Natalie Bartley: The pros offer tips for outdoor photography

Capturing outdoor adventures on a camera enables us to re-live our experiences and share them with our friends and families.

Three southern Idaho professional photographers offer their thoughts on maximizing the potential of outdoor photos.

JERRY KENCKE

Kencke, of Mountain Home, is a self-taught photographer with 22 years of experience.

"I just got interested in my surroundings, started taking photographs and built from there," said Kencke, who is a hunter and angler and has a biology degree.

You can see his work at the Art Source Gallery in Boise, the Boise Airport, Carmella Winery in Glenns Ferry and businesses in Mountain Home.

What he likes to shoot: He likes scenic, wildlife and Western lifestyle shots.

When and where to shoot: Spring through fall in Pine, Featherville and the Hailey-Sun Valley areas; spring in the Owyhee Canyon for wildlife, rock formations and green vegetation; the Palisades and Ashton areas near Yellowstone are other favorites, "Because of the extreme fall colors, and the seasons are earlier so I can work in more fall colors over a longer period of time."

Advice: Novice photographers should, "Learn to see what is around them and take the time to do it." He suggested taking notes on areas and the best seasons to return.

Thoughts on digital vs. film cameras: "Absolute beginners would be wise to purchase a film camera and learn to use that before they get into digital. Film is more expensive, so they will take the time to build the photo. With film, you have to use the basics of photography."

Challenging shots: Kencke says action shots from rodeos and other sports are challenging. "You have to know something about what is going to be happening so you can be ready for it. It is good to research before you shoot. Get in touch with the event sponsors, and determine how to stay out of the way."

KIRK KEOGH

Keogh, of Boise, is the owner of First2lastlight Photography. He emphasizes outdoors, recreation and travel.

What he likes to shoot: Keogh enjoys photographing skiing, snowboarding, whitewater kayaking and rafting, and tries to involve people in his photos.

When and where to shoot: "Wherever the best light is," Keogh said. "I think you can find good stuff any time of the day, but you need to pay close attention." He spends time in the Boise National Forest, Owyhees and Sawtooths, and on the Boise Greenbelt.

Advice: "Have a general idea what the message or idea you want to communicate is. Be present, be flexible, and look around. Don't just be focused on the subject at hand."

Thoughts on digital vs. film cameras: "Try things, especially with digital where the film is free."

Challenging shots: "Study other people's work and try to understand how they did it. Ask yourself how to freeze that moment in time that tells the whole story or how to draw people into that image and make them feel like they are there."

WILLIAM MULLINS

Mullins, of Boise, is a retired wildlife biologist. He's been a full-time professional photographer for nine years. You can see his work in "Idaho Wildlife Impressions" by Farcountry Press. He shoots wildlife, adventure travel, fly-fishing, bird hunting and whitewater rafting.

What he likes to shoot: Birds, bears, elk, deer, antelope and waterfowl.

When and where to shoot: He prefers spring and fall and early mornings and late evenings. "The animals are more active, and the light is better," Mullins said. He counts the Owyhees, Sawtooth Valley, Stanley Basin and rivers such as the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Main Salmon and the Snake River in Hells Canyon as his favorite Idaho locations.

Advice: "A critical element for most photos is that they need to be sharp in focus." Exceptions are time exposures for water or flowers blowing in the wind, running animals, or artistic effects. He also suggested photographers simplify and avoid clutter. Pay attention to what is in your viewfinder. Use your depth of field, move your position or move your subject. "The goal is to simplify the overall composition of the photo." When shooting wildlife, "Try to photograph action and behavior rather than static portraits. If an animal is doing something, it adds interest."

Thoughts on digital vs. film cameras: "Digital cameras offer a huge advantage. You can see the results right away. If you are watching bull elk fighting, you can burn up a lot of pictures and delete the ones you don't want."

Challenging shots: When shooting snow photos, adjust the light meter by overexposing by one to two stops. In any challenging situation, use your digital camera to review shots and make adjustments.

Natalie Bartley is a freelance outdoors writer. E-mail: natbartley@earthlink.net.