“A picture is worth a thousand words” goes the famous adage, and it’s especially true in this technologically and graphically driven age. Photography is an effective vehicle to illustrate the beauty and intricacy of Nature, expose people to new facets of natural history, and by extension promote an interest in conservation. Photographic imagery has revolutionized survey protocols, as evidenced by massive data repositories such as iNaturalist, and greatly reduced the need for physical collections of specimens. Effective imagery can bring the Lilliputian details of a gnat-ogre to bear for all to see, expose the suave allure of a cedar waxwing, or preserve the gloriousness of a Lake Erie sunset. This pictorial talk will explore the ways in which imagery can be used to promote and document Nature. Needless to say, the program is full of interesting natural history photography.

Jim worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for 31 years as a botanist, and later specializing in wildlife diversity projects, especially involving birds. He has authored or coauthored six books, including Birds of Ohio (Lone Pine 2004); and Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage (Kent State University Press 2009). The latter won the 2010 Ohioana Book award. He is a coauthor of the Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II book. His new book, Gardening for Moths in the Midwest, is in press and should appear in Spring 2022. Jim writes a column, Nature, for the Columbus Dispatch, and regularly publishes a natural history blog. He has written numerous articles in a variety of publications, and has delivered hundreds of presentations throughout the eastern United States. He was named 2015 Conservation Communicator of the Year by the Ohio League of Sportsmen. Jim is an avid photographer, shooting a range of natural history subjects. He has had hundreds of photos published in various forums.

Photographing the Great Southwest: Locations, Planning, and Techniques

David will inspire you to photograph the desert as he shares some of his favorite locations, planning tips, and photographic techniques.  The Southwest is also ideal for capturing the dark night skies – especially during the Milky Way season!

 Always an avid outdoorsman, David first picked up photography to share his outdoor adventures with others. In 2014, he left his day job as a chemical engineer to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions.

 David finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography.  He explains “I love photography! Ever since I was a young child, I’ve had a strong connection to the natural world. Photography enables me to share with others the beauties of nature I am privileged to behold. I love traveling, and exploring. It doesn’t matter whether I’m in the nearby mountains [of Kanab, UT] or in exotic locales overseas - there are always amazing images to capture and share.” 

David has been recognized by International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic, among others.

Sapna Reddy is a nature/landscape photographer based in Northern California. She is currently pursuing dual careers as a doctor and a photographer. As a radiologist she analyzes images in an attempt to establish diagnosis and achieve cure. As a photographer she creates images that celebrate the immense beauty of nature and enhance personal wellbeing by establishing a strong and lasting connection with the great outdoors. 

 Her presentation will focus on analyzing and understanding what is required to go beyond the postcard and create compelling visual stories. Selecting locations, what to look for in the field, techniques to create unique images and how to render a personal interpretation of the landscape before you.  

 Sapna’s images, which are widely published, have also been used to transform the walls of Kaiser medical centers in the Bay Area and create an ambience of healing.  She has conducted both national and international photography workshops and is currently developing the landscape photography learning module for Lightroom academy for Adobe.

 Go to Sapna’s website to see for yourself why CVPS is very excited to have Sapna share her outstanding work and knowledge with us. www.spanareddy.com  https://www.instagram.com/sapnareddy/

Member Show & Critique

Members of the Cuyahoga Valley Photo Society are invited to submit up to three images to be critiqued by expert photographers for a virtual members show. There is no restriction on the date or location of the photographs.  Please email your images to cvpsmemberphotos@gmail.com by Saturday, Aug. 26^th, 11:59pm to be included in the critique on August 30^th.  To view the requirements for images submitted, visit the Photo Society’s gallery web page.