a dense wood and it's surface is almost always mirror-like. I was once asked where my ideal home would be and I found myself describing a scene very much like the one shown here. I have come up with topics written about here, solved code problems for work and written letters while sitting on a bench on the bank.

There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope. – Bernard Williams

Sunrise - Ocean Grove

A sunrise over the ocean is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life. Watching the sun come up is like a rebirth or hitting a reset button. I have witnessed sunrise at lakes (Manasquan Reservoir - A Sunrise & Sunset Weekend), in the woods and on the road but, for my money, there is nothing as splendid as a the sun rising over the ocean. A friend recently told me that a sunset over the Pacific is equally as splendid, I will have to accept her word for it. The best time of year is anytime that isn't summer because that is when the air is crisper and the beaches are nearly deserted. I start planning sunrise shoots in October and go thru March or April; it isn't unusual for me to be at water's edge when the thermometer is well below freezing. My favorite sunrise location was the Fishing Pier at Ocean Grove but the pier was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. They have rebuilt the boardwalk and pier but they stopped short of where the shack once stood. I don't know if they will ever replace that section of the pier so, for now we just have our photographs and memories.

If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God. - Gilbert K. Chesterton

Sunset - Maclearie Park

I guess the flip-side of sunrise over the ocean would be sunset over the river. It can be quite soothing after a long day, putting an end to one chapter and refueling for the next. It's like all of the day's struggles fall away and follow the sun over the horizon. I will often stick around for a while after the show is over and catch the encore that is twilight; this can often outshine the sunset but is often ignored by many. The ensuing darkness of night is a great equalizer and presents is own miracles with the twinkling of the stars. Much like the sunrise, I prefer sunsets in the cooler weather but there comes a time when I am sitting in my office as the show begins and have to watch out the window.

I grew up with Oceanport Creek (a small branch off of the Shrewsbury River) in my backyard and saw many incredible sunsets. There are slides and negatives waiting to be scanned some day. The sunset here is of a place that should look familiar to many of you - Maclearie Park in Belmar. I love this little park and am always pleasantly surprised when I discover a new composition.

There's no better place to find yourself that sitting by a waterfall and listening to it's music - Roland R Kemler

Waterfall - Dunnfield Creek, Delaware Water Gap

The magnificence of a waterfall cannot be overstated and, in this instance, size doesn't matter. The waterfall here is part of Dunnfield Creek along the same named trail on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap. This is only about 1 mile or so from the trailhead and a spot I am anxious to get back to. There are quite a few waterfalls in this area, Buttermilk Falls being the highest in New Jersey (200') and I am hoping to get to some of them this autumn. There is something magnificent in the waterfall - the beauty and grace of the falling water deceptively mask it's sheer power. It's impossible to witness the water flowing over rocks worn smooth over time and not be in awe. The sound of the waterfall is truly one of the more melodious voices in nature's choir.

Bushkill Falls is called "Niagara of Pennsylvania" and I have visited it twice. My visits there were back in my 35mm days and I have many slides from those trips, still another job for scanning. If you are looking for a large waterfall and not excited about hiking thru the woods, you can check out Great Falls in Paterson. Only in Your State has an article named Ultimate New Jersey Waterfalls Road Trip where they list eight (8) must-see waterfalls in New Jersey - #1 on the list is Dunnfield Creek! This article may very well be the road map for my next vacation. 😉 There is a site for every state in the U.S. - look for yours and sign up for the updates.

Watching birds has become part of my daily meditations, affirming my connection to the Earth body – Carol P. Christ

Last, but certainly not least, is wildlife. I love to sit and watch birds come and go in my backyard. Looking to the sky and seeing a hawk flying around is awe inspiring. For my money I enjoy watching deer, chipmunks, egrets and herons more than any other of Mother Nature's creatures. There is something majestic about a deer, especially a buck, and the gracefulness of an egret is virtually unparalleled. I have been chasing egrets and herons for well over 30 years, going back to my 35mm days and Kodachrome. I have 100's of slides but never felt like I got "the" shot - it seemed the egret had become my Wildlife Holy Grail. That changed in 2012 while I was working in Union Beach. I discovered a small beach not too far from the office and I would drive over to enjoy the view; soon I discovered it was a favorite spot for egrets to fish during low tide. The great white egret shown here was shot during a lunchtime visit. I had my Sigma 400mm lens with me and walked away quite satisfied. The Sigma lens is one that I bought in the mid-80's so I needed to buy an adapter to use it on my digital camera - fully manual.

I will often sit in a park for no other reason than to watch, and listen to, the birds. A couple years ago I wrote Stop and Listen to the Birds Sing for my other blog. It is all about taking time to just relish the sights and sounds of nature. Birds aren't the only entertainment to be found in nature, deer are incredibly beautiful and graceful creatures; have you ever come across a buck while hiking thru the woods? It is a rare sight and one that you will take with you til your last breath. Chipmunks, on the other hand, are cute little creatures with an amazing amount of energy - I get exhausted watching them run around.

