Bio

Meredith Fontana is a Denver-based landscape photographer, naturalist, and educator whose work is shaped by her background in paleontology and outdoor adventure. She brings a distinctive blend of scientific curiosity and artistic vision to landscape photography.

Over the past five years, she has focused on photographing Colorado’s diverse and often remote wilderness landscapes, using her work to celebrate their beauty and encourage their protection.

Meredith is the founder of Nature Photography Academy, an online school and community that helps nature photographers grow both technically and artistically while fostering meaningful connections with other like-minded creatives.

Through her workshops, courses, and mentorship, Meredith has guided thousands of photographers in refining their skills, discovering their unique creative voice, and cultivating a deeper relationship with the natural world.

Learn more about Meredith at her website: www.meredithfontana.com.

Program Description

Join Meredith for an in-depth look at essential digital scouting tools and techniques that will help you find unique photo locations and create images that stand out from the crowd.

In this presentation, you will be introduced to Meredith's favorite software, apps, and websites that she uses to find hidden compositions, anticipate perfect lighting, and predict ideal weather conditions.

You’ll see a live demonstration of these tools in action, where you will learn how to scout a new location step-by-step.

We’ll walk through a real-world scouting scenario that integrates these digital tools, from terrain research and lighting analysis to weather tracking and field preparation. In this presentation, you will learn:

• How to apply Meredith's LITA framework to plan compelling photo shoots with confidence.
• Which digital tools are best for terrain analysis, light prediction, and weather tracking.
• How to identify and evaluate potential compositions before you arrive on-site.
• Field-tested strategies for improving efficiency and success on location scouts.

By the end of this presentation, you will have actionable insights that will help you scout like a pro and create truly unique images.

Bio

Born with an innate sense of wonder and a deep connection to nature, Mike has transformed his passion for adventure into a remarkable career that blends photography, storytelling, and environmental advocacy.

Equipped with a camera and an unyielding spirit, Mike travels the globe in search of moments that, in particular, showcase the power of nature. From the frozen expanses of the Arctic Circle to the fiery heart of active volcanoes, he pushes the boundaries of traditional landscape photography.

His keen eye for detail and natural ability to capture the essence of a moment have yielded a breathtaking portfolio that showcases the Earth's raw beauty in its most unfiltered form.

Mike is also an educator, sharing his passion for creating images and telling stories through leading workshops across the globe.

Program Description

A powerful visual and narrative exploration of the elemental forces that shape our world, this presentation delves into the raw beauty and dynamic power of nature through the lens of storytelling.

From the rugged landscapes of Earth’s terrain to the invisible yet ever-present force of wind, the fierce and transformative nature of fire, and the life-giving flow of water, each element is captured with awe and intention.

You'll hear the stories behind the images, thought processes, challenges, technical aspects, and more, as we traverse the planet in this visual journey.

Bio

Jon Fischer is a nature and landscape photographer based in North Texas, with a portfolio that spans from the rugged deserts of New Mexico to the lush coasts of New Zealand—and countless breathtaking places in between.

For Jon, the natural world is more than a subject to photograph; it’s a place of refuge, inspiration, and connection. Guided by his philosophy “Where Nature and Art Meet,” Jon seeks out the world’s most artistic forms and captures them with an artist’s eye.

Through his website, Jon shares not only his striking imagery but also educational resources and insights to help photographers of all levels grow their craft and deepen their appreciation for the landscapes around them.

This will be Jon’s second presentation to the club; he previously spoke in June 2022 about capturing the drama of Texas skies.

Program Description

From Washington State to North Carolina, Jon Fischer has traveled the country, from its Interstate Highways to well beyond paved surfaces, in search of unique landscapes to capture.

In this presentation, he will show you why he chose his 2015 Toyota Tacoma as his travel platform, the many modifications made over the years to transform it into the ideal platform for him, and images captured on a wide range of trips since the truck was new.

Samples of Jon's Photography