It was an honour to be featured on Detroit PBS’s television show Detroit Performs and to have the opportunity to share my work and story with a wider audience. Being invited to talk about wildlife photography, creativity, and the natural world on a platform that celebrates artists across Detroit and Michigan was truly special.
Special thanks to Sarah Zientarski-Smith Producer, Editor, Interviewer, and Storyteller extraordinaire, and Chad Schwartzenberger Videographer, who’s artistry and vision are very much apparent throughout the video.
Meaningful Wildlife Photography
For me, making meaningful photographs has always been about time. The beauty is out there, you just have to be present for it. I’ve spent decades outdoors, learning animal behaviour, waiting for moments to unfold, and putting myself in the right place when something extraordinary happens.
My interest in nature started early. As a kid, I was always outside — hunting frogs, watching turtles, and exploring the woods near my home. Once I picked up a camera, I started documenting what I was seeing, and that curiosity never left. I’ve been photographing wildlife for over 30 years now, beginning with a simple entry-level camera and shooting anything in nature that wouldn’t stand still.
Capturing Wildlife Behaviour and Movement
One of the things I enjoy most about wildlife photography is capturing behaviour and action — moments that happen too fast for the human eye to fully register. Birds in flight, animals running, fleeting interactions — freezing those moments allows people to see things they might otherwise miss. Timing, anticipation, and wing position matter just as much as equipment, and patience is everything.
Michigan: A Diverse State for Wildlife Photography
Michigan has played a huge role in my work. It’s an incredibly diverse state for wildlife photography. The Upper Peninsula feels like another world entirely, with boreal species like wolves, lynx, and bobcats, while the southern Lower Peninsula offers rich birdlife, deer, turkeys, and songbirds. I’ve spent many years photographing places like Kensington Metropark, returning again and again to document sandhill cranes, ospreys, and heron rookeries.
Macro Photography
I also spend a lot of time working in macro photography and high-speed flash, experimenting with custom-built rigs and laser-trigger systems to photograph insects in flight. Technology has opened new creative doors, allowing me to capture moments that simply weren’t possible years ago while still staying true to what I witness in the field.
International Wildlife Photo Tours
Travel is another major part of my work. I return to Africa every year and have photographed wildlife in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Belize, and across North America. While some images may be stronger technically than others, many of my favourites are tied to powerful memories and experiences that go far beyond the photograph itself.
Wildlife Photo Post Processing
I keep my post-processing minimal. I shoot in RAW, correct colour, sharpen, and that’s about it. Staying honest to the scene and true to nature is important to me. Ultimately, I hope my images encourage people to slow down, observe, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and, ideally, a desire to help protect it.
I’m grateful to Detroit PBS and Detroit Performs for the opportunity to share my journey and my work.