Artist’s Statement
Photography and videography is the way I can suspend myself in time and place, a way to completely become absorbed in nature and experience it in a timeless way using artistic expression. Great joy is gained by simply experiencing the excitement of natural wildlife behavior and capturing this excitement on film. Years in the study of birds and other wildlife and plants coupled with a love of researching he behaviors of subjects combine to increase the intensity of the experience in the field.
Since 2001, when I obtained my first digital camera and began to digiscope birds, to today, where I use an SLR camera and 100-400mm lens to come closer to my subjects, which now include mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and other natural things, I have always used photography to allow others to experience a closer tie with nature and a greater appreciation of nature. I also use my iPhone and other smaller cameras to capture video and still photography, when my more intricate gear is not readily available. My main goal is to allow the viewer to become as excited as I was while photographing the subject, to understand more about the harshness of nature and the beauty and importance of our connection to nature.
My work is an expression of my energy and enthusiasm in nature. Captured mostly on the fly, in the wild, with a willing subject and luck as my ally, even if only for a second. Rarely is a tripod or flash involved. I picture in my mind’s eye what I would like to photograph (the dream shot), then I hope that the subject will move to the perfect location for the shot (great background and lighting), or that I can move to the perfect vantage point. Add a well-placed cloud or two and voila! This combination of hope and reality sometimes combines to create the magical moment that expresses the intense joy of capture and my sheer luck.
Additionally, I take travel photography and micro photography. Occasionally, I even photograph people, but don’t ask – it’s not my favorite art form!