Bella Vista Photography

01/20/2026

On a cold winter night, it can be fun to get creative. Tonight, I led an online class where I shared tips on creating kaleidoscopic digital art from your photographs. So much fun to experiment and see what designs you can come up with (and it's actually pretty easy to do). I'm thinking about offering the 2-hour Zoom-based class again, are you interested? DM me.

11/09/2025

There are still a few spots left in my twilight and night photography session at JC Raulston Arboretum during their Moonlight in the Garden event. Sign up today

Are you interested in night photography?

Join us for Twilight and Night Photography Techniques, where Mary Louise Ravese will show you how to capture Moonlight in the Garden at its most magical with nighttime photography tips.

Your class fee includes special Moonlight in the Garden admission for that evening, with exclusive after-hours access, so be sure to register early as this special opportunity sells out quickly! You can register by clicking the link in our bio.

📅 Tuesday, Nov 11: 4 PM - 7 PM
📅 Monday, Nov 17: 4 PM - 7 PM

11/07/2025

It was quite dark when we spotted this blue heron at the edge of the cypress trees, so not ideal conditions, but I like the atmospheric quality of the scene at Caddo Lake, TX with the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Photo Tour.

10/31/2025

I’m grateful to share the news that my photograph “Coastal Flow” was just awarded Runner-up (2nd place) in the ‘Scapes category of the 2026 NANPA Showcase Awards. (link to the award announcement video in the comments). There were over 3,000 entries in this year’s Showcase Competition for the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA). This is a photograph I made on Cape Cod when low tide revealed a series of sand bars. Panning the camera during a long exposure allowed me to create a more artistic and abstract interpretation of this beach scene. “I love the artistic interpretation and all the colors and the feel … I was really impressed with how many of these ‘Scapes really pushed into the abstract, pushed into the artists’ realm.” – Kristi Odom (one of the three competition judges). Open edition prints of this peaceful photograph are available for sale on my website (see link in comments below). DM me if you’d prefer a signed Limited-Edition version. Also, there is a lovely 20x16 inch framed canvas signed Limited-Edition print of it currently available for sale at the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. If you’d like to experience this place for yourself, join me on my Cape Cod photography workshop next June! (details on my website).

06/30/2025

Join me at JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh and learn how to make one of a kind cyanotype prints.

Create art from nature! 📸 Join us for a unique Photography Walk: "Photographic Cyanotype Sun Prints" workshop on Saturday, July 26.

Led by photographer Mary Louise Ravese, you'll learn how to make cyanotype photograms, aka sun prints, and take home your creations!

Visit our website for details and registration information.

04/23/2025

Happy Earth Day! Today, as we’re being mindful of the planet, let’s talk about a few eco-friendly ways to elevate your space:

1️⃣ Support independent artists – Skip mass-produced big-box decor that contributes to waste.

2️⃣ Prioritize quality – Invest in artwork made to last, ideally for generations.

3️⃣ Consider options that don't require framing – gallery wrapped canvas pieces like the one pictured have finished edges and don't require additional framing. Alternatively framing prints using an existing frame, or one you purchase second hand.

Thanks for taking a moment with me today to reflect on small changes that can make a big impact on our world. 🌿✨

Pictured: “Springtime in the South”

02/16/2025

My Shimoda bag saved the day. Traveling with camera gear can be tough, especially when flying on smaller planes. This is one of the reasons I like my Shimoda camera bag system. The key is the removable “core unit” that zips up into its own minimalist bag with a handle. The core is a padded unit where the camera gear goes. In this case my two full frame mirrorless bodies with two telephoto lenses, memory cards and backup batteries. I can easily move the core unit from my rolling Shimoda bag to my Shimoda backpack. So when I showed up at the airport with my Shimoda international sized rolling carry-on and was told it weighed too much, I just took out the core unit, slipped in my laptop and checked the roller. Camera equipment and laptop is safe, secure and with me on the plane. Thank you Shimoda for making that possible and giving me piece of mind. Want a Shimoda bag for yourself? Check out my affiliate link https://shimodadesigns.com/?rfsn=8546410.1d54491

02/15/2025

Hey Toto we’re not in North Carolina any more

01/25/2025

Apparently the Wapiti pack of wolves hasn't been seen since early January. Perhaps that's the reason why I've seen several coyote these past few days in Yellowstone NP. With the wolves away, the coyote are more prevalent.

01/24/2025

My photograph “Hope Emerges” shown here is available for sale at The Makery in Wake Forest, NC as part of their Winter Showcase exhibit. Just two weeks left, so stop by to purchase.