About Us

Stephen B. Freligh, Cofounder and President: Outdoorsman and photographer, Steve Freligh studied zoology in college and worked as a seasonal research biologist for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho. Steve documented wildlife behavior and his photographs and stories were quickly picked up by local periodicals, newspapers, and nonprofit organizations. Soon, he was traveling the globe to discover iconic nature photographs and meet with leading professionals in the field. Returning to his home base in Virginia, Steve deepened his interests in journalism and publishing through a 15-year career in the publishing division at the National Wildlife Federation where he moved quickly from Editorial Assistant to Director of Photography before launching the first issue of Nature's Best Photography in 1995 with his wife and cofounder, Deborah Freligh.

Deborah Orbell Freligh, Cofounder and Art Director: Recognized internationally for her award-winning design, Deborah Freligh has decades of experience in fine art, graphics, exhibition design, and photography. Deborah comes from a family of musicians, artists, and photographers. From her early years painting with her grandmother and working in her grandfather’s home photo studio, she studied art, music, and history at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Deborah worked as an art director and illustrator in retail advertising and later at the National Wildlife Federation where she met Steve. The two joined forces and have worked with a long list of clients, including the Nature Company, Eastman Kodak, National Geographic Society, Discovery Communications, African Wildlife Foundation, National Audubon Society, the Smithsonian Institution and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum, as well as camera and printing technology leaders such as Epson, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, and more.

Amanda Barker Gaquin, Editorial and Operations Manager: Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Professional Writing from Longwood University in 2010. Passionate about wildlife conservation and photography, Amanda worked as an intern at numerous conservation-focused organizations before joining an environmental law firm. She joined NBP in 2013, where she has broad experience in a variety of roles, including editorial writing, magazine production, email and print marketing, database and contest management, event planning, and is the NBP point person for communications about subscriptions, publications, and contest updates.

Jonathan B. Freligh, Photo and Editorial Assistant: Starting out as a nature lover and photographer with a keen eye for design, Jonathan has grown his position as an NBP intern, to an assistant in all phases of contest, magazine, and video management. Besides contributing to caption research and systems development, during Covid he stepped in to assist with exhibition installations at hospitals and clinics when contractors had limited access.

Dr. Charles B. Freligh, NBP Wellness Advisor: Charles Freligh began a personal mindfulness practice in 2010 while earning his Master’s from New York University and went on to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He has since cultivated a career focus dedicated to articulating the practice and benefits of mindfulness and meditation from a secular perspective through his years of experience working therapeutically with individuals and groups. Dr. Freligh produced a series of stories for NBP called "A Mindful Lens," which combines interactions with nature and engaging with photography as an effective strategy for improving one’s life by simply stepping outside with your camera. This column is illustrated with award-winning images from Nature's Best Photography photo contests with text and videos on the practice of mindfulness. He is a teacher on Insight Timer with many guided meditations, courses, and workshops. Visit his website to learn more: charlesfreligh.com

Sarah Taylor, NBP Design Consultant: Sarah Taylor founded Spicy Broccoli Media in Sydney, Australia in 2009. She and her husband, Mike Taylor, have grown the business from a solo operation to a team of 12, specializing in branding, web design, digital marketing, for small to medium sized businesses. Sarah is known to work hard, play hard, and surf often. As SBM Creative Director, she has consistently won awards such as Outstanding Business Person of the Year, Australian Small Business Champion, and has served as President of her chapter of Business Networking International (BNI). Sarah has become a key advisor for NBP development and graphic support.

Mark McCall, Pre-press and Print Consultant: Mark McCall has been mastering color management and fine art printing for more than 20 years. Through professional printing and framing solutions, he has helped museums, organizations, designers, world-renowned photographers, as well as amateur photographers tell their stories. His expertise comes from an unquenchable thirst to explore and integrate visual solutions through new and traditional technology to help people achieve their vision. As a prepress and print specialist, Mark and his team at McCall Photographics have helped manufacture almost every NBP large-format print exhibition since 2000. mccallphotographics.com