I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures and sharing the related stories because I’m bringing back the experience to those who weren't along.   I’ve seen plenty of people’s pictures and said “I’m putting that on my list of things to do”.  Pictures & stories encourage us to explore the various aspects of our world first hand.

At a local State Park, I had volunteered to help with media/marketing for the various events. I’d send verbose descriptions of an upcoming event to a list of media contacts.   However, we weren't having the attendance you'd expect for such a lot of advertising. It turned out the media could only can run a 3 line description for the free events listing.  3 lines is enough to list the event, the time, & location.  Being a state park with limited funds, paying for large advertising space wasn’t an option.

Shortly after learning this, a friend asked me to attend one of their frog watch events. I was skeptical, but I went anyway and had a blast. I learned a lot, used modern digital weather tools, and enjoyed being outdoors.

It was suggested that I write about the event and post it on Yourhub.com. So I wrote just like I saw it; a skeptical person going off into the wilderness to do something that sounded very odd who ended up having a lot of fun.   A few weeks later, I received a call from the State Park saying they continued to receive numerous inquiries because of that article.  A simple story, told from the heart turned out to be the best advertising.

I didn’t realize it till sometime after, but that the article summed up everything I enjoy; taking pictures, telling a story, & educating people.   Each event I attend, I look for my own personal story or connection and write about that.   I’m hoping to expand that experience and creativity into other venues, just looking for the opportunities.

It’s my intent that reading my articles and seeing pictures of places that are closer than you think that people will be motivated to get out and experience their world first hand. It is then, that you’ll have your own unique story to tell the world.

Have fun!
Phil

I took the picture on the left one evening at the Savannas Preserve State Park in Fla. I liked the stark contrast of the dark leafless trees against the brillant colors of the sunset.
The picture won 1st place in the trees/plants division of the Savannas' yearly photo contest.