I became captivated by nature’s beauty at an early age. A gift from my 11th birthday, “Birds of North America” is held together with duct tape and sits on my bookshelf yet today among a large reference collection of nature and photography books. That book, and others, inspired in me a lifelong passion for conservation and natural resources.

Fortunately, my parents allowed nature to nurture me. I planted various trees, shrubs, and native grasses and attracted a larger variety of wildlife to our Iowa farm - a tiny oasis in a sea of cropland. Spring migration kept me busy trying to identify all of the birds passing through, in between daily livestock chores.

In addition to allowing me to confiscate several acres of prime farmland for my hobby, my parents also opened the door through summer vacations beyond our neighborhood. One campground at a time we explored western states, discovering the beauty of each. My love of travel has drawn me back to many of those same sites as well as new sites across our beautiful nation. There are so many beautiful sights in nature to enjoy and not enough days in my life.

I have experienced many spectacular wildlife events through photography. Once a Belted Kingfisher landed on my camera lens as I sat quietly in my photo blind, its loud rattling call just inches away. I have witnessed the sight and sound of half of a million Snow Geese filling the wetland and sky at a national wildlife refuge; spent memorable nights in a photo blind surrounded by Sandhills Cranes on the Platte River, and enjoyed many beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nature inspires me; thrills me, rejuvenates me. It is therapeutic to my soul.

Conservation will always be a part of my life. I am also a part owner of Agren, Inc., a private consulting firm that focuses on making a positive impact on both agriculture and the environment.

My photography work can be found in regional and national publications including The Iowan, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Tourism Guide, NatureScape News, Conservation Voices, Explorer Magazine, and Ducks Unlimited. Assorted images also appear in local and national museums and nature centers. I am a member of the North American Nature Photography Association.

I thank my family for instilling in me an environmental ethic and love of nature. They taught me that the richest rewards in life are not financial gain, but the spiritual growth acquired from the natural world.