“The wilderness will lead you to your heart where I will speak . . .”

~ Hosea by Gregory Norbert, OSB (Weston Priory) ©1972

I graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Photography and Fine Arts in 1980. I moved to Montana and did something else. I did many things over the years since, but always took lots of pictures. I’ve done several shows over the last few years, specializing in portraits and flowers.

Then, I purchased a long lens, and looked into the eyes of a wild animal. Eye-to-eye,

soul-to-soul, something stirred. In that moment, my spirit made a connection to something vital, something free, something – wild. To Thomas Merton, the modern day mystic, the camera was a tool for contemplation. (Photography and Prayer In Thomas Merton -by Brother Patrick Hart, O.C.S.O.) In the wilds of Montana, it has become

that for me.

Wildlife photography is for me is a spiritual practice. Viewers have remarked that I capture the “spirit” of my subjects. That is what I am after - a spiritual connection.

I want the animals to be aware of me and the camera. I want them to look at me.

I believe that the eyes are the window to the soul, and as the animals offer a furtive

glance, I offer my spirit in a burst of shutter releases. And in that moment I trust

there is a spiritual connection with something greater than me.

 

My prayer each time I go out to shoot is that I might receive with gratitude what

is offered today.

 

In that way everything is a gift, and I am never disappointed.

b. zenker