Yes, I have been away for a while, travel mostly, but also letting ideas germinate. I have always been aware that travel starts at home so why shouldn't travel photography? When getting ready to visit a new destination, I read as much as I can about it. Websites, blogs, articels and books all add to my understanding of a place. Ideas of what I might expect should already be tucked up inside my head for exploring visually when I arrive at my destination. I want to be closer to the experience right from the start. Practice at home!

Photographing as much as I can from day to day when I am home is important for me on many levels. While exploring areas closer to home help me stay in tune with the nature and have allowed me to develop a stronger sense of place. Not only do I get to watch the seasons of light change around my area but I get a better understanding of what the nature of my area does through the seasons I find just using the camera and lenses from day to day keep me in practice so when I venture out a to more exotic locals my eye and technique will be ready for capturing compelling images to bring back home.

This white-tailed deer buck was photographed visiting my back yard. I try out new gear in my yard quite frequently and practice with lenses I may have put aside for a while. I have developed a pretty good local territory around town and the surrounding area. Over time I have figured out what areas are good for different wildlife and where to look for dramatic light. Local parks, and state lands are some of my favorite haunts. Getting around has helped me learn what hikes and drives might provide better opportunities for photography. Yet there are always pleasant surprises to be discovered. 

What it comes down to; the more I look through the lens, the more I see to photograph whether an animals, their behavior or the way light paints itself across the subject. Watching and learning I find it difficult to get bored of nature .