If you're looking for inspiration to go outside, June 15th is Nature Photography Day, and a great day to explore our nature at Virginia State Parks. It's the 15th year celebrating this occasion.

Scenic landscape at Grayson Highlands State Park

To be sure, with the coronavirus pandemic, so much of everyday life is uncertain, even into the summer and fall. But Monday, June 15, is a reminder about the power of photography to tell stories about the natural world, as well as to tend to Earth, our common home. Photographs are a way to stay connected with one another and the natural world. And the need for that connection may be greater than ever.  

The North American Nature Photography Association encourages people everywhere to use a camera to explore the natural world that is close to them. Settings such as a backyard, garden, and other places can be sources of discovery and inspiration—and they can be steps away.  

For some ideas of what, where and why, how about this short list to *see where your photography takes you.

• Learn even more about the natural history of your environment: plants, wildlife, and land.
• Encourage creativity among your kids, grandkids, and other young photographers. Teach them how to photograph flowers, birds, and more, and then let them take the photos.
• Do a photo scavenger hunt.
• Use your photos to tell important stories about nature. 
• Ask a Ranger for some scenic locations in the park, and hike to them.
• If you teach, ask your students to read about the experiences of nature photographers — legends of the past and today.
• Get inspired by reading about the work of naturalists as well as pioneers in nature photography.
• Pick something that you’ve never photographed before, and make plans to photograph that subject or scene every June 15.
• Take your kids and grandkids on a nature trek, and show them how to photograph trees, flowers, birds, and more. Then print some of their photos and present them, in a mat or frame, to those young photographers.
• Finally, ask yourself how your images can help to bring positive changes to your world.

Click here for a map of all Virginia State Parks to plan your visit. To explore our trails, click here.

*Some ideas from http://www.nanpa.org/events/nature-photography-day/, they even have a photo contest here.