Wildlife photography exhibit opens March 4 at the Des Plaines History Center

Kathryn Lentz leads a double life as a noted wildlife photographer and a children’s book author. The wild one will be on display at the Des Plaines History Center March 4 through April 30.

It started when she brought home a stray dog. And then another. And another. Unfortunately, she learned, each already had a home. Her own first dog arrived when she was seven, and that began a lifelong journey of caring for pets, rescuing animals, writing a popular series of children’s books, and making stunning photographs of animals in the wild. For the upcoming exhibit in the Art Gallery at the Des Plaines History Center, Nature...Beyond the Lens, Lentz has curated a selection of stunning and inspirational photos from the thousands in her portfolio that she has made over almost two decades.

Lentz has a background in art that clearly shows in her work. The photos are beautifully crafted—from the subject to the composition and lighting. These are thoughtful images, each with a story that draws you in and invites you to spend time looking closely.

Wildlife photography comes with a unique set of challenges. Working outdoors is one. Subjects who are free spirits is certainly another—there’s no saying “move a bit to the left, love”—so quickly assessing the right place to be at exactly the right moment is a critical skill learned the hard way. “I had a wonderful instructor who impressed upon us the importance of carefully composing the scene before clicking the shutter,” says Lentz, “And of course we were using film, which was expensive, so I learned not to waste it.” Even so, like most serious photographers, she would come back from a road trip to National Parks with thousands of images.

A couple of quotes from Ansel Adams are evident in her work: “A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” And one that iPhone camera users should memorize: “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Photography is, after all, art.

This exhibit features images that can be appreciated by all ages, so be sure to bring your kids and grandkids. If you’re a smartphone camera enthusiast, an amateur photographer, or a working pro there is much that will inspire you to get outdoors and make your own photos. Lucky for you, there are dozens of woods and trails all around Chicagoland where you can find plenty of interesting and sometimes unusual animals to photograph.

The exhibit is open Monday–Friday, noon–4:00p, March 4–April 30.
Admission is free. Donations are always appreciated.

There will be a closing reception, with an Artist Talk and Q&A, on Thursday, April 30, from 5:30–8:00p.
RSVPs are required for the reception. Click Here.

Kathryn Lentz’s latest book, The Nature of Imagination, will be on display and available in the History Center’s Gift Shop. You can read more about the exhibit on the History Center’s website: desplaineshistory.org/kathryn-lentz-exhibit