Lethbridge prime location for wildlife photography

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 3, 2022.

photo by John Krampl - A long tailed weasel holds one of her young before moving the litter to a new den in the city's river valley in spring of last year.

Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society recently hosted Travel Adventures: Wildlife Lethbridge with local photographer John Krampl.

Attendees were invited to a showcase of Krampl’s work, seeing various animals in nature found around the city taken over the years.

The event highlighted the beauty of nature found within the city while also educating attendees about the abundance of wildlife found here as well. From ferrets to pronghorns the imagery captured the beauty of the nature found in the parks across Lethbridge from Helen Schuler to Henderson Park.

Photographer Krampl showcased his work as an experience of the seasons, taking audiences on a journey through spring, summer, fall, and winter.

“I have been doing this for six years, but I do a lot,” said Krampl. “It’s about getting out there, trying different things and trial and error. I have come a long way in six years, and really enjoyed it.”

With remarkable skills, his work has been featured in Canadian Geographic several times, with images of barn owls ready for roost, and ferrets changing coats with the seasons.

“Always try and get in on the subject before they see you,” said Krampl, who uses his knowledge from hunting to understand animal behaviour. “You are going to get your good pictures when they are in their relaxed and natural environment.”

With deer, muskrats, snakes, and a plethora of birds, Krampl’s photos showed audiences just how many animals also call Lethbridge home.

“The greatest concentration of wildlife can be found throughout Helen Schuler,” said Krampl. “You have to spend a lot of time out here. You have to get out there or you are not going to get the shots. You don’t always get those fantastic shots that you dream of. But when it happens, that makes it all worthwhile.”

The Friends of the Helen Schuler is a group that looks to highlight the position of the Nature Centre as a world-class facility that connects visitors and residents to the great outdoors. Friday’s viewing of Krampl’s nature photography highlights what beauty is found here in the city.

“They do great things here,” said Krampl. “It is important to keep this place going. I’m thankful for everybody showing up, and thankful for my wife, Gayle, and the hard work she does putting this together with me.”