We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understandings and our hearts. - William Hazlitt

And so goes my tribute to the soothing, healing effects of nature. If you find yourself feeling stressed or life has been dealing you a losing hand lately, go to a park, a beach, woods or whatever you favorite getaway spot is and get reacquainted with Mother Nature and all she has to offer. Nature has a lot to teach us if we take the time to learn. The egret is the embodiment of patience - standing stock still in the water waiting for it's next meal to get within striking distance. Watch the chipmunk in his mission to find food for the long winter months as he tirelessly darts thru the woods.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your stay. If you have any quotes you like, leave them in the comments below; you may inspire my next post! What is your favorite thing to do to celebrate the natural world around us? Comments are always welcomed.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Interview with New Zealand Photographer Crystal Brindle

Crystal Brindle is a very talented landscape photographer who currently calls New Zealand home. I discovered her when a search for "Female Nature Photographers" brought me to this website - Female Nature Photography. I was looking for some interesting profiles, particularly women living in other countries. Her images are awe-inspiring and her bio intriguing. Within minutes I was going thru her website and sending an interview request.

Crystal's parents were Park Rangers with the US Park Service and she moved around from park to park as a child. Imagine having national parks as a playground! She followed in her parent's footsteps and is, herself, a ranger for the National Park Service but she also works for the Department of Conservation in New Zealand - traveling back and forth between the continents. I cannot imagine a better job for a photographer - your job is to oversee some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth!

The first thing you will notice with Crystal's landscapes is the sheer beauty of the land and the incredible lighting. If you look closely, on many of the images you will find a person (Crystal?) or, in the instance of an image shown here, a tent or other structure in the frame to give a sense of scale. This is something that many photographers, yours truly included, often overlook. It is that attention to detail that helps separate Crystal from the rest of the pack. She is also versatile - shooting landscapes, wildlife, and astrophotography. I would love to spend time with her out in the field, experiencing nature the way she does, but I don't think I could keep up!

I encourage you to check out the links below to Crystal's website and social media and follow her career. She is quite a talented photographer and someone I am looking forward to following for years to come. Now, without further rambling and ado, I present to you Crystal Brindle!

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Lying beside my best friend on a giant granite glacial erratic boulder in the middle of a meadow of golden grass in summer looking to the sky ringed by tall evergreen trees in Wawona – the small ‘neighborhood’ in which I spent my earliest years in Yosemite National Park.

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

These answers might seem quite unusual but at the moment I’d say:

• nutritional yeast
• oats
• chia seeds
• homemade pizza
• almond butter.

😊
(Joe: Pizza? Yes, that is quite unusual 😉)

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

That’s such a tough one! Many people have given me wonderful advice. I’ll go with, “look up and look out.” This piece of wisdom was bestowed upon me in my first season after moving to New Zealand on my own and taking up work in the hills as a hut warden/park ranger. It came from one of the wisest women I’ve ever known, Karen Cooper, who mentored me in my work and beyond. What she means by this, I think, is to look up and look out and remember where you are in the present moment – appreciate your surroundings and don’t get bogged down by daily minutiae. It is something that has come back to me often and reminds me to take a look around and appreciate my life.
(Joe: Once again, great advice! That is something I have to force myself to do at times.)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

Running on a beautiful forested trail first thing in the morning would be my favourite thing after my number one love of seeking brilliant sunrises far in the mountains with my camera.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

John Muir. I’m not sure if he counts as “famous” but he is definitely the person I’d want to spend an hour with.
(Joe: John Muir is a great choice! How fun would it be to sit with John Muir and Ansel Adams together?)

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

That I have an overwhelming interest in New Zealand’s alpine flora. Actually, it is probably obvious at times, but I don’t think most people know that I often think about going back to school and studying botany.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Whew, that’s a big question! Yikes. I would hope to be remembered for having a passion and zest for life, championing wild natural landscapes, and connecting people with the awe and wonder that is found in nature. If I can live a life that helps more people connect with their authentic selves and cultivate a love for the natural world on every scale, I will have done something I deem meaningful.

Professional questions

Why photography?

I found photography when I was living and working in Rocky Mountain National Park during college. I grew up in national parks across the western United States and had most often throughout my childhood been surrounded by incredible natural beauty. When I was in college, I started to feel the pull to share these experiences with others. Photography was the natural medium that caught my attention and I was hooked before I knew it. I became enamoured by the practice of challenging myself to reach remote locations high in the mountains, photographing magic light, and returning to the ‘civilised’ world to share what I had seen.

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

My photography is an expression of connection with the land.

