Artist Bio: Jane Gamble
"I have always felt a passion to protect and preserve the natural environment. In my role as an amateur photographer, I aim to celebrate the beauty of nature and inspire others to appreciate the creatures who share our world.
I am a retired Foreign Service Officer and am fortunate to serve as a volunteer digital content provider for the National Park Service, Fairfax County, and Nature Forward. My work has been published in various forums, including government publications, Birds and Blooms Magazine, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.
My nine photos in the exhibit were taken during an 8-day visit to Grand Teton and Yellow Stone National Parks. I did not use a guide, but rather relied upon good luck and my knowledge of the natural world. I hope my work conveys my respect for the wild creatures I am honored to photograph, and inspires others to see nature through grateful eyes."
Artist Bio: Beth Howell
"As I grew up in rural northeastern Pennsylvania, I developed a deep love and respect for nature which I attribute to the example my father set. My family spent many weekends camping locally and summer vacations camping across the country. These experiences contributed to my reverence and appreciation of the vast variety and beauty of the natural environment.
In my twenties and thirties, I continued to spend leisure hours pursuing outdoor activities, and in the few decades following, my husband and I decided to make National Parks the focus of our vacations. Then some years after I retired, my attention turned to an interest in photography of birds and other wildlife, not just photography to capture memories of our travel.
With every passing year, I've explored more birding hot spots and started venturing farther from home. Capturing images of nature and sharing them on social media for others to enjoy has become important to me. I've found so many people aren't aware, like I wasn't, of the diversity of wildlife at our doorstep. I hope my photos encourage others to venture out to explore and to promote the desire to preserve what we have for generations to come. "
Artist Bio: Rena Schild
"I have been interested in photography since I received a film camera as a college graduation gift, but was sidelined by the practice of law until I had time to take some photography courses in the 1990’s. I then began experimenting with many types of photography, including family portraits, events, red carpet, sports and fine art. In 2020 when there were no sporting or other events to photograph I spent more time in nature and in short order was hooked on photographing birds and other wildlife. Despite the return of other photographic opportunities, my love of wildlife photography is stronger than ever and I continue to relish my time outdoors capturing wildlife large and small."
Artist Bio: Kathrin Swoboda
"Kathrin Swoboda is a nature photographer from northern Virginia. Kathrin was the Audubon Grand Prize Winner in 2019 and has won awards from the National Wildlife Federation and Nature’s Best. She prints her own work for ongoing exhibits at the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia and the Vienna Community Center. Follow her on Instagram @novanature and facebook @Kathrin Swoboda Photography. Her website is https://novanaturephotography.com."
Artist Bio: Elaine P. Starr
"I am a wildlife photographer based in northern Virginia. I have a background in fine arts/studio art from college and I try to bring a creative flair to my work.
Before diving into photography full time, I spent years working for the Department of Defense, where I retired from. But retirement didn't slow me down; instead it opened up a new chapter in my life. Now I spend my days capturing the beauty of nature in my local parks.
Living in Northern Virginia provides endless opportunities for wildlife photography. From the bustling life along the Potomac River to the serene forests of Shenandoah National Park I find inspiration everywhere I look.
My goal is not to just take pretty pictures but to tell a story and serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural world.
Some of my work has been in National Wildlife Magazine, Virginia Wildlife Magazine, and in the Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources web sites.
The work in the exhibit will be photographs taken primarily at local parks in Maryland, Virginia and DC."