Welcome to my website. My name is Jean M. Hoogacker and I am the resident photographer. My passion for birds began at a young age while visiting my Grandparents. I can still vividly remember sitting in the breakfast nook (drinking percolated coffee laced with way too much cream and sugar) and waiting for all the colorful birds to fly to the feeder just outside the window. Today, I can still be found standing in front of my French doors, coffee in hand (preferably shade grown and with a lot less sugar) watching as numerous feathered friends come by for a visit.

Photography found me a little later in life. After signing up for a photography class in high school I was immediately stricken by the magic of taking a photo and making a print. However, life got in the way and I spent the next 10+ years building a successful computer consulting business. I did like most people during that time; I pulled out my camera for vacations or holidays and forgot about it the rest of the time. I needed instant feedback with my photography and it was only when digital took off, that I did too. Today I shoot entirely with Canon digital cameras. I use a variety of Canon lenses and the 500mm f4 is my favorite bird lens. I travel as often as possible (always with camera gear) and I am most at home sitting patiently in the rain forest waiting for my target bird to come into view. Thank you for letting me share my passion with you. I hope you enjoy seeing these images as much as I enjoyed making them.

Memberships

• NANPA - North American Nature Photography Association
• NAPP - National Association of Photoshop Professionals
• Tropical Audubon Society
• Sarasota Audubon Society - Editor, The Brown Pelican

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