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Eeek… I suppose I’d say winning the overall Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) of New Zealand photo contest in 2016. This meant the world to me as I had read cover-to-cover every FMC bulletin I could get my hands on in the two years preceding this win and since moving to New Zealand there was no organization I respected more. When I first saw the photo contest in a bulletin I thought, “I want to enter that one day and maybe, just maybe be printed in these pages.” I could not believe it when I won the whole thing. The judge’s comment topped it all off when he called the place I photographed a “suitably remote location” that he had to look up on the map. Hearing that from a respected icon of the New Zealand mountains and guru of all things wilderness, was incredible!
(Joe: That truly is a great achievement. It’s inspiring to hear you set a goal and achieved it!)

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

Ohhhh, I think I’d share a gallery show with Erik Stensland of www.imagesofrmnp.com if I could! He has been, and remains, my greatest contemporary photography inspiration.
(Joe: I checked out his site – I can see why he inspires you so.)

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I draw inspiration from the landscape around me and the light that comes. I work with the scene in an unplanned way and compose on the fly. I’m certain I could produce better imagery if I did a bit of pre-planning but given the backcountry nature of my photography and often first-time visit locations, this isn’t always an option. And, to be honest, I love the process of darting around and trying to find what I want to photograph. I often stumble across something totally unexpected that blows my mind about the natural world even further. I cannot believe the wonderful intricacies that exist out there, even after all this time.

What is your favorite location to shoot?

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand – baby! I cannot believe that I now get to live on the very edge of my favourite place on earth.

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

My Fuji XT-2 camera. I couldn’t do much shooting without it! 😉 For the last three years it is what I’ve used and I’m still quite happy with its performance. It has been into some interesting places, I can tell you that!

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

I got my start by diving in head first – spending most of my free time either shooting or researching online about technique, manual control, and post processing. I also was fortunate to live in Colorado in close proximity to many professional photographers. A few were kind enough to spend time with me and answer my questions. I kept up the momentum when I moved to New Zealand by seeking out opportunities or creating them, not waiting for them to come to me. Although I do not fully support myself with a career in photography, it is only a side venture at this stage, the advice I would give to someone wanting a career in anything is the same: do the work, make connections, be bold, learn your craft, and be proactive.
(Joe: Great advice – you are so lucky to have found those willing to mentor you. )

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

I have never thought about this but I’ll go with a blend of classics inherited from my dad’s taste in music and my own taste I’ve developed in adulthood:

• Led Zeppelin – Mothership
• Florence + The Machine – Lungs
• Florence + The Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
• London Grammar – Truth is a Beautiful Thing
• Mumford and Sons – Babel.

Yikes, I definitely don’t feel too certain I’d be happy with those choices for the rest of eternity on an island, but there ya go!

Links

• Website: https://www.inpursuitofthewild.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@crystalann_b/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inpursuitofthewild/

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All images are Copyright Crystal Brindle - www.inpursuitofthewild.com

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8 point buck
Thompson Park, Lincroft

New Jersey Wildlife

New Jersey is home to a wide variety of "critters", some are cute & cuddly while others are quite dangerous. If you walk along any trail or sit in a park you will certainly find squirrels and chipmunks running around as if they are late for their train. If you are quiet and look hard enough, you may find deer or any of a number of other creatures that call New Jersey home.

Deer

I came across this beautiful buck while hiking thru Thompson Park in Lincroft one afternoon during the rut. I was looking in the opposite direction as I was walking when something caught my eye - I turned and there he was, just staring at me. I had but a few moments to grab this image before he ran into the woods.

Young buck @ Golden Hour
Lake Topanemus Park, Freehold

The young buck in the golden hour image was one that I was watching for a short time during a morning hike in the park. I sometimes detour to the beach or one of the parks along the way to the office to walk or maybe do some shooting. If I go to the park I often have the place to myself and will come across quite a few deer. This particular morning it was just after sunrise and there were about a dozen deer grazing in the field. This buck was by himself and didn't seem to really care that I was there. I got as close as I dared, took out the camera and grabbed a few images before he ran off into the woods. This is one of my favorite deer images, though I have many.

Northern Mockingbird
Henry Hudson Trail, Union Beach

Birds

New Jersey is home to more than 475 species of birds and is an important stop along the East Coast migration route. While I have photographed a wide variety, I have nowhere near all - nor have I even seen them all. I have still not gotten a good glimpse of the Bald Eagles we have but still have hope.

Black-Crowned Night Heron
Oceanport

The Northern Mockingbird shown here was captured during a lunchtime walk along the Henry Hudson Trail in Union Beach. This is another great example of the old axiom, f/8 and be there, as I had but a moment to shoot before he flew away. When it comes to birds, I do "play favorites." I have a great love for egrets, herons and raptors - in part because of the challenge but, mostly, for their beauty. I was fortunate to grow up with a small river inlet behind my home and we would see egrets and herons all the time. I have countless slides of them fishing along the banks or sitting on a dock. The black-crowned night heron is one such slide - he was perched on one of the pilings of a neighbors dock when I captured this image. The scan quality isn't great but the image is a good one.

