For someone who was born in the Bronx and lived there for 26 years, is it surprising that wilderness and nature photography became so important to me? Did those childhood summers in New York State’s Catskills influence me more than I realized at the time?

A key factor was wilderness canoeing, when for 13 years my friends and I spent three to four weeks each summer paddling northern Canada’s wild rivers. Possibly, making quick decisions in rapids, struggling against head winds on white-capped lakes, and enduring hordes of mosquitoes and black flies was good preparation for photography. It was on these expeditions that I became serious about sharing the beauty and wonder of nature with others.

Living in Colorado has presented unique opportunities for my photography, especially with wildlife. I seek many of my subjects in the American West, finding special inspiration in Utah’s canyon country, where natural processes have sculptured the earth’s surface in remarkable ways. At certain times of the day, the light suffuses the sandstone with hues of yellow and gold, orange and pink, even shades of red. Appreciating this fully requires the imagination to look beyond the rocks and see into their shapes and forms. I am thankful for having witnessed this magic.

A tripod is a basic tool in my photography. I make my landscape and close-up images with the 6x7cm format, determining exposure for Fujichrome Velvia with a spot meter. I rely on the 35mm format for wildlife.

Contact Michael at lmh2@uswest.net