A self-proclaimed nerd for everything nature, Mike’s life journey has been dedicated to capturing the beauty of the world's most powerful and breathtaking landscapes. 

Mike is most well-known for epic imagery that brazenly conveys the raw and unrelenting power of nature and the Earth, from volcanoes to tornadoes, wildlife, night sky and everything in between. 

Born with an innate sense of wonder and a deep connection to nature, Mike has transformed his passion for adventure into a remarkable career that blends photography, storytelling and environmental advocacy.

Equipped with a camera and an unyielding spirit, Mike travels the globe in search of moments that, in particular, showcase the power of nature. From the frozen expanses of the Arctic Circle to the fiery heart of active volcanoes, he pushes the boundaries of traditional landscape photography. His keen eye for detail and natural ability to capture the essence of a moment have yielded a breathtaking portfolio that showcases the Earth's raw beauty in its most unfiltered form.

Mike is also an educator, sharing his passion for creating images and telling stories through leading workshops across the globe. 

A little more about Mike...

Although I currently live in Arvada, Colorado, I was originally born in the small town of Rome, New York. I moved to Texas at a young age. I got my first camera at the age of 15, it was a 1975 Yashica MG-1. I had absolutely no interest in photography then, but something about the camera gained my interest. I am completely self-taught and have learned photography through a ton of trial and error. I took my camera out and shot with it, writing down the conditions and my settings for each frame I took. I then would save up my allowance to get my film (yeah, remember that stuff?) developed. When I got my images back, I compared them to what I wrote down and noted how I could improve my techniques. It was all pretty much downhill from there. Once I got my license I began exploring abandoned places, chasing the clouds, and of course taking photos along the way. When digital came out, I was too poor to afford it so I kept shooting film until I was too poor to afford film, then I made the switch to digital. I graduated from The University of North Texas in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and obtained my Master’s in Journalism back in December of 2012. When I’m not out with my camera, I enjoy playing hockey, hanging with the pup, rock climbing, a rewatching Stranger Things. I’ve been blessed with an awesome family and I don’t know where I would be without my mom, dad, and brother. Also, a huge thank you to all my friends who have supported me along the way with my photography…there were many days when I was eating Ramon Noodles wondering if this was the right career choice. It definitely was.

Fun Facts

Favorite candy?

• Nerd’s clusters

Favorite food?

• Sushi, no doubt about it.

Favorite location you've shot at?

• Definitely the Lofoten Islands of Norway. The landscape there is absolutely stunning and having the northern lights dance above your head is truly something else.

What is your super power?

• Telling amazing dad jokes.

Biggest fear?

• Spiders. Simply put, they are the epitome of evil. 

Who's your inspiration?

• My mother. She’s the toughest woman I know. She’s been through a lot in her life that should have killed her, but she fought and fought and is truly an inspiration to what it means to be “tough.” She’s also the most passionate, kindest, unselfish person I’ve ever met.

What is the most challenging aspect of your career?

• There are so many great photographers out there and so many new up and coming photographers, it’s tough to make your work stand out. But with that said, I enjoy a good challenge, so challenge accepted.

“The Nikon Ambassadors are authorized by Nikon to demonstrate to the public and professional image makers the capabilities and use of Nikon imaging products, but the expressive content of their work is solely their own. Nikon Ambassadors are independent contractors and visual artists and are not employees of Nikon. Nikon Ambassadors are responsible for the content of their photographs, websites, exhibitions, and visual images and the manner in which such content and images are obtained. Any messages, beliefs, or viewpoints expressed in the Nikon Ambassadors’ photographs, websites, exhibitions, or visual images do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs or viewpoints of Nikon or any Nikon employee.”