Winter Is Upon Us
December 21st marks the 2025 Winter Solstice, the first official day of winter. Here in Northern Nevada, the snow has not yet shown up. Around here, it is not uncommon for snow storms to start in October. While this has been great for the dreaded morning commute, is it not ideal for the environment. We are experiencing La Niña weather patterns for the 2025-2026 winter season. This usually means drier, warmer weather for the southern U.S. and wetter, colder conditions to the Pacific Northwest. With Northern Nevada sitting in the middle of the two, we are holding our breath not knowing what to expect this winter. Whether or not you experience winter weather where you live, the winter season offers unique photography opportunities. The sun's placement in the hemisphere creates long shadows. Less humidity in the air often means more vibrant sunsets! With the sun setting so early, you can take a walk and snap a few photos of the sunset before dinner. Plus, the arrival of winter wildlife is always exciting! In our neighborhood that usually means the arrival of Cooper's hawks in our backyard! For those of us on the Northern Hemisphere who do not enjoy the shorter daylight hours of winter, the Winter Solstice is a turning point. Literally. It is the day the earth 'turns around' and begins its journey back towards the sun. That means, each day we will enjoy a few more minutes of sunlight.
I have SO MUCH to be thankful for!
2025 was filled with so many exciting opportunities and adventures! From the Capital City Artist Initiative sponsored art show, "Wild", to the Reno-Tahoe International Art Show to presentations, workshops, awards, a book collaboration, and more! Earlier this year I launched Respect The Wild with my partner and very favorite human, Andrew C. Strom. Respect The Wild was founded with an idea of spreading awareness about ethical storytelling and advocating for the amazing wildlife we are so fortunate to document with our cameras. We agreed that we would donate a percentage of proceeds to a conservation focused non-profit organization. With so many unknowns in the world, I was not sure what our end result would be. Quite frankly, I had doubts that we would be able to contribute anything at the end of the year. The imposture syndrome was loud! Well, the results are in. After crunching the numbers...
Respect The Wild is so excited to announce that we are donating $250 to Ol Pajeta Conservancy!
This is all thanks to YOU! Your support got us here! Everyone who bought a print, bought a calendar, shared our posts, came to one of our events, listened to us talk about our goals and vision for Respect The Wild, encouraged us with your supportive words, and offered advice, THANK YOU! We chose Ol Pajeta Conservancy as our donation recipient for several reasons. They are a leader in wildlife conservation. Their efforts to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction are unparalleled. In some respects, the idea for Respect The Wild was born after meeting Najin and Fatu, (the last two Northern White Rhinos on the planet) while visiting Ol Pajeta Conservancy in 2022. Please visit their website to learn more about this amazing conservancy and the incredible humans working tirelessly to protect wildlife and wild lands. Ol Pajeta Conservancy Website
Connecting you to the wild through ethical visual storytelling.
Please click here to visit RespectTheWild.org and learn more about this exciting new venture. If you or someone you know would like to join our mission, please click here to contact us directly. (Or email us at RespectTheWild.org@gmail.com) Let's collaborate and respectfully spread awareness about the importance of respecting Mother Nature and all of her inhabitants.
Conservation Corner
January 31st is World Zebra Day!
International Zebra Day is observed every year on January 31. With their natural environment diminishing and increasing human development, these gentle animals are in danger. When habitats are threatened, animals, too, become endangered. International Zebra Day is all about raising awareness and what you can do to help in the conservation of this animal.
Did you know there are three species of zebra?
Endemic to Africa, the plains zebra is found in many countries across eastern and southern Africa; the mountain zebra inhabits only the dry upland plains in Namibia and South Africa; and the rarest, the Grévy’s zebra, is seen solely in the sparsely wooded areas in Kenya and Ethiopia. Many subspecies of each of the three exist.
Pictured here ➡️ is a very pregnant Grevy's Zebra. Grevy's are the largest of the three zebra species and also the most endangered with fewer than 2,000 mature individuals left in the wild. The three zebra species are easily identifiable by their stripes. Grevy's have tight stripes which don't cover their bellies, and large round, fluffy ears. However, there is hope. While the Grevy's zebra is endangered, this species has recently been declared stable. While this is a conservation success, there is still work to do. The reasons for zebra population decline are multi-faceted:
- Habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion.
- Devastating droughts due to climate change.
- Hunting and poaching of zebras for their meat and hides.
- Human-wildlife conflict with increased human activities.
Why should we care?
Zebras are keystone species that play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. They feed on taller and tougher vegetation, clearing the way for smaller animals to access the shorter, nutritious grasses. This also prevents the overgrowth of certain plant species, promoting plant biodiversity. Additionally, zebras contribute to seed dispersal through their dung, enriching the vegetation in their habitats. Beyond their impact on plant life, zebras are a critical component of the food chain, serving as a primary prey species for predators. International Zebra Day serves as a powerful reminder that the responsibility to protect these animals rests with us all.
