Bill Draper is arguably Richmond’s leading outdoor photographer. His renowned photos of landscapes and wildlife in the James River Park System have garnered widespread admiration. He’s celebrated citywide for his exceptional ability to capture Richmond’s beauty and the enchanting natural surroundings.
Several years ago, he released a book titled A Photographic Journey Through the James River Park System, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the James River Park. He also created a 2024 calendar for the organization. Draper is renowned for his extensive collection of photographs of the Hollywood Cemetery buck, which he captured over several years before the animal was tragically poached in December.
He answered some questions for us on his approach and how he gets those beautiful images of life on the James.
Terry Hurley: Don’t want to get too personal here but how old are you and where do you live?
Bill Draper: I’m 72. My wife and I live in Richmond after moving from Short Pump almost five years ago. We are now downtown overlooking the river as we wanted to be closer to the 600-plus acre James River Park System.
TH: How did you get started in photography?
BD: I studied photography in college but worked in healthcare sales and marketing for 40 years. After retiring in 2016, I began carrying a camera on my runs and while biking and kayaking.
TH: What made you focus on outdoor photography in Richmond and especially, the James River Park System?
BD: I grew up in Richmond close to Pony Pasture and spent my summers fishing, swimming and canoeing on the James. It is part of my DNA. I have a passion for viewing and photographing wildlife and landscapes especially in the light of early morning and late evening.
TH: Your images, especially of the wildlife, are amazing. I’m sure it’s not easy to capture some of those shots and it must take some time to get what you want. They don’t pose for you, do they?
BD: Getting the best landscape and wildlife photos does take a commitment, getting out early, many times starting in the dark, walking a mile or more to be at a certain spot at sunrise. The other challenge is to be ready for the unexpected opportunity. I am always watching the lighting conditions and making changes to camera settings to be ready to quickly get that special photo. Many times it is a matter of seconds, especially when it comes to wildlife. I compare it to the wild west, you have to be quick on the draw.
TH: What do you most enjoy photographing?
BD: Capturing a beautiful sunrise or sunset on the James River, mountains, or seashore. A favorite with wildlife is photographing running or flying animals and birds.You see them from a totally different perspective.
TH: What are the most difficult shots for you?
BD: My most difficult shots are those flying birds and running or walking wildlife, especially with marginal light.
TH: What times of day work best for you?
BD: Morning is by far the best time of day for me with evening being second. Wildlife tends to be more active in the morning and late afternoon. This kind of light makes photos look more pleasing in most cases.
TH: Do you have any favorite locations along the river? By now you must know where to find your subjects.
BD: Favorite locations change based on time of year, wildlife migration and other activities. It is interesting that some of the best wildlife can be accessed easily by almost anyone. I have photographed deer, wild turkeys, eagles and waterfowl from the Huguenot Bridge. Downtown bridges including Potterfield, Mayo, Manchester and Belvidere are great for flying ducks, eagles, ospreys and other birds. I spend a lot of time walking along the river, in many cases finding unexpected photo opportunities. In other words, I don’t always find wildlife I originally expected to see. Beautiful river sunrises and sunsets are always potential opportunities when photographing wildlife along the riverbanks.
TH: How many photos do you normally take in a day and how many hours are you out with your camera?
BD: The number of photos I take on a normal day has changed quite a bit over the years. Not too long ago 100 photos a day was normal. Today with the newer technology cameras that take 20 to 30 photos per second, one to three thousand photos per day is very common, especially with moving wildlife. As an example, many times people ask me how did I get that flying bird photo with the wings in the perfect position. The answer is that at 30 photos per second, I got all the wing positions and picked the best one. I delete 95 percent or more of my photos each day, keeping the best ones.
TH: Do people stop and talk to you when they see you out and about with your camera? I assume some probably recognize you from your social media presence as well as your book and calendar.
BD: I do talk to people along the river every day. The number one comment, “wow that is a really big lens.” Surprisingly enough, many people do ask “are you Bill Draper” followed by “I really like following your photos on social media.”
TH: If you don’t mind, how expensive is the equipment you use?
BD: I will just say that I started with a basic camera and lens combination for less than $500 and over the years have continued to upgrade my equipment to the top mirrorless cameras with good quality lenses. The photo book that I did on the James River Park was almost completely done with a $400 camera and an iPhone.
TH: Do you have any simple tips for us amateurs on taking nature photographs on our smart phone?
BD: The quality of smartphone cameras improves each year. There is a significant improvement in the camera phones from just a few years ago. They have improved to a level that in my daily travels I carry a 600mm lens for wildlife and my iPhone 15 Pro Max for landscape photos. Newer Android phones also have great cameras for landscape and people photos.
TH: Lastly, is there anything else would you like us to know about your work photographing the landscape and wildlife in the Richmond area?
BD: I have a passion for being outdoors and viewing wildlife. I enjoy hiking, running, bicycling and kayaking. I always have a camera with me during these activities. I push myself to get out on a regular basis for several reasons. One is just being outdoors and having a desire to take the best photos I’m capable of taking. However, the most important reason, at age 72, is to keep my body moving and staying in good physical condition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In 2015 I developed a very painful back problem that made doing any physical activity almost impossible. I was told by numerous surgeons that I needed a three-level spinal fusion. I talked with a trainer and she asked me to give her three months and if that did not help then have the surgery. I continued to slowly improve and years later the back pain is gone. My biggest motivation in getting out each day is to stay in shape and keep the back pain from coming back. I call it my extreme moderation program.
You can follow Draper’s work on social media and his website: billdraperphotography.com.
