West Virginia Fine Photography, LLC

Nature Galleries

Kentucky Elk Tour & Workshops : In eastern Kentucky, an ambitious project began several years ago...to repopulate 16 counties with Rocky Mountain Elk. That program was a great success, and today the Kentucky Elk herd is estimated at over 10,000. For approximately four years, the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, KY, has been offering Elk Tours to guests. Leaving before sunrise, guests leave the Park and travel to a reclaimed surface coal mine, which has become home to the closest of the elk. On one such trip, I had the opportunity to meet Trinity Shepherd, Park Naturalist. He shared his dream of having a photography activity at the Park which could also include the Elk Tours. Along with my friend and colleague, Amanda Haddox, we told Trinity he had met the right people, and immediately began planning a nature photography event for the Park. In April of 2012, we held our Spring Photography Weekend. We were happy to have over 50 photo enthusiasts from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. In addition, we were able to feature Ernie & Angie Page of The Wonder Of It All Photography as our special guest instructors. Participants enjoyed a Sunrise Elk Tour, a Macro/Wildflower Class & Field Trip, an Eagle Cruise on Dewey Lake, and more! The overwhelming positive response by the participants, along with the great reception by Park management, prompted us to plan another event, our 2013 Winter Photography Workshop. It was held in February, and we had just over 40 photographers from Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia to join us. Our Workshop included three days of classes, a photo contest, and field trips, including a tour to see and photograph the nearby Rocky Mountain Elk Herd and the "Mountain Home Place." I am including some of my photos in this Gallery, from both various Elk Tours and from the Spring 2012 and Winter 2013 Workshops. I will be adding more photos, and updating information about other activities at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. If you are interested in participating in one of these Elk Tours or Workshops, please email me at wvfinephotography@hotmail.com . A Fall Workshop is being considered, and details will be shared here as they become available.

Kentucky Elk Tour & Workshops

In eastern Kentucky, an ambitious project began several years ago...to ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2013 6:47pm PST

The Lakes Of Jackson County : There are several lakes within Jackson County, West Virginia. Many of these are also within Wildlife Management Areas. Several of these photos were taken at Rollins Lake near the community of Evans.

The Lakes Of Jackson County

There are several lakes within Jackson County, West Virginia. Many of ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2012 12:27pm PST

West Virginia Beauty : Oh, the hills, beautiful hills, How I love those West Virginia hills! If o'er sea o'er land I roam, Still I'll think of happy home, And my friends among the West Virginia hills. If you see a photo that you like, click on "Buy" and you can select the print/product you want, the quantity, and place your order right here! The "watermark" brand that appears in the center of the photos won't be reproduced on ordered prints. However, some prints do include a permanent "watermark" in the lower right corner.

West Virginia Beauty

Oh, the hills, beautiful hills, How I love those West Virginia hills! ...

Updated: Oct 17, 2012 9:08pm PST

Babcock State Park & New River Gorge 2011 : In late October, I visited Babcock State Park, Thurmond, Glen Jean, Dunloup Falls and other beautiful spots near the New River Gorge. I hope you enjoy them.

Babcock State Park & New River Gorge 2011

In late October, I visited Babcock State Park, Thurmond, Glen Jean, Du ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2011 2:53pm PST

Canaan Valley Winter Trip 2011 : Along with several friends from the Charleston Camera Club, I visited the beautiful Canaan Valley in mid-February, 2011. After cold fingers and noses, a three-mile hike, and a short stay inside while the snow and wind blew ferociously outside, I brought a few "keepers" home. The only things better than the beautiful scenery was the food and fellowship!

Canaan Valley Winter Trip 2011

Along with several friends from the Charleston Camera Club, I visited ...

Updated: Feb 19, 2011 9:13am PST

"Resident Photographer" at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge : During most of September, 2010, I was fortunate to be selected as the "Resident Photographer" at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, in Canaan Valley, near Davis, WV. The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is the nation’s 500th! The Refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. You may enjoy the Refuge by participating in wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education, and nature programs. The combination of wet soils, forests, shrub lands and open lands throughout the valley provides a diversity of wildlife habitats. In these habitats, some animals, such as deer, raccoon, geese and squirrel are easy to see. Others, such as mink, bobcat and barred owls stay hidden most of the time. Beaver build dams from trees, manipulating water levels to their advantage. Woodcock treat us to their breeding display in spring. Turkey and ruffed grouse provide a challenge for hunters and birders. Over the years, native brook trout in the river have been joined by other species of trout and bass. While serving as their September "Resident Photographer," I have photographed the flora and fauna all around most of the Refuge's almost 16,000 acres. I also provided an exhibit of my favorite nature photos, and did a presentation for visitors, entitled "ABCs of Better Photos." The end of September will also close entries for the "Friends of the 500th" annual amateur photo contest. I've really enjoyed the beauty and solitude of the Refuge, and I hope you enjoy the photos displayed here. I still have some to add, so stop back for another visit soon!

"Resident Photographer" at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

During most of September, 2010, I was fortunate to be selected as the ...

Updated: Oct 03, 2010 8:09pm PST

Visit to North Bend State Park :

Visit to North Bend State Park

Updated: Dec 08, 2009 7:31am PST

Winter Trip to Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley and Cathedral State Parks : Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis, West Virginia, is one of my favorite places. I have lots of negatives from my previous trips there, but don't have very many since making the switch to digital. I especially didn't have many winter photos, so I made a trip recently. I hope you enjoy these. They were taken at Blackwater, Canaan Valley and Cathedral State Parks, or in the area.

Winter Trip to Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley and Cathedral State Parks

Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis, West Virginia, is one of my f ...

Updated: Dec 29, 2009 9:10pm PST