So...what can we do?
- There are countless ways we can contribute to their conservation, from preserving their natural habitats, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and supporting conservation organizations. Even small actions, such as visiting national parks to promote sustainable wildlife tourism, can help save our stripes.
- Spread awareness about zebras! Share posts containing facts about zebras and the dangers they face.
- Visit WildAfrica.org to learn more about the importance of the zebra and ways you can help.
HEY!
Respect The Wild's 2nd annual calendar is still available for purchase! We only have a few left so please contact me here to order yours today!
10% of all proceeds goes to support a wildlife conservation non-profit!
Winner!
Grevy's Gaze won Honorable Mention in the City of Reno Employee Art Show!
SOLD!
Bear On The Run has a forever home! ☺️
Stay Wild - Guidance of the Undomesticated Leader is available for purchase now!
This fantastic guide book, written by Dan Rieves, offers excellent guidance and advice for anyone wanting to break through corporate conformity. And it features my photography throughout the book!
ISO: International Organization for Standardization
What does that have to do with photography?
Frankly, I don't know why this setting is called ISO. But, in terms of photography, ISO is an indicator that shows how much light coming from the lens is amplified in the camera. In other words; it is the camera's sensitivity to light.
The more light available, the lower your ISO can be and the 'cleaner' your images will look. Therefore, for low-light scenarios, you will need a higher ISO. It is important to remember that high ISO also introduces more 'noise' to your image.
⬅️Here are some examples using different light scenarios. The lion on the top left was photographed as the sun was setting, during 'golden hour' with ISO 8,000. The lion on the bottom was photographed after sunset with ISO 12,800. The agama lizard on the top right was photographed in the afternoon on a sunny day with ISO 250. Do you notice the difference in the 'noise' or graininess in these images?
Want to learn more? Contact me here.
Featured Feature!
I am honored to introduce you to one of my favorite humans, Linda Wilinski. Linda is an incredible inspiration to me and everyone who has the pleasure of crossing her path. She is a talented conservation photographer and an unwavering advocate for Florida's natural springs and all who call them home. She embodies the meaning of ethical wildlife photography and she earns the respect of the wild ones. To many, she is known as "The Otter Whisperer."
"Otters are mothers, mates, teachers of the wild. Each day I long to escape my daily routine to dive into their world. The river became my sanctuary. The otters became my family. The more time I spent on the water, the more I began to think like them. Cypress knees became paths, roots became homes. I anticipated the otters every move, yet I am still unable to keep a regular heartbeat anytime I come across one. It is as clear as the water they swim in, that these incredible animals do not crave our friendship, but they deserve our stewardship."
Linda's Featured Photo "Survival"
Often times I purposely missed photo opportunities in order to establish a connection. Witnessing natural behavior is so very intimate and special. Keeping a respectful distance, I was able to observe a female otter teaching her otter pup how to eat a small turtle, putting the turtle on its back so it couldn't get away. Nature might seem cruel at times, but it never takes more than it needs.
See more of Linda's amazing work by visiting her website here. Also, please follow her on social media @Lindawphotography & @ottersinthewild
Do you or someone you know want to be featured? Let's talk! Contact me here to get in touch.
NAA
Nevada Artists Association - New gallery show every 6 weeks.
Andrew C Strom will be showcasing his photography as a Featured Artist from May 9th through June 19th. Reception Date TBA.
Greenland!
We will be traveling to Greenland with Motherbear Expeditions, August 21-31, 2026. We hope to document polar bears, musk ox, whales, glaciers, towering icebergs, and so much more! I will be sharing photos and stories from that journey in late 2026. Stay Tuned!
Reno-Tahoe International Art Show (RTIA)
We will have a gallery space in the 2026 RTIA show! Come see us September 17-20, 2026
Workshops, Presentations, & Lectures
I really enjoy presenting my photography and telling stories about my experiences and the importance of ethical wildlife photography. Let's talk if you'd like me to speak at your event or club! Please contact me here to book me for a presentation or photography talk.
Did you know I teach photography workshops and one-on-one lessons? Contact me today to learn more!
Thank you!
It means a lot to me that you are here. Photography has brought me to destinations I never imagined I would go, introduced me to the most talented and beautiful souls, and awarded me countless life-changing wildlife encounters. I am beyond thankful and humble for everything photography has awarded me. I am truly honored to share my journey with you.
Let me know your thoughts. What else would you like to see from me? Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. It truly means so much to me! 🥰 Please share this newsletter with anyone you think may be interested!
If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, simply send me an email with "unsubscribe" and I will remove you from the list. No questions asked. No hard feelings.
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