Published in Print: Nature Photographer Magazine

When I began taking nature photos, Nature Photographer magazine was one of the first publications I read religiously for its informative articles and out-of-this-world photography. I made it a goal of mine to one day be published in it. I remember my husband saying, "Wow, there are some really great photos in here. The competition to be published has to be pretty stiff."

Nature Photographer allows you to submit photos three times a year for possible publication. Most of my nature snapshots are spring/summer related which means I can submit photos for there spring and summer issues in November. So I did. I gathered my favorite loon and bird photographs and sent them on their merry way.

This year March was unseasonably warm (we are talking 70 degrees in northern WI) so I took a personal day off from work and decided to hike around the woods and paddle around the waters for the day with the camera. I struck out BIG time with photos. I had spent all day exploring and returned home with no photos (but like my husband said, a day outside is better than a day at the office). After a catnap, I walked to the mailbox to snag the mail. The spring issue of Nature Photographer was in the mail. I opened it up and began browsing through it. I had no expectations. NONE. I mean, really, the odds were outrageously against me that a photo of mine would be published.

I turned to page 65 and there it was...my favorite loon photo taken back in 2010. I could not believe it. I ran from the mailbox to the front door and while jumping up and down and completely out of breathe, I called the hubs to tell him the great news.

I still can't believe my photo was published--and they PAID me real money for the photo. It was a good day.

So, go pick-up your spring issue of Nature Photographer magazine and turn to page 65!