Start of another week.

Another week soemthing new broken on the camper. The lock broke and I couldn’t get into the camper until this morning. Last night we slept in a hotel. Not exactly what I had on my bingo card but we made the best of it. I finished setting up camp this morning and then took a nap. I decided to explore the area for a few hours and headed to Old Cottonwood and Tuzigoot National Monument. The are so many pueblo type ruins in Arizona and I wanted to check this one out. It was large and pretty cool.

These places provide such history. To think, people lived and survived in these homes for hundreds of years. There are a couple of other places I want to check if I have time. Stay tuned.

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

The rain has finally stopped and the sun is shining. Now it’s time for the photo of the week. How do I pick which image to choose? Sometimes I know ahead of time and other times I look through the my images and choose on Friday. Here is a landscape image from Glacier National Park.

This is an amazing park, check out my previous review.

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

Rain, rain and more rain.

More than 2 ½ inches of rain has fallen in this area since yesterday. It has basically been constant rain with intermittent down pours. For me, this has been inconvenient but for this area it is much needed. Most of the western part of the United States has been in severe drought for years. They need rain, badly. Will these two day solve the problem, no but every little bit helps. So I will amuse myself inside and go to the gym for my “hike” while the land receives much needed hydration. Check back tomorrow for the photo of the 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

A good nights sleep.

A good nights sleep does wonders. Scout and I slept in until after 8:30. That virtually never happens. I feel a little more energized this morning or maybe it was the tornado warning I received that got the adrenaline pumping. No worries, we are safe although it is going to be a day of storms here in Flagstaff. I’ll have to go to the gym for my workout today. In the meantime, I posted a new collection to the website. Next up, reviewing some articles. The weather should clear up by Friday. Just in time for one last hike before I leave the area. Have a great day.

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

Motivation

Do you ever have a day when you have no motivation to do anything? I do. As a matter of fact, I’m having one of those days today. I have tons of work to do. I don’t ever think I will be caught up on editing. I want to learn how to use Photoshop. Reading and research is never ending. I have photos to upload to this website but I just can’t seem to motivate myself to do any of these things. The one thing I don’t have on my plate right now is going into the field to shoot and I think this is why my motivation is lacking. I not in a “hotspot” for wildlife and the peak migration for birds has passed. Yes, there is always wildlife around but not many of the “popular” wildlife are in this area. It’s been a couple of weeks since I have been out in the field but I plan on going out again next week. Will my motivation return? Not sure. In the meantime, I’m going to work on some of the non-photography projects I have to complete. I expect the distraction and change of pace will help. So bear with me this 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

What a day!

I’ve made the long needed decision to improve my fitness. I have slowly stopped working out and my fitness has obviously suffered. I started today with a two mile hike with my favorite guy, Scout. It was a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Why did I stop doing things like this? The first thought that comes to mind is I’m simply exhausted all the time. It’s been this way for about 20 years. After numerous tests and treatments with no improvement, they called it chronic fatigue syndrome. It basically means we have no idea what is wrong with you or how to fix it. Not comforting at all for someone who likes to be active. I’ve talked about this in the past. I do everything in my power to manage my symptoms. Is this the reason I stopped working out? I’m sure it contributed to it in some ways. My knee issues post a total knee replacement have also contributed. But enough is enough. It’s time to get my butt moving and get in some sort of shape again. I will never be in as fit as I have been in the past but I can definitely be in better shape. That is the goal. Today was the start. I will keep you all updated.

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 wasn’t sure what to post for the photo of the week. I played around with some landscape images while I was in Grand Tetons National Park so I thought I would pick one of them, Here you go,

When we struggled to find wildlife, we pivoted to landscape. I hope you enjoy this image.

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

I have something to get off my chest…..

Photography is hard or more specifically, wildlife photography is hard and I absolutely love it. There is so much to learn. You need to know your camera(s) functions and capabilities. You need to learn the technical side: shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, focus areas, depth of field and more. Then there is the unlimited creative side of composition, light, lines and color. After that, there is the wildlife. None of this matters if you can’t find the wildlife. Admittedly, wildlife is everywhere. Looking out my window, I see a few squirrels and birds. All worth photographing. I’m referring to the big wildlife. The ones you see in magazines and online. Things like moose, bears, elk or wolves. Those bucket list animals. You can’t photograph what you can’t find. You need to learn as much as possible about the animals you desire to photograph. You need to know their habitats, food sources, mating and behaviors and all this is different depending on the season. You need to be a better naturalist. Now learn all this for multiple species of animals. I’m not even including the countless birds on this planet. It’s a lot of time, reading and research. It’s the “work” of photography.

