I think You're Going to like this Picture (of Sanibel and SW Florida)

We often "borrow" photos from Flickr.com, a website that lets users post their photos and share them (or not) with others. And we have found some great pix to use through this means.


But we wanted to tease our readers just a bit as well as promote some of the exceptionally good photographers who live on or visit Sanibel Island and environs and who have captured the beauty of the South West Florida so poignantly. Because their work spans the whole of SW Florida and beyond, we find the Island photos to be only one reason of many to recommend them.



One of our favorite websites for great nature photography is that of Richard Fortune and Sara Lopez: http://www.throughthelensgallery.com/-/throughthelensgallery/default.asp
They capture the environment in a way that will amaze, entertain and even frighten with the close up look at our most benign and most fearful of creatures.On this site you will see dolphins leaping, birds feeding their young, and alligators showing off their large mouths and even bigger teeth. Dick and Sara take you right into the Sanibel environment. What we particularly like and enjoy with this site is the large image that you can click through, giving you, the viewer, a close up and personal view.



Another highly valued photographer is Gordon Campbell. Like Dick and Sara, Gordon' work reflects the beauty of the state and even other areas, but we think his pictures on and of Sanibel are among his best shots. Of course, we might be somewhat prejudiced, but take a look and let us know what you think: http://www.swfloutdoorphotography.com/ One of the things we like about Gordon's site is the photographer's ability and willingness to share his skills. Gordon gives tips on how and where to get the best photography and even offers tours and classes in photography. And, as with Dick and Sara, Gordon also donates his time and photography to worthy organizations in SW Florida.



One photographer whose work we admire uses a special method to enhance his photos. Ray Bilcliff, whose work covers many aspects of photography in many, many locales, has employed "paintography" to make his pictures literally jump off the page. According to Ray "The world is full of natures true natural beauty. The true beauty of nature has been enhanced in my photos by the use of paintography a sort of mixture between oil painting and photography. Curling and twisting the pixels to create works of natural art." Ray's work and his use of "paintography" can best be viewed here: http://www.behance.net/trueportraits



And, of course, last but certainly not least, is the work of David Meardon. http://www.sanibelphoto.com/store/fine-art-note-cards-matted-canvas-prints/


Dave's work can be found all over the Island and his photos are often used on the prints sold as well as greeting cards sold in the shops Island wide. These are special views of Sanibel as seen through the eyes of a Sanibel "insider". David Meardon is a Sanibel Island professional photographer living and working on the island since 1981. Using his camera and creative eye, David documents events and captures the beauty of the area. A graduate of Oberlin College, he began his career as a photojournalist, initially with the Providence Journal and then with the Sanibel-Captiva Islander.

David's photos have appeared in National Geographic Video, Oprah Magazine, and numerous newspapers, books, magazines, and calendars both locally and nationally. He has won photographic awards in editorial,advertising and wildlife categories. David is the recipient of the 2005 Island of the Arts Award presented by the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce and is the winner of the 2007 The Best of the Islands Gold Award for Best Photographer.