My life and photographic style is a continuous process of evolution, much like that of the natural world I document. I strive to create and capture the many moods of nature, and onany given day that mood can be entirely different. My passion for animals and the outdoors allowed me to find nature photography early in my adult travels, and while today it is an excellent compliment to my scientific endeavors, someday I hope it will be the other way around. I am of the belief that my scientific knowledge and abilities play a vital role in the evolution of my art form, and as I develop my artistic eye, my skills as a wildlife biologist provide an essential component to be my success.
The knowledge I have of my photographic subject matter will often allow me to predict where I need to be and when I need to be there to get the shot I envision beforehand. This is critical to consistent success when trying to capture the most intimate, compelling, heart stopping moments with wild critters. When the action happens you have to be there, and be there at the right time!
I live in Columbia, Missouri, with my beautiful wife Suzie, and four extraordinary felines: Alice, Leo, Elsa, and Louise. I am a big fan of keeping some swift moving, cute, furry, domestic subjects around to practice on when time permits. I am in the Midwest to obtain a PhD in Wildlife Biology, and to that end I am currently examining the habitat associations, species' distribution patterns, and species' interactions of forest carnivores in the Ozark Mountains. My research also identifies habitat critical to the persistence of the endangered Plain's spotted skunk.
Although I live in a beautiful part of the country with no shortage of nature to photograph, I always find myself looking east, because I am a Virginian born and raised. My heart always longs for the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the last year my photographic vision has taken me down an exciting and different path than I used to follow, away from the desire to crank out an endless stream of commonly seen imagery. Today, I pursue those subjects and moments in time that are ephemeral, fleeting, or just plain overlooked. Delving into the nuances of nature, there is an old saying that "you can't see the forest for the trees" and my new approach takes that to heart.
My new works get up-close and personal with nature, bringing to life the patterns, textures and colors that are right in front of us but hidden by the larger picture. For example, the eyes tell the true tale of an animal, whether it is a bald eagle, howler monkey, or preying mantis. I want to capture the eyes and the facial expressions of an animal, devoid of the extraneous visual cues of traditional imagery. The eyes are not just the windows into the soul; they are the key to unlocking captivating imagery in nature.
Artist appreciation
I have always ascribed to the standard "Take only pictures leave only footprints." I would like to add one more thing to that sage advice, "Take time." Time to see, smell, feel, think, and simply immerse oneself into nature. Time is a commodity we spend foolishly. I feel that, to a degree, the nature photographer tries to stretch time beyond its physical limitations. So ask that you take the time to wander around my site, time to question yourself or me about what it is in a particular image that moves you, and time to realize that the natural world is truly an endless opportunity for exploration.
Thank you for viewing my work, and if you see something you like then by all means please let me know. My artistic pursuits and this virtual gallery are the result of many important people in my life; My dad, Harvey, who regardless of life's struggles always finds time for a little bit of fishing. My mom, Mary, who didn't bring me into this world, but made darn sure I, stayed in it. My supportive wife, Suzie, who is always encouraging me to pursue my dreams, and helps me create many new ones. Only Suzie will know what this means, but she is my "lobster." Finally, my mother, Patsy, who gave me life, but lost her struggle to see me grow up, she is always over my shoulder when the golden glint of last light hits the horizon and pauses, giving me one more chance to make time stand still with a camera.
