Photographing a very chill Sandhill Crane in Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
Photo © 2026 by Melanie G. Snyder
Nature has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. While I started with film photography in the 1980s, it wasn't until the early 2000s that photography became much more than a hobby—it became a passion and a reason to explore the world. Now retired and settled in Lititz, Pennsylvania (and a short 20 minute drive from Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area) I am able to pursue my passion on a nearly daily basis.
Today I devote much of my time to photographing birds, wildlife, landscapes, and the night sky. Whether I'm waiting quietly beside a marsh at sunrise, hiking through a national wildlife refuge, or lying on the ground for an eye-level perspective, I enjoy the challenge of capturing authentic moments that reveal the beauty, behavior, and character of my subjects.
Many of my photographs are made in wildlife refuges, state and national parks, and other protected natural areas throughout the United States. Every trip is an opportunity to observe wildlife more closely, learn something new, and share the remarkable diversity of the places we often take for granted.
Although I appreciate the technical side of photography, I believe great images begin with patience, careful observation, and respect for nature. A willingness to be on location before the sunrise, the endless search for good light, thoughtful composition, and a willingness to wait for the right moment are just as important as the camera itself.
I currently photograph with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II, primarily using Canon's RF 200–800mm lens for wildlife photography, along with a Canon 24–105mm lens for landscapes and a Sigma 24mm f/1.4 lens for night sky photography. This equipment allows me to pursue everything from tiny songbirds to expansive Milky Way landscapes.
My hope is that these photographs encourage others to pause, appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and perhaps inspire their own adventures outdoors.
Thank you for visiting Bruce Snyder Photography. I hope you enjoy exploring the galleries as much as I enjoyed creating the images.