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Photographed in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This egret was patient while I composed this portrait. Great Whites are large birds with a height of about three feet and a wingspan of five feet. They live primarily in subtropical, warm regions of the planet.It breeds in colonies in trees close to large lakes with reed beds or other extensive wetlands. It builds a bulky stick nestThe Great Egret is generally a very successful species with a large and expanding range. In North America, large numbers of Great Egrets were killed around the end of the 19th century so that their plumes could be used to decorate hats.A small aperture with moderate fill created the black background Numbers have since recovered as a result of conservation measures. Its range has expanded as far north as southern Canada. However, in some parts of the southern United States, its numbers have declined due to habitat loss. Nevertheless, it adapts well to human habitation and can be readily seen near wetla...

Chris was born in southern Delaware in 1960. As a teenager he began studying maps of Florida and dreamed of exploring the state and it’s natural treasures. In the early 1980’s he moved to Central Florida. During his travels throughout the state he discovered the beauty of it’s swamps, prairies, springs, rivers and lakes. This led to an interest in photography and it’s ability to document his adventures. He also developed an interest in astronomy. He studied the work of Ansel Adams and his “zone” system as well as the works of the his colleges in the “f 64 club” of art photographers. It became apparent that researching the accomplishments of painters would also be beneficial. Chris began to establish his own style, a fusion of art and...