“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
Aristotle

Those of us who spend a great deal of time photographing the natural world know how true this is. There is beauty everywhere, from small scenes to grand vistas, in every season, and in every locale.

Nothing in the natural world is static, even though it may appear so to the casual observer. No scene can ever be replicated exactly. There are no re-runs in nature. From month to month, week to week, day to day, and hour to hour, the performance changes - even if subtly. Nature is never boring.

Nature is a bearer of gifts: it seems there is an almost endless supply. The conditions on any given day might not be what we expected or hoped for; nonetheless, they are gifts. Accept them with an open mind and think about what kind of photograph you can make.

The natural world might be considered a teacher. In a sense, it is always willing to communicate and to guide. When we slow down and listen to what it's trying to say, that "dialog" often leads to a photograph. The message received might be unique to you; the resulting image will bear that out. In places often frequented, the message can be quite different from one photo session to the next.

Nature also teaches photographers to be adaptable. Flexible. It teaches us to see differently, to think differently, and to problem-solve.

Nature is therapeutic. There are quantifiable benefits to spending time outdoors, from reduced stress and better quality of sleep to enhanced immune function and reduced blood pressure. Staring at a screen for hours on end is not healthy. Unplugging and getting outside is a perfect antidote.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., I'm mindful of - and thankful for - the integral role nature photography has played in my life. I also recognize how fortunate I am to live in the shadow of the Tetons. People from all around the world come here to witness and photograph the magnificent scenery. I can be in the presence of those spectacular mountains anytime.

Previously, I called New Hampshire home. The White Mountains, especially during the autumnal foliage show, are another bucket-list destination for so many. That was local for me.

I didn't select either of those places to hang my hat; left to my own devices, I doubt I'd have chosen to make those moves. Instead, circumstances chose for me. That's a story for another day. For now, suffice it to say that each of those relocations were the epitome of blessings in disguise.

Who knew I'd come to consider the Granite State home, just as much as I do my native Illinois? It's in New Hampshire that I became serious about photography, and transitioned from hobbyist to photographer. It's the place my husband and I began our life together. Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco; I left mine in New Hampshire.

As for the Tetons, Grand Teton National Park was always one of my favorites - perhaps at the top of my list as far as the park service goes - well before I moved to this area. Now not only the park itself, but also the Teton Valley to the west and all the surrounding beautiful landscapes are, for my camera and me, the "home office."

The irony is not lost on me.

There is always so much for which to be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual."
Henry David Thoreau

In Local News

Colder, more seasonal weather has moved into the region, but the mountains are still waiting on significant snowfall. Grand Targhee, which delayed its scheduled November 21st opening, now has company: Jackson Hole was supposed to open tomorrow but is also postponing.

Looks like no Thanksgiving-weekend skiing this year, unfortunately.

Jackson Hole Resort would like to remind you, however, that the last time they had to delay opening due to light early-season snowfall, they ended the year with 600 inches. :)