Since starting this nomadic journey almost 3 years ago I have graduated from professional animal stalker to amateur animal photographer. My goal is to one day become a professional animal photographer but that means years of classes and sifting through thousands of my blurry photographs and allowing my husband to analyze them without me getting angry. I’ll get there though. I have the passion and the drive and I love animals… from a distance. Up close I get scared and edgy. This is why I love taking pictures of animals and wildlife. Over the next few years I will invest in better equipment and proper training to take amazing pictures. Here are a few of my favorite places in the USA to view fantastic wildlife.
5 The Louisiana Bayou
The Louisiana Bayou is teeming with wildlife. From alligators to birds to cute raccoons, there is always something moving in the shallow waters to capture in photographs.
4 Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City and the surrounding areas will always have a special place in my heart. This space has held so many firsts for me. First time I saw a chipmunk, first time I saw bison, first time I saw big horned sheep and mountain goats and also the first time I saw prairie dogs…many, many prairie dogs.
3 Pocahontas County, West Virginia
I spent a few months in Pocahontas County, WV and it was not really what I expected. Kenin and I chose West Virginia to take a break and get some work done, but it turned out to be so beautiful and full of wildlife that we went out almost every single day. It was an amateur photographers dream. I even saw a bear and being an amateur, didn’t have a camera with me so was subjected to sprinting with my cellphone to capture this shot.
2 Crystal River, Florida
Crystal River, Florida was a short weekend getaway for me. I must re-visit soon though. There was so much to see and do. We even had the opportunity to swim with manatees in the wild. It was amazing. You can’t touch them (it’s against the law) but sometimes you get lucky and one of them will swim right up to you. Wildlife (and not so wild) was everywhere to be found in Crystal River.
1 Alaska – Yes, the entire state of Alaska
This was our first real road trip after starting our blog. It was 60 days from Key West, FL to Deadhorse, AK and back. We saw reindeer, musk ox, many foxes, mink, and too many bald eagles to count. Look at how terrible these photos are. I am pretty ashamed of them really, but this goes to show what a long way Kenin and I have come in taking pictures. I say we need a do-over so we can use our new gear and our new skills. Who’s up for a road trip?
These are just a handful of our favorite spots to check out for wildlife. Keep following our adventures and we will continue to share our favorite spots. Ramble On!
Look at that Prairie dog Lauren! So cute! I love images of the bayou and need to visit some day. If for only to see spots where so many TV shows and movies were filmed. I recall a trip to Charleston, SC. Not the bayou of course but the mangroves were similar with gators sunning themselves on banks and all of the trimmings. What a blast to visit. Loving the images too Lauren; you’re doing great!
Ryan
Aww, I love your photo of the young deer! I have never been to any of these places, but based on your descriptions, I definitely need to visit soon! I’m glad you’ve gotten to see such a wide array of wildlife in your travels, and I hope you continue to see improvement in your photography!
#1 for me is probably the Everglades.
South Dakota is a great choice. I loved the bison at Custer State Park and the prairie dogs in the Badlands.
Alaska would have to be my choice, just so I could see a Bald Eagle.
Than Valdez, AK would be the place for you!
Prairie dogs are so freakin’ cute … great pics of all the American wildlife though, as we have a wonderful country filled with amazing creatures!