Scapes Best in Show: Ferns and Birch Trees-Showcase 2018 © Richard W. Sandford
Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in a series of profiles of winners in the Showcase 2018 Competition. We featured one winner each week. Not all of the winners chose to prepare a profile, but most did. This week, we end with Richard W. Sandford and his winning image “Ferns and Birch Trees.”
Showcase 2018 winner: Richard W. Sandford
Winning Image: Ferns and Birch Trees
Bio:
“I began my photographic journey just eight years ago, and the journey has taken me many places across the United States. In all those places where I have been blessed to be behind the camera, I have tried to capture images which are both meaningful and exciting. I approach my work this way: I must always be open to potential images that abound in those places I find myself. Thus, the images that find my eye become those images recorded by my camera.”
“It’s truly an amazing Creation out there, and I believe God is the Artist in Chief. He has provided us with wondrous and endless opportunities to record His work. If we just stop and take the time to see!” RS
How did you get the image?
“During a recent fall trip to Acadia National Park, I visited the Sieur de Monts area to look for some good foliage shots. I found single ferns scattered amongst various trees, but this composition really captured my interest when it found me.”
What was special about this opportunity you had to capture the image?
“The right combination of end-of-season ferns and white-barked birch trees, with a wonderful variety of leaf colors, provided me with an awesome opportunity to record a small portion of God’s wondrous fall beauty.”
What equipment and camera settings were you using to capture the image?
“I use Canon gear for all of my photography. In this case, the Canon 5D Mark III, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, a Singh-Ray 82mm Color Combo filter, Manfrotto tripod and Acratech ball head. Camera settings were Aperture Priority, f/11, 1/2 sec at 16mm, ISO 400.”
Related to your nature photography:
How long have you been photographing and what, in particular, got you into nature photography?
“I began my journey as a photographer in 2011, taking my first workshop and signing on with a great mentor. During our time he launched me into landscape photography, and it suited me wonderfully! I love the outdoors, nature and wildlife. With the entire United States and near endless subjects, I will never grow tired of recording God’s beautiful handiwork for others to see.”
Describe your nature photography experience level and current status.
“I would categorize myself as an advanced amateur landscape photographer, with a passion for recording moving water and anything related to National Parks land. I have a growing interest in macro photography and night photography, especially the Milky Way and time lapses. I am also looking to do more wildlife photography.”
How should people follow you or see more of your work?
First, here is the link to my NANPA-sponsored portfolio: https://nanpa.org/portfolio/richard-sandford/
“My winning image, Ferns and Birch Trees, as well as my entire NANPA sponsored portfolio, can also be viewed on my website, https://www.rwsnaturephotography.com. From the website, I can be followed on social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram.”