Red-Tailed Hawk
Thompson Park, Lincroft

While I have yet to capture an eagle, I have been able to get a number of red-tailed hawks - including the one shown here. This was another lunchtime hike and he caught me by surprise. I was in the woods and saw this hawk flying low across the trail and landed on a downed tree. He had caught a snake and was perched on the tree eating. When I got around to that side of the trail I started looking for it, hoping to get an image. To my disappointment, he was no longer eating and had flown off. I looked up and saw him sitting in the tree right next to me, he was maybe 10 feet away! I shot until he had enough and flew off.

I have written two blog posts about birds in New Jersey if you wish to read more - Birds of New Jersey - The Gray Catbird and Birds of New Jersey - The Great Egret.

Bullfrog
Lake Topanemus Park, Freehold

Reptiles / Amphibians

Not all of New Jersey's wildlife is warm-blooded, as we have a very diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, too. This bullfrog was sitting on the side of a trail in Lake Topanemus Park in Freehold one afternoon. I had never shot a frog before and have not since. I was amazed at my skill of getting so close and not scaring it away, only to find out later that the frogs will freeze if they feel threatened and are not near a water source to jump into. I could have jumped up and down yelling and he never would have moved....

Box Turtle
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Freehold

Turtles of all types are abundant - from the docile box turtle to the dangerous snapping turtle. I find box turtles in my yard rather frequently (I live at the edge of a large woods) and they can be found throughout the state. They are also probably the easiest to photograph - they are not overly dangerous, they move quite slowly and if you get close they "clam up" like this one. I often come across turtles sunning themselves on rocks or tree limbs in and around lakes but they often see me before I can get close enough for a decent shot and dart back into the water. Snapping turtles are rather mean and very dangerous and also the most common turtle in the state; I've only seen one in the wild once and that was in my own backyard about 25 years ago. I saw, what I thought was a large black trash bag in the yard. I went out to pick it up and noticed it was a snapping turtle - it was headed right for a forsythia bush in the middle of the yard. I stayed under the bush all day and then I never saw it again - later that year I dug up the bush.

I don't come across too many snakes in my travels but when I do they are invariably the harmless garter snake. The largest snakes in New Jersey are the Northern Black Racer and Black Rat snake, both can reach more than six feet and are found throughout the state. We only have two venomous snakes, the Northern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake which are typically found in the northern part of the state - a friend recently came across a rattlesnake while hiking along the Appalachian Trail on Mt. Tammany. You usually don't have much to worry about with snakes unless, like most wild creatures, you startle them or encroach too closely on their space. While it is always a good idea to keep your eyes on the trail, it is particularly important when you are in "snake country" - just to be safe.

Squirrel
Thompson Park, Lincroft

Small Mammals

I mentioned squirrels and chipmunks at the top of this post, here is one of the many squirrels I have encountered on my treks. You can read the story behind this image at Shhhh – there’s a deer but where are my keys?. Of course, rabbits are a frequent sight, too. This little guy was at Deep Cut Gardens one fine afternoon. Rabbits are fun to watch but can be difficult to photograph well.

New Jersey is also home to the bobcat, in fact, it is our only wild cat. They once roamed throughout the state but are now endangered and found primarily in the northwest part of the state but there have been sightings in the Pinelands. The bobcat is an extremely shy creature, as are most cats, and you are rather unlikely to see one and they pose very little threat to humans. I have never seen one in the wild.

Rabbit
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Bears

New Jersey has a growing population of black bears and can be found in all 21 counties, though predominately found in the northwest part of the state. I have never had a wild encounter with a bear but they are always on my mind when I am in Bear Country. It is crucial that you learn what to do in case of an encounter with a bear - the wrong move can cause you serious harm, even death. You can read about what to do at get BEAR SMART society. There are many other places where you can get information, including kiosks at trail heads where encounters may be likely. REMEMBER - you cannot outrun a bear, trying to do so will most likely cause an attack!

Red-Tailed Hawk w/snake
Thompson Park, Lincroft

I have covered but a small amount of the abundant wildlife to be found throughout our state. You can find other images in the Wildlife gallery on my website.

I leave you with one last image - the red-tailed hawk eating the snake. This was the best vantage point I could get, I was disappointed the branches were covering his head but you can't tell a bird to move to a better location!

I hope you have enjoyed my menagerie and would love to hear from you in the comments below. There is such diversity in our state and I have only covered the creatures that are found on land - fishing is incredible throughout the state, both freshwater and saltwater.

Until next time - get out and explore, witness the beauty of The Garden State firsthand! If you aren't in New Jersey, get out and explore the natural world around you; I can't think of a better way to recharge your batteries.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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