Animal Photography
Whether wild or domestic, animals have always captured my attention. I grew up in a house full of pets and have a special affinity towards all animals, even ones that people might find unappealing, like skunks and opossums. I come from a long line of hunters, so I have special skills in observing and tracking wildlife. However, instead of shooting animals like those before me, I “shoot” them with my camera. With wild animals, I am careful to keep my distance and not alter their behavior. I closely watch their body language, their patterns, and their interactions with the land and other creatures. I find it endlessly fascinating. I can spend hours staring at the same family of deer, for example, taking hundreds of photos. I am always in awe and rapt with excitement, and I hope that comes through in my photography.
I believe we are all connected, and humans, after all, are also animals. Anyone who has spent any time with a pet inherently knows that animals have emotions, personalities, and family structures, like us. All too often, we judge animals using human metrics (extent of their language compared to us, reliance on sight, etc.), neglecting that these very animals have abilities that far exceed our own. For instance, time spent with our dogs informs us that they hear and smell things that are far out of our reach. It is now thought that dogs can even tell time through the concentration of particular scents: how long it’s been since you left for work, and as the scent dissipates, how long it might be before you return. As much as we know about the many creatures with which we share our planet, there’s always more that remains unexplored. With each new piece of knowledge we gain, animals continue to impress and astound us, proving they are far more clever and skilled than we could have imagined!
Hummingbird and Beetle: This hummingbird was flitting about while I was having dinner in Vermont. A photographer always brings her camera and I was hopping up from the table to get several shots, despite pain from a broken elbow. The waiter (an animal enthusiast) even joined in to help me! I didn't notice until afterwards that the hummingbird was peeing and that there was a beetle unfortunately located below.
Exhibited in Trilogies, The Cooper Center in Newton, MA ,12/2025.
Exhibited in Winter Solstice, Griffin Museum of Photography,12/2025.
Say Cheese! A Wolf Family Photo: This scene echoes the warmth and quirkiness of a human family in this family photo. Baby (left) is biting mom’s snout (right). Dad (center) is trying to get everyone to focus despite mom’s ear in his face. Baby spent much of the morning misbehaving. Rescues at Wolf Hollow- Ispwich, MA.
Exhibited in BCC’s Wedeman Gallery Show, Lasell University, 10/2025.
Exhibited in NCC’s Show, Newton Free Library, 6/2025.
Magpie on Sheep’s Head (Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland): While biking along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, I spotted this unlikely pair. I watched as the Magpie hopped all over this sheep's body, eating bugs along the way. Other than a gentle shake of the head, the sheep did not seem to mind.
Exhibited in BCC’s Show, Wellesley Free Library, 4/2026.
White Horse in a Mountainous Field (Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland): A rainy bike ride on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland led to this white horse standing amidst a lush mountainous field, like a unicorn in a sea of green.
Coyote Hunting Mice: I watched as this coyote walked through the snowy scene, sniffing for mice. Here, he caught the scent and stopped to point.
Exhibited in BCC’s Show, Wellesley Free Library, 3/2024.
Magic Deer: While biking in Killarney National Park, my partner saw this elder deer in front of a tree with a sign that pointed to a Holy Well. The deer vanished into the woods. The next evening, I arrived, looking for this fellow. I prayed that I would see him, and just then, the wind kicked up, my husband called for me, and we saw this elder deer and his herd. He emerged from the flowers with the silliest expression. I like to call him a magic deer, because of the Holy Well, and he showed up just when I asked for him.
Exhibited in NCC’s Show, Newton Free Library, 3/2026.
Dove Landing: A messenger of peace, this dove was waiting for me on my porch soon after I’d lost a loved one. I sat on the stairs with my camera, not wanting to approach too close or scare her off. Much to my surprise, she flew right next to me and hopped down the stairs, extending her wings behind her in this lovely pose.
Horse Shaking Head: While biking in Ireland amongst fields of horses and sheep, I spotted this large horse playfully rolling on its back. I couldn’t help but laugh and share in his joy as I grabbed my camera. Then he sat up and shook his head and I got this action shot.
