Category Archives: Nature Photography

A Tibetan antelope is seen at the Hoh Xil nature reserve, the 51th Chinese site inscribed on the World Heritage List, in the Sanjiangyuan National Park, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, March 25, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

A flock of Tibetan antelopes forage at the Hoh Xil nature reserve, the 51th Chinese site inscribed on the World Heritage List, in the Sanjiangyuan National Park, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, March 25, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

A flock of Tibetan antelopes forage at the Hoh Xil nature reserve, the 51th Chinese site inscribed on the World Heritage List, in the Sanjiangyuan National Park, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, March 25, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

We got a mixed bag from Mother Nature recently.  There was more snow, keeping spring at bay for another little while, but the aurora borealis was on display for (just about) everyone to see.

Enjoy the light show, then scroll to the bottom to see how your point of view can be part of next week’s gallery.

Have a photo you’d like to share? 

Here’s how to get in touch with us: email nlphotos@cbc.ca. It’s a dedicated address just for photo submissions from across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Here’s what we need from you: your name, where the photo was taken and a caption that tells us what’s in the image. We encourage you to add any information you think our readers would enjoy! 

We share the photos we receive here, and we might also use them on Here & Now each weeknight during Ashley Brauweiler’s weather segments, as well as on our Facebook page, our Twitter feed and on our Instagram account. And we always give credit. Providing a handle for Instagram would be appreciated! 

Because of the volume of submissions we receive, we cannot respond to everyone.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador

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Do you take photos when you’re out on a hike? Of course, you do – we all do. Why wouldn’t you want to capture the amazing scenery atop a hill or that pretty bird you spotted in the forest? Everyone needs to see them. Sadly, not everyone will enjoy the blurry, underexposed, badly-framed pictures you took on your smartphone; however, with these five tips, you can ensure that people will not only endure but actually enjoy your hiking photos.

One thing that can certainly ruin your photography is wearing inappropriate gear, which will make you less focused on capturing the beauty of nature. As the adage goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing,” so make sure you dress appropriately for the weather, time of the day and area you’re about to traverse. Check out T3’s best waterproof jacket, best hiking boots, and best hiking backpack guides for more info.

The best thing about these hiking photography tips is that they don’t start with ‘buy the Canon EOS R6 Mark II’ (full disclosure: we love that bad boy). In fact, you can upgrade your outdoor photos at no extra cost using these suggestions. Using the proper gear helps, but not necessary. The five hiking photography rules are as follows:

• Have your camera at hand at all times: Time is of the essence when you spot an animal or a cloud formation, so having your camera or smartphone at hand is essential. If you’re using the former, something like the Peak Design Capture (retailer link) can be helpful.
• Start early/finish late: The best lighting conditions are when the sun rises or sets, so time your hikes accordingly.
• Follow the basic rules of photography: Rule of thirds, framing, vantage point – you can only break the rules if you understand them, and you need to follow them to understand them. Pay attention to the scene in front of you and how you want to capture it.
• Tell the whole story: Don’t just take seven million photos of the same mushroom on the forest floor; take the viewers on a journey by showing them the best pictures from beginning to end.
• Edit the photos: You can use any editing software but tweak the images before they are shown to others. Many photo apps are free to use and can do automatic editing (e.g. Snapseed). Alternatively, you can use paid software such as Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Photo to edit your pictures more professionally.

Need new camera gear? T3 can help you choose the best beginner camera, the best mirrorless camera, the best DSLR camera or the best compact camera for you. For the most adventurous of you, we recommend the best action cameras or the best drones (maybe both).

© Provided by WTOL Toledo

Over 200 people were in attendance on Friday as the Photo Arts Club of Toledo announced the winners of their annual amateur photography competition.

The grand prize this year was a certificate for a La-Z-Boy chair valued up to $599.

Competition was fierce as 146 photographers had submitted 732 photos to the contest. The number of entries was more than double the number of the previous year.

Wennie Anderson, co-director of the contest, attributes the increased interest to skilled advertising as well as interest in the La-Z-Boy chair.

“A lot of advertising goes into it,” said Anderson. “Different television stations and different radio stations and different newspapers… It’s a lot of work but it’s really worth it.”

The number of entries to the contest exceeded the previously announced limit of 500 total submissions. 

“We had said we were going to stop at it at 500,” said Anderson. “We didn’t really realize that there was four places that the pictures could be dropped off to be entered. And when we picked up all the pictures, we had 732 pictures.”

Although there were more submissions than planned, the judges made sure to give each one a thorough review. The seven judge panel, comprised of professional photographers and Metroparks leadership, took five and a half hours to judge the photos.

The photos are displayed in the National Center for Nature Photography within Secor Park. They are available to view on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. until March 6th. The exhibit will also be closed on Easter weekend.

This year’s best in show was HMS Belfast at Night by Jamie Van Natta. A full list of winners can be found here.

