Nature Photography
Born and raised in the Ozark mountains of northwest Arkansas, I spent much of my youth outdoors and developed an interest in animals and the natural world at a very young age. Being raised by a talented photographer (my mother Rita), I learned the fundamental concepts of photography long before I ever owned a camera. When I did get my own camera as a young adult, I advanced quickly and was instinctively drawn to nature photography. Tim Ernst's exceptional photos of the Ozarks region provided much inspiration and helped to shape my photographic vision.
Underwater Photography
Acquiring an aquarium as a young adult led me to wonder what kinds of small fishes might be living in my local Ozark streams. I knew from growing up playing in and around creeks and rivers that there were some interesting things living in the water, but I had no idea just how fascinating freshwater life could be until I started samping streams with a dip net. I quickly became captivated by the diversity of forms, colors, and behaviors of small nongame fish and other creatures that most people have no idea even exist. It ignited a new passion for me. I bought books on native fishes and switched my college studies from engineering to biology. After a few years I discovered that I got more satisfaction from snorkeling and observing fishes in their natural habitats than keeping them in aquariums. Before long I started to combine my photography skills with my newfound interest in the freshwater world. My aim with my underwater photography is to showcase the beauty of North America's freshwater ecosystems which are largely unknown to the general public and often home to imperiled species. For publishers looking for freshwater images, check out my stock photo portfolio.
Acquiring an aquarium as a young adult led me to wonder what kinds of small fishes might be living in my local Ozark streams. I knew from growing up playing in and around creeks and rivers that there were some interesting things living in the water, but I had no idea just how fascinating freshwater life could be until I started samping streams with a dip net. I quickly became captivated by the diversity of forms, colors, and behaviors of small nongame fish and other creatures that most people have no idea even exist. It ignited a new passion for me. I bought books on native fishes and switched my college studies from engineering to biology. After a few years I discovered that I got more satisfaction from snorkeling and observing fishes in their natural habitats than keeping them in aquariums. Before long I started to combine my photography skills with my newfound interest in the freshwater world. My aim with my underwater photography is to showcase the beauty of North America's freshwater ecosystems which are largely unknown to the general public and often home to imperiled species. For publishers looking for freshwater images, check out my stock photo