2006 Pro-Tour Prize Winners

• Al Perry

  Al started snapping, developing and printing his own pictures as a young GI
  in the United States Army...

  And just what does it take to produce a great nature photo? Al responds, "The best require a photographer who starts with an appreciation of nature then is able to create an image that is technically accurate, artistically pleasing and, most importantly, inspiring to the viewer."

  There are 11 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sat, 08/18/2007 - 10:16pm

• Cathy Illg

  Although Cathy always had a knack for snapping clever photos of the birds and the bees (initially with her Kodak Instamatic), it was marriage and the purchase of a 500mm lens that really got her to focus on wildlife photography as a life’s work.

  Admitting that she is often attracted to places and species that others have passed by, Cathy explains that, “Every thing in nature, no matter how common or overlooked, has a story to tell and can play a central role in the creation of an exceptional photograph.”

  There are 10 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sat, 08/18/2007 - 8:45pm

• D. Robert Franz

  A Kodak Brownie camera, backyard bird feeder and makeshift blind - together, these three items from Robert's childhood in Western Pennsylvania helped shape the direction this young man's life would ultimately follow...

  Robert believes a great wildlife photo must "clearly define the intended subject, eliminate visual clutter and, most importantly, tell the story of how the subject lives."

  There are 8 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sat, 08/25/2007 - 10:30pm

• 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.

  Concerned about poachers and land fragmentation, Dave believes "maybe my images
  can help preserve and protect the threatened in nature."

  There are 7 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Fri, 08/24/2007 - 7:05pm

• Florian Schulz

  Florian Schulz, based in southern Germany, has become a world renowned, award-winning photographer dedicated to the support of conservation efforts to protect endangered ecosystems. Sponsored by the Blue Earth Alliance, his book “Yellowstone to Yukon – Freedom to Roam”, (The Mountaineers Books) was awarded by the Independent Book Publishers (IPPY Awards) one of the “Top Ten Outstanding Books of the Year” under the category: “Most Likely to Save the Planet”.

  Florian Schulz is the youngest Founding Member of the newly founded International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) which empowers conservation-minded photographers to use their talents to help create an understanding for the natural world.

  There are 7 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Fri, 08/24/2007 - 7:24pm

• Gary Vestal

  From the beginning the assignments Gary has been most passionate about are the ones where subjects are explored intensely over multi-year periods. Countless images of everything from butterflies to charging tigers are patiently captured over time building compelling visual records of his themes.

  Today, Gary is pioneering a technique where multiple images shot sequentially are merged together into one panoramic whole. The results can superbly illustrate movement, behaviors or seasonal changes on a single photographic panel. The results are quite dramatic.

  There are 8 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sun, 08/19/2007 - 1:39am

• Jeremy Woodhouse

  Born in Nigeria, Jeremy grew up in Pakistan and Argentina, and prior to immigrating to the United States in 1991, he lived in South Africa where he developed his passion for wildlife and nature photography. Whether he's photographing a herd of elephants at a waterhole in Botswana, or capturing the last light as it falls on the Tokyo skyline, Jeremy brings his designer's eye to the composition and creation of all his images.

  Having fully embraced digital photography, he feels that his creativity and productivity have increased manifold. Knowing that he has "nailed" an image allows him
  to move quickly to the next task.

  There are 9 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Fri, 08/24/2007 - 10:35pm

• Jess Lee

  Jess’s love affair with photography began in his teens in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where he was raised. This early passion for being in the outdoors with a camera lead to his doing reconnaissance photography for various US government agency’s
  during his early 20’s while serving in the military.

  Between his work on two books and ongoing shooting assignments, Jess still finds time to share his expertise with others through workshops and tours.

  There are 8 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Mon, 08/20/2007 - 10:23pm

• John Hendrickson

  Always a lover of the outdoors, John started photographing raptors at age 17. The degreed field biologist and environmental educator's award-winning photography continues to be exhibited in major American museums and is featured on the covers and pages of
  some of the nation's most respected magazines.

  When asked what he is trying to accomplish through his work, John responds, "I try to create something wonderful to experience but, most importantly, I hope my photographs will remind us of the living beauty that's all around. Perhaps then
  we will be motivated to preserve our environment."

