Other than the one you live in, if you were able and had the time to do so, which State would you choose for a nature photography excursion? Which part of that State would you concentrate on? And why?
For those who live elsewhere where would you chose for a nature photography excursion in the country you live?
Yes I am genuinely interested in your answer.
A lot depends on the theme of the nature photography excursion. For me I want to photograph the profusion of blossoms in the Okanagan Valley in BC and the rolling pastoral landscapes of the vineyards there. That is coming up very soon. Friday in fact.
Thank you.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Posted by Jeff Jensen on April 13, 2006 at 8:40 AM
For me it would be south Florida - Everglades area (pretty much anything south of the lake). This is where I grew up, so I'm familiar with it. (How DID I get stuck in central Illinois?)
Posted by Kent Staubus on April 13, 2006 at 8:41 AM
A couple come to my mind. I'm actually happy right where I am, but woudln't mind moving further north, say to western North Dakota. That would put me closer to my favorite animal, the antelope. Really, I'd be happy in any of the less populated areas of the North Central region--Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana. Wife and I have also discussed moving to Gardiner, MT just outside of Yellowstone when we retire. I think I'd love Alaska too. I also once looked at moving to Alberta because I loved the area around Jasper, but the taxes there are SO high! For an excursion, I'd love to go back to the Athabasca Glacier, right in your back yard. The snow has been gone for two weeks here and I miss it already.
I'm pretty happy where I am but thoughts of Alaska make me drool.
Guy
Posted by Becky Wolfe on April 13, 2006 at 9:26 AM
Well, Will, you know that I love living & photographing here in the Okanagan Valley as well & each new blossom popping up this week fills me with glee This is a pretty big valley & there's SO MUCH of it that I have yet to explore but I know all my faves & return to them repeatedly. Lakes, mountains, paths, ponds, orchards, vineyards, rivers, creeks, waterfalls & wildlife! It all blows me away! Besides the Okanagan has the perfect balance of the 4 seasons. However, I do love trips to & thru the Rockies & trips to the west coast for some of their rainforest-like sights & ocean views!
Posted by David Weber on April 13, 2006 at 9:34 AM
Michigan's Upper Peninsula! Waterfalls, wildlife, "sea"scapes, flowers, rural scenes, pastoral settings, rugged landscapes, lighthouses and much, much, more. We'll be up near the Keweenaw Peninsula for vacation this Summer . Isle Royale would be a fantastic place to explore also, as would Georgian Bay in Ontario.
Posted by Grace Blair on April 13, 2006 at 10:05 AM
It depends upon what you wish to concentrate. Birds: Rio Grande area of Texas in late fall or early spring, Scenes: Utah, Wildlife: Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Everything: Yellowstone Park in Wyoming anytime
Good luck and good photographing!
Posted by Greg Walker on April 13, 2006 at 11:18 AM
Coastal Maine - Acadia NP and the lighthouses - I spend one week there years back, and didn't get anywhere near enough - would move there in a heartbeat if I could!
Hmmm...I like CA but if for this exercise, I would probably choose Wyoming...Yellowstone/Tetons are a real treat!
Posted by Nathan Buck on April 13, 2006 at 11:24 AM
I would choose the state that I live in for an excursion...which is Utah. I could not get away without my kids, and I do NOT want to drive far with my kids... I could also probably make it to Idaho and Wyoming, maybe Colorado.
For me a photo excursion is usually about an hour away. The longer ones will have to wait!
Nathan
Posted by Alex Lofquist on April 13, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Being that I am a founding citizen of the state of confusion, I would like to see Utah and return to the Big Bend country in Texas with my 4x5.
That being said; there is so much great mountain country in the Sierra that I have yet to visit, it makes for a tough choice.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on April 13, 2006 at 2:13 PM
Actually, I kind of like central Ohio. The landscapes, as a general rule, are pretty uninspiring although with work as some research, I think it is as good as anywhere else. This aside, I have a preference for the eastern deciduous forests and central Ohio puts me within a day's drive of the Michigan Upper Peninsula, New England, the Blue Ridge, Smokies, Appalachia, and lots of other places with trees.
Of course, if someone was willing to pay me to photograph the Pacific Northwest for a year or two
Posted by Josh Anderson on April 13, 2006 at 2:28 PM
I have never been to the Pacific NW, but I have heard it is beautiful. I will be able to make up my own mind the first week of June.