Autumn is a season of transition and change, a time when the world around us transforms into a kaleidoscope of warm colors and textures. It is a time when the trees shed their leaves, revealing the intricate details of their branches, and the air becomes crisp and cool. Autumn is also a season of nostalgia, a time when we reflect on the memories of summer’s past and anticipate the coming winter.

Art Inspired By Autumn

Autumn, also known as Fall, is the season that exists between summer and winter, where many types of plants and trees slip into dormancy as they prepare for the cold weather to roll in. During this season, trees that aren’t evergreens undergo a process often called the “changing of the leaves.” When the weather starts to cool, the foliage gradually fades from a rich green to shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown before the leaves die and fall to the earth.

There is no shortage of inspiration to be found in this beautiful season. From the vibrant colors of the changing leaves to the misty mornings and hazy sunsets, autumn offers a wealth of opportunities to capture its beauty and essence through artistic mediums. Travelers visit destinations all over the country in preparation for this change to take place, as the autumn leaves are often a sight to see, sometimes resembling a brilliant fire.

Planning vacations according to the projected fall changes isn’t unheard of, and several popular destinations exist where the colors that come about during fall are more vibrant and memorable than in other areas across the country.

7 Places In The US To Find Fall Color Inspiration

Below are some of the most remarkable places to visit in the United States if you want to explore the changing seasons on an autumn photography expedition or simply gather inspiration for an upcoming fall-themed painting.

1. Autumn In Vermont

Autumn in Vermont is characterized by vibrant colors of foliage as the leaves on the trees turn from green to shades of red, orange, and yellow. This natural phenomenon draws tourists from all over the world to witness the stunning display. The crisp cool air, clear blue skies, and the smell of wood smoke from cozy fires create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Vermont’s agricultural heritage is also celebrated during the fall season, with harvest festivals, apple picking, and pumpkin patches. The season lasts from late September to early November, with the peak foliage usually occurring in mid-October.

Places to See Include Stowe, Manchester, Woodstock & Bennington.

2. The Colors of Colorado

Colorado is composed of a fantastic mix between cities, friendly little towns, and wide open wilderness. As such, it’s a premier destination for fall travelers with any sort of preference. The state of Colorado is one of the very best displays of autumn color and the United States and a must see place to visit if you want to hike, raft, camp, or perform any activity out in nature.

Additionally, there are several towns and cities that welcome travelers around the fall season. If you want to remain warm and comfortable in addition to seeing truly one-of-a-kind views of the leaves changing in fall, Colorado should be at the top of your list. If you are an aspiring nature photographer and you haven’t visited Colorado during fall, you simply don’t know what you are missing!

Places to See Include, Breckenridge, Owl Creek Pass, Million Dollar Highway, Telluride & Aspen.

3. The Pacific Northwest in Autumn

The Pacific Northwest experiences a beautiful and unique autumn season characterized by cool temperatures, rainy weather, and colorful foliage. The forests in the region turn golden and red, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. I have spent my entire life and career as a nature and landscape photographer in the Pacific Northwest. As a result, I have provide you with a list of my favorite photography locations to experience the wonder of autumn in the Pacific Northwest.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – This park is famous for its stunning fall colors, and visitors can enjoy the scenery while hiking, camping, or taking scenic drives.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon – The gorge is known for its waterfalls and scenic drives, but it’s also a great place to witness the fall colors.

Leavenworth, Washington – This charming Bavarian-style village is surrounded by mountains and forests that turn golden and red in the fall, making it a popular destination for leaf-peeping.

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon – This park features a scenic hiking trail that takes visitors past several waterfalls and through a beautiful forest that turns bright shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall.

4. Chasing Fall in Maine

Maine is the uppermost state in the northeastern section of the US, and if you’re a traveler who enjoys historical settings and colonial design, you’ll want to pay Maine a visit. In addition to historic buildings and museums, Maine also has an array of rolling hills, mountains, forests, and waterways.

It’s a beautiful state, especially for artists who want to capture images of the season’s effects in a variety of settings (for example: fields, rocky terrain, creeks, the outskirts of towns, etc.).

Places to See Include Acadia National Park, Camden & Kennebunkport.

5. Fall Color & History In Virginia

Virginia is another great location for vacationers who enjoy both history and nature. Virginia has plenty of historical sites to visit as well as attractive landscapes to photograph. The national park walking trails present plenty of opportunities to observe the natural world as the leaves change colors, and depending on how far down the trails you walk, you’ll surely come across something inspiring.

Places to See Include Charlottesville, Abington & Shenandoah National Park.

6. Autumn Wild In Wyoming

Unlike some of the areas mentioned in this list, Wyoming isn’t always a key destination for travelers who want to see forests and mountains. However, the rolling country setting across the state provides great photo opportunities and inspiration to drive the creation of art.

While there are areas that have trees and mountains, some of the grassy fields and farm fences provide artists with a nice change of scenery.

Places to See Include Cheyenne, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park.

