Chappaqua Photographer Leads Nature Walk

Martin Stankiewicz, a Chappaqua-based nature photographer, casually crossed the parking lot to greet a small group of budding photo enthusiasts, his hair still wet from an earlier kayaking trip. He was there to guide participants on a two-hour walk through the serene Whippoorwill Park in Chappaqua.

Stankiewicz is a successful photographer, but he isn't satisfied with just displaying his photos in a gallery. "I wanted to get into sharing my experiences not only through my images, but how I create my images," he said.

Wednesday's tour was the second for Stankiewicz and Stetson Hundgen, the photographers behind Nature Trail Images. Eventually, their goal is to offer multiple-day photo tours with the opportunity for participants to capture memorable and unique images in nature. For now however, they are keeping things local.

They plan to lead at least three more short tours this summer, all within about 20 miles of Chappaqua. The walks are intended to provide participants with some general photography instruction and professional tips on capturing the best nature shots. The natural beauty of the parks within Northern Westchester is a source of inspiration for amateur and professional photographers alike, and provides a backdrop for the tours.

For Beryl Hay of Millwood, the decision to attend Wednesday's walk was simple. "What a great opportunity to get a lesson with my new camera," she exclaimed.

But for Stankiewicz, it's not all about cameras.

"More so than photography, the goal [of the tours] is to make people aware, give them some environmental awareness," he explained while picking a handful of wild hawthorn berries. Stankiewicz seeks to teach and inspire — through both his photographs and his actions — a deeper respect for nature.

From a young age, Stankiewicz was an avid outdoor enthusiast. As a high school student in Brooklyn, he began taking photographs as a way to preserve the memories of his hiking trips to the Catskills. His travel became more diverse and extensive, but it was not until after eight years of practicing law that Stankiewicz decided to pursue his passion for photography full-time.

Now, he is an advocate for sustainable living, although he is careful to point out that he does not label himself an environmentalist. He is extremely attuned to the natural world around him, and he believes a camera is a great tool for visually sharing that awareness. But to actually take people outside and show them that, he says, "is a whole other level."

Stankiewicz is also working on a book, titled 50 Amazing Things to See and Do Around New York City due out in the spring of 2011. It's not going to be another guidebook, he explains, with dry text and very little to look it. Instead, it will have a visual perspective. He has high hopes for expanding that model beyond just the local area.

You can join Stankiewicz and Hundgen next Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m., at Glazier Arboretum, or Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. at Pruyn Sanctuary. For more information on Stankeiwicz and Nature Trail Images, visit naturetrailimages.com.

A collection of photographs by Stankiewicz and Hundgen are on display and available for purchase at the Martin Stankiewicz Gallery, 142 King St. in Chappaqua, or online at stankiewiczgallery.com.