Every artist has people who help guide, shape, and inspire their journey. When I think back to the beginning of my photography path and all the adventures that followed, I'm filled with gratitude for the mentors, friends, and fellow photographers who supported me, challenged me, and encouraged me along the way.
Here are a few of the talented individuals who have had a meaningful impact on my growth as a photographer and lover of the natural world:
Dick Brewer - Before I purchased my Sony a6500 in April 2018, I volunteered with CREW Land & Water Trust. Early on I started doing counts with Dick Brewer to learn about all of the different species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and frogs. Throughout all my time out with volunteers and experts out in the field, Dick Brewer could more quickly identify just about anything and how many are in the in area based on mostly just calls alone. I am very thankful for the hundred plus mornings I spent with Duck volunteering at CREW Land & Water Trust and Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Without Dick I would not be who I am today and I don’t know if I would have continued my passion for photography.
Homer Gardin - Homer and I connected a few months into my photography journey. I was regularly posting my landscapes and wildlife in Facebook groups when Homer and I bonded with our similar passions. He spent the time to give me feedback on a couple of my images that helped me get past some issues I was stuck on learning with photography. We ended up doing a 10 day photo tour trip through Wyoming and Montana, planning out all of the details for a 10 day photo excursion to sell photo tours. We didn't end up doing photo tours out West together, but it was the trip of a lifetime. During my time in Wyoming I got to use half a dozen lenses and a few different cameras which really boosted my creative vision, and introduced me to Nikon. I fell in love with Nikon's DSLRs at the time and immediately went and picked up a Nikon D850 and 200-500mm telephoto lens when I got back home from my trip.
Robert Thompson - I met Seventh generation Floridian Robert Thompson... or as I call him "Doug" at Estero Bay Olive Oil & Tea. I saw his excellent landscape photography hanging on the walls and we started talking about photography. Over the years I have been lucky enough to work for Doug as an assistant on commercial photography shoots for high rise penthouses, magazine award shoots, new construction model homes, and hotels. I'm also fortunate enough to be able to have camped out with Doug in Big Cypress where I experienced my first red bugs. (haha) Spending time going through Big Cypress with someone who has spent their whole life visiting the swamp was a huge eye opener for me. Doug really made an adventurer out of me by bringing me along (and sometimes almost dragging me along) on some of his journeys by getting me out of my comfort zone, which was limiting my curiosity to explore more remote places of Florida. I am so thankful that a member of the Thompson family introduced me to the real Big Cypress.
Gary Roche - Right about the time I picked up my Sony a6500 in 2018, I first ran into some of Gary's work hanging in the lobby of Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. They had some of his beautiful flower photographs which caught my eye. Later on I would run into Gary all over while out photographing wildlife. We both were Nikon shooters in 2018 and loved the 200-500mm 5.6 for Florida wildlife. Gary and I have photographed more of the same locations on the same day than any other photographer i know, by far. His passion for the hunt and finding/getting the best wildlife photos really . We would even joke sometimes that our photos were taken by "Gary Mease" because we had so many of the same looking shots from shooting together. Over the years, Gary and I have traveled all over Florida in pursuit of the rarest shots and the most exciting subjects.
Clyde Butcher - I went to visit Clyde in 2018 after only being into photography for 5 months. (I thought I was a hotshot) I had taken some photos of swamps in Florida after being inspired by Clyde and I picked out my best black and white "Clyde Butcher" swamp photograph and brought it to him for feedback. I asked my friend to take a picture of Clyde and I together, and then I "presented" Clyde with my piece inspired by him. (At this very moment someone working at the gallery was doing a livestream for a special guest that was to meet with Clyde... they thought I was him and started to record what happened next) I was surprised and almost speechless by Clyde's honest and blunt response. He said it needed some things.. he told me it needed a wider angle, dodging and burning, an improved composition, and a couple of other minor changes. While I was in shock with all of this going on, we were interrupted and I was ushered aside so the actual special guest could be featured haha. It was a slightly embarrassing but pivotal moment in my photography career to becoming a better landscape photographer.
Mike Miller - I ran into Mike at Six Mile Cypress on the boardwalk one day. We were both out enjoying the day taking some photos when we got engaged in conversation about orchids. Mike's passion for orchids was so strong that I decided it would be a great idea to go with my newly found friend to the middle of Fakahatchee Strand with no cell phone signal to be found. We went in search of orchids... I was specifically looking for the infamous Ghost Orchid. We found every other type of orchid... but no ghost orchid unfortunately. While we were out exploring the strand's ponds I took what I called my first "Clyde Butcher" photo attempt, which ended up being a massive learning opportunity for me.
Arby Lipman - Arby had some amazing lightning and long exposure photography that caught my eye before I picked up my mirrorless camera in 2018. His passion for photographing lightning led to my desire to chase lightning where I would wind up taking my multiple-award winning and best-selling photograph, "Pilings Light Show." Following along his photography journey has continuously inspired me to go outside, explore the world around me, and to one day visit Africa to photograph some of the amazing animals he captures so elegantly.
Jason Leo Bantle - When visiting Canada I would regularly stop into the galleries in the towns of Banff and Canmore. Jason had a beautiful gallery featuring auroras, eagles, and lots of other wonderful animals that attracted my attention. I purchased his book called "Colours" which features wildlife of all different colors. His artistic take and stance on conservation really interested me. Every time I go back to visit Canada I stop into his gallery. Even though I've never met Jason, I have spent hours and hours looking through his book for inspiration. His book has also inspired me to one day make a book of my own.
Each of these photographers shaped my path in meaningful ways... through knowledge, encouragement, adventure, honesty, and artistic inspiration.
Photography is a journey, and it's one I'm grateful not to walk alone.
Thank you to each of you for helping me grow into the artist I am today.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Explore South Florida’s Majestic Kites: Swallow-tailed, Snail, and White-tailed Kites
South Florida is home to some of the most captivating birds of prey in North America — the Swallow-tailed Kite, Snail Kite, and White-tailed Kite. Known for their graceful flight and unique hunting behavior, these raptors are often seen soaring over wetlands, marshes, and open fields. South Florida is one of the only regions in the United States where birdwatchers can observe all three kite species in their natural habitat. From the striking black-and-white Swallow-tailed Kite to the snail-hunting Snail Kite and the elusive White-tailed Kite, these birds make South Florida a must-visit destination for birding and wildlife photography.
