How did you get into photography?

I think it was a combination of several things: first, I have been extremely active my whole life. From a young age, my family and I were out doing things no matter the season. We hiked, biked, skied, skated, hunted, and fished. Second, I was creative and enjoyed reading, writing, drawing and music so I think photography was just another way to channel expression. By the mid 80's I had purchased a Pentax Program Plus 35mm camera and took it with me everywhere. I guess the rest is history.

Why nature photography?

As I mentioned prior, I love being outdoors and enjoying all the seasons. I love the spontaneity and the wildness of it all. While I understand the need for a scripted, structured, organization for school, wedding, or class pictures, it just isn't my style. You can't tell the Eagle to go back and do it again. It is about being in the right place at the right time.

What's in your camera bag?

It is bags, plural. I actually have two beautiful Think Tank Streetwalker Pro's that I have stuffed with Nikon camera bodies, Nikkor and Tamron lenses, Pro Master Filters, San Disk memory cards, and Manfrotto mono/tripods.

What is your approach to editing?

I don't edit at all. I will crop pictures and just recently figured out how to convert RAW files to JPEG (due to me mixing up card slots), but I don't alter the shots in any way. I don't know if it is pride or ignorance but I feel with digital you don't really need to. There is no waiting time and the result is instantaneous. By taking a few practice shots to adjust your settings, or just taking ten shots and deleting nine of them, you aren't wasting time and money to have them developed only to find out they were all terrible (like my Hawaii trip years ago). I almost feel like that can be an excuse to "fix" a marginal shot by going back and changing things later. I want the image to be exactly as I saw it, or as the camera captured it, and not relying on aftermarket software to help. I don't know if I am a purist but I feel that my style is natural, or organic if you will and I was very thoughtful about my studio name reflecting the type of photographer I want to be. I have no issues with those that do and many call me foolish for not doing it to improve my shots, but the sad truth is I am impatient and not very tech-savvy so the thought of spending time and money learning the software, then going through and editing for hours and hours just doesn't sound that appealing. I want that instant gratification where I can pop out the memory card and print it or upload it right then.

What are some of your favorite places to photograph?

I have taken some of my best shots in my backyard or on my deck. All of the garden shots are from my home and many of the moon and sunsets pictures were taken from my deck or patio. We have many amazing places in MN so my shooting locales are more seasonal. My sister has a beautiful lake home near Stillwater that we are fortunate to be able to spend time at. So most of my summer pictures are from there. Most of the Loon pics are from her lake and I have followed that same pair for 7-8 years now. Fall will find me on the North Shore and at many of our beautiful State Parks (but I am a bit partial to Itasca and Banning). Closer to home, Ritter Farm Park and Murphy-Hanrehan are great options. When the lakes freeze during winter and spring, I spend a lot of time at the MN River Valley Wildlife Refuge and along the Mississippi River from Red Wing to Wabasha.

What's on your photography bucket list?

My wife and I were in Iceland last year and it was amazing. She has a cousin in Norway so I definitely want to travel to that part of Scandinavia as well. I would love to check out Ireland and Scotland. I was in Alaska years ago but would love to go again with today's gear. I have had friends recommend New Zealand and South America-like Chile or Argentina. I think the holy grail for me would be Africa; Kruger National Park in South Africa or the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Is there a shot or subject that's eluded you?

I have so many wonderful bird pictures, yet I do not have a good picture of a Blue Jay...

What are some of your favorite shots?

I would say as a general rule, it has been some of these "happy accidents," like when the settings were "wrong" for the scene but the picture turns out amazing. I love to adjust the settings to find the right lighting, mood, or effect. There have also been times when you are so focused on one subject, you don't realize the chick, or another eagle is on the frame. With photography, there aren't any rules. Shoot what you like, how you like.

Who are some of your favorite photographers?

Without question, my favorite photographer and biggest influence would be Jim Brandenburg. In addition, Minnesota has a long list of amazing nature photographers like Craig Blacklock, Mike Lenz, Gene Stukel, Joe Mamer, Chad Rieder, Eric Mueller, Wayne Moran, Max Foster, Ryan Tischer, David Barthel, and a good friend and mentor, Alan Hairsine to name a few.