I'm often asked how I got interested wildlife photography. Growing up in the great state of Utah, I always loved watching deer and moose, and nothing was more fun than summer camping trips to Yellowstone! I got my first camera for Christmas when I was six, and I upgraded several times, most notably to a Canon Powershot SX50 HS in 2012.
For the next ten years, my trusty little camera saw a lot of use. In June 2022, I had the best wildlife week of my life! I took a short trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, where I saw over 30 bears in five days, including three adorable grizzly cubs. As I reviewed my photos from the trip, I decided it was time for me to upgrade my equipment.
After a few months of ramen noodles and living in a the cheapest apartment I could find, I splurged for a Canon R5 and the RF 100-500mm lens in December 2022. My first trip with the new setup was to Grand Teton and the National Elk Refuge. It was the coldest experience of my life, but I got had some lovely bighorn sheep photos to look through in the evenings while my toes defrosted.
In 2023, I was able to take my camera to ten national parks and take some shots that can't stop staring at. I see my photography as a journey that's just beginning. School keeps me busy (I'm working on a math PhD at UPenn), but I try to get out and find something to photograph on weekends and breaks. I love sharing my photos with all of you, and I hope you enjoy them!
Here are some of the pics I took with my old camera in case you were wondering:
