66 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016
N
ature abounds in beauty, both subtle and sublime. I credit photography with helping me
see and appreciate the former. Over 15 years ago, I bought a used Nikon camera from
then NEBRASKAland staff photographer Mike Forsberg, and under his patient tutelage,
began my journey with photography.
Through the lens, I viewed familiar landscapes in ways I had not before. The hues of
tallgrass prairie and the shape and lines of Sandhills dunes became more profound. Wildflowers
were scrutinized from all angles seeking their perfect form.
Intrigued by the intricate feather patterns and colors, harvested game birds were no longer just
table fare, but an artistic opportunity. For several springs, I photographed wild turkeys in the
dappled shade of our backyard maple, finding that just the right angle and intensity of sunlight
flashed brilliant reds and silvers among their seemingly all black breast
feathers. On fall and winter days, prairie chickens (photo above), sharp-
tailed grouse and rooster pheasants were laid on our front porch where the
rays of the low afternoon sun warmed the feathers' colors and shadows
brought forth rich textures to capture.
Viewed with new eyes, nature continues to surprise me.
Gerry Steinauer, Botanist
December 11, 2015
Nature's Beauty Through Photography
