My reasons for photographing nature come from two paths of thought. The first—and the oldest—began with my simple desire to document what caught my attention.
Even in middle school, I started a nature club with a few classmates. We called it the M&M Nature Club, and our mission was to discover and record all the fascinating things we found outdoors.
My grandfather gave me an old Kodak camera, and I paid for film and developing by selling little rock creatures made of lake rocks, Elmer’s glue, and googly eyes at local craft shows.
Those early photographs were straightforward documentation—no artistry, just a record of “here it is.”
That instinct to document still shapes my work today. Often, my first photo of a subject is a simple record, destined to live quietly on my hard drive. But that’s important to me. Many of my friends and relatives aren’t familiar with the plants, animals, waterfalls, or rock formations that I hike to, and they enjoy looking at them regardless of the artistry.
But if my images spark curiosity or awareness, then maybe they will also inspire a deeper respect for nature in those who see the photos.
Becoming an “Artist”
The second path is about going beyond documentation—transforming those same subjects into more compelling photographs.
My goal is to add a sense of awe, to create images that hold someone’s attention just a little longer, maybe long enough for them to feel something or share it with others.
The Best Plan is No Plan
I don’t plan heavily. Most of the time, I wander through nature preserves, conservation areas, or interesting topographic features I’ve spotted on a map. While I occasionally set out with a specific image in mind, I usually return with dozens of unplanned discoveries.
Finding a subject is the easy part. Making a strong photograph requires patience, perspective, and the joy of problem-solving—adjusting camera settings, shifting angles, and, above all, waiting for light. When the right light sweeps across a landscape, it’s unforgettable.
Still, great light is rare. That’s why my portfolio leans more toward plants, trees, fungi, rocks, and small wildlife than sweeping vistas
I enjoy moving slowly and quietly through the woods, letting nature reveal itself, more than I enjoy standing still and waiting for the light to be just right.
Editing Images
Editing, too, is part of the process. I don’t replace skies, add animals, or fabricate elements. Instead, I “edit with intent.”
My intent is to bring the image closer to the way I envisioned it—to highlight the subject, enhance color and texture, remove distractions, and add depth.
I gravitate toward vibrant, dimensional images because life is too short for flat and lifeless photographs.
To me, the goal of my photography is to turn those two-dimensional images into a photo that has a deep depth of field, perceived dimension, and highlights the attributes of the subject that caught my attention when I first saw it.
That transformation takes both patience in the field and purpose in editing.
I hope my work helps you see and appreciate the details of the natural world in new ways. If you’re curious about how I created or edited an image, please feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share.