Herper of the Month - Dec. 2006
"While I wasn’t always into herps, I have been interested in nature from the time I was born. My whole family loves experiencing the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking out West or fishing in a local creek. Actually, fishing is one of the ways I got involved in herps. My dad is an avid fly fisherman, and I always tagged along on his trips. I would often get distracted from the fishing while chasing cricket frogs and watersnakes along the shore. After a while, I left the fishing rod at home and focused soley on herping." |
Photo by Matt Ignoffo
| "My
passion for herps grew from there, and it continues to grow every
day. A major part of my growth as a herper has come through FieldHerpForum.com.
I have met other herpers in my area, which has led to many great
outings with many great stories. Also, I have been introduced
to many other herpers from around the country, and I’ve had the
privilege of meeting up with some of them in the field." |
"Another
road opened for me when I discovered herp photography. I started
carrying my mom’s camera on my herping trips to document my finds
until I got a Canon Digital Rebel a few years back for myself.
Now, photography has become just as large a part of the fun as
the actual herping, and the two fit together so perfectly. Through my photography, I have been able to spread my love for herps to other people—people that normally wouldn’t get near a snake. I love teaching young kids about herps, in hopes that they will grow up to respect them and their part in nature." |
"One reason
I have been able to pursue my passions of herping and photography
has been the support from my family. My parents are always willing
to take me on road trips, whether we go to Snake Road, Florida,
or just a local park. And it’s not just driving that they help with—heck,
they want to find |
| "I am currently a sophomore in high school, and I hope to continue my passion for herps throughout the rest of my life. My goal is to pursue both biology and photography in school, and ultimately find a career that is either in these fields, or that gives me plenty of time to pursue them as hobbies." |
| "For now, I’m happy right where I am. While Indiana doesn’t get much attention in the herping world, I hope that the finds and photographs from us Indiana herpers show others the beauty that the Hoosier state has to offer." |
© Scott Waters Productions