Photographer: Sean Fitzgerald, Dallas, Texas Image Title: Stray Dog and Dead Monarchs Category: Environmental Issues   Technical Details: Canon EOS D30 digital camera, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 lens, 1/60 second at f/8 Location: Sierra Chinchua Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Mexico Description: I went to Mexico to photograph the mass die-off of Monarch butterflies. The die-off was apparently caused by a combination of a freak series of rain and hard freezes in their mountaintop habitat along with the cumulative effects of logging in and near the Sanctuaries. The logging up to the mountaintops where the Monarchs over-winter keeps them from moving down the mountain to escape freezes, and the selective logging within the sanctuary punctures the heat retention of the canopy. While photographing the dead Monarchs, a little dog that had been following me around took a nap on top of the mat of dead butterflies. I like the ironic contrast of the peacefully sleeping dog against the background of death.   I strive for images that are simple, graphic, evocative, and surreal. I believe you should judge images with your heart; technique is just a tool, not the ultimate goal. I find myself repeatedly drawn to nature and wildlife and the impact of man on both.   My images have been displayed at various galleries and museums and in various publications such as PhotoMedia, Professional Photographer, Outdoor Photographer, The New York Times, and Audubon Nature Calendars. With a partner, I have finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the Valley Land Fund Wildlife Photo Contest (www.valleylandfund.com). On my own, I won the 2001 Coastal Bend Wildlife Photography contest (www.wildlifephotocontest.com). A 2001 issue of Professional Photographer magazine featured me as their monthly cover artist. At the 2001 Fotofusion Photography Festival, I was chosen by Art Wolfe to receive the festival's Rising Star Photographer Award. You can see more of my images on my web site.   Sean Fitzgerald Sean Fitzgerald Photography, Inc. Phone: 214-213-4193 E-mail: seanfitzgerald@earthlink.net Web: www.seanfitzgerald.com   Return to 2003 Galleries | Return to 2003 Environmental Gallery     Home | Contact Us | Copyright