No Paparazzi: Wildlife photography ethics in Rocky

The Photography of Deena Marie Czech

By Barb Boyer Buck

“My job as a wildlife photographer is to leave wildlife wild… just as I found them," said Deena Marie Czech. 

It's an engrossing, time- consuming activity that keeps her very busy most early mornings and at dusk in Rocky Mountain National Park. Her goal is not to “capture” wildlife in a quick photo that can be taken from the car or jumping out to get a quick shot of a herd of elk; Deena draws on her lifetime of observing animal behavior and incredible patience in her photography.
 
Deena was born in Minnesota but has made the Tahosa Valley home for the past 30 years.

“I grew up 'Midwest practical,' with parents that had a low threshold for goofing off, arts, or creativity. When I moved to Allenspark, it was always a challenge to stop doing all the responsible things and just go play in the woods.
 
“Well, that's over! Let the dust bunnies and dishes pile up cause I'm going to go look for river otter.”
 
She learned tracking skills from her father; family “vacations” were centered around the hunting seasons he participated in and always involved hiking and camping. She's very comfortable in the woods.

A mama moose with her newborn twins; Photo by Deena Marie Czech

​“When the moose first came to Allenspark around 1999, I had only a tiny point and shoot camera,” she explained. “I had a keen interest in moose so in between my responsibilities, I would sit and watch them. Any picture I got was terrible. in 2000, I discovered what is now commonly referred to as a (moose) nursery area.
 
“Mamas would come and have their babies and remain for on average three-four weeks before moving on. Many folks know the location in Rocky that is on the West Side, but this discovery was in my back yard and only mountain folk who knew how to keep their mouths shut knew about it. Sadly, I still couldn't get a decent image to save my life. So, every year I would invest in a little bit better gear. But it, and I, failed miserably,” she said.

Deena Marie Czech; photo by Barb Boyer Buck

Over the years, she began investing in better and better equipment and attending photography workshops. “In 2013 I was spending time in New Mexico and a wonderful man named Dennis Chamberlain told me about the Lens Enchantment Camera Club. Everything changed. Wonderful mentors like Keith Bauer who is brilliant at teaching workflow, gear, and all that yucky geeky stuff helped me tremendously and still does. The camera club also had casual critique nights where members would submit images to be critiqued in a helpful, kind, and humorous way by LeRoy Perea.

A red fox on the hunt; Photo by Deena Marie Czech

“All of these folks with their love of photography and willing to mentor people helped me to finally get a glimpse at the possibilities for my photography. It was a long road to get all the components necessary for some solid photography, but I'd say in 2019 the gear end of things finally came together allowing me the ability to not be held up by lesser quality gear.”
 
She's held several occupations to support her passion. She's been the owner and operator of a critter sitter/home check business for 17 years. “This is hard work come winter when you have many clients first thing in the morning, often starting with a snowshoe into property to feed horses before the sun is up,” she said. “It's a privilege to be trusted by so many to take care of what is so very important to their hearts.”
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She also runs a wholesale business, marketing merchandise for tourism and mountain living and served 15 years on the Allenspark Fire Protection District. “I still hate driving big trucks,” Deena said. “Small community fire departments are challenging because you often know the person affected by an emergency. But that that same familiarity also allows you to bring their groceries home after they crash a car or to take care of their animals when an unexpected emergency arises. “It's aways an honor to respond to any call to serve.”

Baby geese in spring; Photo by Deena Marie Czech

Deena is also very involved with dog rescue work. She's fostered 20 dogs for different rescue groups and volunteers in numerous ways to their efforts.
 
“Giving pups a soft place to land is a privilege and finding those pups a perfect home is magic,” she said.
She plans to stay involved in this type of work “fur-ever.”
 
Photography is not just an occupation for Deena, it has driven her behavior and created friendships over the decades. She lives near Wild Basin, once considered “the back door of Rocky Mountain National Park” by the local “mountain folk,” and has seen that area's quiet, pristine wilderness change over the years as Rocky has become more popular.

A coyote hunts on the tundra in Rocky; Photo by Deena Marie Czech

“Even though those days will never return it still is my happy place,” Deena said.
 
“When hitting a trail, I can always see and hear friends, family, and lovers that shared that trail with me in the past. I need only to look at the bridge and see a young Paul catching a brownie (trout). Mike and I getting lost in the willows while wearing the heaviest waders ever made. Having to dive hastily (and with no grace at all) off a trail as a bear came running straight at a couple of us out on an evening walk. And how we laughed for ages about it.
 
“The time that Ken yelled, ‘STOP!,’ and jumped out of my car to run over to some wood lilies. They would be the last ones he ever saw. I only need to glance in the area of an old great horned owl nest where Kathy and I would sit and watch the silly owlets while we gossiped about the day. Her giggles and 'never-got-over-the-70s hairstyle' foremost in my mind's eye.

​ ​“The animals I photograph are amazing and I am rich in ​blessings to be able to do so. But for me, it's the pictures in my head, and not my camera, that makes Rocky so special to me.”

Male and female moose during mating season; Photo by Deena Marie Czech

Her advice to others seeking the perfect wildlife shot is simple. “Run your own race,” she said, “and simply mind your manners, and your impact.
 
“It's so easy to look at someone else's work and think they are better or that they are worse than you. Neither is true; you are only at different stages. If you love photography, then your work will continue to evolve, and you will create your own style. Many things need to come together for a successful wildlife image in an environment that you have no control over. It can be frustrating, so it is hope you lean into. Hope that today is your day that everything lines up and the magic will happen,” she said.

A Rocky Mountain Bluebird couple; Photo by Deena Marie Czech

While she continues to “hunt” the perfect wildlife shot while not compromising the animal's natural behavior, she is exploring new avenues in her craft. “My choice currently is to not do straight photography. Rather, I love exploring the computerized dark room named Photoshop that Ansel Adams started with his bold adventures and unconstrained exploration of his dark room. Most of my images you will clearly see my own experimenting and play but on occasion I can evoke a bit more subtly.

“I believe that people save what they love. If an image or a story can facilitate a connection to wildlife for someone then that is the best I can hope for.”
To see more of Deena's photography, visit the Distant Harbors Gallery in Allenspark, or on instagram https://www.instagram.com/wild_basin/

Barb Boyer Buck is the managing editor of HIKE ROCKY magazine. She is a professional journalist, photographer, editor and playwright. In 2014 and 2015, she wrote and directed two original plays about Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, to honor the Park’s 100th anniversary. Barb lives in Estes Park with her cat, Percy.

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The publication of this article is made possible by McGregor Mountain Lodge of Estes Park; please stop by the lodge and say "thank you" for supporting local and independent journalism!

The publication of this article is made possible by The Country Market of Estes Park; please stop by the lodge and say "thank you" for supporting local and independent journalism!