Relentless pursuit: Local photographer wins statewide award
Photos by Keith Bozeman
Hartselle-based photographer Keith Bozeman has made a name for himself in the world of outdoor and nature photography, and his latest recognition only adds to his growing list of achievements. His image, Tennessee River Kayak Sunset, recently won second place in the Nature-Based Recreation category of the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest, a highly regarded statewide competition.
Bozeman’s passion for photography began in 2002 with the birth of his second child, a time when digital cameras became more accessible. Already an avid hiker, he naturally started bringing his camera along on his outdoor adventures. The ability to instantly see and learn from his images fueled his enthusiasm, leading him to submit photos for publication—an experience that got him “hooked.”
His skills took a leap forward after attending a workshop led by renowned photographer John Shaw, who helped him see the artistic potential in nature photography. Over time, Bozeman realized photography was becoming a major part of his life, and he sought a way to turn his passion into a career. While he experimented with portrait photography, he ultimately found his true calling in photography instruction, leveraging his background as a teacher.
Bozeman said Shaw’s workshop opened his eyes to the artistic aspect of photography.
“I began to look at the natural world in a different way,” he said.
In 2016, he officially launched his photography business, specializing in destination workshops. Bozeman has since guided photography enthusiasts through Bankhead National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and more. His workshops combine his love for photography, teaching, and exploring untouched wilderness, ensuring his clients capture stunning images in the best light possible.
One of Bozeman’s proudest accomplishments is seeing his work published in prestigious magazines such as Country Magazine, Backpacker Magazine and Outdoor Photographer Magazine—a dream come true for him. Beyond personal success, he is passionate about using his photography to showcase the natural beauty of Alabama.
“Alabama is mostly known for its sports teams, and rightly so, but I want people to see the beauty that can be found in our state,” he said. “I have had the opportunity on several occasions to publish articles describing the beautiful places in Alabama.”
Bozeman said one of the most fulfilling parts of his business is seeing client reactions when they arrive at a beautiful location.
“I am part photographer, part teacher and part wilderness guide,” he said. “I love to take people to special places – places untouched by humans. “Most of the locations we go to, I have found myself. I make sure that my workshops are planned so that my clients come away with amazing images. If you join me, you will be meeting up early in the morning before the sun comes up, and you will return at dark. Light is everything in photography, so early morning and late in the evening are the most ideal times.”
His efforts have gained international attention, with articles in Nature TTL (based in England) and Light and Landscape Magazine, where one of his images from Little River Canyon graced the cover.
Capturing the award-winning image
Bozeman has been participating in the Outdoor Alabama Magazine Photo Contest for years, with multiple first-place wins in the past. Though he didn’t take first place this year, he had an impressive showing with two second-place awards and one third-place award.
His second-place-winning image, Tennessee River Kayak Sunset, was taken near Point Mallard Park on a stormy day. Knowing that incredible sunsets often follow turbulent weather, he studied NOAA weather charts and saw a high chance of dramatic light in the evening.
“The forecast was showing that the clouds would be opening up near sunset, so I went out in my kayak in hopes of getting a nice image. The light was amazing,” he said. “I shot this with my Nikon z7 with a 12-24mm wide angle lens. I love how the ultra-wide angle makes the viewer feel like they are sitting in the kayak, watching the amazing sunset unfold.”
Bozeman credits his inspiration to Charles Seifried, a local photographer known for similar compositions.
Bozeman also won second place in the Scenic category for a mesmerizing long-exposure shot of Lower Caney Creek Falls in Bankhead National Forest. The image captures autumn leaves swirling in the pool below the waterfall, made possible by a 30-second exposure with his Nikon Z7 and a 24-105mm lens.
“Caney Creek is one of the few streams that flows year-round in Bankhead because it is spring fed.” he said. “The lower falls is a special place because leaves collect in the pool below the falls during autumn. The leaves move ever so slightly in a circle.”
His third-place-winning image, another in the Nature-Based Recreation category, is particularly special to him. Taken in a cypress swamp along the Tennessee River, it features a serene autumn scene with cypress trees glowing in fall colors.
“It is by far my favorite winner,” he said. “I found this cypress swamp a few years ago along the Tennessee River. I wanted to come back during the fall when the cypress trees turn red. I have been to a lot of beautiful locations around the US, but this is definitely in my top five.”
Bozeman said the image was unplanned, another reason he loves the outcome.
“My wife just happened to be crossing in the path while I was shooting this composition. The arrangement of the cypress trees and the light just leads your eye to my wife in her kayak.”
Bozeman said he captured the image with a Nikon z7 and a 24-105mm lens from his kayak.
Even with his award-winning images, Bozeman remains a perfectionist. While satisfied with his photographs, he admits he wishes for better light and fog in the cypress swamp image, but he is happy with all three images as-is.
For more of Bozeman’s photography and workshops, visit his website or follow him on social media.
