A real feeling of accomplishment came over me when I pushed ‘return’ on my computer last week sending my book about the Fascieux Creek Wetland to the publisher. Months spent selecting images, formatting, writing, proofreading and finally conducting a detailed examination of the entire project had come to an end.
I am thrilled with what I have done, yet I am nervous. Will the book meet my expectations? I’m sure that feeling will remain until the moment I finally have the completed book in my hands.
My story of the Fascieux Creek Wetland is about much more than photography. It’s about an urban wetland that I knew nothing about. It’s about a chance conversation that drew my attention to it and it’s about realizing that there are many such locations in the Okanagan watershed each of which is an ecosystem where many critters thrive.
There are so many places in the world I would love to visit and photograph particularly along British Columbia’s west coast. Whales, grizzly bear and otters are just a few of the animals I would love to aim my camera at. But age has snuck up and is now a reality that must be considered. So when I discovered the Fascieux Creek Wetland I discovered a new reality. Nature is right in my own ‘back yard’.
Patience and perseverance is often associated with wildlife photographers. Regardless of the size of the beast or their location these habitats are so important.
Ecosystems like the Fascieux Creek Wetland cannot be considered as ‘one and done’ photo trips. I found that to make the most of such locations I had to visit many times and at many different times of the day. Learning the rhythms of the seasons and how the critters behaved in each of the seasons was crucial to making the best photographs.
Having the book in my hands will not be the end of the story. There are publishing options to consider for further editions. Hard and soft cover books, coffee table books, magazines and ebooks are formats that Blurb, the company I am working with, is able to produce. I am leaning toward an eBook option. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Once I have the finished product in hand I’ll consider my options.
I love to have my images printed and hung on the wall. Some of these have found new homes. But in reality most of my work resides on a hard drive unseen and not shared with others. The book option is an excellent way to enjoy my work and to share it with others. I’m thinking that this book, The Fascieux Creek Wetland: Seasons of Beauty, may be just the beginning.