Photographers give tips for capturing winged beauties

The endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

It’s about that time of year when the geezers assemble at the ranch, chop mesquite for juicy sirloin steaks, kick back on the porch and sip cold beverages, and thumb through the much-anticipated annual “Dave Campbell’s Texas Football” magazine.

And, oh yes, prepare the cameras, flashlights and mosquito spray to photograph majestic barred owls on the wild and wooly outskirts of Gorman, Texas.

I enjoy the presence of nature lovers Gary Marks and Jeremy Enlow, both award-winning photographers. They can spot deer 200 yards away through thick mesquite and spy minuscule hummingbirds perched on a distant tree limb.

When they trade cameras for fishing rods, they hook strong largemouth bass. Back on the porch, they provide healthy competition in checkers and moon.

Gary and Jeremy have always been partial to the outdoors. Both grew up a short walk away from water and wildlife ... Gary on the banks of the Paluxy River in Glen Rose and Jeremy near Lake Granbury. Gary hunted arrowheads all over Somervell County with his parents. “Birds, snakes, butterflies, armadillos, deer and quail were always an interesting surprise as we roamed the county,” Gary reflects. “Spooking a covey of quail was always a shock to one’s calmness!”

Digital photography became a way of documenting Gary’s time with nature. He earned the distinction of Master Naturalist. “That really expanded my understanding of nature and its many wonders.”

Jeremy Enlow, left, and Gary Marks.

Gary’s impressive photography portfolio includes the painted bunting, bald eagle, albatross, endangered golden-cheeked warbler and critically endangered whooping crane.

Crappie fishing and dove hunting were Jeremy’s favorite outdoor activities when he didn’t have a camera in hand. His early love for photography ( first published at age 10) morphed into a lifelong profession. He owns Steel Shutter Photography and is considered one of the Metroplex’s – and state’s – top photographers. His “Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch” sleek photography book garnered critical acclaim. He’s working on another, this time rodeo cowboys and cowgirls.

A barred owl.

Over a breakfast of biscuits and sausage in the cookshack, we discussed how a novice photographer could take frame-worthy nature photographs.

From Gary: To photograph birds, put up bird feeders and birdbaths in your yard, not more than 15 feet away from where you’ll shoot. Gary shoots from inside his house or on the back porch.

Jeremy suggests becoming familiar with your camera and “practice, practice, practice.” When you’re in the wild you may have only a few seconds to shoot so it’s important to know your camera and settings. He also advises to walk slow, keep your eyes wide open and “your mouth shut.” Many cities provide nature trails for excellent bird photography. From Gary: Acton Nature Center can provide interesting encounters with birds year-round, especially during fall and spring migration. Monthly walks are held on the first Saturday (7 a.m.) of every month with professional guides sharing their knowledge, sighting of birds and identification through the birds singing.

And from both: Always have your camera when you’re on the road. You never know what you might see.

g Writer