Today at #theVirtualMAC we're sharing some beautiful photography by MAC artist David Jeffrey. David's work was including in our "Taking Flight" exhibit in a couple years ago, and he was kind enough to let us share some of his bird photography online. Head over to our Facebook page to see more from the Virtual MAC!

All images © 2020 David Jeffrey and shall not be reused without express permission from the artist.

David's statement about his work:

"I am a photographer who focuses primarily on creating images of birds. I began observing birds in the 1970’s, a diversion that ultimately became a passion. After retiring in 2010 from a career in finance, I took up digital photography, concentrating on photographing birds.

I live in South Dartmouth, MA but in winter months spend time on Captiva Island, FL. With newly found time in retirement I upgraded my photographic equipment by purchasing a 600 mm Nikon telephoto lens, a quality tripod and a gimbel (to allow the lens and camera to move in any direction) in order to produce close-up images of birds, especially those in Florida.

I have had no formal training that would prepare me for photographing birds or nature, in general. However, I did read The Art of Bird Photography, by Arthur Morris several years ago. Morris opened my eyes to both artistic and technical possibilities.

I feel a deep connection with the birds I photograph. My favorite bird photos are those that have a sharp, portrait-like image with the subject filling the frame and a blurred background. I especially love photographing mirror-quality reflections in water. I also look for dramatic action, such as catching food, attracting a mate, building a nest, feeding the young or frightening off a potential rival.

On Captiva Island ospreys are thriving and nests are abundant. I find that photographing their nesting activity can be quite rewarding. This includes photos of ospreys nest-building, protecting the nest from attacks by other ospreys, copulation, bringing fish for consumption, and raising the young. It is especially interesting when bald eagles enter osprey nesting territory, making for fascinating aerial combat photos.

I have very much enjoyed sharing some of my better images with friends. After a shoot, I often email selected photos to a group of friends and enjoy the communication that they sometimes spark. As such, the photos are a link between me and those people with whom I share this deep interest."