My interest in whales goes back to the mid-70's when I was involved in fund raising efforts for early save the whale campaigns. In 1989 I had the thrill of seeing humpback whales in both Hawai’i and Alaska. I also discovered the irresistible challenge of trying to capture great photographs of a difficult subject. I started focusing my work on marine mammals and after trips to Western Australia and Baja, Mexico, I began to explore how I could use my photographs to inform people about marine mammals. Nature’s Spirit Photography was born in 1992 with the idea of sharing photographs and information about wild marine mammals to provide an inspiration for others to learn more and care about them.

Over the next several years, I designed and developed several unique and informative products including my discovery cards and bookmarks. My photos have appeared in books, magazines, calendars, products, and ad campaigns.

I enjoy contributing time, photos, and financial support to several research and conservation organizations, such as Cetacean Society International, Center for Coastal Studies, American Cetacean Society, and The Whale Museum. I am currently developing an interactive whale education CD and exhibit for Alaska’s Petersburg Marine Mammal Center. In addition, each summer I lead trips to see humpback whales in Southeast Alaska for Alaska Sea Adventures (www.yachtalaska.com).

To support the idea that no marine mammal should be captured for public display, I have made a commitment to photograph only wild, free-ranging animals. My aim is to get the best marine mammal photographs in the world. However, it's more important to avoid disturbing the animal than to get the picture. While in the field I comply with all laws, regulations, and local guidelines for approaching marine mammals, but most importantly I use my own common sense and experience to ensure that the animals are not threatened by my presence.

Our Web Site Designer - Jeff Reynolds
Multimedia designer Jeff Reynolds of Waveforms located in Bethesda, Maryland designed my web site. Jeff is a biologist and educational multimedia developer, specializing in environmental and science education. He has developed a range of interactives, from interactive databases used to track humpback whale behavior in Alaska to interactives that let you "be a bass" in an Ozark stream. He has designed/developed interactive exhibits for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, St. Louis Zoo, the National Aquarium, the Florida Aquarium, and the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. Jeff has designed and produced critically acclaimed CD ROMs for the National Science Foundation, Apple Computer, and Jean-Michel Cousteau Productions. Jeff has deep interests in the environment, sustainable development, and education. Jeff has a B.S. in Biology/Biochemistry/Genetics from U.C. Davis and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from U.C. Berkeley.

email: jeff@siphonophore.com