Bob Joy’s Frame of Mind

What brought you to Vero Beach?

My parents retired in Ormond Beach, so when my wife and I visited them, we would also come down to see friends in Vero Beach. We liked the small-town atmosphere and the fact that Vero Beach is far enough south to be warm but far enough north to be out of the traffic. We bought a home here in 2008 and became residents when I retired at the end of 2016.

When did your interest in outdoor photography begin?

When I applied to architecture school, I was required to submit a portfolio of artwork. I was never very good at sketching, so I included several photographs that I took with my father’s twin-lens reflex camera. I then took several photography courses in college and spent countless hours in the darkroom.

We don’t want to give away any secrets, but what is your favorite place to photograph in Indian River County where most people don’t know to go?

It’s not exactly a secret, but the Stick Marsh north of Fellsmere provides incredible opportunities for bird photography. March and April are the best months because the roseate spoonbills and egrets are nesting and nurturing their fledglings. The rookery is on a protected island, so you will need a long telephoto lens or binoculars to see them up close.

But photography doesn’t always require a trip to a destination. There are countless activities and events in Indian River County that are fun to photograph. If you are bored in Vero Beach, you’re just not paying attention.

What role does patience play in nature photography?

I have often thought that if I ever do a book of my photography, I will call it Waiting for the Light. I captured some of my favorite images by patiently waiting for the sun to break through the clouds. Wildlife photography requires patience, too. Waiting until the split second a bird dives for a fish or takes flight can produce a photo that is a verb instead of a noun.

Do you prefer the predictability of photographing landscapes or the spontaneity of wildlife photography, and why?

Landscapes are definitely easier to capture. You think about the lighting, the composition, and all the technical stuff like aperture and shutter speed. Wildlife photography brings the added dimension of unpredictability. You can go up to Sebastian Inlet on a perfectly glorious day to photograph osprey diving for fish and nothing will be happening. You live for those rare moments when everything comes together and you get that magical shot.

From the looks of your images, you enjoy traveling. Do you have a place in the world that you never tire of photographing? What locations are on your bucket list?

I would rather wake up in Bruges, Belgium than anywhere else on earth. It has beautifully restored medieval buildings and miles of scenic canals populated with white swans. It is sometimes called the “Venice of the North.” Whenever I am there, I get up early to capture the reflections in the early morning light.

Machu Picchu was at the top of my bucket list until I went there in September. The Greek islands, and Santorini in particular, are calling now.

What advice do you give to people who don’t know where to start with their interest in photography?

The best camera is the one you have with you. Learn to use the incredible capabilities of your smart phone before investing in expensive camera gear. I’m still figuring it out myself.