Nature photographer finds stress relief in his work

American landscape photographer and environmentalist, Ansel Adams, known for his black-and-white images of the American West once said, “A good photograph is knowing where to stand.”

For Alberton resident and self-taught nature photographer Jay Styles, he couldn’t agree more. He’s spent the last 15 years exploring Montana’s picturesque mountains and backcountry roads while chasing crimson sunsets and waiting for distinct moments with wildlife. Styles shared, “Sometimes you have to be very dedicated or almost possessed to get the shot.”

A Montana native, Styles was raised in Billings but has lived in several other parts of the state. Growing up he said, “My favorite subjects in school included art and photography where I was inspired by seeing talent from around the world. From that point I continued to learn as much as I could by reading magazines, watching videos and experimenting.”

He hasn’t always been behind a camera however.

“Being raised in Montana meant that you worked where ever you could find a job and so I have had a variety of jobs. Starting at 12 years old, I worked the summers on farms and ranches,” Styles noted. After graduating high school, he moved to Cooke City to work as a wilderness guide in the Beartooth Mountains. He said, “It was something I loved because I was close to nature and could share the beauty with people who also appreciated it.”

It was while guiding in the rugged Beartooths that Styles had an inspiring encounter. He fondly recalled, “In Cooke City I guided some National Geographic photographers into the wilderness and was totally intrigued! Talk about a dream job.” He added, “I wished so hard I could be like them someday but I was almost embarrassed to even show them my camera.”

He’s also guided in Yellowstone National Park taking photographers and tourists on horseback through Lamar Valley into the back country. He said, “Things were real wild back then and taking photographs required more precise knowledge of camera settings and types of film.”

Styles’ photography career has also evolved greatly over the past decades.

Before going digital he dabbled in family portraits, senior photos, weddings, and even making photo greeting cards. For several years he also worked with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation magazine doing product and advertising photography. Experimenting with a camera hasn’t necessarily been his day job though, Styles has worked hard over the years as a millwright, in construction and as a lab technician.

Whenever he wasn’t busy earning a living, he was busy being captivated by the outdoors and capturing its beauty. Styles explained, “My first love is in nature where it feels like my church so I am at peace doing landscapes and wildlife including birds. It's hard to explain my deep connection but when I am working on a special shot it gets my heart racing and I get butterflies in my stomach!”

He went on, “In this crazy world I find it as an escape from reality. If something catches my attention, I like to look at it from different angles or camera settings and concentrate on how I can best share what I see in an interesting or artistic way.”

And sometimes taking the perfect shot can require a lot of patience and endurance, especially out in the elements of Montana. Styles described, “I've learned to take a pad to sit on instead of the wet ground and use hand warmers in my gloves and on my camera to conserve my battery power. When shooting late night meteor showers, northern lights or the milky way it can get cold and tiring while waiting.

"I find it similar to hunting or fishing where patience and perseverance are important at times. When it all comes together and you are rewarded with the photograph that you're proud of, you remember the thrill and the cold or heat doesn't seem so bad.”

And as Styles ventures around the landscapes of Mineral County like he often does he tries to remain patient in finding the right shot.

“There are many times I've missed a keeper shot by only mere seconds and kick myself for a day or two but that just drives me to keep trying and makes the success all the sweeter.”

When he goes back through the gallery of images in his head he remembered, “Shots that come to mind are the Meadowlark singing from a teasel plant, the spiritual opening in the clouds over Ninemile, Sunsets from Stark Mountain, Hoodoo Pass and Tarkio or simply the smile on someone's face all have special memories.”

Like many locals Styles can’t tell you where his favorite place is to photograph in the area because it’s too hard to pick just one. He said, “I have so many lasting memories in Mineral County especially along the Montana/Idaho state line trails and lakes.

Several years ago, I hiked into Heart and Pearl Lakes followed by several others and fell in love with the beauty.”

Whether he’s on foot or driving down a dirt road he’s always on the lookout for bobcats, bears, and owls. But the small and beautiful details in nature catch his eye too, like butterflies and flora. Styles said, “Sometime I have to make several return trips to catch the best lighting or season on a landscape.”

With all that time spent in the wild truly observing nature he has countless stories and memorable experiences. “One that stands out, when I was watching river otters diving through openings in the ice to catch fish. When they started eating them a bald eagle would repeatedly dive bomb the otters and tried to steal their fish. After a couple attempts the otters would jump into the water but when they resurfaced the eagle was ready and waiting.”

All experts start out as beginners though, and for someone interested in exploring the world of photography Styles has some advice. “First, I'd like to say it's not always the best cameras that take the best photos. Start with a name brand that has a medium range zoom lens.

It also helps to decide what kind of photography you're interested and that will determine what lens you need. Start small and watch YouTube videos to learn the benefit of using different camera settings, lenses, techniques and lighting situations.”

Styles uses Sony mirrorless cameras, an A6500 and a A7R3 models. A key to taking sharp images is using tripods or monopods to get the steadiest shot.

For lenses he said, “I use a 200-600 zoom and 100-400 zoom mostly for wildlife and birds. I also use 28-105, 16-35, 12mm, and 90mm macro.” In addition to his Sony, he has also taken advantage of the tremendous camera improvements on the latest smart phones. “I keep a few apps on my phone for sun, moon, Milky Way tables, GPS-compass and bird identifications like Merlin. My favorite app is PhotoPills,” said Styles.

Once you’re comfortable with your camera, the gear, and all of its settings you’re on to the next step. He offered, “Try to ask yourself why you want to take the image and what you can do to make it stand out and be interesting.

Try to keep your background uncluttered and crop your photos to draw attention to your sharply focused subject. Try to be creative and don't take the same shot everyone else does.” He added, “Remember that you are the artist and do what is pleasing to you. You will naturally get better the more you experiment and you will never stop learning.”

Remarkably Styles doesn’t use his photography skills solely for business purposes. He does sell his prints and creates enlargements upon request. But for him he shared, “Photography gives me so many rewards...I get a special gratification from making an image that’s pleasing to look at and allows me to add my artistic vision.

"Every photo creates a memory that sends me back like a time machine. I have met so many wonderful people along the way from land owners, customers, students, other photographers, nature and animal lovers. I learn something new almost every time I venture out and try to be prepared for any surprises.”

This past year Styles created a calendar with a collection of his photos that turned out very successful. His work can be seen on his Facebook page and on Instagram at 'Jay Styles Images.'

He is in the process of considering a webpage to handle more of his photo requests.

“Photography has been a huge stress release for me when I'm in nature. It taught me to slow down and appreciate the beauty that is so often overlooked. It feels amazing to bring happiness to other people with beautiful portraits and enlargements that they hang in their home,” Styles expressed. And in today’s stressful times and hectic pace of life he imparted one last suggestion, “Turn off the news, then grab your camera and view the world with fresh eyes.”