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Who is this Guy?

First, thanks for visiting my site.

The primary focus of this site is on nature and wildlife photography.   Since I was a kid I have been fascinated by animals.  While growing up I watched every nature documentary I could find and of course, I watched every episode of Wild Kingdom with great anticipation.

My foray into photography began in 1988 when I left the U.S. for Gabon (West Africa) as a Peace Corps volunteer.  I bought a Nikon FG, the cheapest “real” camera I could afford, and off I went.  I went to Kenya in 1989 on my first safari and that was it — I was hooked.

I spent most of the next 18 years living and working in Africa, primarily working in war zones and supporting communities impacted by conflict.  During this period I lived in Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.  I also worked on projects in Guinea, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo.

When not on the job I took every opportunity to go on safari and photograph wildlife.  As it probably shows, I have never been formally trained in photography. Over the years I have read a variety of books on photo science and technique but most of what I know is from trial and error — mostly error.

While living in Africa I often visited a country several times to allow me to explore different national parks and to allow me to experience the same wildlife areas at different seasons of the year.  A landscape can change dramatically from dry season to wet and can offer completely different photographic opportunities.  I have visited national parks and wildlife areas in Kenya, Tanzania, India, Rwanda, and Botswana multiple times and I have also visited Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, and Borneo.

Over time, based on my travels, my professional work, and on my personal research,  it became clear to me that human society was on an unsustainable path.  As my concern grew I decided to return to the United States in 2007 to live and work full time on promoting a more sustainable society.  That journey has included working with Friends of the Earth on climate issues and on urban sustainability issues with the Institute for Sustainable Communities and on community-based conservation with the Snow Leopard Trust.  Since 2020 I have been supporting humanitarian and development projects as a consultant while I try and find more time for photography.

Since 2003 I have presented The American Dream: The World’s Nightmare at high schools, universities, churches, and to just about anyone who is interested, to raise awareness and promote action on sustainability issues.

Since returning to the States my international photo adventures have decreased as I focus on exploring the natural wonders closer to home.  In 2016 my partner, Nicky and I moved from the east coast to Bellevue, Washington.  We are very excited at the seemingly endless wildlife and nature opportunities to be found in the Pacific Northwest and our list of places to explore seems to grow longer by the day.

I encourage you to subscribe to my blog to receive regular updates.  Each month I publish a “Shot of the Month” where I focus on one image and offer a narrative on the trials and tribulation of being a wildlife photographer.  Other times I delve more deeply into the wonders of a given creature.

Feel free to send me your comments, questions and complaints.  I am always looking for suggestions on how to improve the site.

All the best…michael

 

17 comments

  • Ron Johns

    Nice Michael….keep me on your list!!

  • Wow – this guy sounds so interesting that I should ask him to be a Melibee speaker! Oh wait, I did that already! 🙂 Kudos to you – the site looks great and I”m enamored with the photos!

  • Gerry Magbity

    the techniques you learned mostly by error produced very professional pics though. I also enjoting reading your ideas on sustainable thoughts…if we can just test them out it could make a lot of difference..

  • Meg

    Hey Michael,
    Looks great! I gotta say in addition to being enamored of the photos, I love your thoughts on the pictures. They bring them to life and are interesting, factual and often amusing. Way to go!!

  • Kathy Jacquart

    Your passion for wildlife is as inspiring as it is entertaining. I always look forward to the shot of the month and am excited about the new Western Hemisphere chapter.

  • Great photography. You have a wonderful talent. Keep it coming!

  • Patty Enright

    Just love seeing your shot of the month!
    Hope you and Nicky are enjoying Vermont. Email me if you guys ever make it to PA!
    Patty

  • Many thanks Michael,You inspired my raw spirit of adventure into professionalism during those Safaris.We owe our success at http://www.migrationkenyasafaris.com from that. Keep the shots coming…………………………..

    A Safari that stays with you.

  • Great photos keep up

  • Tahmina Jahan Imran

    Will love to see your photography! You are one of the best photographer I have ever known! 🙂

    • Michael

      Thanks Tahmina!

  • DavidN

    I always enjoy wildlife photography and especially your choice – “Shot of the month”… Kudos and Keep it up!!

    • Michael

      Thanks buddy, hope you are doing well!

  • Guy Kampstra

    Great pictures and video. What a neat experience to watch that bear guard his elk kill.

    • Michael

      It was phenomenal. I can still remember it like it was yesterday!

  • Mamai John

    Stunning photos Michael. Very professional looking.

  • Benson

    Thank you, Michael! you’re full of creative ideas, the photos look amazing!…. Thank for the short of the months since 2012.
    One of my best short of the Month – February 2023…. Bald eagles are often gangsters in fine dress!!!!

    Benson.

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