From IT to Wildlife Photography: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
While I’ve roamed a bit during my sixty-plus years, I can hardly call myself a globetrotter. Growing up in rural Georgia, our annual family adventure meant a trip to the Florida coast. By the time I was earning a paycheck, I’d flown fewer than five times. My first journey beyond the U.S. borders didn’t happen until I was 27, with a week-long escape to Mexico. Until 1989—yes, the year Taylor Swift was born—I didn’t even own a passport. Travel was a dream confined to my desktop wallpaper, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom episodes, and the books I devoured. My dad’s tales of his military days in the Pacific, Japan, Korea, and the wilds of Alaska were a gateway to the wider world. He spoke of breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and warm-hearted people. Some of my cherished memories include Sunday nights spent with my dad, engrossed in Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.
Photography has been a constant in my life, beginning with a Polaroid camera. You might recall the days of the instant snapshot or André 3000’s catchy line “Shake it like a Polaroid picture” from Outkast’s 2003 hit "Hey Ya." Anyone? Just me?
After dedicating forty years to the information technology field, an unexpected company reorganization, which involved approximately 20% of the workforce, led me to reassess my path. This challenging moment became an opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion: advocating for wildlife through compelling photography and videography, with a special focus on the protection of wildlife and natural landscapes. I've been drawn to wildlife and wild places all my life.
My deep love for nature has driven me to contribute to various wildlife organizations throughout my life. However, witnessing the escalating threats to wildlife has made me realize that my efforts must go beyond financial support. Wildlife of every variety is facing challenge after challenge, with dramatic loss of habitat being a major concern.
Here are some key threats facing wildlife today:
Habitat Loss: The destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats due to human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization.
Climate Change: The warming of our planet and associated changes in weather patterns that disrupt ecosystems and threaten species survival.
Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and soil with harmful substances, which can poison wildlife and disrupt their reproductive systems.
Overexploitation: The unsustainable harvesting of wild animals and plants for food, medicine, or other products, leading to population declines and extinctions.
Recognizing the need for deeper engagement, I decided to channel my skills and passion for photography into a profound mission. I believe that when we connect personally with something—be it another individual, an animal, or a particular place—we develop a deeper sense of care and commitment to help. My purpose in creating this content is to share the stories behind my photos and videos, fostering a deeper connection with wildlife and wild places. My goal is to inspire, educate, and connect others to the natural world.
On this blog, you can expect to find honest travel guides, personal stories, pro tips, giveaways, and inspiration to take that bold trip, even if it scares you, like camping in a tent where lions walk past at night. And then there’s the other side—unpredictable ponderings—those spontaneous musings that make you think, like, "Does everyone experience imposter syndrome?" or sharing a heartfelt story someone told me about their grief or regrets.
Huge welcome to everyone joining the Nine Wolf community! It means the world to me that you're here to share in my passion for wildlife conservation and photography. Expect to see stunning images, learn about incredible animal encounters, and hopefully feel a deeper connection to our planet's untamed beauty and wild inhabitants. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that these wild places and the creatures that inhabit them thrive for years to come.
