photography in the national parks

When you and your camera visit a national park known for its vista or wildlife, you tend to carry with you some pretty high expectations of framing in your viewfinder that perfect shot of a bear or wolf. Sometimes, though, you might not see what you hoped to see. What then? Photographer Rebecca Latson urges you to lower those expectations just a little bit and focus on other things within that national park, and ultimately you will come away with some great imagery despite those dashed expectations.

What if you want to clearly capture a plant or tree or person in the foreground of some shaded or backlit vista within a national park? What if you spy a gorgeous flower or unusual plant, and the inside of the flower or the plant’s stems or leaves are deeply shaded? Photographer Rebecca Latson describes a couple of techniques used to lighten up your subject within a less-than-well-lit venue.

Thinking about traveling to Banff National Park in Alberta Canada in early spring? You already know the scenery is going to be spectacular, but do you know what to really expect once you get out there? And where to photograph? Contributing writer and photographer Rebecca Latson has created another Armchair Photography guide with tips and locations to help you focus on capturing your own stunning images during your visit out there.

In wildlife photography, there may be no greater thrill than photographing a grizzly leading her three cubs across a green meadow in Yellowstone. Nor a more powerful sense of wonder than witnessing the birth of a bison calf in the remote Lamar Valley. Nor a more impressive wildlife scene than a magnificent bull elk guarding his harem of females along the scenic Madison River.