Heart Warming Photography to Brighten Your Holidays

The Great Escape of Nature Photography, as told by general surgeon, Dr. Harsha Jawardena

Fifteen years ago I had no idea how to take photographs. My oldest son started playing tennis on his high school’s JV team. I wanted to take pictures of him playing. I was taking action shots, but they came out very blurry.

This is when I realized where the skill of the photographer comes in. I knew it wasn’t the camera, it was me. So I did some research, bought a better camera, and joined a local photo club. I am now co-president of the local photo club.

When I bought a digital camera it was helpful because I was able to get the instant feedback that kind of helped me to refine my technique.

Role Reversal with Bear in the Woods
Role Reversal with Bear in the Woods

When I was growing up in Sri Lanka my parents were nature lovers and we went to national parks all of the time. I went bird watching in high school, and to the ocean to watch the rare turtles lay eggs.

I have been blessed to have traveled the world. I have been to the Artic to photograph the polar bears. I have been on photo safari trips to Africa four times; to Pantagonia, Argentina, Asia and New Zealand.

However, my favorite place to photograph is Yellowstone National Park in the wintertime. I have been there three times. The snow covers the park, and there is tremendous mist and geysers and less people. I think better photos can be taken there in the winter months.

Red Fox in Yellowstone National Park
Red Fox in Yellowstone National Park

I don’t like to go to popular places to photograph. I like to camp and take photographs – it certainly is not luxury travel.

Another one of my favorite things to do is photograph Alaska in the winter, Juno, Alaska specifically. We get dropped into a very remote area by a helicopter. There are no roads and we are on a mountain top where we can see wild flowers, ice scapes. We spend three days camping and taking photographs and then the helicopter comes back to get us.

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Tel: 641.494.5200

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2440 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Tel: 507.320.7900

Fax: 641.494.5403

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