Camera Trap Images Uncover LA’s Surprising Fauna Set Against the Glow of Urban Lights
**Johanna Turner: Connecting Wilderness and City Life through Camera Trap Photography**
Johanna Turner, a photographer from Southern California, has unearthed the enchanting world of concealed wildlife in an unexpected setting—deep within urban sprawl. Utilizing the art and methods of camera trap photography, Turner produces stunning visuals of elusive creatures, frequently set against the brilliant backdrop of downtown Los Angeles and its neighboring urban landscape. Her work uncovers often-ignored wildlife in natural habitats near cities while conveying a profound message about the intersection of human-made spaces and nature.
### The Origins of a Passion
Turner’s foray into camera trap photography was born out of a passion for hiking through the Southern California wilderness. Although she roamed these natural wonders, there were always creatures she suspected inhabited the area but would elude her gaze. While hiking in a state park, she encountered the concept of trail cameras—remote, motion-activated devices designed to capture wildlife—and experienced a realization. “I knew animals lived in the regions I enjoyed hiking, yet I never sighted them,” Turner shared in an interview with *My Modern Met*. Prompted by this insight, she invested in her first trail camera that very evening.
What began as a simple interest in documenting wildlife has transformed over the years into a proficient craft. Today, she employs high-end DSLR camera traps instead of conventional wildlife trail cameras. DSLR technology provides vastly improved image quality, allowing her to immerse her audience in the world as if they were encountering the animals personally.
### Perfecting the Art of Camera Trap Photography
For Turner, honing her craft in camera trap photography necessitates a distinct combination of abilities. “Being proficient in camera trapping requires mastery of three key skill sets,” she explains. The first is an understanding of animal behavior. This involves comprehending the routines and movements of the animals she hopes to photograph, including when and where they are likely to be found and how their habits fluctuate with the seasons.
The second skill set includes a robust grasp of photography fundamentals. Even though camera traps handle much of the work automatically, it remains crucial for the photographer to make deliberate decisions regarding settings—especially in tricky situations, such as capturing movement after dark or achieving balanced long-exposure shots amidst urban backdrops. Turner emphasizes the need to experiment with settings to achieve captivating visuals, particularly when photographing cityscapes at night.
Lastly, there’s an artistic aspect to consider. “A striking close-up of a wild animal is fantastic,” Turner mentions, “but I’ve always been fascinated by environmental scenes that depict the animal’s existence and their perspective on their surroundings.” For Turner, each image signifies more than just the animal; it reflects the broader contrasts between wilderness and urban life.
### Iconic Shots: Mountain Lions in the Metropolis
One of her most memorable images features a mountain lion illuminated by the bright lights of Los Angeles, captured while she was working in the Verdugo Hills. This shot was no easy task. Turner hiked for an entire day to reach a carefully chosen remote camera location that aligned with the animals’ movement patterns. However, like many camera trap endeavors, the key to success lay in patience. She would return to the site every four to six weeks to check the camera. “It took over a year to capture this shot,” she reflects, acknowledging the challenges presented by the terrain and natural elements that often interfere with or damage the cameras.
Yet, her determination bore fruit. The image she captured—a formidable predator calmly gazing against the urban backdrop—became a powerful emblem of the fragile equilibrium between nature and the sprawling city. “As I was reviewing the camera images, I didn’t expect much when I suddenly halted at this specific frame,” she recalls.
Despite animals being predominantly nocturnal, Turner’s camera has also unveiled unexpected surprises. In one remarkable photo, another mountain lion was seen active during daylight hours. She had intended to capture a starry night view behind the animal, but circumstances shifted, as dense storm clouds formed a dark, dramatic scene, enhancing the visual impact of what could have been a washed-out daytime image. “His intense gaze toward the camera sends shivers down my spine,” she reflects on the lion, embodying the intrigue and primal spirit of the natural world.
### Contemplating Nature and Urban Life
For Turner, camera trapping transcends mere photography—it represents an emotional and intellectual exploration that encourages both herself and her audience to contemplate complex environmental concerns. Upon her initial move to Southern California, she confesses feeling disillusioned by the thought of residing in a heavily populated urban area where she assumed wildlife would be scant. “Camera trapping revealed to me that this is absolutely false!” she