by Joanne Carey
I began taking nature walks as a habit about a couple of years ago and soon discovered that I was truly interested in all of our beautiful flowers and amazing wildlife.
I was excited about this new passion in my life and wanted to learn about all of it. I never realized how many yellow wildflowers there are in Florida… completely mind-blowing.
Next, I started taking pictures with a small pocket camera and found that I loved photography as well. I suppose you could say this is how photography came about for me and I couldn’t be happier.
The Best Gift I Could Have Given Myself
I am very much into mental wellness and wellbeing having dealt with anxiety, depression and low self esteem all of my life.
Much of these conditions are brought on by life’s stressors and my own faulty thinking.
I am actually a very lovely human being with a beautiful soul but lack a belief in myself.
Perhaps we all feel like this at one time or another?
So… feeling I needed to take courage and begin believing in myself, as others believe in me,
I stepped up to the plate and decided I was worthy and ALLOWED myself the joy and excitement of nature walks and photography
which was simply the best gift I could have ever given myself.
4 Benefits of Nature Walks and Wildlife Photography
The benefits of nature walks and photography are plentiful.
1. Exercise
First of all, exercise increases your endorphins (natural chemicals in your body that increases one’s happiness and wellbeing).
2. Vitamin D
Secondly, the vitamin D and serotonin we soak up from the sun increases happiness and wellbeing as well.
3. Mindfulness
Thirdly, your mind during nature walks is focused on your surroundings and that in itself reduces anxiety and stress.
In addition, photography itself focuses your mind on nature’s beauty, such as a flower or animal, and allows you the excitement of making a connection with your subject.
4. Being One with Nature
Especially with wildlife, there is no better joy than earning the trust of a wild creature and that trust outweighs getting that perfect photographic capture.
To be one with nature is where it is at!
The list of benefits goes on and on… personally, I have increased the peace within me and started living and enjoying life.
Nature walks and photography is a win-win for me and I am truly grateful!
The Equipment I Use as a Beginning Wildlife Photographer
I am a self-taught photographer and have been taking pictures for two years now. Love it so much!!
My camera at this time is a DSLR Canon Rebel t6 of which I have been pleased. It is a great camera for beginners who want to move from their phone and start learning about digital cameras and the different lenses. Great fun in learning!
Technology advances so quickly these days and eventually I would like to upgrade but for now the rebel t6 is ideal. Affordable too for those of you who wish to start taking pictures!
What Photographing Wildlife Has Taught Me
I am passionate about photographing nature and wildlife at this time. As I mentioned before, being on nature trails and making connections with wildlife, in particular, has been my greatest joy.
One of my first experiences was standing in the presence of a wild doe and her fawn. They were at ease with me and went about their grazing on the wild grasses. It was just me and them at this time as I had walked off the trail and into the woods.
Having the doe and fawn allowing me to be near them has been a great honor.
Another wonderful experience was having a barred owl swoop down near me and land on a tree’s branch. Once again, it was just me and the owl in the woods…The owl and I stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. I was blown away by the owl’s beauty and presence… I sensed an incredible amount of intelligence and pride coming from his/her eyes.
Just seeing this amazingly beautiful bird of prey up close, opened my mind up to the awesomeness and wonders of our natural world! By the way, this was my first encounter with an owl in the wild… I did feel slightly intimidated and didn’t get that ‘perfect’ photographic shot.
I have come to learn though that it is not always about perfection but more so about the experiences one has with nature and wildlife that brings so much joy and peace to us!
Photography Has Given Me a Deeper Respect for Wildlife
I have a great appreciation for all wildlife and have learned through my experiences with photography a deeper respect for them than I have ever felt.
Have you ever sat on the ground from the water’s edge just a few feet from a great blue heron and sensed intelligence and kindness? Have you ever been near wild American alligators seeing them live and thrive in their own natural habitat?
Have you ever witnessed a juvenile brown pelican make his or her way out of the Gulf of Mexico to stand near you as if to say “good morning, may I spend some time with you?”
Have you ever stood near two wild Florida cracker horses in their own habitat and felt their free spirit? I have been grateful to have these awesome experiences!!
