Writing in a variety of genres.
I don’t get out as much as I used to, taking photos of the world around me – and I do mean the world, as I’ve circled the globe in the past half century, visiting every continent except Antarctica. It’s a great honor, therefore, to be awarded this Courage Award from View Bug for my photo of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
The Vision Keeper badge is awarded to photographers who do more than take pictures—they safeguard moments. It represents your commitment to noticing light, emotion, detail, and turning it into something lasting. This isn’t about numbers, rankings, or trophies. It’s about the choice to see — and to preserve what matters.
Every photographer carries a unique perspective. This badge recognizes yours.
It now lives on your profile as a mark of the vision you protect.
A photo I recently took of a Cooper’s hawk on a fallen tree was evaluated by ViewBug’s photo judges.
Here are their comments:
This photo works because it captures a stunning moment of stillness and quiet power—beautifully composed among intertwining branches, where nature frames the hawk in its element. What makes this image unique is the way it draws attention to both the hawk’s intense gaze and the softly filtered light dappling its feathers, creating an intimate connection with the viewer. It inspires others by reminding us of the wild elegance and grace we often overlook in the everyday world. The photographer’s keen eye for timing and framing reflects a genuine creative vision, offering the VIEWBUG community a window into a moment that feels both rare and soul-stirring.
My photograph of ‘An Old African Lady,’ which I took in Zimbabwe’s countryside in 2009, was awarded the Momentum25 Award.
“The Eye” celebrates the core of being a photographer: the ability to notice, frame, and capture moments that others might overlook. It’s not about how many photos you’ve uploaded or whether you’ve won contests—it’s about having the eye. 👁️
There’s something special about the way you see the world—so we created a badge to celebrate that.
This is the message that I received from View Bug.
Echo Award
Your photo just earned the Echo Award—Some photos don’t fade—they echo. This award celebrates a photo that keeps making waves long after it was posted. Whether it’s the emotion, the light, or the story behind it—this image continues to inspire, spark curiosity, and draw in new viewers. You’ve created something that lasts. Let it echo.
Congratulations! This photo unlocked the Echo Award—recognizing the quiet power of an image that keeps resonating. First photo or hundredth, this image is proof that your creativity continues to evolve and inspire. Every photo tells a new story. This one shines with your vision, heart, and curiosity.
And here’s the photo that won the award. It was taken in Zimbabwe when I lived there.
