Why I Do What I Do

I think there’s magic to be found within the natural world–in the process of giving time and attention, and receiving inspiration in turn.  The camera gives me permission to engage the landscape:  a gentle push.  The photographs give me something to share with others:  beauty.  I believe the exchange–this connection–leads me towards a rich life.

Photo of the day:

Where you can find expanded thoughts and behind the scenes narratives.

Unfurling Maidenhair Fern
Flowering Purple Sweet Mountain Pitcher Plant
Chattooga River Waterfall
Rainbow Waterfall Southern Appalachian Mountains
Juvenile Maidenhair Fern

Photo Journal

Jocassee Gorges

March 2025 / Early Spring / South Carolina

Each spring I return to the Blue Ridge Mountains to witness the spring ephemeral wildflowers along the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment.  My trip this March landed on the leading wave of spring ephemeral wildflowers.  Conditions were dry:  the entire state in some degree of drought.  Downed trees and access issues were the prevailing norm, leftover impacts from Hurricane Helene last autumn.  The spring ephemeral wildflowers I focused on included Oconee Bells, Shealy’s Saxifrage, Brook Saxifrage, Hepatica, Rue Anemone, and Maidenhair Ferns.

Snow Jennette's Pier Nags Head

Photo Journal

Outer Banks

January 2025 / Winter / North Carolina

Each winter I travel to the coast of North Carolina in January to photograph the barrier islands of the Outer Banks.  A migration of sorts, I guess!  This year, the average temperatures were well below normal.  The winds stayed aggressive throughout and consistently from the north.  A rare snow event occured towards the end of the trip, depositing three-plus inches of snow all around the island.  My photos mirrored the conditions, focusing on wind-blown sand and snowy beaches.

Featured photo story:

Hiding Among Tall Grasses:  The Gray’s Lily

Late Spring to Early Summer / North Carolina + Tennessee

Gray’s Lilies are globally rare wildflowers growing within critically imperiled habitat.   I travel to the grassy balds of the Roan Highlands to visit the largest known population of these wonderful Southern Appalachian wildflowers.