Tips for Taking Good Pictures of Wildlife
Photographing wildlife is my first passion at this time although I enjoy all nature as well. The specialness of wildlife is you have to find them first in their natural habitat.
As I walk through the nature areas of Florida, I have to be careful not to disturb that area’s natural peace and tranquility. I usually am very quiet and observant.
Once I find a living creature or creatures, I can then take some pictures always being mindful and respectful of them. I would never want to frighten or harm them in any way. No picture is worth that.
When possible, I position myself and camera eye level with the animal. So often, you’ll find me on the ground to get this eye level shot. I do not care about getting dirt or mud on me… I wear my rubber boots and wash and wear clothes.
I have two different lenses at this time and I use them both. The smaller wide angle lens is more for landscapes and such and the zoom is perfect for those amazing creatures that are just a little further out or too dangerous in which to get too close.
An example for the zoom is the American alligator which are plentiful in my area. They generally stay clear of people but you never know.
It is always vital to know your surroundings and I am very much into the buddy system. I live in the subtropics and you may need your buddy if something happens… two is always safer than one when exploring wooded areas.
Since taking up photography, I have grown a deep appreciation, respect and awareness of our awesome nature and wildlife.
To Be Accepted and Trusted by a Wild Creature Has to be One of the Greatest Things in Life
One of my favorite wildlife species is a seabird called the brown pelican. They are year round residents in Florida and can be found to inhabit beaches, sandbars, docks, estuarine islands, mangrove islands and a few other places where there is brackish or seawater nearby.
They are social creatures so you often see them hanging out with one another.
The other day, I watched a spectacular sunrise from a dock and, to my surprise, a mature brown pelican flew up to me and perched on the wooden rail of the dock just a few feet away to watch the sunrise with me. (See the featured image for this post.)
I felt so much joy at that moment… to be accepted and trusted by a wild creature has to be one of the greatest things in life. I adore taking pictures of these lovely birds and am so grateful they are so loving and friendly.
How Photography Has Helped Me Grow as a Person
In conclusion, photography is a passion of mine but, more importantly, it is our beautiful nature and that connection you make with a wild creature, for example, that does it for me.
The wonderful experiences I have had encountering wildlife, in particular, will stay with me forever. These experiences have moved me beyond myself and have helped me grow as a person.
I am more aware of my personal surroundings and even the world as a whole. I do sell my pictures on pixels.com and my hope is that the pictures will spread happiness, joy and peace of mind and, in addition, an appreciation, love and respect for all of God’s beautiful creations.
Advice for First-Time Photographers
Photography is a great hobby and I recommend it for all.
My recommendation for first time photographers is to remember to enjoy the experience of it… the perfect picture may come immediately or later.
No one can ever take the experience away especially if you’re dealing with wildlife. Have fun with it and enjoy!
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Joanne Carey (you can call her Jo) is originally from Massachusetts and moved to the SW Florida area in 1982. She is happily married to a loving man and has been blessed with one beautiful daughter. She has worked as a CNA for hospice for the last 12 years and prior to that worked in other healthcare fields. Along with spending time with her family, she is very passionate about Florida’s nature and wildlife and photographing its beauty and wonder.
For more on Joanne and her work, please see her pixels page, and connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Outdoor time is so critical for health and happiness! I know my mental health improves sharply each April once I can spend lots of time outside again.
So true, Lydia. I notice that too!
I feel the same way, Lydia 🥰
This week I have enjoyed the pleasure of reading ‘A Walk Between Heaven and Earth’ by Burghild Nina Holzer. This post reminds me of a journal prompt from the book in which are asked to observe something external to us and to write what we observe. Responses naturally vary, revealing that each writer (observer) makes a choice how to relate to, and write about, the outer object – and that this choice is directly related to our inner self. Joanne’s post reflects this perfectly.
Thanks for the recommendation, Georgina. A book to check out sounds like! Plus love the journal prompt. Good one to try. Joanne has to be a beautiful soul as her pictures reflect that so clearly!
I appreciate your kind words, Colleen. You are a blessing!
Thank you, Georgina! I appreciate your kindness!