I was painfully reminded of all this on my recent trip to Grand Tetons. We struggled to find wildlife and when we did, the conditions/scene were not ideal to make “wall worthy” photos. When you do find wildlife, you had seconds to dial in all the technical and creative things before you press the shutter. Like I said, hard. I have way more misses than keepers. The goal is to improve by practice so that the keeper rate increases. That takes time and patience. Two things I have in abundance now. I have my notebooks and research. I have my time in the field observing wildlife. I have my time to practice. Some days I come home with multiple images, some days I come home with none. Both days are worthy of my time. Both days provide learning experiences. I absolutely love it.

Hard.

I keep pushing and working because hard things are worth it.

On a different note, I am ahead of schedule and the calendars are available for purchase now. You can find the link to purchase in the store. They make great Christmas presents.

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 on my bingo card.

Sometimes things just happen that you can’t anticipate and you have to learn to roll with the punches. That’s what basically happened to me this week. I moved to a new campsite on Sunday afternoon. When I started to set up, the jack on the camper wouldn’t work. It was pouring rain and cold. I was exhausted and frankly not in the mood to deal with technical issues. I left the trailer connected to the truck and went inside. I had to make decisions. After a little research, I found an RV service that comes to you, called and set up an appointment for Monday morning. Luckily, I had everything I needed in the camper, food, water and heat (it was really cold).

The technician came Monday morning and as I feared, the jack was not repairable. The gears broke and it had to be replaced. Now I had more decisions to make. I could replace it the same day at a significantly higher price or wait until Thursday. I decided to wait. I had “inside work” to do and didn’t have any specific plans for the beginning of the week. The weather was going to be bad (finally sunny today) so why not wait and save some money. If I needed anything there are two gas stations across the street and a grocery store about a half mile away. I was set and I’m glad I decided to wait. I have had three very productive days of work. The technician is set to come back tomorrow and I will be good to go. I have another week here to explore and I’m in no rush at the moment. That’s the freedom time gives you. I didn’t realize how freeing that would be until I stopped working. Time is precious, don’t ever forget that.

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

End of Out of Grand Tetons

Today was the final webinars for my Out of Grand Tetons Photography Conference. There were online presentations, image reviews and an image celebration. It was a fantastic way to end an incredible experience. This was my first Out of Chicago event and I can’t say enough good things about these events. I learned a lot and met some incredible people. Tomorrow, I start finalizing the calendars for 2027. Stay tuned.

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

Back to my regularly schedule programing…

It has been two weeks of adventures. First, photographing in Grand Tetons and then showing my nephew around the Grand Tetons and Flagstaff area. I have such a blast when I spend time with Anthony. We went to the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Sedona. This was the first time he has visited a national park and I was so happy to be able to show him some of the beauty of Arizona. We are already discussing a trip for next year.

Now it’s back to work. I have to edit my photos from Grand Tetons, finalize and complete the calendars. I’m still on schedule for them to be available November 1. Stay tuned.

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

This weeks photo is all about family. I’ve had a wonderful time showing my nephew around the area. I’m a bit sad to see him go 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

A week of photography and travel.

I had one of the best photography experiences ever last week even though there was limited wildlife. Just typing that sentence sounds weird to me. I touched a bit on it in my monthly newsletter. Spending time in Grand Tetons, learning from great photographers who have photographed the park and its inhabitants for years was inspirational. I had some great instructors (Ray, Nick, Jennifer, Matt, Bender and David). Ironically, I learned a lot more about landscape photography which is something I’m not comfortable or confident in shooting. I posted a little sneak peak on my socials this morning. I met some absolutely amazing people. A special thanks to Alan, Sara and James for keeping me company while in the the car. I appreciate the laughs, knowledge and advice on life, travel and photography. I can’t wait to process the photos next week.

My nephew arrives tomorrow. My first visitor since I have been living on the road. I’m super excited to explore the Grand Canyon with him this week. The Grand Canyon is on his bucket list. It should be on everyones bucket list. It is truly a breathtaking sight. I’m looking forward to seeing the expression on his face the first time he looks out over the landscape.