Posted by Brent Murphy on April 13, 2006 at 3:15 PM
Easy. Southern Utah, no question.
Posted by Scott Buckel on April 13, 2006 at 3:26 PM
I love going to southern Arizona and would do that every year if possible. In fact my wife and I are thinking about buying property there. Like Brent, southern Utah is a very close second and depending on my mood comes up first.
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 13, 2006 at 3:58 PM
I love living in NW Florida, even though I'm seeing disappear right before my eyes between development and hurricanes. If I had to choose another state I would sayTexas (west of the Pecos). Put me in Big Bend country and watch the smile on my face grow large! Beautiful country, canyons, mountains, lots of animals, and darn few people - my idea of heaven on earth. Second choice after Texas would be Maine - never been there, but have always been intrigued- definitely on my list of places to go before I die.
Posted by David Chauvin on April 13, 2006 at 7:33 PM
There are too many great choices to make one definitive choice, but my next excursion is a two week trip to eastern Oregon in late May/early June. Five days on the Owyhee River and then bumping around the John Day area for five more days. I am stoked!
Posted by Richard Wong on April 13, 2006 at 7:35 PM
Northern Arizona.
Posted by Mary Dennis on April 14, 2006 at 8:52 AM
I want to go back to western Iowa (I lived there for seven years) and photograph the Loess Hills. Photography was on the back burner while I was busy with two young kids and I can imagine being there now (WITH DIGITAL!) would be amazing. I actually lived in the hills and hiked them frequently but with kid gear not camera gear. They are beautiful in the spring. On the to-do list.....
Montana - the beautiful Beartooth Mountains would keep me busy and happy for a lifetime or two, and I like that it's quiet and sparsely populated. Lots of snow is a big plus!
Darn. I've loved practically everywhere I've been. I'd love to spend a month or two in each one...
Posted by Toni Lankerd on April 15, 2006 at 9:05 AM
I agree with Cindy...the U.P. of Michigan and/or Alaska for the wildlife, scenery and the peace and quiet away from it all.
Posted by Marc Adamus on April 15, 2006 at 11:31 PM
Hmmm. Great question. Some really diverse answers. I'll take "excursion" to mean something in the week to month range. A long photography trip.
Let me start by saying that I choose to live in Oregon. Nothing forces me to stay here. I live here because I truly believe it is paradise for nature photographers and among the most diverse regions on Earth.
If I, were to take an excursion elsewhere I wouldn't need to look far. The state of California has much to offer. So much, in fact, that I completely forget things like L.A. even exist when planning trips (California leads the US in population but also has world-class landscape diversity). I believe that once upon a time, this region was the World's most varied and grandest landscape. Too bad 38 million people have trashed a huge portion of it! Still, with the Redwoods, a ruggedly beautiful North Coast, expansive mountain ranges, vast deserts and nearly every climate zone within a few hours drive from anywhere I would have to take my "excursion" here and move around a LOT! Galen Rowell, who photographed nearly every region on Earth, visiting 70 countries, was frequently quoted as saying the Southern Sierra range was his favorite place.
If I was limited to only one region within a state my answer might be different. I would have to be mindful of the season also. For me it would probably be a Summer or Autumn excursion through Glacier and the Canadian Rockies. I believe these are as beautiful as any mountain landscapes I've ever explored personally. I plan to spend over a month there this fall.
Worldwide, the South Island of New Zealand gets the nod. I've never been there personally, but visulize it as something similar to Oregon with less people and even more impressive landscapes. Amazing diversity in a very small region.
I live in California now... pretty much paradise for photography. But, outside of here I would have to go with Alaska in the summer... outrageously good light for hours in the morning and evening. Insane wildlife, fireweed, alpenglow, glaciers, 18 - 20 hours of daylight.
I've been twice and I'm heading back this summer.
PS Marc: your comment about the South Island of NZ is a bit of an understatement. Spread about 600k people over half of California and you've got the population nailed. FWIW in many respects, the South Island truly reminds me of Alaska.
However, there are going to be some inherent similarities to Oregon... the 45th parallel passes thru both of them.
My latest attempt at a photo excursion sort of went awry . I planned for the Okanagan but made it as far as Jasper National Park. Sheer stubborn determination got us that far. I'll miss the flowering trees and the rolling hills of the Okanagan. There was a good chance we would have met our new NPN member Becky if we were there as planned. Sorry we couldn't make it Becky. Your effort in scouting ahead for us was highly appreciated. But not in vain. We'll get there yet. With sheer stubborn determination.
