Nevada’s vast, untamed landscapes and remarkable wildlife have long beckoned adventurers and artists alike. For local photographer Thomas “Tom” Knapp, owner of Thomas U. Knapp Photography (tukphotography.com), the Silver State is more than just home—it’s an endless canvas. Tom’s journey from crime scene photography to capturing the wild beauty of Nevada offers a unique perspective for those eager to explore through their own lens.
From Crime Scenes to Canyons
Tom’s background in forensic photography has profoundly influenced his approach to landscape and wildlife photography. “The key takeaway from my forensic background is preparation,” Tom said. “The phrase that embodies forensic photography is, ‘You can never take too many photographs.’ The criticality of properly documenting a crime scene can determine the success or failure of a prosecution. Likewise, preparation for going into the field to photograph wildlife or a particular landscape requires similar attention.”
Preparation in Nevada means more than just packing camera gear. “The weather and terrain dictate how you should prepare,” Tom advises. “Dress in layers, bring food and plenty of water, and always let someone know your plans. Your safety and the safety of others should always be a top consideration in our challenging environment.”
Tom even developed his own checklist to avoid the dreaded realization of forgotten essentials. “The worst feeling when you are in the middle of nowhere is having forgotten a spare battery or another must-have piece of equipment. You don’t want to miss a spectacular sunrise shot because you thought you had put your tripod in your vehicle only to discover you didn’t!”
The Magic of Natural Light
Lighting is central to Tom’s photographic style. “A key element in photography is lighting. The term golden hour for landscape and wildlife photographers is the time, usually up to one hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset,” he says. But Tom also embraces the unpredictable. “You can often have dramatic landscape lighting as a storm starts to develop or dissipate in the middle of the day. Natural lighting can highlight wildlife and give your subject a more dramatic look. The glow and shadowing of a sunrise can make the magnificence of the Rainbow Mountains of Red Rock Canyon take your breath away.”
His goal is to make viewers feel as if they were right there beside him. “I strive to embody techniques in photographing a landscape that give a person viewing it the feeling they were there with me when I took the photograph. Capturing a moment in time and sharing it is incredibly satisfying.”
Wild Encounters and Lessons in Patience
Exploring Nevada’s wild places brings both beauty and challenge. Tom recalls one of his most memorable encounters: “I had come upon a small herd of wild horses in a lush arroyo. Suddenly, the largest mustang I have ever seen came directly at me at full speed! He circled and pranced around to let me know this was his territory. Although intimidating, I never felt threatened. Years of patiently photographing and understanding wild horses prepared me to deal with the mustang I came to know as ‘Fabio.’ Knowledge, experience, and patience once again paid great dividends.”
Advice for Aspiring Explorers
For those inspired to capture Nevada’s wild spirit, Tom’s advice is simple but profound: “Respect and preserve this special resource. Observe all regulations, respect laws that protect wildlife, and pack out all that you pack in so others can enjoy it too. Capture a moment in time with whatever type of camera you have in order to keep the memory and share it with others. You’ll never regret it.”
In Tom’s world, every photograph is an invitation to explore—and to protect—the wonders of Nevada.
Every photograph is an invitation to explore—and to protect—the wonders of Nevada.