Nature Photography in the DMV and Beyond
By Jerald Council, CouncilMag.com
As summer draws to a close in D.C., Maryland and Virginia (the DMV), I want to share some of my favorite nature photos. In my recent travels, I photographed birds, bees, ducks, insects and more. While I primarily see myself as a portrait and commercial photographer, I find nature photography to be a relaxing and enjoyable pursuit.
The Common Whitetail or Long-tailed Skimmer Dragonfly
“Discovering these delicate, beautiful creatures unveils their unique world, which exists all around us.”
–– Jerald Council
Transitioning from a creative director to a photographer has improved my ability to capture impactful images. Before taking a shot, my natural design instincts help me frame and select the best composition within the viewfinder. Each click emphasizes storytelling details that enhance the photo’s power and authenticity. By applying my design skills and technical camera knowledge—like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—I effectively manage lighting and composition. I also look for strong emotional expressions in my subjects that can connect with viewers.
White-breasted nuthatch
There are those who believe every photographer should have a niche or specialization within the broader field of photography, which allows them to serve a specific clientele. However, I think that’s important only if you want to master a particular genre such as landscape, wedding, portrait, street, architectural or wildlife. On the other hand, I believe indulging in all forms of photography helps you expand your knowledge by learning to combine different styles.
Photographing constantly moving birds, small animals or insects can be quite difficult. I use the Nikon Z9, Nikon’s flagship model, along with various professional wide-angle and telephoto lenses. My go-to lens for nature photography is the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR super-telephoto zoom, which delivers stunning shots and can freeze the rapid wing movements of hummingbirds. I liken the process to hunting or fishing. But instead of stalking your prey, you’re watching live creatures in their natural habitat, going about their daily activities. You assess their movements and wait for the ideal moment to act. This requires hours of patience, discipline and careful observation.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Whether you’re photographing people or wildlife, I truly believe that capturing beautiful photos comes down to having a keen eye and a good grasp of three key manual controls: shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Getting comfortable with these camera settings will not only boost your skills but also make your photos truly shine.