The Upper Michigan Peninsula got several nods. David, you give me a good mental picture of this area. Another good visualization is given by you, Bill, with your description of the Big Bend country in Texas. Wyoming, and I immediately see in my mind's eye the Grand Tetons, and scenes from Yellowstone. Alaska makes me think of massive mountains, broad valleys, northern lights, and sled dogs. Marc, you say you live in Oregon. I immediately think of the coast with the sea stacks for dramatic seascapes. Or the Columbia River region. Jim, Washington makes me think of dramatic seascapes and mossy forests. Grace, you mention the State of Utah. Would I be right if I associate slot canyons with Utah? I know slot canyons are elsewhere too.
If I chose to go on a photo excursion south of border where would I go? Easiest for me would be to Montana and to Glacier National Park. Based on the response here the Michigan Upper Peninsula has me greatly interested. I am going to research this area to help me get a good picture(s) of this area. Reminds me somewhat of Vancouver Island in BC.
Living further west in Canada than you Will I suggest Oregon. I've gone shooting there several times and will be going back for a few weeks again soon. I find the wide variety of landscapes from the coast in the west to the arid regions in the east with a number of really interesting spots like the Painted Hills in the John Day area satisfy whatever urges I may have for landscapes. In the south center area around Klamath Falls are some of the biggest and best bird sanctuaries with tons of shooting opportunities (if you suffer from the avian affliction as I do) and in the north along the Columbia River you can find some outrageous wind and kite surfing as well as fields of wildflowers in the spring. I've been to Oregon many times and keep going back, partly because it's easy to get to and the folks I've met have all been very friendly.
Alaska (along the SE coast) is another remarkable place for photography but getting around is much more of an issue. California also has much to offer - just pick what you want to shoot and go there and you'll find lots.
Ultimately I'd suggest you decide what kinds of things you want to photograph and do a search on the web. I'm sure you'll find more than you can get to in a lifetime.
Would I be right if I associate slot canyons with Utah? I know slot canyons are elsewhere too.
Utah has the lion's share of the Colorado Plateau, where most of these slots you've seen probably are. Some of the more famous ones are in Arizona, just past the state line.
By the way - you asked for a state "other than the one you live in" which is why I mentoned Alaska. If I could pick just one state to photograph in for the rest of my life though there's no doubt in my mind that to me Utah is the most diverse and photogenic state in the US.
Go over my web site if you get a chance. The vast majority of images are from Utah. There's a lot more here than just canyons.
Guy, part of the reason I posted this thread is that I get a new perspective when a State (or Province, etc.) is mentioned. I have visited your site many times. Thoroughly enjoy being there. At the mention of Utah I do think of some of the scenes you photographed.
When I think of Michigan, I see pastoral landscapes, dramatic shoreline scenes, an abundance of flowers; I did not see Michigan that way before this thread. My mental picture of some of the other States has not changed although they were mentioned here. For example Northern California is known for the Redwood Forest. Oregon for its coast. But I wasn't sure where the Painted Hills were so now I can picture that in association with Oregon too.
The natural wonders and beauty found within your Country (where ever you live) should be treasured and preserved for all time. When I think of the U.S. I think of it in that way. Add to that people who are caring, willing to share, and just plain friendly, and you have the makings of a good world. The same goes where I live. Natural wonders and beauty abound throughout Canada. Some of the areas, although difficult to get to because of the wilderness setting, would leave you gasping in awe.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Posted by Becky Wolfe on April 19, 2006 at 3:06 PM
It seems to me judging by most of our responses that nature photographers see the beauty that's around them on an every day basis. Whether its in our own back yards or just the areas we live! And I've also learned a lot more about 'what there is to see' in many other states, provinces or otherwise that I didn't learn before!
Will, I believe you will make it this way sooner or later whether its spring time blossoms, summer's vibrant greens or autums splendor, there's never a dull season down here!
I would say Utah. When we drove into Moab on a road trip last summer I said to my husband, "I want to live here!" I absolutely feel my emotions respond to the red sandstone of southern Utah, northern Arizona.
Next I'd say Alaska--we've never been; we plan some day to make an extended road trip up there during one summer, when we no longer have to work (hopefully very soon).
My own state of Arizona isn't too shabby either...
