Editing photos

I decided today I would edit photos. This is my least favorite part about photography. I love being outside in nature and making photos but when it comes to editing I just don’t like spending the time. It is important to do the editing. I’m getting a pretty good workflow for the process but I struggle to motivate myself.

I have basically been procrastinating all day and now the day is over and I haven’t completed anything. So, I’m going to feed the dog and sit down with the goal to completely edit a minimum of three photos tonight. Wish me luck.

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Keep exploring,

Wendy

Back at it

The heat wave has sort of broken. I mean it was only 91 degrees down from 106 degrees a few days ago. Even better it was cool this morning so I headed out to photograph the pelicans near the dam. It was a beautiful morning. I will probably go out again tomorrow.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Junior Ranger

One of the coolest things about visiting national parks and other national sites is their junior ranger program. Go into a visitor center and ask a ranger to take part in the program. What a great way to get kids involved in learning about each site. Even better, they often let big kids like me participate. You get a nice workbook to complete activities. regarding the site you are visiting. You then bring it back to the the visitor center, take a pledge and get your junior ranger badge. While here in Fort Peck, I stopped in the interpretive center to look around and ask questions about the area (no surprise there). They had several different “activities” for kids. I picked up the Jr. Paleontology worksheet and completed it. When I was talking to the volunteer, she said I could do the Junior Ranger book also and I jumped at the chance. This particular site is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail so the workbook centered around this trail. I took it home with me and completed the workbook. I stopped in again today and got my badge.

I encourage everyone, whether traveling with or without kids, stop and talk to the volunteers and rangers at the places you visit. You never know what fun things you might find.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Photo of the Week

Here it is……..

This photo was taken in February at the Salt River in Arizona. I always find such peace at the river when the horses are there. These creatures remain under threat of removal from the government. We must protect them.

It’s a heat wave.

It’s hot here and only getting hotter over the next few days. I have to admit, I don’t like extreme heat. Most wildlife doesn’t like extreme heat either. What does that mean for photography? Getting up early, before sunrise, when the air is a bit cooler. This is when the wildlife will be most active. It is also a very peaceful time of the day. Normal people don’t get up that early. Wish me luck.

Check back for the Photo of the Week tomorrow, you won’t be disappointed.

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Logistics

I love my life on the road. I get giddy when I pull into a new area and just look around at all the beauty. It has been over a year and that feeling has not changed one bit. The only thing I don’t like are the logistics. The planning. I am a good planner. If you want me to plan a two week vacation, I’m on it. I will do the research, provide the details and even make an itinerary. That’s what I did when I travelled to Alaska with a friend several years ago. We discussed the things we wanted to do and see. I made a basic itinerary and then when everything was booked, I made a final itinerary. I even added additional information on the history and wildlife we might see on the trip. I loved doing it and learned so much before our trip. Now I live on the road and every day is travel to some extent and I hate all the planning ahead of time. I’m in an absolutely beautiful location. I’m supposed to be here a week but it is so nice I want to stay longer. You see, that’s the thing, I kind of want to travel at will. Unfortunately, that isn’t really feasible. This lifestyle takes some planning and frankly, I’m over it.

I mean look at this view, who would ever want to leave here. So now I’m looking for a volunteer to help me with logistics because I’m too poor to pay someone. Maybe Scout my dog can help.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Not today.

Like most photographers I’m slightly obsessed with the weather. I check the weather and radar several times a day. I review wind speeds and directions. I have an app to follow the pressure. All in an effort to find and photograph wildlife. I’m generally looking a few days in advance in an effort to plan my shooting but every night before I go to sleep I check the next days forecast. Of course I did this routine last night before setting an alarm. The forecast was for rain. Not just a possibility of rain but a 90% chance of rain overnight and in the early morning. Now rain is not a deal breaker for photography. I have rain gear for myself and my equipment. You can get some unique photos since most people avoid the rain but I just wasn’t feeling it last night so I didn’t set an alarm. I decided to let the chips fall where they may and get up when I woke up. Now I always have the highest hopes for days I decide to sleep in. Staying in bed until 7 or 8 sounds like heaven. I also have a dog, an adorable dog who I adore. He can also be a giant PITA. This morning he decided that 5:30 was late enough for me to sleep. So despite my best intentions, I didn’t get to sleep in. Now, it wouldn’t have been ideal but I could have still headed out to shoot some photos but alas, it was raining and I just said to myself “not today”. There is nothing wrong with doing nothing for a day. I haven’t been sleeping well and I woke up in a bit of pain in my neck and shoulder. What caused the pain, I have no idea. I probably slept wrong combined with some unusual humidity in the area. I’m not worried about it, I’m confident it will subside in a day or two. So, today I did nothing, just hung out with my dog Scout (who napped all day) and relaxed. I have tomorrow to go out and explore.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Big Sky Country

