1 .Tell us something about you.

I uh...have always been that know-it-all girl in school, especially concerning animals. I can't tell if it irritates or fascinates people, so I choose not to shut up.

2. When did you start with photography or drawing?

I'm been taking pictures all my life, starting with little-kid-cameras. But it isnt something you NEED to get into early on!

3. What equipment do you use? And what do you recommend (equipment wise)

I use BOTH a Nikon D50 and a Canon Powershot G7- the Nikon (and all corresponding lenses) is a D-SLR, and I use it for macro and telephoto shots. It's my main man. The Canon is a more portable, but still SLR-feature, "point and shoot" type, which I use for certain macro shots. It's extremely versatile, and easy to use if you just want a higher-end camera.

For gear, I highly recommend Nikon, Nikkor, Tamron, and Sigma...but no others. Be aware that while Canons can sometimes be cheaper...they have a higher repair rate.

4. Where is your favourite shooting place?

My favorite shooting place is in Montana, with Troy Hyde and his animals....but for an actual "place"- Out of Africa wildlife park. Go during sunset hours for the best shots!! It's in Camp Verde, Arizona, and such a intimate experience.


5. Do you have some tips for people concerning big cat photography?

I'd say that, with shrinking populations of wild great cats, be happy with zoo shots. Many people don't consider it with artistic merit in mind, but it does take lots of patience and time. BUT, if you MUST get wild shots...go to Africa.

6. Why do you like big cat photography and what was your first photograph that was your personal favourite

I've always been so thrilled with the spirituality and power of great cats, and have ALWAYS felt an urgent need to help them, any way I can. My personal favorite shot was of a shot of Texico the tiger , during a photoshoot with Troy Hyde in Montana. Texi formed a perfect A, and stared me right in the eye.

7. Which Big cat is your favourite and why?

Tigers. Every time one comes into view I feel a deep bond with them. I hope, someday, to open a sanctuary for tigers, somewhere in the world. They are my power animal, my "totem", if you will. They speak to me.

8. Which Big cat is your favourite photo/drawing object?

The same- they are pieces of artwork in themselves. Snow leopards are a close second, though!

9. Tell us an interesting fact of a big cat.

All felines have pheromone-sensing organs in the roofs of their mouths called Vomeronasal organs, or VNO. The organ itself is accessed through the nostril, but often times you will see cats open their mouth and stick out their tongues (the Chinese call this an "Ick face"). This is to get a stronger whiff of the passing pheromones.

10. What would be your dream location to photograph Big cats?

I will, someday in my life, travel to Siberia to see the rarest of the rare tigers. I cope well in extreme cold temperatures!

11. Who is your favourite photographer/artist that inspires you?

There are very many people in the world who inspire me, on many many different levels. More than anything, though: The knowledge that each individual thought in our brains is the most unique thought in the world, because there will always be an infinite number of differing views on the SAME thought, that are just as concrete and plausible to others' minds as your own is to yours.

12. How did you get interested in Big Cats?

by Big Cats, do you mean the club? In that case, it was only natural! I find much beauty here.