I can do macro photography anywhere, but right now I am sitting in a hotel room in Salt Lake City, UT and the bug right outside my window is beautiful . Utah is a beautiful state and I will be returning here in June for a longer stay. If anyone ever gets the opportunity to visit Utah, take it, you will not regret it.
Posted by Nathan Buck on April 21, 2006 at 5:44 PM
Nice to hear that you are enjoying our state Sue! We are glad to have you here!
thanks Nathan. I depart in the morning for New Mexico for a week and then back home to PA (another beautiful state ). Looking forward to my return in June.
I would have to pick the state of Maine. I usually try to make the trip once a year to the coastal areas. It has so much diversity from the rugged granite coast and lighthouses to the lupines in the spring and the great fall color.
Visiting Guy's website would be enough to inspire anyone to go to Utah for a photo excursion.
Ed, the next time you are in Maine I hope you will post some scenes featuring covered bridges. I looked up the official Maine website. I am surprised that I have not seen any covered bridge photographs in the Man and Nature Gallery.
I also checked on some other States that I am surprised did not get a mention yet. New Hampshire, Vermont, and Hawaii. Both New Hampshire and Vermont are especially beautiful in the fall. Reminds me of New Brunswick
I just returned from Hawaii last month and I did not really like it. Way too many people on that island. I do hear that if you get off the main tourist trap island, it gets better.
While in Indiana I did get a lot of images of covered bridges. Beautiful area.
Will,
I just logged on this morning to mention my own lovely state of Vermont, but I see you beat me to it! I also hardly ever see photos from NH and the Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch areas are beautiful any time of the year, not just for fall foliage. A nice drive down the Kangcamagus Highway is great and you just may see moose along the road! Mount Washington is always a treat, especially the cog railway. I have always loved Maine. I went to college at the University of Southern Maine. My sister lives near Pemaquid Point, so that is a nice convenient launch point for me when I want to go up for pics. I also love New Brunswick. The Canadian Maritime Provinces are gorgeous! You really should visit the Bay of Fundy. There was this place that had what they called flowerpot rock formations that you could walk around at low tide, but you had better be out of there at high tide! I think it was at Hopewell Cape or something like that. Really neat place.
Discussion
39 repliesFor those who live elsewhere where would you chose for a nature photography excursion in the country you live?
Yes I am genuinely interested in your answer.
A lot depends on the theme of the nature photography excursion. For me I want to photograph the profusion of blossoms in the Okanagan Valley in BC and the rolling pastoral landscapes of the vineyards there. That is coming up very soon. Friday in fact.
Thank you.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Kent in SD
Oh you want an actual state? It would have to be Washington. There is just too much to see and record here in my lifetime.
Guy
Good luck and good photographing!
For me a photo excursion is usually about an hour away. The longer ones will have to wait!
Nathan
That being said; there is so much great mountain country in the Sierra that I have yet to visit, it makes for a tough choice.
Of course, if someone was willing to pay me to photograph the Pacific Northwest for a year or two
Let me start by saying that I choose to live in Oregon. Nothing forces me to stay here. I live here because I truly believe it is paradise for nature photographers and among the most diverse regions on Earth.
If I, were to take an excursion elsewhere I wouldn't need to look far. The state of California has much to offer. So much, in fact, that I completely forget things like L.A. even exist when planning trips (California leads the US in population but also has world-class landscape diversity). I believe that once upon a time, this region was the World's most varied and grandest landscape. Too bad 38 million people have trashed a huge portion of it! Still, with the Redwoods, a ruggedly beautiful North Coast, expansive mountain ranges, vast deserts and nearly every climate zone within a few hours drive from anywhere I would have to take my "excursion" here and move around a LOT! Galen Rowell, who photographed nearly every region on Earth, visiting 70 countries, was frequently quoted as saying the Southern Sierra range was his favorite place.
If I was limited to only one region within a state my answer might be different. I would have to be mindful of the season also. For me it would probably be a Summer or Autumn excursion through Glacier and the Canadian Rockies. I believe these are as beautiful as any mountain landscapes I've ever explored personally. I plan to spend over a month there this fall.
Worldwide, the South Island of New Zealand gets the nod. I've never been there personally, but visulize it as something similar to Oregon with less people and even more impressive landscapes. Amazing diversity in a very small region.
I've been twice and I'm heading back this summer.
PS Marc: your comment about the South Island of NZ is a bit of an understatement. Spread about 600k people over half of California and you've got the population nailed. FWIW in many respects, the South Island truly reminds me of Alaska.
