What is ploveshack?

Ploveshack is the home of the amazing Piping Plover. The site was created to share some of my fun photos of Piping Plovers that I have taken while observing these birds over the last 10 years. While I have been fortunate enough to win awards for many different bird species in my portfolio, the Piping Plovers and their babies usually steal the show! I hope these photos make you laugh and inspire you to learn more about these and many other incredible birds.

How did you get started in bird photography?

I started being interested in birds about 15 years ago and eventually got my birder’s certificate from Massachusetts Audubon Society. I still consider myself a birder and regularly participate in Bird-a-thons and Christmas Bird Counts.

After gaining a better understanding of bird identification and behavior, I was gradually drawn towards bird photography even though I had never even owned a camera. I began reading books and watching videos on bird photography and was amazed how much people were willing to share about the hobby. Going on guided photography workshops with professionals is also a fun way to learn.

Are you a professional photographer?

No. Far from it. But it is a fun hobby for me and I hope to pay forward the great advice that I have gotten over the years from the true professionals.

Do you travel to far and exotic places to take your photos?

Not really. I am not that adventurous and always feel better when I can see my car from the photo spot. So almost all of my photos were taken at local spots in New England (USA).   

How many photos do you end up keeping from a photo shoot?

One, if I am lucky. It took me many years to build a portfolio and I had a lot of fun learning along the way.

Which bird photographers do you admire?

There are many.

Jan Wegener produces some of the most beautiful bird photos on the planet.  A true master at his craft!

Jess Findlay and Connor Stefanison are two of the most creative wildlife photographers out there. And they are such fun photography guides!

Mike Ashbee is one of the most technically sound bird photographers in the world – his birds are always so perfectly lit and tack sharp!

Missy Mandel always manages to beautifully capture the essence and personality of her subjects, which include birds, foxes, bears and much more!

Josh Galicki and Andy Rouse seem to excel in any style of bird photography. And they have a stuffed bird photography trophy case to prove it!

What advice do you have for new bird photographers?

1.     Take a lot of photos and study what you did right/wrong. And then delete 99% of them.

2.     Learn from others but develop your own style. Be yourself – everyone else is taken.

3.     Understand what “good” light is but learn to shoot creatively when conditions aren’t ideal. Which is almost always.

4.     Understand the basics of your camera but don’t get too lost in the technology. There is no “how to take great photos” chapter in the camera’s user manual.

5.     You don’t need to travel to exotic places to take award-winning photos.  Practice on accessible birds, like gulls at the local beach or ducks on the city pond.

Do you sell prints or have a calendar/photo book of your Piping Plover images?

Not yet, but stay tuned!