DENNIS OLIVERO

Dennis’ nature photography experience began in 1978. That year he traveled to east Africa and toured the game parks of Kenya in an old Bedford truck with ten friends. Equipped with a Pentax K1000 (loaded with Kodak print film) and attached third-party 70-210mm zoom, his first nature images were created. An old faded print from that trip showing a lion sleeping in a tree still hangs in his office today.

During the next two years, travel opportunities were abundant and Dennis made both travel and nature photographs during that time. However, from 1980-1995 there was very little time for photography and only occasional casual photographs were made. School and career development consumed most of his time during those fifteen years. Late in the 1990’s, his photography interest revived. Dennis made a serious commitment to learn the technical and compositional aspects of nature photography. This involved reading numerous books, following photography websites, and workshop attendance. Above all else, time was made to go outside at least once a week and make photographs.

With developing insight, Dennis started photographing birds. They were readily available near feeders and local ponds, and this provided ample subject material for practicing newly learned techniques or trying out new equipment. Other than the local nature centers, Dennis could frequently be found on the weekends at the local zoological gardens photographing birds, but also mammals when the opportunity presented.

Dennis’ most photographed avian species is the Common Loon, the captivating state bird of Minnesota. In the summer of 2004, he spent 75 hours photographing loon chick development from the egg stage to three months of age.

Although Dennis continues to enjoy photographing birds, during the last two years he has spent more and more time photographing mammals. He particularly enjoys photographing marine mammals. He prefers winter settings for photography when possible.

Dennis photographs animals primarily for his own interest and pleasure. His pictures have, on occasion, made their way into books and magazines. He sells prints and greeting cards from his website and at his office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dennis owes a great debt of gratitude to numerous professional photographers who have provided him with teaching, support and encouragement along the way. In time order, he would like to thank Arthur Morris, E.J. Peiker, Greg Downing, Charles Glatzer, Peggy & Erwin Bauer, Cheryl Ertelt, and Carol Clarke and to the NatureScapes.Net community for their support and inspiration.

To see more of Dennis’ work, please visit his website at www.northernlightnaturephotography.com.

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