Photographing a State's Symbols

There are many photographic subjects or themes that can be used for the calendars industry and for major publications but there are very few that appeal or have many uses as to feature of or more of the symbols to which a state has endeared itself to.

This project can take some time to complete if it is to be done properly and depending on the angle that you wish it to encompass it, could take even more time. There are two or three variations; one would be to photograph a state's bird or a state's flower or a state's tree or you can just photograph a state's bird, flower and tree.

The complete project will then be a showpiece that has many uses by many clients, including individual sales to individual boards of commerce or tourism and also remember that this project does not have to be limited to the states in the United States, it can also be done on an international level.

The following is a list of each state's bird symbols, so as you will see it can become quite a project and that is without including flowers or trees. Thorough consideration has to be given to how to start and how to complete the undertaking should you wish to take it on.

"Alabama state bird:yellowhammer(northern flicker), Alabama state game bird:wild turkey,Alaska state bird:willow ptarmigan,Arizona state bird:cactus wren,Arkansas state bird:mockingbird (northern),California state bird:California quail,Colorado state bird:lark bunting,Connecticut state bird:American robin.

Delaware state bird:blue hen chicken, Florida state bird:mockingbird (northern),Georgia state bird:brown thrasher,Hawaii state bird: nene (Hawaiian goose),Idaho state bird:mountain bluebird,Idaho state raptor:peregrine falcon,Illinois state bird:cardinal (northern),Indiana state bird:cardinal (northern),Iowa state bird:American goldfinch,Kansas state bird:western meadowlark,Kentucky state bird:cardinal (northern),

Louisiana state bird:brown pelican,Maine state bird:black-capped chickadee,Maryland state bird:baltimore oriole,Massachusetts state bird black-capped chickadee,Massachusetts game bird:wild turkey,Michigan state bird:American robin,Minnesota state bird:common loon,Mississippi state bird:Mississippi state waterfowl mockingbird (northern)wood duck,Missouri state bird:eastern bluebird.

Montana state bird:western meadowlark,Nebraska state bird:western meadowlark,Nevada state bird:mountain bluebird,New Hampshire state bird:purple finch,New Jersey state bird:American goldfinch,New Mexico state bird:roadrunner (greater),New York state bird:eastern bluebird,North Carolina state bird:cardinal (northern),North Dakota state bird:western meadowlark,Ohio state bird:cardinal (northern).

Oklahoma bird:scissor-tailed flycatcherklahoma state game bird:wild turkey,Oregon state bird:western meadowlarkPennsylvania state bird:ruffed grouse,Rhode Island state bird:Rhode Island red,South Carolina state bird:carolina wren,South Carolina wild game bird:wild turkey,South Dakota state bird:ring-necked pheasant,Tennessee state bird:mockingbird (northern ),Tennessee state game bird:bobwhite quail,Texas state bird:mockingbird (northern ),

Utah state bird:california gull,Vermont state bird:hermit thrush,Virginia state bird:cardinal (northern),Washington state bird:American goldfinch,West Virginia state bird:cardinal (northern),Wisconsin state bird:American robin,Wyoming state bird:western meadowlark,USA national bird:American bald eagle" www.statesymbolsusa.org

Before you start this photographic challenge, you should browse through several publications and existing publications featuring your proposed subjects.

Also good to do is to get in touch with various potential clients and inquire about the sale-ability of such photos. Another key thing to take into consideration is the planning and the expenses that can go into the completion of the project.

Logistics will take a very important role in the successful completion of this photo shoot, you must therefore considered this carefully.

One of the main aspects is also going to be where the subjects are more likely to be found, especially true of wild animals since plants and trees should be readily available.

You should have at least one or two prime lenses for static subject closeups such as flowers and a zoom for birds and other active subjects.

Be mindful not to damage or hurt any of your subjects, especially nesting birds as doing so make carry stiff penalties since they are protected by each state's legislatures.

Although finding subjects in the ground such as feathers, blooms and similar things is common, it is a good idea not to take them with you. Better leave them where you find them.

Taking with you a list of desired subjects, any of the many field guides that identify subjects with both common and scientific names and a notebook to make notations of the times and locations and the names of the recorded subjects will help later in cataloging the entire project.

Proper note taking and good research will go a long ways into making your efforts pay of at the end.