Nature Photographer
Most people had no idea our dad was a nature photographer. That he spent nearly 20 years traveling around the Midwest, to the West Coast, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, national parks and everywhere in between that he could get a good shot. He wasn’t big on drawing attention to his talents. But he loved it. And had such an eye for it.
Dad at Glacier National Park in the late 50s
Alvin grew up on the southside of Chicago; his dad, Alvin Senior, was also a photographer. They went on a cross-country trip together when Dad was a teenager to California, stopping at Glacier National Park. That trip seemed to be the kickstart of our dad’s foray into photography and his love of national parks and nature.
As he got older and more experienced, he spent more and more on cameras and equipment. He was a Nikon guy before switching to Canon. He was constantly learning, reading manuals, taking classes, and improving his photo-taking and editing skills. He’d ask for the latest Adobe PhotoShop upgrade for birthdays and holidays.
He joined camera clubs and took photography-focused trips all-year round. We’d marvel at how he’d want to go to Yellowstone in January (twice!) or up to Manitoba, Canada in November, having to bundle up to survive hours out in the field, photographing moose or polar bears. He didn’t seem to think twice about it, the call of his camera too much to ignore.
Nap time after a long day in the tundra buggie
Jen inherited our dad’s love and talent for taking pictures (I get to write about them); she got a degree in photography and started her own amazing collection of wildlife and landscape images. Obviously, the two spent many hours together, talking shop, finding new places to explore, and challenging each other to excel in their craft. As he started to slow down from Alzheimer’s disease in the last few years, she was at his side, still helping him to shoot. Though he could barely remember how to turn on his camera, he could still take a spectacular picture. His eye never wavered.
Our dad passed away in January. Almost immediately, we had the idea for this website to exhibit his extraordinary collection of photos. Our plan was cemented by the rave response his photos received at his memorial service where we had about 100 images on display. Many of them appear on the website today. We hope you feel a bit of his playful spirit as you experience his work.
