My love for nature has shaped nearly every part of my life - whether I’m behind a camera, working in the field, or carefully holding a bird in hand. I started my photography journey in 2016 when I received my first DSLR camera. At first, I simply enjoyed photographing animals and landscapes without fully understanding why some images worked and others didn’t. Around 2021, I began taking photography more seriously - learning both the technical skills and artistic mindset behind great images. One of my favorite quotes is, “The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.” Photography has taught me exactly that: you can’t rush skill. It takes time, patience, and thousands of frames before your vision matches what you imagine.

 

While photography is a big part of my identity, so is science and conservation. I regularly assist at bird banding stations, working with a variety of passerines, and have joined specialized banding efforts for common loons, snowy owls, and other raptors. These hands-on experiences deepen my understanding of the wildlife I photograph, giving me insight into their behaviors, challenges, and resilience.

 

I earned a degree in Geology from IUPUI with a minor in Environmental Science and Climate Resilience, but my career path shifted toward wildlife and conservation after a transformative summer in 2023 with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Today, I work as a Resource Conservation Specialist at Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District, where I restore vegetation to erosion-prone areas, improve wildlife habitat, and protect local waterways from sediment and nutrient runoff. I also coordinate our annual Native Tree and Shrub Sale, which provides affordable, locally adapted native plants to the community. This program not only supports pollinators and wildlife but also empowers landowners to take an active role in habitat restoration and long-term conservation.

 

Looking ahead, I hope to merge my creative work with my scientific background, using visual storytelling to make conservation more relatable and inspiring. Whether it’s through a photo of a hummingbird mid-flight or the careful release of a newly banded bird, I want to spark curiosity and connection in others.