Biography

 
Mike first became interested in photography while serving in the U.S. Army in Alaska in the mid-sixties. He soon realized that the stunning beauty of our 49th state could not be conveyed with words alone. Using a borrowed camera, he took some pictures to send back to family in Pennsylvania. Those few images represent the beginning of a love affair with the art of photography that has lasted over 40 years.

He returned to civilian life in 1968 and soon purchased his first 35mm SLR, a J.C. Penney brand made by Praktica (which he still has). He continued over the years taking pictures of family, friends, and vacations and in 1987, after being laid-off from his job as a coal miner, he and his family relocated to Kill Devil Hills on North Carolina's Outer Banks.

His love of his art had by then become a passion and finally, in 1995, he decided to fulfill his longtime desire to make photography his profession. He started off with a modest line of 13 post cards and a few matted prints which he sold to local gift shops. The post card line has now grown to more than 60 images which are available, along with a large selection of prints, magnets, and note cards at gift shops, galleries, and art shows throughout eastern North Carolina and Virginia. His works have appeared in local and national publications including Frommer's 2006 Costa Rica Travel Guide.

Mike and his wife, Sue, were both born and raised in Pittsburgh and have been married for 37 years. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Affiliations: Mike is a member of the Dare County Arts Council, the Hatteras Island Arts and Crafts Guild, the Sierra Club, The Arbor Day Foundation, the Earthwatch Institute, the National Geographic Society, The Nature Conservancy, and Friends of Elizabeth II. He also serves on the Dare County Library Board of Trustees and the Dare County Library Foundation.

Mission Statement: Since John Muir and Ansul Adams, the art of photography has been used to help make people aware of the need to protect and preserve our environment, our history, and our national heritage. Mike is dedicated to this philosophy and strives through his efforts to further the cause of environmental awareness.

Note: No plants or animals were killed or injured in the creation of this web site.