By: Julia Bourque, Forest Preserve District of Kane County

During the early morning hours, before sunrise, chances are volunteer steward Jim Judd can be found wandering one of the Kane County forest preserves with his Canon 20D digital SLR camera and telephoto lens. "The best time (for photos) depends on the time of year and the weather. Each day has to be evaluated on its own," Jim said. "I try for the best light. Noon time sun during the summer is not the best because of high contrast but is good in winter because it can eliminate shadow on snow. But, the best time year round is early morning before sunrise so you can take pictures as the sun comes up or just before sunset so you get pictures as the sun is setting." Whether it’s taking close-up shots of the various local flora or stepping back and capturing a wetland, savanna or open prairie landscape, Jim loves exploring nature and depicting its beauty. When Jim discovered his love for nature photography and bought his first camera 30 years ago, things were a little different. With a 50 mm lens Minolta SRT 101 film camera kit, you couldn’t just point and click. The technology of the camera was manual and had in-camera light meters, which means the photographer had to line up the pointer with the ball manually, and no auto focus. Jim said he used slide color film, which was selected based on film type (daylight, etc.). "With today’s cameras, auto focus, complex metering and programmed setting for speed, color, exposure, etc. allow for more choices when it comes to composition," Jim said. "But, taking the pictures, or creating images, is still the same. The photographer still has to make the choices when it comes to composition, choice of subject, etc."

Jim discovered the Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s volunteer program about three years ago while wandering Tekakwitha Woods in St. Charles. "Because I wanted to do nature photography in the county forest preserves, I stopped at the Nature Center at Tekakwitha to pick up information about the District," Jim said. "I met the volunteer coordinator, and we discussed my becoming a volunteer and doing some photography." Today, Jim not only does nature photography for the District, but he also works as a seed harvest volunteer and is steward at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve, where workdays are held on Thursdays. Interested volunteers should call 630-762-2741 for more information. "I enjoy both the restoration work and photographing that work," Jim said. "I find fulfillment in being involved with others and working to improve and restore natural areas. Actually, the friendships I have established have opened a while new world to me and has given me a focus for my energies and talents."

Before joining the District’s volunteer team, Jim worked as an engineer. He graduated from DeVry Technical Institute with an associate degree in applied science and went to work for AT&T Bell Labs (Lucent) in the electrical design area. After taking early retirement from AT&T, Jim worked several contract jobs until his final job working on engine electrical wiring design and development with International Truck and Engine in Melrose Park. Though Jim has always loved being outdoors and visiting natural areas, he had no prior experience working in natural areas. "I have had to learn everything new," Jim said. "I am now enrolled in the Nature Photographer Certificate program at the Morton Arboretum, and some of the required courses have been in botany and flora of the area, which has helped me immensely. I have also benefited from the help of staff, stewards and other volunteers who have graciously put up with my many questions." Jim has lived in Kane County for 38 years and is currently a resident of St. Charles. He and his wife will be married for 40 years this April, and they have one daughter, Amy, who is now married. Amy and her husband, Ross, recently delivered their first child, Alex. "I’m looking forward to being a grandpa and introducing Alex to the forest preserves in Kane County and passing on my knowledge and love of nature to him." And we’re looking forward to meeting him, Jim. Thank you for all your work!