Nature & Wildlife Photographer & Artist

 Born in Western North Carolina, I spent a good deal of time outside.  There wasn't much on the TV then.  Then I shared my adventures with my twin sister, Johna.  We both still love animals and the outdoors.  Johna never got into photography and hated the piano, but does paint really well.  I stuck with the flute and piano joining the Marine Corps Band at the ripe old age of 18.  Today my passions include photography, painting, and music.   We had lots of "lessons" as kids. Mom and my grandmothers had an interest in us learning piano, swimming, art and more.   I have continued with my lessons over the decades with classes and workshops.  I mostly strive to create a  sense of beauty, tranquility and mystery.   In 2010, Steve and I moved to western Colorado where my focus turned primarily to landscape and nature photography. I love to play the flute and piano, but feel my best inspiration comes from being out-of-doors hiking with Steve and camera.  As well as being a vendor for multiple stores in the National Parks, I have been honored to have my work featured or published by the National Geographic Society, The National Park Foundation, The National and International Audubon Society, The National Park Service,  and the Department of the Interior. Donna regularly travels with Steve in the western states to add to her portfolio. 

 Steve and I have been together since 1986 when we were both stationed at El Toro Marine Base. 31 years later, we are still together, more balanced in marriage, work and our lives.  We travel together often.  Steve has spent the last 8 years covering the western US selling 911 systems in many counties and states.  I could not get to all of my photographic locations without my Sherpa, Steve.  Thankfully he likes to drive, navigate and sometimes carry gear while I kick my feet on the dash and reads a book or edits photos on the fly as the landscapes whiz by.

 I've been painting and drawing as long as I can remember. I got into photography over 20 years ago to photograph things I wanted to paint.  Our move to Colorado gave me one beautiful landscape after another from which to photograph.  I focused much of my time and energy learning the craft of photography.  After almost 10 years of focus on photography, I have been returning to painting over the past two years. 

"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.".  Thomas Jefferson