February 21, 2025

East Texas Birding

East Texas Bird Identification, Birding Trips, Blogs, & Photo Workshops

About

East Texas Nature Photography Workshops, East Texas Birding Photography Workshops

Experience With Nature & Wildlife

  • Michael Mathews, East Texas Photography Workshops

    I am a naturalist after literally growing up in the woods of East Texas with an ID guide in my hands as I captured every living thing not fast enough to escape my efforts. This was followed by a lifetime of observation & study of everything to do with the natural world.

  • Graduated with honors from the University of Texas – PB. Major: Biology Minors: Geology & Chemistry (later added a 3rd minor in Mathematics); Pika Award Winner; Outstanding Graduate in Biology
  • Worked as a biologist for the University of Texas system in West Texas
  • Part-time Park Ranger (2 summers)
  • Worked as a volunteer after certification as a Texas Master Naturalist
  • Past Field Trip Director for the Tyler Audubon Society

Photography Background

  • Education: Self-taught in all aspects of photography
  • Professional: For many years I have periodically provided basic photographic services (in-home portraits, weddings, events & parties; etc.,); I have managed to have a things published in a variety of places including national publications; have successfully sold nature and wildlife prints online, in shops, & art shows; and  offer basic photograph workshops (both for a fee and as a service). In addition, my photography has won numerous awards in various contests (although I rarely enter contests.)
  • Continuing Education: It is a rare day I am not photographing something outdoors and then spending time with processing on the computer. I strive to improve my skills with practice as well as various books & guides, YouTube videos, informative websites and am a member of KelbyOne which is an excellent source for training in various aspects of photography.

In other words, I am basically self-taught when it comes to photography utilizing a wide variety of sources for my education. With none being more important than taking photo after photo and constantly trying to improve.