About Us: Mike's Bio

Job Title: Looks good on paper but rarely thought about in real time.

Self-Imposed Responsibilities. Live, eat, and breathe photography. Shoot like a machine with endless passion, creating new images and being in the great outdoors, leaving it intact for others to enjoy. Generate as much office work as possible processing images in digital workflow and marketing and promotion.

Originally From: St. Petersburg, Florida

Past Career: 12 years Air Force — meteorology, forecasting, storm radar operator. Retired Alaska Air National Guard — photographer for public affairs.

When Not Working: Not working? I’m self employed!

Stress Relievers: Paddling rivers. Hiking in the alpine or desert slickrock country. Doing backcountry trips with wife, business partner, and best friend, Lauri.

Community Involvement: Served as president of local photo club. Frequently give slide shows for various local groups. Assist in teaching white water canoeing classes, and boating safety for local paddling club. Volunteering for dog care at animal shelter.

Favorite spots: Too many to mention. For wildlife: McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, Alaska — quite possibly the best run and most rewarding wildlife experience anywhere. Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico — feel the energy from thousands of cranes and geese. Magical light at sunrise and sunset. A great dead-of-winter retreat. For adventure: Denali and Zion National Parks.

Can’t Do Without: Dark chocolate and New Mexico Red Chile Sauce.

Worst Fears: Claustrophobia and having a moose become a hood ornament.

Memorable Wilderness Trips: Solo (Lauri and I) canoe descent of Noatak River, Brooks Range, Alaska. 22 days, 350 miles. Private oared raft descent Colorado River, Grand Canyon, 29 days, Thanksgiving to Christmas.

What’s So Great About Alaska: Large, fully-intact wilderness ecosystems, countless remote coastline and rivers to explore, lots of “back yard” wildlife, great friends, and lots of great folks with little sense of fashion.

What’s So Great About New Mexico: Dry, clean invigorating air, magical light, an undefinable creative energy and some of the best cuisine in America!