“… Running through our backyard is a creek that flows west from Battle Creek Lake to the Mississippi River,” says hobbyist photographer Steve Porter.
Porter fills his backyard bird feeders three times a week all year round and is always sure to bring his camera along for the ride. “The deer are quite acclimated to humans and don’t just run away,” he says. “I happened to see these two does … walking toward me on a path they use that runs alongside the creek.
“I really liked the distance separating the two and the fact that one of them was still cautious and poking its head above a snowbank to see what was going on up ahead,” Porter says, noting he brings his camera nearly everywhere he goes—capturing more than 50 photos per day.
This interview was conducted in July, and, in August, Steve Porter passed away. He will be fondly remembered for his deep appreciation of nature, wildlife and photography.
Photographer: Steve Porter
Title: This is Our Trail!
Equipment: Nikon D5600 with a 70–300mm Nikon lens
Location: Ridge Drive near Battle Creek Lane
Place: Honorable Mention