ESTABLISHED 2010 - Beyond The Campfire was created to encourage readers to explore the great outdoors and to observe it close up. Get out and take a hike, go fishing or canoeing, or simply stretch out on a blanket under a summer sky...and take your camera along. We'll talk about combining outdoor activities with photography. We'll look at everything from improving your understanding of the basics of photography to more advanced techniques including things like how to see photographically and capturing the light. We'll explore the night sky, location shoots, using off camera speedlights along with nature and landscape. Grab your camera...strap on your hiking boots...and join me. I think you will enjoy the adventure.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Kentucky's Raw Nature: Photographing Whitetail Deer Snow Flurries

 Snow flurries in Kentucky early in November is a rare moment. When the moment does present itself, then the opportunity to capture nature in her raw form is something that is hard to let get away. That is exactly what happened this week when winter-like temperatures invaded the Commonwealth and snow flurries followed shortly thereafter. I spent a chilly but fun late afternoon observing the local deer herd and captured a few images along with some interesting video footage as snow flurries created almost whiteout conditions. Please enjoy this short video from that outing.



Friday, November 7, 2025

Photographing Kentucky's Big Deer

For several days in a row the weather remained bright and clear and very fall-like with the fall colors reaching their peak by weeks end. Always my favorite time of year the fall season and this season proved itself amongst one of the finest. With the cooler temperatures, the local deer population began to stir and tucked in and amongst the woodlands I found several large rubs where the bucks left their mark by rubbing their antlers along the trunks of saplings. Scattered across these rub lines and a good number of scrapes were also present. Both signs the rut was beginning.

On day one several small and mid-sized bucks mingled with the does. One decent buck with a thick and tall set of antlers chased the does across the field. I managed a few photos and a few video clips. Toward the end of that afternoon when the available light began to fade, one very nice buck made his appearance by sauntering across the back corner of the field. His pace was direct and determined but not hurried. His antlers stood broad, wide, thick and tall and his appearance became the highlight of the day.

By day three, the activity slowed somewhat, but a few deer did make an appearance and mingled within the does was a single nice buck with an oddly shaped set of antlers. They stood tall, almost straight up, but were thick and heavy with his left side antler being tilted inward more than the other side.

Been a while since I made a photographing Kentucky deer episode. so please enjoy....




Monday, October 6, 2025

Coming on November 1st, 2025 - Critical Impact

 Coming November 2025. Another Matthew Jacobs action novel by Keith Bridgman. Check out the promotional video...