REEDSVILLE — After capturing breathtaking images with his landscape and wildlife photography, Bill Sisson tries to live by some important words a colleague once said.

“The most important part of the camera is the 12 inches behind it,” Sisson recalled of the photographer’s sage advice.

Those words have proven to be right over Sisson’s 40 years working in his craft.

“Some of it is being in the right place at the right time, but it’s also figuring out in advance what the right time and place might be,” Sisson said.

“I do a lot of research where to go and what time to go, especially for wildlife and nature photography,” Sisson added.

The results are unquestionably remarkable.

Sisson’s photographs certainly capture the essence of the subject or scenery whether it’s a moon illuminating a farmstead, an Amish buggy traveling a dust-covered back country road or exquisite sunset over rolling fields.

The effects and the impeccable details of his photographs are the same whether they are in Reedville — where the 70-year-old Sisson and his wife, Joy Kaufmann, make their home — or abroad in other parts of the Keystone State, United States or even Nepal, one of his favorite countries to travel to.

“I had no idea I’d stick with it,” Sisson said about how photography would affect his life. “The first time I really picked up a camera was when I was about 20. I had no idea about the things I would learn about photography.”

Now, he plans to share some of that knowledge and stories with the Towpath Naturalist Society of Juniata and Mifflin County as he presents “North American Wildlife and Landscapes” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, during its meeting in the Fellowship Hall, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 120 N. Main St., Lewistown. Attendees should use the rear entrance.

“I focus on landscape photography and occasional wildlife photography,” Sisson said. “Most often I photograph in my home state of Pennsylvania. I am fortunate to live in a beautiful valley in central Pennsylvania with many photographic opportunities nearby.”

Photography has also presented Sisson and Joy with new opportunities, mixing their shared love of travel with his love for the lens.

“I have also taken repeated photographic trips across the United States, including driving three times from Pennsylvania to Alaska and back,” Sisson explained. “My wife and I have traveled to many countries in Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa, so I have had the good fortune of photographing many places as well as wildlife outside the U.S.”

The souvenirs he brings back from this trips are the photos on his camera — a Canon R-5 and only four lenses

“I try to emphasize good composition as well as good lighting in my photography,” Sisson said. “I enjoy the blue and golden hours, but also appreciate the subtle lighting of overcast days. I have also been trying to expand my portfolio in night photography.

“When it’s perfectly clear, with no moon and stars out,” Sisson added. “There’s a lot of advance work into the photographs very often. Other times when photographing right here in Big Valley, I’ll go out in the morning and find a good place (to take photos). If it happens, I wind up with a really colorful dawn.”

He also enjoys photography because there is always something new to learn about it.

“Definitely going from film to digital,” Sisson said about the advancements in technology over the years. “You can quickly see the image you’ve captured on the camera display, look at it and critique the image I’ve shot. You can see ways to improve it, and I can do that almost always by retaking the photo.”

Right there, on the spot. Previously, he would have to develop the film and the moment would have passed.

Cameras have come a long way since the first instamatic camera he received as a young boy. “I used to take little snapshots,” he quipped. “I’d take pictures of places where my family would travel. I had no specific interest like people or landscapes.”

Sisson admits that even he has surprised himself with the quality of his work at times. “I’ve been quite pleased when a few times over the years, I’ve had publishable quality photographs,” he explained.

His work has mostly been published in photography magazines as well as a couple local and statewide general-interest magazines and websites.

“I love to see beautiful places,” Sisson said. “Of all the places we’ve traveled to, Nepal has been my favorite. In part because of its spectacular mountains. And their two quite different cultures — the Tibetan Buddhists and the Hindus.”

There is that passion for landscape and wildlife photographs, with a strong interest in travel. His work can be viewed on his website at billsissonphotography.com.

The Towpath Naturalists always welcome new members and guests. Annual dues are $10. For more information, call (717) 248-0883.