There are few places on earth that can captivate the imagination and inspire nature photographers to “get out there” like the tropics. The biological riches of these exciting destinations are unparalleled and these regions are rife with opportunities for nature photography. Consider for example that tiny countries such as Costa Rica host more species of birds than all of North America. Or that in just one square mile of rainforest there may be as many as 50,000 species of insects. The biodiversity is truly incredible!

Text and images copyright Melanie M. All rights reserved. Republished from Photo Travel Review, with kind permission.

The English Lake District has long been associated with tourism. Since the earliest days, visitors have strived to convey the images from their minds’ eye to others. Some in words as with the Lakes Poets, some by painting including Turner and Constable, and as the process developed more latterly with photography. George Abraham and his sons were perhaps the earliest photographers of renown in the area (circa 1887). They recorded landscapes and mountaineering images, some of which can be seen in their old premises, now the George Fisher store in Keswick.

Tourism is now the primary source of income to the area, but it is not difficult to escape the crowds in pursuit of images to take home with you.

Text and images copyright Bret Edge. All rights reserved.

Most nature photographers enjoy the ephemeral escape afforded by wandering through wilderness areas near and far, away from the chaos of the city. We peer through viewfinders, absorbed in perfecting a composition and unaware of what is happening around us. We haul around hundreds or even thousands of dollars of valuable photography equipment. Our vehicles sit unattended at remote trailheads for hours on end. Though it isn’t a pleasant thought, we are prime targets for criminal activity.

Text and images copyright Greg Downing, all rights reserved

We just finished our very first NSN Photography Series event at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, and I must say it was a huge success!

Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes, EOS 5D, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/80 @ f7.1, ISO 250

Our keynote dinner and classroom instruction were held at the Macey Center for Performing Arts at New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico. Many of our NSN staff were on hand: yours truly, Greg Downing, E.J. Peiker, Chris Klapheke, Royce Howland and NSN's Event Coordinator, Erin Masters. Our special guest and keynote speaker was Rick Sammon, Canon Explorer of Light and renowned photographer.