animal kingdom

After more than two weeks of eager anticipation, the newest member of our family finally arrived today. Lioness in Bent Grass by Andy Biggs is a combined Christmas and birthday present to my sister. Andy is one of my favourite animal photographers and is best known for his amazing photographic safaris to Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Botswana. Last year he landed a contract with the Banana Republic stores which featured his work as a backdrop to their summer 2008 line. One would think that someone as successful as Andy might not be approachable but right from the start he has been great to deal with and quite humble about his work. I can imagine how fabulous a safari with him will be.

Speaking of wonderful people and another great wildlife photographer, today I received an email from Robert La Follette regarding our photographic workshop in Tampa next month. Originally Robert had scheduled a two-day workshop in Tampa and then I was going to do a one-on-one with him at the Lowry Park Zoo. Robert has now decided to offer a free (yes, FREE) one-day trip to Homosassa Springs for all of the people in the two-day workshop who are staying over on Sunday. One of the largest natural springs on the west coast of Florida, the Homosassa Springs are according to Robert “home to breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear water, and the magical West Indian Manatees”. We will be able to photograph many of the wild animals found in Florida such as alligators, crocodiles, owls, flamingos, ducks, hawks, eagles, bears, bobcats, and panthers.