How did your interest in wildlife arise?
I grew up traveling with my family to Montana two to three times a year, and when you’re there, you are in “wildlife photography central”. While I have practiced just about all genres of photography, wildlife is where my love of photographing is. There is truly something so special about being out in the mountains, searching, waiting and looking for animals. I have seen some of the most incredible things while photographing animals; each time you go out it is a different experience. You always have the same goal; find the animal, and once you do it’s the experience of a lifetime.
How do you describe your journey as a photographer and a person?
What a life I have been able to live. Before I could walk I was riding horses. I have traveled all across the country riding and showing World Champion horses. Which is why I began photographing in the first place. We had one of the top photographers come out and do portraits of us and our horses. I remember watching this wonderful lady and admiring how creative she was in capturing a girl and her horse. It sparked something in me. I began photographing soon after that, anything and everything that I could, like most inspiring photographers… But it didn’t stop there, I kept after that love of photography. I am blessed to be able to do something that I love.
What is your view on Wildlife Conservation? How can we, as wildlife photographers, help to protect Mother Nature?
I think wildlife photography has allowed the world to see a lot of what it wouldn’t see if it wasn’t for photographers. I think photography can be inspiring to people and hope for people to want to do better.
Can you give our readers the best wildlife photography tips?
Patience! – Patience is one of the most important things you must learn in photographing wildlife. It is something I have really developed. I have waited for hours, even years to achieve that “dream shot”. Which leads to another tip, don’t give up! Sometimes photographing wildlife can have its ups and downs, you may not come out with your desired photo that you were wanting or picturing in your head. But that’s when you have to remember, there will always be another day and another time to try. So keep at it! And lastly, I would recommend making goals, I really believe that making goals has made a huge difference in my photography, it holds you accountable to yourself. It will push you towards doing and being better. Set high goals and go after them!
What plans do you have in the future related to Wildlife Photography?
To travel more! While I’m very blessed to have been able to photograph what I have, I am always endeavoring to learn more and go to more places!
Tell us something about the gear you use and how it helped in your photographic journey?
Canon is how I was introduced into photography and it’s still what I shoot with. I photograph with a Canon 5D MarkIII. I have 24-105mm, 70-200mm, 100-600mm lenses. I use a Benro tripod. Using this equipment has allowed me to get some of my dream shots.
