Mountain lovers give back through photography in T.O.
By Alex Wilson 09/11/2008
Amateur photographers experience seeing their work displayed for the public at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Visitor Center in Thousand Oaks, thanks, to an annual competition aimed at shedding more light on the parks often overlooked scenic wonders.
Winners of the Spirit of the Mountains Photo Contest are also honored by seeing their work published in the park’s quarterly publication, Outdoors, that highlights its attractions and events for visitors.
Park Ranger Sheila Braden says it’s a unique opportunity for photographers to see their work displayed.
“We get a lot of people who come by to see the exhibit and bring their friends, especially if they have a photo in the exhibit. It’s a good thing for everybody; we get to showcase the Santa Monica Mountains and the photographers get to have their photos seen by lots and lots of people,” says Braden.
The photos are submitted during September each year, before they’re judged and placed in a two-month exhibition beginning in October. There are several categories, including plants, animals, scenic shots, people in the park and photos by kids.
Each year, there’s also a challenge category, like threats to the park or use of lighting. This year, it’s pictures of other units in the National Park System. Braden says many people are surprised to learn that the mountains they drive by on the freeway are connected to more famous attractions.
“When you talk to people about national parks, they think of faraway places like Yellowstone or Yosemite. But Santa Monica Mountains is right here in your own backyard and you can find all kinds of nice things there. People don’t always realize that,” says Braden.
The photographers also get a chance to have their work critiqued by a renowned landscape photographer named Tom Gamache, whose work is on permanent display at several national park visitor centers, including Death Valley and Yosemite.
“He tries to go over every photograph in the exhibit and tells them what’s good or what might have made the photograph better, like cropping or light or angle,” says Braden.
Thousand Oaks resident Garry Star entered photos of a flower and a butterfly last year. He enjoyed the critique and meeting the other competitors.
“It was really nice to be recognized by the other photographers and get to see their work, too,” says Star.
When his butterfly shot was published in the parks guide, it gave him a thrill. “It made me proud, and it was nice to be able to show people and say, ‘Hey, look what I did,’ ” says Star.
He’s also happy to help promote the park he gets so much enjoyment from. “I’m out there hiking a lot, and I like to take pictures, and I think it’s a great way to support the national park because the Park Service is important and underfunded,” says Star.
Camarillo resident Pat McLean also enjoyed having her work displayed. “The first time I won, I was very surprised,” says McLean. “One of my pictures was on the cover of the quarterly bulletin, which was really exciting.”
She says it’s also enhanced her enjoyment of taking nature pictures. “It’s very gratifying. It makes having photography as a hobby worthwhile,” says McLean.
More information on how to enter the contest and a slide show of winning photos is posted on a park Web site at www.researchlearning center.com/samo/photo/.
Please contact Outdoor Observer with details and contact information about environmental events, volunteer opportunities and adventure sports at outdoors@vcreporter.com.
DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT