Denise Stephens, September Photographer of the Month for the Friends of Hagerman, says “A friend told me about Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge; I found out about the Autumn Photo Safari last year, signed up and fell in love with the place.” 

Now a virtual album of twelve of Stephens’ photos taken at the Refuge will be featured on the Friends website, www.friendsofhagerman.com.

Stephens, who lives in Ft Worth, says she tries to get to the Refuge as much as possible. She has loved nature, wildlife and architectural photography since she was about 4 or 5, and recalls being captivated by a slide of a mouse her dad took while camping in Europe as well as by a beautiful cathedral.  Her father, an avid birder and nature lover as well as an architect, has been the greatest influence to her interest in photography.   Stephens credits him with giving her an appreciation for not only seeing but hearing a songbird, for noticing buildings, the period of time and the history they represent.  Grandparents helped her see the beauty of flowers, plants, and animals.  Her stepmom taught her about rock formations and layers of the earth, shark teeth and volcanoes, about seeing nature as art.

My Green Alien Dragonfly by Denise Stephens

Stephens’ first camera was purchased for her by her dad, when she was in her teens, a Pentax K1000, fully manual.  

Stephens says, “I learned everything about that camera, as well as a lot about different types of film, and shot almost exclusively with slide film. I now own a NikonD60, only had it for about a year so I am still learning.  I have two lenses; Nikon 18-55 and Nikon 55-200 VR.  I absolutely love this camera!  While I sit behind a desk all day at work analyzing financial information, I long to be outdoors taking photos, constantly learning how to become a better photographer.”

Hagerman NWR is a magnet for area photographers and offers group photo opportunities as well.  The next meeting of the FOH Nature Photo Club will be on Saturday, September 11, at 12:30 pm, at the Refuge; all interested photographers are welcome.  Meetings include a program and photo sharing. 

The next Autumn Photo Safari will be held late in October.  For details, email fohphotoclub@gmail.com.