About the Cover…

“Never stop looking, no matter where you are, everywhere there are good photographs.” —Art Wolfe

Mike Davis

Dramatic nature is everywhere—you just have to look for it. Sure, there are spectacular natural scenes in far-off lands with exotic names and environments. I have been to some and plan to visit more spectacular locales, but I spend the majority of my time locally.

Observing nature is what I do. Leave the headphones at home—watch, listen, and smell what is occurring around you. Be still. Go back to the same spot repeatedly. It takes time to develop a sense of truly seeing things. A small folding chair is a wonderful tool. Sit down in the most remote spot you can find, off the path or trail. Make repeated trips to the same locale. Soon, you will be seeing. It will take a while before you really start seeing.

The bobcat was off the beaten path. The pointed black ear tips moved silently through the tall grass, drawing my attention. Invisible to the walkers on the nearby trail, he slowly moved to a small open spot about 20 yards away—turned his head—and the yellow eyes looked directly at me. My Nikon recorded it all. What a thrill!