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. Her husband, Gordon Illg, a dedicated backpacker, outdoorsman and professional photographer as well, introduced Cathy to the greater wonders of the wild where she was able to immerse herself in nature. With the acquisition of good, commercial equipment that gave her the tools to maximize her talents, Cathy was able to achieve the stunning, and imaginative results she’s recognized for today.
Cathy’s award winning work appears in nearly every major nature publication in North America. Her career soared to new heights when several of her photos were selected to grace the exteriors of a commercial airline fleet. And, as an adjunct to her career, she and Gordon conduct nature photography tours (under the name Adventure Photography) and have authored several books on the subject, the latest titled “Dynamic Wildlife Photography.”
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.”
On the ICF philosophy:
“Encouraging private landowners to open their properties to photographers will be a boon to landowners and the wildlife photography industry. Of greater importance however, is the benefit to the environment by showcasing ecosystems that are still in place and, perhaps, creating a desire to save what can be saved before it is too late.”
Lakewood, Colorado
3rd Grand Prize Winner, 2006 Pro-Tour
Teamed with the Red Creek Nature Ranch – Junction, Texas
