Over the past 15 years, I've been especially drawn to capturing the beauty of birds of prey and other large birds, beginning with observing them in their natural surroundings. Countless hours have been spent patiently waiting, watching, and photographing the intimate moments of these majestic creatures - from ospreys breeding, to great blue herons meticulously crafting their nests, to the mesmerizing sight of egrets soaring above the marsh.

In ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Greek mythology, as well as numerous religions, birds have symbolized spirituality and the divine. When I photograph these creatures, I can't help but feel the presence of an otherworldly force guiding my lens. Each encounter is unique, with birds and animals exhibiting both grace and ferocity, but the underlying sense of spirit remains a constant in every image I capture.

My fascination with wild birds and animals extends beyond their physical beauty. The instinctual drive of these creatures to survive from birth is a powerful reminder of our shared struggle in life. As they learn vital survival skills from their parents, they face daily challenges from extreme weather conditions to evading predators. In documenting their lives, I discovered a profound parallel between their existence and our own as humans.

With time, my artistic vision evolved, leading me to combine the raw beauty of birds and animals photographed in their natural habitats with the controlled elements of studio portraiture. By incorporating painterly backgrounds and digital editing techniques, I'm able to create striking portraits that evoke a sense of dignity and elegance. This incongruous approach invites us to view these creatures in a different light, to appreciate their inherent nobility in a way that we might not typically see in nature.

Through my work, I seek to honor the wild birds and animals that captivate me, celebrating the spirit they embody and the inspiration they provide.