However, there are going to be some inherent similarities to Oregon... the 45th parallel passes thru both of them.
My latest attempt at a photo excursion sort of went awry
The Upper Michigan Peninsula got several nods. David, you give me a good mental picture of this area. Another good visualization is given by you, Bill, with your description of the Big Bend country in Texas. Wyoming, and I immediately see in my mind's eye the Grand Tetons, and scenes from Yellowstone. Alaska makes me think of massive mountains, broad valleys, northern lights, and sled dogs. Marc, you say you live in Oregon. I immediately think of the coast with the sea stacks for dramatic seascapes. Or the Columbia River region. Jim, Washington makes me think of dramatic seascapes and mossy forests. Grace, you mention the State of Utah. Would I be right if I associate slot canyons with Utah? I know slot canyons are elsewhere too.
If I chose to go on a photo excursion south of border where would I go? Easiest for me would be to Montana and to Glacier National Park. Based on the response here the Michigan Upper Peninsula has me greatly interested. I am going to research this area to help me get a good picture(s) of this area. Reminds me somewhat of Vancouver Island in BC.
Thanks all again. Hope to read some more replies.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Alaska (along the SE coast) is another remarkable place for photography but getting around is much more of an issue. California also has much to offer - just pick what you want to shoot and go there and you'll find lots.
Ultimately I'd suggest you decide what kinds of things you want to photograph and do a search on the web. I'm sure you'll find more than you can get to in a lifetime.
BTW, BC ain't bad either.
Utah has the lion's share of the Colorado Plateau, where most of these slots you've seen probably are. Some of the more famous ones are in Arizona, just past the state line.
By the way - you asked for a state "other than the one you live in" which is why I mentoned Alaska. If I could pick just one state to photograph in for the rest of my life though there's no doubt in my mind that to me Utah is the most diverse and photogenic state in the US.
Go over my web site if you get a chance. The vast majority of images are from Utah. There's a lot more here than just canyons.
Guy
When I think of Michigan, I see pastoral landscapes, dramatic shoreline scenes, an abundance of flowers; I did not see Michigan that way before this thread. My mental picture of some of the other States has not changed although they were mentioned here. For example Northern California is known for the Redwood Forest. Oregon for its coast. But I wasn't sure where the Painted Hills were so now I can picture that in association with Oregon too.
The natural wonders and beauty found within your Country (where ever you live) should be treasured and preserved for all time. When I think of the U.S. I think of it in that way. Add to that people who are caring, willing to share, and just plain friendly, and you have the makings of a good world. The same goes where I live. Natural wonders and beauty abound throughout Canada. Some of the areas, although difficult to get to because of the wilderness setting, would leave you gasping in awe.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Will, I believe you will make it this way sooner or later whether its spring time blossoms, summer's vibrant greens or autums splendor, there's never a dull season down here!
Next I'd say Alaska--we've never been; we plan some day to make an extended road trip up there during one summer, when we no longer have to work (hopefully very soon).
My own state of Arizona isn't too shabby either...
Stacy Egan
Tucson, Arizona
Nathan
Ed
Ed, the next time you are in Maine I hope you will post some scenes featuring covered bridges. I looked up the official Maine website. I am surprised that I have not seen any covered bridge photographs in the Man and Nature Gallery.
I also checked on some other States that I am surprised did not get a mention yet. New Hampshire, Vermont, and Hawaii. Both New Hampshire and Vermont are especially beautiful in the fall. Reminds me of New Brunswick
Thanks again for your response. Keep it up
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
While in Indiana I did get a lot of images of covered bridges. Beautiful area.
I just logged on this morning to mention my own lovely state of Vermont, but I see you beat me to it! I also hardly ever see photos from NH and the Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch areas are beautiful any time of the year, not just for fall foliage. A nice drive down the Kangcamagus Highway is great and you just may see moose along the road! Mount Washington is always a treat, especially the cog railway. I have always loved Maine. I went to college at the University of Southern Maine. My sister lives near Pemaquid Point, so that is a nice convenient launch point for me when I want to go up for pics. I also love New Brunswick. The Canadian Maritime Provinces are gorgeous! You really should visit the Bay of Fundy. There was this place that had what they called flowerpot rock formations that you could walk around at low tide, but you had better be out of there at high tide! I think it was at Hopewell Cape or something like that. Really neat place.