  There are 8 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Fri, 08/24/2007 - 9:12pm

• Leo Keeler

  Leo and Dorothy Keeler emphasize using photography to achieve conservation of nature’s wonders. Accomplishments include: leading “Friends of McNeil River” in establishing the 119,000 acre McNeil River Refuge; obtaining hunting and trapping closures to protect the Toklat wolves when they leave Denali National Park, and demonstrating how slide shows on YouTube can raise public awareness of threats and generate results in over-coming those threats. Special recognitions include: being co-leaders of Round Table discussion at the 8th World Wilderness Congress; being Founding Fellows of the International League of Conservation Photographers; 4 appearances on CBS News; featured in episodes of “Men’s Journal, BBC’s “Living Dangerously” and the Travel Channel’s “Walk on the Wild Side.” Awards include the Ginny Hill Wood Award from Alaska Wilderness & Recreation Tourism Association and the coveted Daniel Houseberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography from the Alaska Conservation Foundation, and participating in the inaugural Images For Conservation “Pro-Tour” in 2006.

  There are 8 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sat, 08/18/2007 - 10:31pm

• Lynda Richardson

  Lynda brings her extensive photography experience and vast knowledge of animal behavior (including an uncanny ability to mimic animal calls) to all of her nature photography tours, workshops, and slide lectures. Working through organizations such as the National Zoo in Washington, DC and The Nature Conservancy, Lynda has led trips
  from Alaska to the Amazon to Africa.

  As to a truly great nature photograph? "It takes your breath away when you see it, it surprises you, or it teaches you something about the subject - preferably, all three."

  There are 6 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sun, 08/19/2007 - 8:13pm

• Michael Francis

  A seasonal job at Yellowstone National Park 30 years ago was all it took to get Michael hooked on wildlife photography. Awed by the animals, the young employee quickly purchased a 35 mm camera to snap his first images of nature.

  Michael confesses, he never knows when a special shot will happen but he contends a good photographer can up the odds by knowing the subject matter and placing oneself, “in the right place at the right time.” He firmly believes, “It isn’t just luck. You make
  your own just by being out in the field.”

  There are 6 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sat, 08/18/2007 - 8:04pm

• Mike Sloat

  Recognized as one of Texas' premier professional nature photographers, Mike began to pursue his passion for photography at the age of 15 - the year he started flying. Mike would pack an old Kodak box camera and snap black and whites of any and all things he came across.

  For Mike Sloat, “A great picture will capture the eyes of the viewers and take them to places they have been or wish they could go. It will make them feel the warmth of the sun, smell the salt spray blowing off an ocean wave or hear the call of the eagle soaring above.”

  There are 7 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Fri, 08/24/2007 - 8:26pm

• Rolf Nussbaumer

  Born and raised in the northeastern part of Switzerland, Rolf Nussbaumer is an award-winning photographer published in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

  Rolf’s personal mission is to help people experience nature through his photography, "to show people things in their environment they usually wouldn't see."

  There are 10 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Tue, 09/04/2007 - 9:50pm

• Sean Fitzgerald

  A former practicing attorney,Sean admits to being a "late bloomer" in the field of professional photography. It took a vacation to Europe to first fire his interest in taking pictures.

  Sean Fitzgerald's photographs reflect the eye of a gifted artist; his work garners attention from art galleries and museums. "Some approach nature photography as being purely documentary. I try to approach it as art. If I can capture the essence of an animal or setting as an abstract painter or sculptor might, I'm usually much happier."

  There are 10 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Tue, 09/04/2007 - 9:46pm

• Tom Ulrich

  A freelance photographer since 1975, Tom Ulrich is highly acclaimed around the world for his nature photography skills. Tom is also responsible for publishing seven nature books: Mammals of the Canadian Rockies, Birds of the Canadian Rockies, Mammals of the Northern Rockies, Birds of the Northern Rockies, Once Upon a Frame, Photo Pantanal, and Mt. Reynolds: The Story.

  For many years Tom has been leading tours to remote parts of the world, such as Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and East Africa as well as to the greatest aviary spectacle known to man – Pantanal, Brazil.

  There are 8 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Tue, 09/04/2007 - 10:34pm

• Wolfgang Kaehler

  Wolfgang Kaehler studied photography and photo engineering in his native Germany for six years, then in 1977, he launched into a career of travel and wildlife photography when he worked as a photographer on board an expedition cruise ship. He has photographed in Antarctica on numerous trips, and his Antarctic collection is one of the largest in the world.

  For a successful image, "the elements of great nature photography can vary but the best should all possess a unique composition - not always easy because you can't control an animal's movements."

  There are 6 images in this gallery

  Last updated: Sat, 08/25/2007 - 9:18pm

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