May. 2000
President's
Message
Portrait of ...
Article: Seeing the Big Picture
Portrait Of ...
Steve Scott
My initial interest in photography began in my teens when I would borrow my father’s camera while on vacation or during the holidays. I would venture out on my own just to take snapshots of various subjects. No matter where I was, I always had a camera in my hand.
Then in 1988/89, I purchased my own camera, a Canon EOS 650 with 2 lenses and a flash (ironically, even though the lenses have changed and the flash is gone, it is the same camera I still use today). I never really took photography very seriously at the time; in fact, I really didn’t know what I was doing. I was intimidated by all the technical aspects of the camera and its capabilities. Luckily, it had some automation features, so all I really needed to do was “point-and-shoot.”
Everything changed in 1994 when I made my first visit to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah. I was so “awe-struck” with the incredible natural beauty of the Colorado Plateau Country that I was motivated to capture the beauty of this amazing place. And so I began to learn. By reading photographic magazines and books, I began to learn the technical and compositional aspects. As I learned, I made annual pilgrimages to Utah to test my new-found knowledge. Most of the time I was disappointed, but not undaunted. I began to see that it was a continual process, as one does not stop learning different things about the craft. In 1997, I moved to Delaware from California and became a member of The Delaware Photographic Society. This has provided me with not only an opportunity to learn, but a forum where I can compare my ability to others (and I still have a lot to learn, too!!). Thanks to my wife’s blessing, I still make my annual pilgrimage to canyon country to pursue my dreams.
As far as what I enjoy the most about photography, I receive the most joy and satisfaction photographing landscapes, particularly from the Colorado Plateau. To me, there is no place more beautiful or grand. From mammoth towers in Zion to the mysterious “hoodoos” of Bryce Canyon. From “delicate” arches in Arches NP to canyons as-far-as-the-eye-can-see in Canyonlands NP. From colorful monoliths of Capitol Reef to the grandest of all canyons, Grand Canyon; the “plateau” is truly “God’s Country”. I do not know where my photography will take me. I do know that I want to continue to learn as much as possible and further my photographic ability. I will continue to capture all the beauty of the Colorado Plateau. “Discovering” canyon country has added so much to my life – photographically and spiritually. And if my photos of “these rare lands” inspire just one other person to discover,, cherish and respect it as I do, that would be the greatest satisfaction. See you on the Plateau!