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Although I have photographed in many parts of the United States, I have a special interest in the flora and fauna of my home state of Minnesota. Not only is Minnesota the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but it has 43 native orchid species, some of the largest whitetails anywhere, and the beautiful Common Loon as its state bird. The subjects may be plentiful or like some orchid species very rare, but I never run short of looking for new subjects to photograph. If you are interested in looking for any particular species in Minnesota, feel free to contact me. I also work extensively with the American Bear Association that operates the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary near Orr, Minnesota. Over the last several years I have conducted two 3-day workshops at VSWS. These workshops are a combination of photo sessions and classroom sessions. If you are interested in attending these workshops, please visit the web site, which can be found under “links.” My venture into nature photography actually began when I joined the “Minnesota Nature Camera Club” back in 1983. I am still a very active member of that club today. In 2004 I was given the distinct Honor of being voted an “Honorary Member.” It is necessary for me to give credit to not only the nature club, but to its members. In my early years of photography I gained so much knowledge on not just photography but appreciation for the flora and fauna and the environment that it lives in. Because of this club and its members I have learned that a pink flower is not just a “pretty pink flower” but an “Arethusa Orchid.” I have been using Nikon equipment for well over 20 years, starting with the Nikon FE and upgrading to a FE2 which I used for many years. Many of those images are still being published. In the middle 90’s I upgraded to Auto Focus and used the N90s and F100. And in early 2004 I began the switch to digital by purchasing a Nikon D-100 and more recently a Nikon D-200. The world of digital has opened a totally new dimension for the nature photographer. And for me there is no looking back. I see nothing but “pixels” in my viewfinder. With Nikon lenses attached to my Nikon bodies they are held solid as a rock on a Gitzo 1548 CF tripod. My photography has allowed me to travel to many beautiful and amazing places. I receive as much enjoyment from observing and photographing large mammals as I do photographing our delicate native orchids. I hope you enjoy my website and please feel free to contact me for any information or assistance. John Pennoyer Contact: John Pennoyer |
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