Grand Canyon 2025

I’m going to do my best to blog this week but if I miss a day or two it’s because spending time with my nephew is the most important thing I have going on. I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with him these days. Have 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

Photo of the Week

I spent a little time contemplating this weeks photo. I picked a photo from earlier this year when I was in search of the perfect bison picture. Enjoy.

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

Glacier National Park

I visited Glacier National Park in Montana for the first time in July and here is my nerdy review.

Let’s start with the basic facts about the park. Glacier National Park is one of the great mountain landscapes. The park encompasses 1,012,837 acres—about 1,583 square miles. It protects a remarkable combination of glacier-carved mountains, alpine meadows, forests, lakes, wildlife habitat, and historic structures.

It was officially established on May 11, 1910, when President William Howard Taft signed legislation creating the nation’s 10th national park. The landscape is especially important in the histories and cultures of the Blackfeet, Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and Kootenai peoples. At the time the park was established in 1910, there were approximately 80 glaciers within its boundaries. Today, there are roughly two dozen named alpine glaciers remaining. The park contains 762 lakes, of which 131 are named. The largest is Lake McDonald, approximately 9.4 miles long, up to 1.5 miles wide and 464 feet deep. Going-to-the-Sun-Road is one of the major highlights of the park. It crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, at an elevation of about 6,646 feet. The approximately 50 mile route is both a National Historic Landmark and National Civil Engineering Landmark.

Glacier National Park and neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada) were joined symbolically as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world’s first international peace park.

This park is a landscape and wildlife photographers heaven.

Just driving Going-to-the-Sun-Road, there is a high likelihood of seeing wildlife. Logan Pass (get there early, before 8 am or late, after 7 pm if you want to park) is known for bighorn sheep and mountain goats which I saw each time I was around this location. I saw several mule deer along the road. Give yourself 2-4 hours to drive the route as you will want to pull over and just admire the views.

There are two other “areas” Two Medicine and Many Glaciers. Two Medicine area has a boat that takes you to the other end of the lake and additional hiking trails. They also have canoe and kayak rentals. Next time, I want to take the boat and check out the area at the end of the lake.

Many Glaciers area is probably my favorite area. I saw bears, moose, deer, and countless birds in this area. A short, flat walk from the Swiftcurrent Inn parking lot brings your to Fishercap Lake. I saw moose and beaver in the lake. Deer were along the banks of the lake and grizzly bears passed by on the opposite side. This is also the location for the Grinnell Glacier trail. I didn’t do much hiking as I was more focussed on the photography.

I give this park a 10+/10. I absolutely loved it and there is so much to do. There are several things I want to try out when I go back, hopefully next year. If you find yourself in Montana, make a trip to Glacier National Park.

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

Excitement is building

Each day closer to Grand Tetons, the more excited I get. I know the group I will be photographing with and the locations we will be visiting each day. I did some additional research on the various locations, some of which I visited last month. I’ve been pre-visualizing images I want to create and knowing the locations will help me moving forward. Now fingers crossed that the wildlife cooperates.

Gratuitous Scout 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

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Wendy

Last day with the horses.

Today was the last day I went out to see the horses of Salt Wells Creek. As I prepare to leave on Friday, I wanted to go out one more time. I didn’t take many pictures but did shoot some video I hope to share with you later this year. It was a peaceful morning like many mornings I spend with wild horses. I enjoy the calmness of the herd as they eat and wander the area. I find tremendous peace in this time.

These horses are under constant threat of roundup and removal from their native lands. I’m always a little beset with worry when I leave, wondering if they will be here the next time I return. I will continue to fight for their lives and rights to stay on our public lands.

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

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Wendy

Nothing

It doesn’t happen often but I have nothing to write about today. No stories. I cleaned the camper and went to the grocery store. That’s about it. I was a complete bore today. I’m getting pretty excited for my trip to Grand Tetons, I leave here on Friday. Other than that, I’ve got nothing. Happy Monday! Here is a picture of Scout to make up for my lack of substance today.

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

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Wendy

Photo of the week

I took this earlier this year at Glacier National Park. I call it “Curiosity.” I hope you like it.

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

Video

I dropped a short clip on my Substack a few days ago with a video of me dog sledding. It was a first attempt at editing and I have a long ways to go. Today, I spent the afternoon watching videos and reading instructions on the process. It’s a lot but I think I have taken pretty good notes and am ready to move forward. Keep an eye out for more videos in the future.

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