Dave Welling

After two decades as a professional wildlife photographer, Dave admits his most memorable assignment was photographing the mountain gorillas living in the Virungas National Forest, Zaire, Africa. He recalls, "Being in close proximity to these magnificent creatures was simply incredible - made more so by the knowledge that their very existence is tenuous. As if to reinforce this, I learned a male silverback that featured prominently in many of my photographs was killed by poachers shortly after the assignment ended." But then he adds, "Maybe my images can help preserve and protect the threatened in nature."

With numerous publishing credits under his belt (his images have appeared in such notable venues as National Geographic, Audubon, Outdoor Photographer and World Wildlife Fund), Dave has also received recognition with first place awards and multiple honorable mentions in the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature's Best Photo competitions. He also finds time to share his photography expertise as a writer and teacher.

Asked if wildlife photography required hard work, Dave quickly replies, "No assignment is ‘easy' if you want good images. After spending days in a blind hoping a colorful bird would be attracted to some brilliant Opuntia blossoms, a gold-fronted woodpecker landed right where I wanted and began eating the pollen. It was more than I ever hoped for."

On the ICF philosophy:
"Like all photographers with a passion for preserving the natural world, I strongly support the ICF concept."

Canoga Park, California

2006 Pro-Tour, Teamed with the KKW Game & Cattle - Helotes, Texas