Montana. Big Sky Country.

This is my first trip to this part of the country. What a sight.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Photo of the Week

Here it is….

I call this “The King and His Court”. Taken in Badlands National Park this year. I love how these birds just hitched a ride on the back of this bison.

Bear Country

If you read my June newsletter (if not sign up below or subscribe to my Substack), I mentioned I was preparing to camp in “bear country.” It occurred to me later that I should probably give a little more explanation on what that means. This will be my first time camping in what is considered bear country. I travelled to bear areas while I was in Alaska, but didn’t need to camp. There are some rules one needs to follow when camping in these areas to keep themselves and the bears safe. Encounters are rare and preventable with good habits.

First, you want to chose the correct campsite. The first few days after I arrive I will be in a campground. I wanted the opportunity to scope out some potential off-grid sites before leaving the campgrounds. What makes a good campsite? Basically, avoid things bears like and/or where bears are hanging out. Avoid camping on game trails or along streams that bears frequent. Avoid camping in areas with food sources like berries and dead carcasses. Lastly, avoid areas with poor visibility due to trees and brush. All logical things.

Now that you have the perfect site, what do you do? Basically, keep your campsite as clean as possible. Never leave out food (human or pet), trash, coolers, and even cooking grease. Never leave food unattended while cooking and clean up when you are done. Bears are attracted to ALL scented items, this includes toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, chapstick, etc. If you are camping in a tent, all this stuff along with your food should be kept in a bear locker or a bear resistant container. Your cooking area should be set up at least 100 feet from where you are sleeping whether that is a tent or a camper. Your goal is to never feed a bear or any wildlife for that matter even unintentionally. Your never want bears or other wildlife to associate people with food. It is dangerous for both the people and wildlife.

Now when you go out hiking, you need to pay attention. That means no headphones. They recommend you make noise so that the bear is aware of your presence so that they can leave if they choose. You should also carry bear spray and have it at the ready. That means not buried in your back pack. I picked up my bear spray and I’m ready to hit the trails to find some bears to photograph along with many other species. Am I scared? No, I picked the bear over man (IYKYK) but I will be aware of my surroundings at all times both for me and the bear.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

My last day at the Badlands

Last night I had the pleasure to photograph some burrowing owls for about 45 minutes. As I was driving back to my campsite, a rainbow popped up. I hope you like this picture.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Apologies for the radio silence

What a week it has been. My father was in the area from Florida on a tour. I was looking forward to spending some time with him. I didn’t know I was going to get to spend more time than anticipated. He had a minor medical emergency, necessitating a hospital stay for a few days. The good news is I was in the area and was able to assist with his medical needs. The better news is that he is fine and has returned to Florida via plane. If there was a silver lining, I got to spend extra time with him and showing him around the area after he was discharged and before he flew home. Nonetheless, it was a whirlwind of a week.

Me and my Dad

The monthly newsletter will go out tomorrow, probably late in the day as I will be traveling. I hope everyone is having a great week.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Could this be the one?

No, I don’t think this is the one but it is a cool picture.

This is so close. It is really what I imagined a few weeks ago when this idea popped into my head. The bison was very nice to pick up its head and turn slightly towards me. The landscape is fantastic. I love the formations in the badlands and the prairie grasses in the foreground. I don’t really like the angle of the foreground but it’s not an image killer. I thought this was it when I took the photo but now I’m not sure. I guess the quest continues.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

The quest is on…..

