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TEXAS LAND / Roundup Issue<br />
costs with the owners, add my fee and pass that total<br />
along to the photographers.<br />
I try to visit each site before taking groups to the ranch<br />
so I know what to expect. Then, I can help the owners fine<br />
tune things to accommodate most situations.<br />
I provide guide service and photo instruction. Many<br />
ranch owners like to assist me with getting people into<br />
the blinds and preparing the photo set so it lures the<br />
most animals and is as photogenic as possible. For<br />
instance, Larry Jay at Block Creek Natural Area near<br />
Comfort drives us to the blinds, puts out the feed, water<br />
and colorful flowers for background color. I tweak the<br />
blind and setup when we arrive at a blind.<br />
Once we get the group situated, the owner leaves<br />
and I stay and shoot with the photographers. I’m on-site<br />
to take care of problems, help them get their<br />
camera gear working correctly and handle<br />
anything else on the photography end.<br />
LAW: In your opinion, what makes nature<br />
photography such a powerful force for conservation?<br />
LD: Nature photography puts the ordinary people and<br />
voters in direct contact with ranch owners and managers<br />
where they educate each other about personal needs<br />
and perspectives. While photographers give the<br />
landowners another revenue source, their interaction<br />
helps both appreciate the viewpoints of the other.<br />
Many owners are kind of “blown away” to learn<br />
about many critters on their land that they’ve never<br />
seen. They learn firsthand just how important every<br />
type of plant and wildlife species is to the general<br />
public. Ranchers get a charge out of hearing and<br />
seeing how valuable their life’s work has been and will<br />
be to the non-ranch public.<br />
In a nutshell, nature photographers validate the land<br />
manager’s values and sense of importance. When<br />
these folks meet, it’s an educational experience for all,<br />
and everyone leaves feeling fulfilled and with a better<br />
understanding of and appreciation for natural things.<br />
Many lasting friendships are forged in the nature<br />
photography settings. Owners are a lot more likely<br />
to see their roles in a different light. I dare say that<br />
after encountering the passionate respect of nature<br />
photographers, many landowners have—and will—alter<br />
their ranch management activities to further improve<br />
the quality of the habitat, soil, water, and animals, which<br />
in turn improves it for humans.<br />
Jason Hahn/Pedrotti-Sorgente Ranch<br />
LANDMAGAZINES.COM<br />
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