I'm a wildlife photographer with a bias for science rather than art. I prefer to capture the subject in it's natural habitat but am not above moving it to a better location if necessary. I see myself as a documentor so accurate color and background is very important. Among animals, insects hold the most interest for me as a photographer and within that class I'm most captivated by the 4 groups listed below. That doesn't mean I don't love birds and mammals but literally millions of people photograph those groups whereas very few photograph some of these lesser known insect groups.
1) Butterflies
2) Tiger Beetles
3) Robber Flies
4) Dragonflies and Damselflies
Butterflies were my first love and even before my first sling shot my parents had made me a butterfly net as a small boy long before school age. I was privileged to grow up in East Africa where fabulous butterflies fly. Among butterflies I have a particular interest in raising and documenting the life cycle of the swallowtail species of our area. I now live along the eastern side of the great plains in the central US.
Tiger beetles are a new interest for me. I'm ashamed to admit that these insects went unnoticed by me until I found my first at the age of 55. Without a doubt tiger beetles are some of the most fascinating insects. They don't fit the mold of the clumsy bumbling stereotypical beetle. Their keen eyesight, swift flight and antlike running ability make them a challenge to photograph. I'm fortunate in living in an area where roughly 30 species can be found within a 500 mile (800km) radius.
Robber Flies, for those of us that love predators, are just plain awesome. My first robber fly used the hood of the agricultural tractor I was driving in north west Texas as a reconnaissance platform to scoop up hapless grasshoppers scared up by the vehicle. Not colorful but amazingly photogenic these brutes are a wildlife photographer's dream. Their species are also extensive with most in our area being completely undocumented photographically.
Dragonflies, because of I my interest in mechanical flying devices, have to be included. These are the ultimate flying animals. I'm in such awe of their powers of flight that I must pursue them even though every species has already been documented many times over.
My photos are placed into albums either by species or related species. The albums are organized by collections.
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- JoinedApril 2009
- OccupationRetired
- Current citySE Nebraska
- CountryUSA
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Testimonials
overwhelming collection, I'm thrilled
Dave’s work caught my attention two years ago. He is a top-rated wildlife photographer who specializes in precise record–keeping of a few specific insects. It always amazes me how he could overcome difficult angles and weather conditions using his depths of experiences to produce crisp sharp images with impeccable info… Read more
Dave’s work caught my attention two years ago. He is a top-rated wildlife photographer who specializes in precise record–keeping of a few specific insects. It always amazes me how he could overcome difficult angles and weather conditions using his depths of experiences to produce crisp sharp images with impeccable information every time. His program of studies with tiger beetles in particular, had an influence on me. The commentaries that come along with his pictures are really enjoyable and enlightening, I embraced his passion for God’s handiworks wholly. The aperture opens and snaps, a splendid moment is microchip in his class. The beautiful prints of Dave provide evidence and reflect the very characteristics of our Lord.
Read lessEnjoyed reading your new profile Dave. I love following your incredible journey to photograph amazing Tiger beetles, and I've learned so much about them from you! If not for you - I would never have stopped to check out the bugs along a nearby river this Fall - that yes, turned out to be Bronze tigers. And your phot… Read more
Enjoyed reading your new profile Dave. I love following your incredible journey to photograph amazing Tiger beetles, and I've learned so much about them from you! If not for you - I would never have stopped to check out the bugs along a nearby river this Fall - that yes, turned out to be Bronze tigers. And your photographs are beyond compare. We also share an interest in odes which have me totally addicted. As for butterflies - that's where my interest in bugs began just like you. I've heard stories from those who have died and returned to tell the tale ... that there are butterflies in heaven. A Harvard doctor even tells of flying into heaven on the back of a butterfly ... surrounded by millions more. I believe him. If God needs some of us to tend to his animals, you and I can hope to help out ;-) He may be preparing us for just that ... we'll know soon enough. Let's move along on this journey to document His beautiful, tiny, creations ... we never know what awaits just around the next bend. Vicki
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