A picture's worth a thousand words

As the old saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”  Indeed that can be true. However, there are many times while out in nature I have been privileged to take in a visual perception of something so beautiful, I wonder if a thousand well chosen words could even describe the scene to its fullest. I’m sure we have all had those moments.  These are the times we may feel most alive, and so inspired, we often try to capture that moment’s image.

The modern world of landscape and wildlife photography has a constellation of techniques, equipment, camera function adjustments and with the advent of digital photography, much needed camera/computer savvy. Technology has made many aspects of photography much less difficult.

In leading many outdoor educational hikes and events, I run into numerous outdoor enthusiasts. Most all of these fine folks pack a camera. These range from phone cameras, to basic digital, to super lens outfits.

They come to photograph the subjects of our hikes in all seasons.  The skyscapes, landscapes, mountains, forests, wetlands and waterways. The focus of their attention includes the real stars of the show: The elements at work, the tracks, the animals, the birds of prey and songbirds, the magic of nature in action, the dragonfly and the western painted turtle. Each one of the participants seems to relish a different venue, for truly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We get some fun shots, too. Like a group photo of us all around a four hundred year old tree with bear claw marks, or a humorous look at a dozen rain- soaked birders, all with big smiles.

One never really knows what the weather is going to be or what kind of wildlife may show up. We do know that we do our best, we always have fun, and we consistently find beauty in nature to observe and photograph.

Now that spring is officially scheduled to show up, the subjects will soon include wildflowers as well.  After all, April showers bring May flowers.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy taking photos, there is an opportunity available soon.  On Saturday April 11, Montana Wilderness Association is honored to have Randy Beacham, a local professional wildlife photographer and nationally published artist teach a program in the Yaak.  Randy’s work has appeared in National Wildlife, Big Sky Journal and Montana Magazine to name a few.

— Brian Baxter has worked in the woods for forty years, and is currently an Outdoor Educational Specialist.