What started as a hobby, soon became a passion. Photographing wildlife and nature has become a large part of my life and something that I enjoy tremendously.
Our family was planning a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in 2010. My husband had given me a Nikon camera the previous Christmas, and I had somewhat learned to use it by the time of our trip. When we arrived in Wyoming there was such incredible beauty around me in every direction, both the land and the animals. That was the turning point in my love of photography going from an interest to a passion. It has grown exponentially since that time.
My primary focus is wildlife, particularly animals and birds. I have been given amazing opportunities to see animals I would have never imagined seeing in relatively close proximity (at least close with a telephoto lens). Owls are my most favorite species to photograph. There is just something about them that is so intriguing and mysterious.
Another aspect of photography that I enjoy is astrophotography. This is taking photos of stars and celestial objects. There are few things, in my opinion, as incredible as the night sky. It is stunning to see the Milky Way, shooting stars, constellations and even the moon up close. In the western United States, there are many areas with very dark skies making it easy to photograph these objects, especially the Milky Way. Looking up at this glorious sight is indescribable. I am always reminded of the greatness of God and the magnificence of His creation when I see this.
My most favorite place to photograph is at our cattle farm in Alvaton. There is always something special out there. It was so fun photographing birds during the recent snow and frigid weather. Spring and fall migration of birds bring many unique species though the farm. There is a particular species of small songbirds call Warblers that move through Kentucky during migration. There are at least 50 Warbler species in this country, and it’s always interesting to see how many different ones I can see and photograph each season.
The best sighting I have ever had at our farm was a bobcat. It happened on Thanksgiving Day several years ago. One of my sons and I walked down to the creek. We heard something on the other side of the bank and there it was, drinking from the creek. Fortunately, I had my camera with me and got about eight frames off before the bobcat disappeared up the bluff.
Yellowstone National Park has become very special to me and is also a favorite location to photograph. I feel so fortunate to have been several times. It is spectacular no matter the season, but winter is an incredible time to be there. The crowds are gone, everything is pristine with the snow, and with the exception of one road, the park is shut down to vehicles. To go into the interior you have to take a Snow Coach or snowmobile. My greatest wildlife photography days ever have been from taking one of these coaches. We have watched wolf packs as they interact with bison herds, seen frost-covered bison as they walk down the same road we are on, snow-covered foxes, coyotes, etc. You never know what you will see in Yellowstone, and some of it is tough to witness. Survival for one animal means the loss of another animal. For a photographer, getting up close and personal to the circle of life is raw, and both gut-wrenching and fascinating at the same time.
I must give credit to the Sunny 16 Camera Club here in Bowling Green for helping me develop my photography skills. These talented and very knowledgeable club members, along with programs presented over the years, have been so beneficial to helping me capture the beauty of this incredible world around me.
I am very appreciative to two local businesses that sell my photography. They are The Butcher, The Baker, The Coffeemaker in Rockfield and Be Happy Yoga & Salt Cave in Bowling Green. I also have a website through Fine Art American, julie-barrick.pixels.com.
-submitted by the artist
