Metro Parks Celebrates World Photography Day – Metro Parks

Tyler Stanley

Marketing and Social Media Specialist

On August 19, 2026, Metro Parks celebrated World Photography Day by sharing the outcomes of its month-to-month photograph of the month collection. Columbus and Franklin County residents share their photograph expeditions with Metro Parks’ customer engagement group every month, leading to some really unimaginable demonstrations of artistry and expertise. This month, inboxes have been flooded with a surplus of submissions showcasing each wildlife and landscapes, so it solely felt proper to focus on multiple choice in concurrence with World Photography Day.

The first featured photograph this month was captured by Mark Bailey II depicting a pair of red-tailed hawks excessive above Inniswood Metro Gardens. “We were initially there just to walk around and enjoy the day, with no intention of finding hawks that were so accessible for viewing,” stated Mark. Loud vocalizations drew his consideration to the pair, who have been mid-lunch. “I shot a good deal of video of them as I had a shorter 70-200 telephoto [lens] on me.” Using specialised lenses and excessive shutter speeds could be useful for photographing wildlife, because it isn’t typically that animals keep so nonetheless for lengthy. If you see a photograph alternative, take it!

The second featured photograph for August showcases a bald eagle surveying Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. This picture, captured by Doug Evans, wasn’t deliberate for. Doug elaborated, “I probably have a thousand images of the eagles at Pickerington Ponds, and when I go there I always say ‘no more images of eagles!’ But… I see an eagle and I have to take the shot!” As America’s mascot, it may be arduous to withstand taking a photograph of such an iconic hen. Wildlife images typically balances in-the-moment spontaneity and advance planning within the pursuit of the right picture.

While some photographers take a extra spontaneous method, Drew Riley meticulously deliberate for his featured picture of an indigo bunting on a blazing star. “It took me two hours to get the bunting to land there. Patience, wet feet, and the Marlin app! I play the bunting’s call on the app to attract it.” It simply goes to point out that wildlife images isn’t all the time so simple as level and shoot. Sometimes luring an animal with a name, getting your ft a bit muddy, and having loads of persistence permits for a really unimaginable picture.

Photography serves as a interest for a lot of Columbus residents, and for Thomas Wesney (who submitted eight gorgeous pictures this month), it has grown right into a ardour. “Wildlife photography has become a huge part of my life. I’ve been surprised and grateful to witness all of the wonderful wildlife we have in central Ohio,” stated Thomas. Though his “home” park is Blendon Woods, this photograph of a sandpiper was captured by Thomas alongside the water at Highbanks Metro Park. Well definitely worth the go to, in our opinion!

In addition to the big selection of wildlife Metro Parks gives a house for, there are some breathtaking views and landscapes throughout the 22 parks. This picture, taken at Slate Run Metro Park, was submitted by Ashton Reese. While July’s wildfire smoke could have been a nuisance to many, Ashton took the chance to seize the orange glow over the Slate Run wetlands throughout a morning stroll. “I took this one at the start of my walk. I was looking at a wetland and thought the shape of the light on the water looked nice in the small break of foliage,” acknowledged Ashton.

Interested in having your work featured on the Metro Parks’ pages? Submit your images to [email protected] for our September photograph of the month function between August 21 and September 17 for an opportunity to be highlighted.