It’s kind of like breathing, seems essential. -Rick Lewis, photographer
Based in Alameda, photographer Rick Lewis has spent years capturing the beauty and behavior of California’s birds. A retired plant manager who oversaw several steel facilities, he now devotes much of his free time to bird photography. His images have been published in Bay Nature, Audubon, Outdoor California, the National Wildlife Federation, and Earthjustice, among others.
His passion for birds began early. At 17, he bought his first bird guide, sparking a lifelong passion for both birding and photography. Today, he is an active member of the Golden Gate Bird Alliance, Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Reserve, and California Least Tern Watch.
A few of his Elegant Tern photographs have been featured throughout International Bird Rescue’s 55th anniversary campaign, celebrating the species chosen as our anniversary bird. Rick says it was watching a noisy flock of Elegant Terns take flight at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary that left him, in his words, “transported.”
“These ‘punk rockers’ add bedazzle to any landscape,” Rick said. “All the terns regularly seen in the Bay Area are entertaining and bring a sense of awe and rejuvenation.”
We caught up with Rick to learn more about his photography, his favorite subjects, and what continues to draw him back into the field.
Question: What draws you to photographing birds and other wildlife?
Answer: It’s kind of like breathing, seems essential. It is immensely satisfying and a great way to meet others with the same goals of conservation and wilderness preservation as key metrics to a meaningful life.
Q: What are some of your favorite bird species to photograph?
A: Ridgway’s Rails, Sandhill Cranes, and raptors.
Q: Has your involvement with conservation organizations influenced your photography?
A: Yes, it has strengthened my awareness of ethical wildlife photography and the challenges all wildlife and wild places face today.
Q: Who are some of your favorite photographers?
A: Roman Loranc, Frans Lanting, Dorthea Lange, Edward Weston, Carleton Watkins, Gordon Parks, Ansel Adams, Eliot Porter, Joel Sartore, Galen Rowell to name a few.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting started with bird or wildlife photography?
A: Learn how to use your equipment and then concentrate on the subject matter. Wildlife observation and photography is mostly understanding the subject and waiting patiently. Be respectful, keep your distance, nurture quietness. Join and engage with conservation organizations but get outside on solo trips and notice connections in nature.
Q: Where can people find your work and follow your photography journey?
A: My work is found in various websites online that are related to wildlife conservation; search- Rick Lewis wildlife photographer. Recently, I started posting to Flickr (very much a Work in Progress). Search for- ricklewis190.
