People often ask me how I became interested in amphibians and reptiles, animals most people fear above all else. I can only answer that it’s been a life-long interest, one fostered by my Dad, who was one of the most influential people in my life. Always encouraging, we both shared a love of nature and the outdoors. He said when he was ten years old, he wanted to be a herpetologist when he grew up. After a 
long stay in the hospital at age 15, he decided to pursue medicine and keep his love of the outdoors and reptiles as a hobby. His son became the herpetologist. He always encouraged me to pursue what I loved in life. He said successful people do what they do best. That guidance and encouragement is the reason why I am where I am today – a wildlife biologist/herpetologist living his dream in sunny Southern California.
I vividly remember seeing a bullfrog for the first time when I was 3 years old while on vacation in Vermont with my family. The euphoric-like feeling that came over me upon seeing that great big frog remains to this day whenever I see a creature I’ve never seen before or when I’m simply hiking and exploring a new area. Most come to southern California in search of fame and fortune, I came for the lizards and snakes.
Although the first time I enjoyed photography was during a trip to the Canadian Rockies at age 13 during an environmental workshop, one which my parents encouraged me to attend, my passion started a bit later in life. My family and I took many trips throughout my childhood, including one very memorable trip to the southwest U.S. where I saw many lizards I’d dreamed about seeing from the time I was 6. We also took trips to Hawaii, the Maine coast, Florida, and the Caribbean during which I was always taking photos, particularly of all the wildlife we’d encounter. However, it was really during a trip to the Costa Rican rainforests, participating in a tropical herpetology course, my passion for photography took off and has never waned. It’s been a love affair ever since. The cornerstone to any great relationship, I’m always growing and learning new things, with my camera by my side, some sturdy hiking boots, and field guides to the local flora and fauna in my pockets, my passion will only continue to grow. I’m now lucky to have not only a career in biology, but also one in photography.
Amphibians and reptiles are a source of fear among many people around the world. While the conservation movement is gaining ground, it often focuses on animals people find more attractive such as mammals and birds. The plight of amphibians and reptiles is very real and just as important as other species. Many species around the world are in tremendous decline and may soon become extinct, some before they’re even discovered. Many are also indicator species, which are among the most sensitive species in the region, acting as an early warning sign to biologists of environmental changes such as global warming. By showing their inherent beauty with my photography, I hope to raise the profile and awareness of the plight of these animals. I view these creatures as some of the most fascinating and amazing animals in existence and I hope others will share my sentiment. It’s very important to me people understand and realize the effect they have on the environment and all its inhabitants before it’s too late.
