Local photographers Kathryn Beard, Melvin Black, Steve Bucca and Charles Jackman have been contributing nature photos to the News Review for years. When Beard visits Greenbelt Lake, she searches for wildlife like orioles lingering in the trees, herons stalking for a meal or frogs floating on lily pads. She captured an image of a hawk with its broad wings and sharp beak, squatting on a tree stump. Taking pictures of wildlife that others have never seen before is part of the reason she does it, Beard said.
Black and Bucca have had experience in photography since they were young men. Black has been using cameras since his youth and during his time in the Navy. Bucca began his photography journey when he worked in a Ritz Camera & Image store in the 1980s.
Beard and Jackman are newer to the world of photography. Beard said her interest in taking photographs began after losing her job in 2016, and added that photography got her through injuries to her hands. Jackman is a retiree who said that photography is a newer hobby of his.
“We’re lucky to, as I say, live in Greenbelt. We have a lot of areas that are more or less protected and preserved, so we can enjoy wildlife and also the plants and flowers around,” said Jackman.
Taking pictures of flowers and animals at Greenbelt Lake is something these photographers have in common. Beard explained that when it comes to getting a good photo at the lake, “it’s about knowing where things are,” although it can be challenging for her to be quick enough to get the shot, she said.
Black likes to capture candid moments of people and animals when he is outdoors in Greenbelt and elsewhere. Perched on a pine tree branch, a fuzzy, gray baby owl surveys the area. The owl can be spotted easily in front of a background of green pine needles. Black photographed the bird and has the picture displayed in his house. It was originally a part of his exhibit at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on the Patuxent Research Refuge.
Black has also had his work displayed in the New Deal Café. He keeps books of his photographs from various trips he’s taken as well. Beard has had two of her photos featured in Maryland Milestones 2018 and 2019 calendars. The two share the idea of scouting for certain shots. Black says he goes out to “take photos with a purpose.”
Bucca and Jackman are more opportunistic and spontaneous when taking photographs. Bucca said he primarily enjoys taking photos of landscapes and sunsets but likes to photograph animals with his small Panasonic Lumix camera. Jackman also carries a small camera on walks with his wife to capture wildlife “sort of spur of the moment,” he said.
“A lot of good photography is luck,” said Beard.