I went through some of my pictures from last week, looking for the perfect bison in landscape picture. The prior pictures you saw just didn’t have it. I mean they were not even close. I’m happy to report, I’m getting closer. The light was good, the background was good but the pose, I’m not sure.

This is just not it. It’s a beautiful picture. Much better than the prior attempts but I think it needs something more. What to you think?

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Photo of the Week

Without further ado…….

This is one of the incredibly beautiful horses from the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. If you look closely, you will notice the tattoo on the neck. This is applied by the Bureau of Land Management after a horse has been removed from its native lands. I stand with the horses. They should remain in the wild.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Sunrise

What a beautiful morning it was. I was out in the field early.

I had the chance to see several bison (the quest continues) and a burrowing owl. Now I’ve been in the presence of burrowing owls before but this one decided to hang out with me for quite some time. It was an honor.

The quest began a long time ago

The quest for that perfect bison picture actually began a few years ago before I even knew what I was looking for in my mind.

I took this photo a couple of years ago on my first trip to Badlands National Park. I was in complete awe (still am) of the landscape and the bison. After all, it was my first time seeing a bison much less one that close. The idea of the perfect picture hadn’t even entered my conscious mind. Without even thinking about it, I took this picture. This is better than the previous picture but not exactly what I’m looking for now. Now that I have a clearer picture of what I want, I can see this isn’t quite it. Alas, the quest continues.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

The quest for the perfect picture.

For the last four weeks, I’ve been traveling around the Dakotas. It is a beautiful part of the country. In my travels, I’ve seen some amazing and unique landscape. I often pull over and get out of the truck just to admire the view. Now I don’t consider myself a landscape photographer. I just don’t think I’m very good at it but I have great respect for nature and landscapes. While I was driving through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, I pulled over just to look out over a beautiful landscape. I looked over a green valley with a somewhat dry river flowing through it. There were trees and rock formations in the background. It was simply breathtaking. In the distance there were about a dozen bison. They were quite some distance from me and looked a bit like brown blobs until I looked through my binoculars.

As I was standing there, a photo popped into my head. The photo would showcase the beauty of the badlands landscape along with one of its most enduring figures, a bison. So for the last month, I’ve been on this quest to create the perfect photo. It hasn’t happened yet but I’m not giving up. Actually, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the quest. Wildlife is unpredictable. No matter how many times I ask the bison to move a little to the right or left, pick up their heads or pause, they just have not cooperated.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

In this picture, I love the pose of the bison but frankly the landscape is just boring and the light is too harsh for my taste. I was in Badlands National Park a few days for sunset. It took a little time for me to find the bison. I was feeling lucky. I found them with a background I loved. This might be it but alas it didn’t quite work out. They stayed just below a ridge and I was only able to get the top half of the bison. So the quest continues. Will the photo materialize? Maybe or maybe not. It’s the quest that is the fun part.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Photo of the Week

I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy this photo

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy

Coexistence

Coexistence is defined as the state of two or more things, people, or groups existing together at the same time and place.

In nature, coexistence refers to different species living in the same habitat or ecosystem. I spend a lot of time in nature doing my best to coexist with all that is around me. I had been watching this horse for awhile when the bird landed near its head. There was no fear, no agitation on the part of the horse or the bird. They were coexisting, peacefully in their habitat. According to the WWF, human-wildlife coexistence is a dynamic state in which the needs and interests of both humans and wildlife living in proximity to each other are generally met, though this coexistence may not be entirely free of negative interactions and may still contain some level of impact to both people and wildlife. Coexistence is especially dependent on a level of tolerance on the human side. It is us humans that need to learn to coexist. We are not entitled to all that we see. We are not entitled to take what we want from the planet. We must protect this planet and all that inhabit it. Keep that in mind as you spend time outside this summer. Respect for all living things is the key.

For more content from me check out my Substack at macturkphotos.substack.com, Instagram at instagram.com/macturkphotos or Facebook at facebook.com/wendy.macturk

Keep exploring,

Wendy