Artist Biography
Lucas’ journey into wildlife photography began in the spring of 2022, shortly after he discovered birdwatching through one of his final university classes. As part of an assignment for that class, he happened to find himself at the right place and at the right time to witness a flock of endangered whooping cranes circling above him at a Wisconsin marsh. Unfortunately, by the time he thought of taking a photo of the moment with his phone, they had already flown too far away on their journey north.
Despite missing the chance to record this experience, seeing the beauty of the soaring cranes opened a new world of exploration around him as he began to notice more species and starting to take photos through a newly acquired pair of binoculars. Before long, he picked up an old DSLR and telephoto lens marking the beginning of his adventure into wildlife photography. Since starting this journey, Lucas has continued to learn more about the intricacies of bird behavior and characteristics while refining his artistic style.
Artist Statement
To watch a bird closely is to glimpse the hidden rhythms of the world, fragile yet full of wonder.
I photograph birds to slow these fleeting rhythms into moments of recognition. While many see them only in passing, I seek to capture the gestures, glances, and movements that reveal their individuality and spirit. Each image is less a record than a poem—an attempt to convey intimacy, drama, and emotion through patient observation and attention to light, behavior, and place.
My process often means returning to the same location for hours, waiting for a moment that transforms ordinary sight into connection. Out of thousands of frames, perhaps only one carries the essence I seek: a bridge between human and avian experience.
Beyond personal wonder, my work also reflects on our relationship with the natural world. Birds are vital participants in ecosystems, often overlooked despite their beauty and importance. By drawing attention to them, I hope to spark care and remind us that we, too, are threads within nature’s weave.
