Nature has always been the inspiration for my photography. I’ve traveled all over the state exploring the different parks, shorelines, and natural areas to try and capture nature in unique ways. For this photo, I ventured down to a rock shelf along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and by using my fisheye lens I was able to incorporate the surrounding rock as a natural frame for the early morning light rising over the lake.

This photo was taken on the east side of Milwaukee in the early morning. This happened to be a sunning spot and not a nest site. I shot this from my car which I often do so that I don’t stress out the birds.

The early morning after an overnight rain is my favorite time to photograph wildflowers. This particular morning was magical as it was so still that the raindrops on the delicate rue anemone were in pristine condition. The calm morning also allowed me to focus-stack the image. I love doing nature photography in Wisconsin because of the amazing diversity of ecosystems in the state. A short hike can result in beautiful subjects like Spring ephemerals at your feet, and majestic bald eagles overhead in the sky.

I took this picture last summer at Brice Prairie. I was photographing migrating Monarch butterflies when I noticed some Common Buckeyes in the same area. The angle of the sun and the goldenrod background offered a beautiful setting.

I appreciate that Wisconsin has a diverse wealth of natural resources that are easily accessible to people. Photography is a great way to showcase and share these resources.

I photographed this American Mink on a dreary rainy afternoon this past April. I was patiently waiting in my car for a group of teal to come closer to the shoreline, when I noticed a brown figure out of the corner of my eye. When I looked over, a mink had crept its way up within 20 feet of my car. While it popped its head up to investigate, I was able to get 3 frames off, before it crept back into the marsh.

What I love most about nature in Wisconsin is that no matter what the season, there is always something to enjoy. Secondly, there’s always somewhere to enjoy nature. From backyards, to city/county parks, to the Nicolet National Forest, there’s no shortage of green spaces.

This past September while kayaking on the Pike Chain in Iron River, Wisconsin with a friend (Chris LaForge), we happened across a pair of River Otters enthusiastically displaying their recent catch. I often find myself in the woods or on the water with my camera in tow, what better way to stay grounded in what really matters.