Alan Dyck

About Alan

I am wildlife biologist who is currently the Forest Wildlife Program Manager for the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon.  I live in Damascus, Oregon with my wife and two children.  I have had a life long love for creating photographs.  During high school when other guys were buying cars-- I was buying camera equipment.  I received a scholarship for photography in high school but chose to pursue wildlife management as a career.  When the kids arrived I set my cameras aside to concentrate on the more important issue of raising children. 

Then came along the digital camera.  It opened up new possibilities and it reignited my passion for creating images. 

I have had many side careers over the years.  I have been a scuba instructor, a computer network consultant, computer sales person, and wedding photographer.  So with my knowledge of computers and my love of people, wildlife, nature, and photography, digital cameras became the perfect vehicle for my creative outlet. 

My life is very full.  In addition to having a very full time career in wildlife management, I am also a wildland firefighter as a helitack crewmember. That means I can be gone for several weeks at a time. Contacting me can difficult during the summer.  But even if you don't wish to purchase feel free to email me because I would love to hear from you.  closeecountersphoto@yahoo.com

As a note I will explain that I consider my photographs to be art and not necessarily photojournalism.  If I need to manipulate the photograph to enhance the visual quality I will.  That could mean simply using a lens filter or enhancing it with Adobe Photoshop.  That is one of the beauties of digital photography is that I have more control over the finished product.  This is especially helpful when doing portraits.

 All of the wildlife photographs are of wild animals unless I specifically state otherwise on the page.  (At this time I have taken no photos of captive animals except poor Myrtle the star pug dog) 

Most photographers tend to specialize in one genre of photography. I am currently specializing in Portrait and Glamour photography.  But I also I do quite a bit of wildlife and landscapes.  But like my life, I find it impossible to be interested in a single area.  To me all life is filled with beauty and interesting subjects, and I feel the desire to capture it all.  But I am not satisfied in just capturing these special instants in time.  I hope to share my images with you.  A beautiful photograph is a lot like love...if you can't share it with someone it has no value at all.