A fascination and admiration of Natural History has been with Robert W. (Bob) Schamerhorn since before he can remember. From the spring fed creeks in the woods behind his childhood stomping grounds, to the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains he explored as a youth, the wonder of nature was always captivating. His thirst for knowledge about the natural world was quenched by angels; in the mid-1970's when he was ten, he was put under the wings of two of the kindest, most generous souls he had ever met. Myriam Moore and her daughter Gene, who were members of the Lynchburg Bird Club. They not only welcomed him into their home with generous hospitality, but also shared their extensive knowledge of Ornithology and Botany. They fed his appetite to learn more about the natural things that surrounded him, whether it was birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies or wildlife art, the Moores inspired and supported him in whatever interest he had. In return, he would share his discoveries as they explored the beaches, swamps, creeks and mountains of Virginia.

His first "exposure" to nature photography was Myriam's antique dental camera that was used for close-up shots only, like a macro lens. It would only take photos from either six or twelve inches away. It burned a small flash bulb on every exposure. Focal distance was measured by stretching a string with two knots in it, that was tied to its side. Later, an eighth grade photography class at Linkhorne Jr. High School in Lynchburg, Virginia taught him the fundamentals of composition, contrast and developing. In high school he purchased a used 35mm SLR camera and an print enlarger from a man he worked for. After Christmas presents provided the rest of the equipment needed, he set up a darkroom in a windowless room his parent's basement. At college he started as a biology major at Virginia Tech; but quickly switched majors into their Art and Design program, by the start of the second semester. This change in direction, pointed the future of his vocation into creative positions such as: engraving; artist-canvas reproduction and design for the furniture industry; private commission painting; mechanical drawing, trade show display design, packaging design. He currently owns a graphic design sole proprietorship, named Infinity Graphics.

It was not until late in 2002 when he got his first digital camera, then he I began to regularly photograph wildlife again. The freedom to take so many pictures, without the time and financial burdens of film, reawakened his artistic vision though the camera's lens. After a year and a half with a point and shoot he made the leap to his first digital SLR and bought a decent lens or two. This professional level equipment brought quick results when combined with his knowledge and love of birds. On numerous adventures since then, he has encountered many of God's amazing creatures in many beautiful places. His hope is simple, "That these images inspire conservation and your appreciation of nature."

Bob Schamerhorn moved to Richmond, VIrginia in 2006. He gets out with his camera to enjoy the birds and the breeze at any opportunity that presents itself.

- Bob Schamerhorn

© 2005-2007 Robert W. Schamerhorn all rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.