pronounced SAH-toh VOH-che
Etymology: Italian 18th century
Sotto Voce is a term used to express undertones in music and speech, but it also suggests the quiet voice of nature. The land has many voices; some that whisper to us, some that bellow in the form of wildfires or flash floods. Noise is what usually gets our attention.
This softer voice of nature is easily shouted down by demands from our busy lives and the trappings of human society. Our wild neighbours-plants and animals- go about their daily business of
survival discreetly, often in ways unknown to us. Reconnecting with our grasslands, forests and wetlands awakens our senses and spirituality. We are reminded that as humans, we too are knitted into nature's complex and beautiful fabric
The Quiet Voice tells a story of renewal and eternity. We need to listen.
I have been an avid birder for the past 16 years, but in 1996 I decided to kick it up a notch and add a new challenge to viewing birds - photographing them!
Capturing a great bird image is like performing a small miracle. So many elements need to come together to create that exceptional shot- lighting, an available and cooperative subject, attractive background and correct exposure to name a few. As a photographer, I am driven by the joy that comes from those few moments where technical perfection meets artistic impact. This and the intense experience of getting the image in the first place! As a naturalist, I am in awe of this reality show called the natural world that unfolds every day. Every good photo opportunity is a small gift to me.
http://natureniche.zenfolio.com
Grand Prize 2003 finalist 2005
second place
Birds of Los Angeles
Black Skimmers, Clark's Nutcracker, Cactus Wren