Singing Red-Winged Black Bird: It was mid-March in New England and many birds were migrating back to their summer homes. I took many pictures of this fellow and was about to call it quits before he let out his distinctive song and the wind kicked up, moving the branch and his entire body, and feathering out the top of his beautiful wing.
Blue Heron Landing: I watched this blue heron swoop from its place in the trees above down to the water to catch herrings. He had such a graceful landing!
Swimming Seal: This sweet seal was having a cool dip on a hot day and feeding in the shallow waters off of Cape Cod.
Poult’s First Flight: This baby turkey (poult) followed its mother and confidently jumped from 10-foot tall bushes to the ground below. In Boston, we are surrounded by turkeys: turkeys in the trees above, turkeys in our yards, even turkeys on our cars. When I see one, I always know I am going to have a good day!
Oriole Father Feeding Fledglings: Hiking through Cape Cod, I had set out to photograph Orioles, with little success. As I was getting ready to leave and chatting with an Audobon Society Worker, they pointed out this nest and helped me to get the best view. We watched the Oriole father faithfully fly back and forth from the nest, delivering food to its mate and little fledglings.
Hiding Squirrel: This squirrel on Cape Cod was busily jumping from branch to branch and munching on these delicious treats. It almost looked like it was hiding behind these leaves and peeking at me.
Weathering the Storm: This Snowy Egret was perched in a tree by a river and ducked into his wings as it began to downpour.
Spotted Sika Deer, in Field: While biking in Ireland, small, spotted sika deer would move in herds over the fields. This young one romped with her twin and seemed especially peaceful.
Blue Heron Preening: I spotted this Blue Heron by a local pond and couldn’t help but photograph him as he groomed his feathers in this glistening field.
Frog in a Bog: This shiny frog camouflaged itself in this springtime bog at a local pond and wildlife refuge.
Yawning Red Panda: This red panda was settling in for an afternoon nap.
Camouflaged Deer: This gorgeous doe was hiding amidst the brush as a perfect use of her ability to camouflage herself. Once she raised her head and looked in my direction, I knew I had the shot.
Peacock Pose: Ever since I could remember, I’ve been obsessed with peacock feathers! They are marvelous, iridescent, and striking. This guy strutted around like a king, feathers on display.
Angry Bird: This curious bird hopped closer and closer to my position on the boardwalk. He was hiding behind some beach grass, but was eager to catch a glimpse of me. I just love his expression: so grumpy!
Chipmunk in Branches: While I had planned to photograph river otters this day, I didn’t see any. As I sat on the ground to pack up my gear and head home, curious chipmunks approached me and jumped about in tangled tree branches.
Tired “Bear Cat” Mom: I watched two baby bear cats (binturongs) run & play all morning. Here, their tired mom takes time out for herself. Fun fact: bear cats smell like popcorn!
Owl Be Watching You: An unseasonably warm March day on the North Shore of Massachusetts led to this beautiful Barred Owl siting. These silent fliers can be hard to spot, as they make no noise when they fly and are easily camouflaged amongst the trees. They hunt during the daytime in February and March to bring meals to their mates.
Tired Turtle Mom: While biking in New Hampshire, I was informed that this dedicated snapping turtle mother was protecting her eggs and was nestled in to take a nap. Come back in 31 days for hatchlings, they said.
Baby Swan Yoga: I noticed this precious baby swan stretching towards this flower while biking in the Netherlands.
Through the Tall Grass, North Shore, MA: This beautiful coyote was hunting in the tall brush on an overcast day. He stopped to look towards me and I had to catch my breath.
Exhibited at BCC’s Local Visions, Boston Public Library, 4/2023.
Gosling Eating Grass: Spring season means 2 things: it’s time for me to start biking again, and it’s time for me to photograph goslings! This one popped up whilst eating grass at a nearby river. What a cutie!
Chipmunk in Autumn: On a warm autumn day, this chipmunk was gathering acorns as it hopped about in the crispy leaves.
Blue Heron on the Charles: While biking along the Charles River, I spotted this peaceful blue heron through the trees. It was a windy day and it was creating ripples in the blue water behind him.