NATURESCAPES.NET 2008 LANDSCAPES GALLERY
HONORABLE MENTION

"The Subway- Zion National Park"
Image copyright Ethan Meleg

It's not an easy hike to the famed Subway in Zion National Park, so I was determined to make the most of my time there. After all the other photographers left, I sprawled out on a narrow ledge with my feet dangling in a deep, cold pool of water and the tripod balanced precariously. I knew the low perspective would give depth to the image. The leaf was added (moved from nearby) to balance the composition and create a strong focal point. The swirling leaves in the water, caused by the slow shutter speed, was simply luck... I didn't even notice them until reviewing the photos a couple of days later. EOS 1Ds mIII; 17-40mm lens (at 17mm); Singh-Ray LB Colorcombo polarizer, ISO 200; 13s @ f/22; mirror lock-up & cable release, Gitzo 3540LS tripod and Really Right Stuff BH55 ballhead.

About the Photographer

Ethan Meleg is a full-time freelance outdoor photographer from Ontario, Canada. He specializes in photos of outdoor recreation, natural landscapes, birds and wildlife.

Ethan grew up near world famous birding hotspot Point Pelee National Park and often skipped classes to chase songbirds during migration. By the time he was a teenager, he had developed an in-depth knowledge of nature and joined the champion Kowa 'Canadian' Birding Team. At 19, he received a hand-me-down camera from his parents and began to learn the basics of nature photography. In between watching birds and taking photos, he miraculously completed a degree in Environment and Resource Studies at Trent University. Before becoming a full-time photographer, Ethan enjoyed a 10 year career as a communications specialist and manager with Parks Canada, working at 3 different national parks in Ontario.

Ethan is a self-taught photographer, published all over the world in books, calendars, brochures, magazines and corporate ads. Credits include: National Geographic books, Ranger Rick books, Forbes Magazine, Canadian Geographic, Wyman Calendars, Lonely Planet books, Cottage Life, Birder's World, Wildbird, National Wildlife, Nature Canada, ON Nature, Canoe & Kayak and many more. He is the humor columnist and a regular contributor for Outdoor Photography Canada magazine. At only 35 years of age, Ethan is well established as one of Canada's leading nature photographers.

Ethan is currently travelling around North America on a 1 1/2 year photo expedition. His great passion in life is exploring the natural world through his camera, whether on exciting trips or in his own backyard.