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What's different about Cook Forest as a subject? Are there unique aspects of forest photography - available light, for example, or the color space? Are there special considerations you must take to avoid "trampling" on nature?

Cook Forest is a great place to photograph. The old growth forest, the river, the changing of seasons…lots of subject matter for the nature photographer! There are so many different moods depending on the time of day and the time of year. This past fall was especially amazing. Of course, trees and old growth forest are very challenging subjects. It's a vertical world when you're standing on the forest floor, and we tend to view things horizontally. Also, the moods of the forest usually come out best in low light situations which I feel makes for some of the best imagery.

The photographic challenges of the Forest make me slow down to take in the world around me, which is probably the most significant thing photography does for me. And it's why I always try to avoid any trampling of the environment I work in. I like to leave things as though nobody was ever there, to take away only the pictures. Then the next person who comes along can have the same experience.

I'm sure at this point some of the amateur photographers in our audience are excited to get out in the Forest and start snapping. Any tips you can share with them?

Patience, patience and more patience. Many hours, even days are spent waiting for the right light. Also know your gear and practice with it. It doesn't hurt to study the types of images you're interested in that you might see in magazines or anywhere else. Have fun!

What sort of gear do you use at the moment?

My camera bag includes a Nikon N80 35mm camera, Nikon N70 35mm camera, a Pentax 645 med.  format camera, 28mm-85mm Nikon lens, Slik tripods, and Fuji Velvia film. That's the basic gear lineup.

No digital gear yet?

 I have yet to get into the digital cameras but I'm sure that lies ahead. The computer has been a great marketing tool, from producing my website to creating brochures, flyers and other items.  There's no doubt computers are changing things rapidly. But digital photography hasn't changed my approach to taking pictures.

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46-year-old Kevin Kaltenbaugh lives near Cook Forest with wife Vicki and his stepdaughter Brooke. You can see his Cook Forest nature photography and other high-quality fine art photography at the Gallery in the Forest (2 miles south of the Clarion River Bridge on Rt.  36), or on Kevin's Web site at www.kaltenbaughphoto.com.

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