National heritage preserved: The genesis of the U.S. national parks

Today, America’s national parks are a cherished aspect of our national identity, containing some of our most iconic natural landscapes and wonders. And for more than a century, this had been the case. But it hasn’t always been this way. 

Image source: nps.gov

The first national parks began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were the result of a movement that aimed to protect America’s wild spaces, which seemed to dwindle in the advent of agriculture and industrialization. 

The first national park, Yellowstone, was established by the Act of March 1, 1872, as a place of leisure for families within what was then the territories of Montana and Wyoming. It would be in 1916, however, when the National Park Service dedicated to the protection and preservation of these places was established. In 1933, more national monuments and military sites of significance were transferred to the National Park Service. 

Before many of the modern parks we know became established, they were already the focal point for conservation efforts. In 1928, the foundations of what would become the Florida Everglades National Park were spearheaded by landscape artist Ernest Coe. Although the park was formally established in 1932, it wouldn’t have its recognizable borders until 1945 and would remain imperiled for much of its history, prompting activism from people like journalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas to further its conservation. 

Today, the United States and its affiliated territories are home to more than 400 national parks, each preserving a wide array of significant wilderness areas and sites of national cultural and historical significance. 

Image source: doi.gov

My name’s Jack Elway, a former professional photographer and lifelong fan of our country’s many national parks. Follow me on Twitter for more on my thoughts on the splendor of the wilderness.

Photography and Social Media

Some photography enthusiasts say that social media is destroying the art of photography. While this statement could be true in some ways, it’s best to think that it’s “social media for photography” rather than “social media vs. photography”. Photographers who have started their career in others platforms and have transferred to social media can attest that the platform works for the art just fine.

Image source: socialmediatoday.com

Photographers nowadays have more reach than photographers before who would have their work published to be noticed. With personal social media accounts gaining following from people around the globe, the spread of pictures taken by professional photographers are seeing more light than those of the past. However, using the social media as an avenue for sharing professionally captured photographs has its drawbacks.
Social media is known by many as a giver of instant gratification. Posting your photographs online, especially when they are not what the people are looking for, may not gain a like or even a closer view. Few of the Internet’s population is interested in professionally shot photographs, as most would rather choose Instagram posts by their favorite personalities. It has become a daily thing that a thoroughly conceived picture may not garner the applause of social media regulars.
Being successful in making your mark in photography with the help of social media can be challenging, but it would always be worth it. Reaching your favorable audience and sharing with them your best work will surely help your art thrive in a platform once thought to be its enemy.

Image source: getbusyliving.ch

Jack Elway is a retired photographer who has traveled around the country to take photos of national parks. At present, he is in Denver spending time by himself to shoot the wilderness there. Follow his blog for updates about photography.

Picture This: Three Tips For Starting a Photography Business

Are you the go-to photographer in your family? Do you have your camera with you wherever you go? Why don’t you turn your interest and talent into a business? So, if you’re looking to make the jump from a photography hobbyist into a professional, here are three tips for starting your own photography business.

Image source: freelancernews.co.uk

It’s not a hobby if you’re making money

Your business needs to be legitimate for two main reasons: First, because the government requires you to. Second, potential clients prefer to deal with professional photographers.

Being your own boss is a blessing and a curse

When you are your own boss, no one will make you do anything. It sounds like the best thing in the world, but it’s both a good thing and bad thing. If you don’t make something happen, it never will. You have to motivate yourself to be organized and be on top of things.

You must sell

It won’t matter how great a photographer you are if you can’t sell your work. This isn’t to say you don’t need quality in your work, you need to. The ability to sell is paramount to your financial success. But you don’t need a degree in sales to sell. If you have spoken to a client and after your conversation, they decided to book with you, you’ve already sold.

Image source : noobpreneur.com

Jack Elway here. I’m a retired photographer from Denver and love taking pictures of national parks. Visit my blog for more tips.

Been there, done that: How to establish a career in photography

As a retired photographer, I get this question a lot: What do you need to do to become a successful photographer? Well, there’s no easy answer, no shortcut. Here’s what you can do to establish a successful career in photography. 

Image source : onthewebbsocialmedia.com

1. Grow your network It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when people are readily available to help. But when you need the help of someone, it is too late to get to know her. Grow your network as you start your professional career. Get out there and help people, praise their work, show interest in their craft. You’ll be amazed how far someone will go to help a friend. 

2. Narrow down your genre and focus on a specialty Decide what you want to photograph and master everything you can about it. Being a photographer that shoots “everything” isn’t going to take you anywhere. People usually choose the best photographer for their needs. Of course, as you start your career it’s ok to take any project, from children’s parties to weddings just to support you financially, but as you go along, you need to master a genre that you will be known for. 

