Nature photography has been my passion for many years. My biggest interest is in wildlife, ranging from insects to bison. The majority of my wildlife images are birds, whether they are taken in large national parks or on my back deck. However, wildlife is not my only interest, so I also keep my eyes open for landscapes. One of my favorite subjects is a sunrise, especially in foggy conditions.

I always look forward to exciting trips to national parks or to national wildlife refuges, but the majority of my images are captured within 20 miles of my home in Northern Virginia, part of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Although it does not offer the wildlife of Yellowstone or the landscapes of Yosemite, I find many great opportunities and varieties for my pursuit of nature photography. The Chesapeake Bay is two hours east and the Blue Ridge Mountains are two hours west. My favorite day trips are to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and to Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park.

My favorite location is Huntley Meadows Park, a small wetland in Alexandria, Virginia. My passion for wildlife photography sparked the first time I stepped foot on its half-mile boardwalk. I was surrounded by calls from red-winged blackbirds, witnessed numerous turtles sunning on logs, saw a motionless four foot great blue heron, and a dozen pure white great egrets fishing in the water. I was unaware that this environment existed in this busy district area.

I have had many exciting days scouting for eagles, snow geese, small fawns, large bucks, bears, bloomed flowers, waterfalls, sunrises and whatever else I found fascinating, capturing  a moment in time that will never be repeated exactly the same. I have also had slow days, in extremely hot and cold conditions, waiting for an appearance, or actions and frustrations for missing great shots. I even experienced falling backwards, submerging my expensive camera and a large lens under water. I was very grateful to have insurance.  However, at the end of the day, I found that the day was not wasted.

I have met very talented photographers and have had great mentors with my involvement with the Northern Virginia Photographic Society. I have attended photography workshops through the Chincoteague Bay Field Station and the North American Nature Photography Association, while also participating in the Centreville Baptist Church Photo Team. One of my favorite mentors is Dr. Eugene Hester, a retired former official at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He introduced me to new subjects, like the Indigo Bunting and his personal friend, Hootie, a Barred Owl.

Thank you for checking out my website. I hope you enjoyed the images.

Accomplishments

- Presented my photography work on the Fairfax Station, “Photographers of Northern Virginia”

- Presented my photography work on the Arlington Channel, “Behind the Lens”:      

  Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBYzuZBgnD8      

  Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUkdhQ_u3M4

- Cover image was recognized and selected by the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and was included in their 2016 “Expressions”  book.

- Juried in the Nature Visions Photography Exposition, 2002 – 2019, which included a photograph that was selected for the 2016 Nature Visions Travel Exhibit

- Published  image for the United States Environmental Protection Agency's “Wildlife of Wetlands” calendar

- First place at the Huntley Meadows Photography Exhibit

- Second place for the "Wildlife" category and honorable mention for the "Birds" category at the Ward Museum of Art in Nature Photography Festival

- Album photographer for an alternative band, “The Mood” :

https://www.reverbnation.com/moodrocks

- Presented two Photo Exhibits at Huntley Meadows Park

- 10 year volunteer at Huntley Meadows Park