The power of "what if"

I woke up in a cool and dark bunkhouse and pulled on my boots. The sun was just rising over the Wind River Range foothills as I headed out to watch a cattle drive with my fellow Lehigh University students. I had never left the East Coast before, and I had no idea how the trip would change my life. During lunch near a small lake, my professor and I took our cameras to the water’s edge. He spotted two Bald Eagles and movement on the ridgeline behind them caught my eye. In a flurry of activity, I snapped two shots. I had not seen the bird in enough detail to identify it and wasn’t even sure the images were in focus. That night, I went through my photos: cattle, scenic views, eagles—and an Osprey. The image is more than just a lucky shot. It symbolizes my first adventure away from home, taking flight, and finding my wings. 

In February, 2024, I submitted this image of an osprey to the Audubon Photography Awards thinking not much more than "what if." Today, I am a published photographer. 

I do what I do because it's critical that humans understand our place in this world. Visual arts have the power change how we connect with our planet. Please never forget that YOU are part of nature too.

I'm here to tell you that hard work shows. Be weird and embrace what you love. Live loud.