3. Learn from the greats Find a photographer producing great images, and learn from their techniques. If someone is doing something good, learn how they do it. 

Image source : hbculifestyle.com

Hi there, Jack Elway here. Follow me on Twitter to get regular photography tips.

Capturing Action And Heart In travel photography

In my years as a travel photographer, I’ve met people who have made an impact in my life and the way I see things. It’s always good to look back at those moments and think about the difference they all made in my life. Travel photography is a passion and a career that I will always hold on to for the lessons it gives. Through it, I found beauty in everything.

Image source: cntraveler.com

I travel with my trusted camera, of course. Without it, taking photos of people and places will be a bit hard as I’ve gotten used to my own and I know how to best work with it. Finding a camera that’s easy to learn and use will surely bring out the best in every shot. In every frame, there is action. Emotion shots in travel photography are usually of locals. Before you capture them in motion, it’s best to get to know them first. It would be like trespassing in a territory without doing so. This will also enable these local people to loosen up and to act natural.

Shoot using the rule of thirds. This technique highlights the subjects better. For shooting places, do your research first. It’s the same as getting to know the people you take photos of. Learn about the place and its history so you would know how to best take a picture of it. Try shooting during the “Golden Hour”. It’s the first hour of light at dawn, and the last hour of light when the sun sets.

Image source: yomadic.com

When in doubt, just take the photo. You’ll get better at it. As you interact with the people, you’ll learn new things about their culture through your craft.

Hi! I’m Jack Elway. I’m a retired photographer living in Denver. I’ve traveled the world and saw its beauty through my camera lens. For more posts on photography, click this link.

Traveling with a DSLR camera? Here's how to keep it safe

One of the many benefits of traveling is that it allows one to see sights and create new memories. For some people, they want to preserve these memories through photographs.

                 Image source:disneytouristblog.com

And what better way to take pictures than using a DSLR camera equipped with the needed accessories. But during transportation, photography equipment are prone to damage or theft if they are not packed properly. Written below are some essential tips on how to keep the camera safe.

Make sure that the bag has sufficient padding inside that would serve as a cushion while the bag          worn.If possible, the bag should also feature a hard-sided exterior for better protection.

Disassemble everything before packing the equipment inside the case, especially the lens.                    Forgetting to do so could damage the threads that attach the camera to the lens or place pressure          on the lens itself.

Use a sealed plastic bag if water or toiletries will be placed near the equipment.

Do not overpack, as some photography enthusiasts are in the habit of doing. Be sure to bring only       what is needed to avoid the damaging the accessories while inside their case.

When flying, do not leave the photography equipment in the checked baggage. Instead, it should         be hand-carried onto the cabin to avoid mishandling. 

                    Image source:moshileatherbag.com

Jack Elway here, a retired photographer. I travel around the country, but I am currently staying in Denver because the wilderness here makes for great photo opportunities. For more photography tips, subscribe to my blog.

Dlsr Camera Options For Landscape Photography

There are many digital single-lens reflex (commonly known as DLSR) cameras in the market today, but the trick is finding the most suitable one for your needs. In landscape photography, the more important considerations are image quality and control of exposure, as opposed to speed. Because unlike sports or wildlife photography, landscape photography is a slow, methodical process. Hereunder are some digital cameras for taking stunning photos of scenic vistas.

Image source: digital-photography-school.com

Pentax 645Z

For its plethora of features and high-end design, the 645Z is the camera of choice for the serious landscape photographer. Having one is like having a studio camera with you as you venture into the great outdoors. This camera features a weather-sealed design and relatively compact form factor for one that carries a huge 51.4-megapixel, 43.8 x 32.8mm CMOS.

Nikon D810

For a mid-range option, this offering by one of the industry leaders features Nikon’s highest resolution body, powered by an FX-format 36.3MP CMOS sensor for great sharpness and resolution. The D810 has very slow low native sensitivity value of ISO 64, which helps a lot to complement slower shutter speeds.

Image source: bhphotovideo.com

Sony Alpha a7R II

Finally, for a much cheaper alternative, here’s a non-DLSR, hybrid model (meaning mirrorless) that boasts of being one of the highest-resolution cameras available, with its full-frame 42.4MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor. We said DLSR options, and this is the recommended bang-for-your-buck if you don’t want to spend too much cash.

My name is Jack Elway, retired photographer and avid wilderness explorer. I’m currently based in Denver, taking in the scenery and enjoying the Colorado outdoors. For more on my photography endeavors, visit this website.