I should probably start this blog with an overview of my interests and experiences in biology and photography. My mother raised me to appreciate nature. When I was younger she was more interested in plants while I was more interested in animals. Most of my interest was focused on birds, fish, and insects. These days we have started to delve more into each other's interests. We often go on nature hikes together and pool our knowledge to identify what we see. She also introduced me to photography. She let me use her old Pentax film camera and taught me the basics of photography.
My knowledge of biology and experience with photography took off when I went to college. I didn't get a chance to take any classes in photography, but I did finally get my own digital camera and could experiment with it to my heart's content without having to worry about the cost film rolls and developing. I graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a minor in Oceanography & Coastal Studies. I worked part time in a few different labs at LSU and completed an undergrad research project funded by SeaGrant. I have to say my absolute favorite class was Ornithology taught by professor and natural science museum curator, Dr. J. Van Remsen. I also really loved the summer I spent at LUMCON (Louisiana Universities Marine CONsortium) taking field classes.
View from observation tower at LUMCON in Cocodrie, LA
I intended to go on to grad school to earn a Master's Degree, but due to unforeseen and personal circumstances, that didn't work out as planned. I have enjoyed working in jobs related to my studies and also volunteering to help with conservation projects and to educate others about the natural world around them. Photography has mostly been a hobby, but I have dipped my toe into selling my works. I have also started to combine my hobby of jewelry making and other handcrafts with my interest in biology. I have a shop on Etsy where prints of my photography and my handcrafts are for sale. Click on the Etsy Mini to the right to visit my shop.
