I am always captivated by the inherent and harmonious rhythms present in the wilds of Africa. The images in this gallery highlight a selection of the endless products born from a brilliant and intricate set of ecosystems. Whether my focus is the discs of color displayed by water lilies on an African lake, or the tender and diligent care given by a mother elephant to her calf, I am reminded of the partnership that exists between the wildlife and the habitat they call home.
Striving to capture the majestic quality of the Kenai Fjords scenery is a mission that is saturated with visual and creative delight for a photographer like me. The complimentary play between a scene’s foreground and background is always a leading thought as I begin to compose each shot. The depth of field is increased with the advanced sensor of my camera, allowing the miraculous details of the landscape to come through. A polarizing lens assists me in my pursuit to accurately convey the subtle, rich color tones that permeate each setting.
The island was calm during this brief shoot in the Bahamas, but high above me the wind was strong and playful. As it steadily swept an assortment of morphing cloud formations across the sky, the light tones along the coral beach and sea continued to change rapidly. I enjoyed watching the many faces of serenity parade through the scenery, as the sundrenched colors of the Caribbean shoreline would give way, for a moment, to the gentle muted hue of an overcast day.
Part of what captivates me about the subject of birds in photography is recognizing and respecting them as travelers. As they follow their migratory patterns, they serve as a link between multiple ecosystems up and down the continent, both on land and at sea. Capturing a shot of them visiting a habitat for their feeding and nesting needs is both exciting and entertaining. Their behavior is intriguing, and the environments in which I encounter them are filled with rich colors and textures. Water is often near, giving me the chance to play creatively with its reflective quality.
The coastal wilderness of British Columbia is infused with a tranquil ambiance. I contemplate the magic of light as I photograph the sun-filtered clouds, and the intricate reflective patterns it creates on the surface of the water. Playful sounds from nearby Sea Lions cut through the quiet, drawing my attention to a typical display of their communal nature. Coastal gulls ornament the water and sky as they browse for food throughout the day.
Artists have described this spot as “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world”. Point Lobos overflows with bold and dramatic elements that entertain the senses, and inspire the spirit. The salty Pacific is rich with aquatic shades of blue and green, providing beautiful contrasts to the color palette of the lavishly textured coastline. The magic of this place exposes itself freely to the camera, and showcases the spectrum of qualities that make it a sought-out refuge for wildlife and humans alike.
Weaving my way through the jungle-like sanctuary of the Channel Islands always fills me with a sense of excited anticipation. As with any forest, I never know what natural treasure I will find on the other side of each turn. In these photographs, my focus is drawn to the Giant Kelp, which serves as the anchor of this rich preserve. Providing food and shelter for hundreds of marine life species, these robust plants stand as the foundation for an entire underwater community, and demonstrate an elegant beauty all their own. With natural light illuminating the scene from the surface, I am able to capture images of their long and graceful stretch toward the sun, as well as convey the lush and intricate nature of their design.
This series of Icelandic landscapes features phenomenon crafted by the most powerful natural forces on earth. Rain and glacier melt water come together to form thunderous waterfalls and rivers that carve at the earth’s surface. Active volcanoes continue to build vast and textured landforms, while the sky donates wind and weather to erode and help shape them. Arctic snow and ice formations pepper portions of the land and sea with striking patterns, as they feed the climate and water cycles. While shooting, I strive to convey how vividly the four elements announce themselves as unique, yet equal players in the story of the earth’s formation.
Exploring and documenting the awe-inspiring wonder of coral reef marine life has been a long time passion of mine. Here, off the coast of Indonesia, I am immersed in a portion of the most diverse set of coral systems on the planet – the Coral Triangle. During each dive, my vision is bathed in scenery teeming with life, and exploding with an array of vibrant colors. Every detail of this bountiful coral garden holds a magnificence that invites me to pause, and savor its unique beauty and purpose.
During the 1970’s and 80’s, my deep-rooted appreciation for the Earth’s natural environments continued to expand, as did my exploration into film photography. The Legacy Gallery features a collection of highlights from my work during this time using a Hasselblad Medium Format camera. During these years, I was drawn more and more to using available light to help convey the true flavor and feel of the environments I experienced. My attraction to the beauty of seascapes, and the intricate ecosystems they held, began to pull me away from the popular trend of intimate underwater portraits, and steer me toward composing images that convey a broader perspective of nature.
Forests have always struck a particular chord of enchantment for me, especially when they blanket one of the most ancient mountain ranges in the world. In the heart of the woods of the Appalachians, just after the fall leaves have withered, the architecture of the trees and foliage come to the forefront, and are often highlighted by a light snowfall. The muted tones convey a quiet beauty that settles in, as the season begins to turn from fall to winter. Weather systems move through rapidly, and from the summits I am able to capture the fluctuating moods of the mountain landscape.
Saturated with the visionary stewardship of the Pennypack Trust, 800 wild acres in Eastern Pennsylvania serve as a grounding oasis from the domesticated lands of the surrounding metropolitan area. Caretakers have introduced indigenous vegetation back into the environment. As it quietly reestablishes itself, species of birds and other wildlife return to nest here again, and contribute to the healing of a once compromised ecosystem. I find beauty and peace in the land’s regenerative journey back to its native state. While walking the footpaths through different seasons, my eye is drawn to simple scenes that invite contemplation. I strive to capture not only the pleasing imagery, but also convey the vital and reflective atmospheres that natural environments provide.
For millions of years, nature has been leaving its colorful signature in the layers of sedimentary rock that make up the scenic landscapes of Utah. The resulting imagery is breathtaking, and a magnet for photographers who love to play with natural light. As the sun makes it’s way from horizon to horizon, the unique geology of the canyons, hoodoos and sandstone mountains are bathed in an ongoing stream of changing light. During my shoot, the sky delivered equally dramatic cloud displays above, adding one of my favorite elements to the scenery.
Expansive, dramatic scenes declare themselves from all directions in this National Park. Leading the show is the sharp and sudden rise of the Grand Teton Mountains from Wyoming’s sprawling flat plains. During my visit, brief breaks from the inclement weather offer a variety of exceptional photographic opportunities. Cloud patterns fill the sky, adding mystery and intrigue to the view as they move about the mountain peaks. The brilliant burnt colors of the trees and vegetation intensify with the arrival of the sun, providing stark contrasts against the varying settings that surround them.