Monica LaSalle, Nederland. We have all seen him…backpack of gear strapped to him as he makes his way around town holding his camera at the ready, looking to share his experiences with all who are unable to accompany him. This past Friday, February 1, 2019, that is exactly what was on display at Salto for their First Friday featured artist event.

Anyone lucky enough to attend would have seen beautifully captured moments of wildlife and nature scenes from our area. And he certainly works hard to get those shots, although he has had a little help genetically speaking. Jim Dewalt grew up in a family with the photo bug gene seemingly built into his DNA, passed down from his father and grandfather.

After traveling the country early on, he found himself drawn to photo documenting his experiences with the advent of the point and shoot camera that eventually drove him to purchase his first DSLR in 2007. Determined to learn how to create the images he could see in his mind’s eye, he worked hard for years on manual shooting with a digital camera. Those years have paid off, as can be easily seen by the exquisite images currently on display at Salto.

If you get a chance, stop in to have a look or check him out on Facebook at James Dewalt Photography, Life in Nature and The “Other” Wildlife or his website at jamesdewaltphotography.com.

(Originally published in the February 7, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)