7. The Diversity of Autumn In Utah

Utah’s geography is incredibly diverse including mountain ranges, forests, and deserts and slot canyons, each with its own unique autumn color palette. In the mountains, aspen trees are a major contributor to the fall foliage display, turning vibrant shades of yellow and gold. In the lower areas and canyons of Utah, Cottonwood and other trees and shrubs provide an endless show of the brilliance of the changing seasons.

Places to See Include Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Factory Butte and Capital Reef National Park.

Why is Autumn Themed Art So Popular?

Fall-themed art is warm, welcoming and easy to blend in with existing art pieces in a home or office. Reds, yellows and browns mix well with many typical color schemes found in the home. Earthy colors and tones are quite versatile, and when used to capture a specific scene, these colors can evoke moods and emotions that compliment and tie together the elements of your decor.

People enjoy autumn nature photography and fall-themed art because it inspires a sense of calm, a feeling of warmth, security and protection from the cold outside world. Autumn art is also nostalgic, often reminding its viewers of time spent with family and friends, the holidays and the comfort and happiness the season often brings.

Autumn Nature Photography

Since my childhood, autumn has always been my favorite season. As a nature photographer, I look to autumn every year and do the majority of my best work during this time of year. If you enjoy autumn photography and the colors of the fall season, I invite you to experience it through my eyes across my online galleries including Mountains & Meadows, Aspen & Birch Photography & my Japanese Gardens Collection.

The beauty of dance has been captured by photographer Matt Knowles for a new exhibit showing in April at the C Street Studios, 208 C St. in Eureka.

“Dance in Shadow and Light” will be hanging inside the workspaces of artists Paul Rickard and Stock Schlueter and features dancers from the Ferndale Dance Academy.

“We feel honored to be exhibiting our photographs in Paul and Stock’s gallery space. They are highly respected artists, and we so appreciate that they are granting us the opportunity to exhibit our work to a larger audience,” said Laura East, owner and director of the Ferndale Dance Academy.

She says the idea for this photo exhibit evolved over time.

“In January of this year,” she said, “the Ferndale Dance Academy celebrated its 20th anniversary. In commemoration, Matt Knowles, who is also a website designer, and I worked to redesign and launch a new studio website. We then decided  that a new website called for new photos, so we arranged a photo shoot. Matt has taken the photos for our studio since we opened, so it was only natural that we would work together on this.”

The photo shoot proved to be “quite an interesting day,” East said, because Ferndale suffered a power outage that lasted for several hours.

“One family brought a generator to the studio so that Matt could continue to shoot without having to reschedule,” East said. “This lent itself to creative problem solving where lighting was concerned and, ultimately, highly atmospheric  photographs with an intimate quality that draw you in. It also inspired the title of the exhibit, ‘Dance in Shadow and Light.’ We literally had no
choice but to work with shadow and sparse lighting.”

Knowles has been a photographer since the late 1970s and opened his business, Aesthetic Design & Photography, in 1999. He and his wife moved to Ferndale in 2000.

Over the years, Knowles has won numerous awards at both the Humboldt County Fair and the Redwood Acres Fair in the professional divisions, including Best of Show. He’s been photographing Ferndale Dance Academy dancers since the studio opened in 2003.

“I have been working with Ferndale Dance Academy since the beginning,” Knowles said. “I  have also worked with numerous other dancers in my own work. I love working with dancers as they are creative posers and it makes my job a  lot easier. Most of my favorite photos that I have taken the last 25 years have been with ballet dancers.”

He added, “I tend to use very dramatic lighting in my studio work. When working outdoors, you’re pretty much at the mercy of what nature gives you, and here in Humboldt County, Mother Nature can be a pretty fickle lighting director. But indoors, I’m the creator, and I love being able to set the mood by intricately controlling the light just how I want it.”

The dance photos in this current show “illustrate the versatility of our dancers and represent the wide range of styles that we offer at the Ferndale Dance Academy, including ballet, contemporary, lyrical, tap, hip hop, jazz and
tumbling,” East said. The photographed dancers range in age from 12 to young adult, she noted.

All of the dancers in the images will be traveling to Santarém, Portugal from July 10 to 15 for a cross-cultural dance exchange with Círculo Cultural Scalabitano, a dance school certified by the Royal Academy of Dance. The artistic and cultural exchange was developed by East and Vítor Murta with the support of Santarém’s Minister of Culture.

“Dancers from both countries will take classes in  a variety of styles for seven hours a day taught by instructors from both dance studios,” East said. “The intensive will conclude with a collaborative performance, which will include a piece created during the intensive featuring the dancers from both countries.”

The Ferndale dancers are working to raise $10,000 to cover their airfare and lodging, East said.

“They have a GoFundMe page and have held several fundraisers,” she said. “Anyone who would like to help support them may contact the Ferndale Dance Academy at 707-496-0805 for further information.”

The dancers will also be holding a donation-based bake sale during Arts Alive! on April 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the C Street Studios.