I’m a writer, not a photographer. I shoot “grip and grins” with people, not bugs, snakes or waterfalls.
Well, I felt right at home at the Nature Visions 2013 Photo Expo, now through Sunday at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
In one of 11 lectures, classes and presentations today, “Composing Images of the Natural World” with Steve Gettle, I learned to take my point-and-shoot a few steps further. First, “bag the shot.” Then take the time to look at how I can improve it: Move around. Check composition and background. Aim to put the focal point in the intersections of the “law of thirds.” Take a few horizontal, take a few vertical. Get down to eye level for an intimate shot. Later, at home, I've been shooting leaves...between raking them out to the curb...to try the things I learned.
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I also wandered the juried nature photo exhibit with 329 outstanding nature images and, everyone, not just professional photographers, were invited to cast a vote for the best photo in the “People’s Choice” competition.
The “Best in Show” image will be announced today at the awards ceremony. Here are the “Best in Category” winners (there are red ribbons attached to their exhibit entries):
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Birds -- Marilyn Gaizband, Northern Virginia Photographic Society: Eurasian Owl
Wildlife -- Patricia Deege, Vienna Photographic Society: The Pushing Contest
Macro -- Steve Heap, Manassas-Warrenton Camera Club: Sunday Lunch
Abstract -- Greg Holden, NIH Camera Club: Points
Water -- John Norvell, NIH Camera Club: Elakala Falls
Landscapes -- Stan Collyer, NIH Camera Club: Mount Kirkjufell, Iceland
Flora -- Greg Holden, NIH Camera Club: Centurion
The Didlake Lobby and upstairs Buchanan Partners Art Gallery are loaded with vendors – I ran into professional photographer and creative coach Kathy Strauss of ImageWerks at the Canon booth, checking out the latest and best equipment.
Nature Visions 2013 Photo Expo continues today through Sunday, Nov. 10, with free activities 9:45 am to 4:30 pm at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. There are many opportunities to learn and take away, including the chance to reserve a one-hour spot to photograph rescued falcons, hawks and owls through the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia.
