About Dave

Based in Blue Ridge Georgia, Dave Miller captures images of natural splendor focusing primarily on Wildlife, Landscape and Bird photography.

Background

I grew up in the rural heart of Pennsylvania, surrounded by the serenity of nature and the enchanting embrace of a woodland paradise. However, with youth often comes impatience. I failed to truly appreciate the natural wonders that surrounded me. My dreams were set on a life in the city, pursuing higher education, and forging a successful career. In my twenties, I stumbled upon photography, predominantly dedicating my free time and travels to capturing urban life and cityscapes.

It was a transformative journey to Yosemite in my thirties that forever changed me. The magnificence of the landscape and the captivating wildlife within the park left me awestruck.

Upon my return to Georgia, I began to see the splendors of the local wildlife and landscapes that I had previously not noticed. I found myself drawn to the intriguing behaviors of the animals I encountered, eventually turning my camera towards them to document their world.

In the years that have followed those formative experiences, my passion has bloomed into an obsession. I am now fervently dedicated to capturing the essence of wildlife and the beauty of the natural world.

Amongst my favorite subjects, the American Black Bear has taken a center stage in my work over the past few years.

Conservation

My life has been deeply enriched due to the efforts of nature conservation. I’ve been able to see California Condors, Red Wolves, Atlantic Puffins and many other species which may not be here if not for the work of people dedicated to protecting nature.

To me, protecting wildlife reflects our ethical responsibility to live harmoniously with the natural world. In a world facing numerous environmental challenges, including climate change and habitat destruction, wildlife conservation becomes a moral imperative and a strategic necessity to secure a sustainable and viable future for humanity.

Because of this, I donate 5% of all sales to the World Wildlife Fund. This organization works tirelessly to save the last wild spaces on earth.

Ethics

I believe the power of wildlife photography lives in the idea of capturing a moment in time of a wild animal living a free life. Because of that, I do not bait wildlife or photograph captive animals of any sort. As a photographer it's important to try to blend into nature and keep the welfare of the subject above getting the shot. I generally live by the mantra of “Just Observe, Don’t Disturb”.