It was about four years ago, give or take a few months that I was approached by the editor of our local newspaper in Kane, about writing a column.

She had overheard me telling someone about my photography, and how I had a story behind every photo. She exclaimed that might make an interesting column, not only to photographers, but to anyone interested in nature.

Well, it took two more years until I finally tried it. I was certain they wouldn’t want me back again, because my writing skills weren’t the best. You see, I have a tendency to write as I would talk to someone as we met on the street! 

My first reviews were very surprising to me, as everyone I talked to were very supportive of my endeavors. I thought I would give it another try, and did a second column, which led to a third, which led to this column, my 100th!

In those hundred columns I have taken people around our area chasing numerous animals, birds and scenic images. Falling out of trees, tumbling down cliffs, breaking some equipment, and just having the time of my life, getting people interested in the amazing nature we have around us.

My goal has always been to get people interested in nature photography. I hope I’ve succeeded in some small way. It’s truly incredible the adventures I have experienced over the years while trying to capture that particular mammal, bird or scenic view.

I do believe any nature photographer out there will tell you the same thing. You can bet on it! Through the years my equipment has changed, and the range of my nature adventures has expanded as well. From the Deep South to the desert southwest, I’ve shot some images I never thought I would ever get to see or share. After living in Alaska in the late ’60s and early ’70s, I finally had some chances to go back to that state in the last few years. I was able to revisit some of my old stomping grounds, which rekindled a lot of fond memories. The only thing different about my latest trips to Alaska was the fact I now shoot digital, and I don’t have to change a rolls of film!

This medium gave me a perfect opportunity to share these adventures with more people than I could ever expect to reach individually.

There is definitely a sense of accomplishment in sharing with others what I see and do with a camera. I get many calls and emails from people who have seen the same wildlife or been to the same areas I have visited. Their thoughts and comments have inspired me to get out and do even more.

As I write this, hopefully warmer weather is just around the corner, and I’m anxious to get out there once again, in pursuit of that one unique image that will make my year. The great thing about nature photography is that chance of a new adventure every day, or so it seems!

Then there the extraordinary people I have met through nature photography.

There are just too many for me to mention them all in just one column, or even in ten columns! I think I’m a hotshot nature photographer until I meet and see the works of other fantastic image makers. It brings me down to earth rather quickly! This is a great motivating factor for any nature photographer, seeing all the remarkable work and dedication that is put into capturing a great image, and sharing it with everyone.

I have never met another nature photographer who hasn’t been willing to share his secrets, and tell their stories. Terry, with the amazing cardinal pictures, Curt with the beautiful night sky photos, Wade and his great travel images, and Doug, an amazing landscape photographer, just to name a few.

Not only have I met many photographers, but many nature artists as well. I have met the late great naturalist and artist Roger Tory Peterson, as well as present day artists, Jack Paluh, Bob Travers, Carl Sams II, and many others, who have dedicated their art to nature, and inspired me to do even more. To my friend and mentor thanks to all the area establishments who have displayed my images over the years, the Westline Inn, Bob’s Trading Post, The Kane Depot, Kane Community Hospital, Pinecrest Manor, The Elk Visitor Center, and the Emporium Council of the Arts.

Thanks to everyone who share their love of nature with me. Without those emails and wildlife tips, I would never get the shots that I have today. Keep them coming and remember, spring is the best time for nature watching. To my wife, Marcy, who puts up with me leaving the house at the crack of dawn, not to be seen again for hours, only to encourage me to do it again!

Lastly, thanks to my most successful image I’ve ever taken, the late, great Kinzua Bridge, with copies sent all over the country and abroad, including Guam, Signapore, Sweden and Germany.

To this day I usually get requests for this picture at least monthly. This portrait was truly “being at the right place at the right time.”

Until my next adventure…