TAMARA PETTY-NEAL PHOTOGRAPHY
TAMARA PETTY-NEAL PHOTOGRAPHY
My Photo Gallery
A small sample of my favorite photos
Photo Competitions:
Growth, Recognition, and Gratitude
Participating in photo competitions has been an incredibly rewarding part of my photography journey. I’ve been deeply honored to receive medals and accolades along the way—but more than that, these competitions have pushed me to grow and refine my craft. Many offer insightful feedback, which has helped me see my work through a new lens and continuously improve.
I’ve been fortunate to have my photography recognized in a variety of ways. My work has been displayed in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, featured in
Outdoor Alabama, and published in Universe of Color. I’ve also received medals in the MPI (Master Photographers International) competition, which is an honor I’m especially proud of.
Below are a few of the images that have received awards and recognition—each one representing a unique moment, story, and step forward in my creative journey.
My Top Three Favorite National Parks
Redwood National Park
Few things move me to tears, but seeing the Giant Redwoods for the first time was one of them. Their sheer size and silent majesty left me standing in awe, overwhelmed with emotion. These ancient giants take your breath away and offer endless inspiration—and photo opportunities—for anyone lucky enough to witness them.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park has it all—towering canyons, rugged mountains, peaceful streams, and breathtaking vistas. I spent three days hiking through the park and barely scratched the surface. It's a dream location for any photographer, with endless beauty around every turn.
Everglades National Park
There’s so much more to Everglades National Park than just swamps and alligators. Picture crystal blue water, peaceful little islands, and a fisherman’s paradise tucked into nature’s wild beauty. For a photographer like me, it’s a dream—endless opportunities to capture my favorite colors in every direction.
What Photography Means To Me
Photography is part of me.
Photography isn’t just something I do—it’s a part of who I am. When I see something beautiful or interesting in front of me, I feel a deep need to capture it and share it with others. It’s how I connect with the world and express what words sometimes can’t.
I’ve always loved exploring and learning new things. As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice.” The more I explore through my lens, the more I understand and appreciate the diversity and beauty around me. Photography brings me peace, especially when life feels chaotic or out of focus. It gives me hope.
My wish is that my photos inspire you to dream, to slow down, and maybe even to explore your own surroundings with fresh eyes. You don’t have to travel far—the world just outside your door can be full of wonder.
My Camera and Gear
Every photographer has strong opinions about the gear they use—what they love, what they wouldn’t touch again. For me, it’s Canon all the way. Back in my art school days, we were issued Nikons for our film classes. They were fine, but when digital photography started to take hold, I bought my first Canon—and I’ve been hooked ever since.
My current go-to is the Canon EOS 5DS R. This camera is an absolute workhorse. It boasts a 50.6 MP full-frame sensor, and the image quality continues to impress me. The sharpness, the color depth, the live view—everything just works the way I like it. It’s definitely on the heavier side, but I like the solid, balanced feel of it in my hands. It handles beautifully, especially when I’m out in the field chasing light.
Backpacks
I rotate between two backpacks, depending on where I’m going. The larger one, featured in many of my behind-the-scenes photos, is a Shimoda. I discovered this brand thanks to Tim Shields, my Master Photographer Coach. My first Shimoda was a Christmas gift from my husband. I loved it immediately—plenty of pockets, space for my laptop, a tripod, and all the gear I need for a serious photo hike. That first one ended up being a bit too big for my frame, even though I ordered the small size. Thankfully, Shimoda later released a line designed specifically for women, and it’s been a game-changer. I took it with me to Zion National Park, and it handled the rugged terrain and gear load perfectly.
For air travel and more compact outings, I rely on my Brevitē backpack. This smaller bag doubles as my purse when flying. I carried it all over Spain and plan to take it with me to London as well. It fits my camera, a lens, a travel tripod, and still has secure space for my passport, ID, and even my laptop.
Tripods
Tripods are a bit of an ongoing quest for me. I’ve collected a few over the years, always on the lookout for the perfect balance of size, weight, and stability. My larger tripod, the one my camera is usually perched on, is made by K&F Concept. It’s sturdy and I really like the leg locking mechanisms—they're easy to use and reliable. I also have a small K&F Concept tripod that I absolutely love. The flexible legs let me wrap it around almost anything, and it's perfect for low-angle shots when I want a different perspective.
That’s a snapshot of my core gear—what I rely on to chase the light and capture the world around me.
My favorite Photo
Each month, I’ll be sharing my favorite photo taken during the previous month. Picking just one is never easy—it’s a bit like trying to choose a favorite piece of candy from a full box!
This month’s favorite is a shot of a hot air balloon that my husband and I chased down. It wasn’t easy to get. We spotted the balloons coming in for a landing and had to scramble to find the perfect place to park. Then I ran—camera in hand—to capture the right angle. As always, it turned into a little adventure and made for a great memory.
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