Africa. The South China Sea. Australia. Geosystems and government teacher Bob Bowdey has not only been all over the world, but has also captured some of the world’s most beautiful and terrifying animals with his camera at the ready.
Having 25 years of experience under his belt, Bowdey performs his hobby as a wildlife photographer during summers when he and his wife travel to wildlife utopias around the world.
He has a unique story to tell with each trip.
In one of his recent trips to Africa, Bowdey came across a male lion sleeping in his camping spot.
“He and I had to come to an agreement about whose spot it was,” Bowdey said.
These stories are shared through his photography and many get published.
“They are published through a stock agency that is worldwide called Agephoto and they get published in text books and newspaper articles and just different places,” Bowdey said.
Bowdey began professionally with underwater photography, capturing the tiny creatures of the sea.
“I do a lot of underwater photography,” Bowdey said. “That’s where I really got started with wildlife photography.”
Bowdey moved from underwater photography to African wildlife, where he could photograph his favorite animals.
“I like lions, leopards and cheetahs. I think they are really pretty,” Bowdey said. “The other thing I like are the little tiny animals of the sea.”
When Bowdey goes to shoot pictures of these animals, he first needs to send a letter to the park administrators with his photo credits and information.
With their permission, he gets to do things other people do not, in the park, such as hiking off the African back roads.
On these trips Bowdey makes numerous preparations to help him with capturing great wildlife shots.
“I carry a lot of gear with me and that usually involves some discussion at the airport about stuff that I am carrying with me and how much weight it is,” Bowdey said.
“Other than that it’s just planning the trip,” Bowdey said.
Although miles apart, Bowdey’s hobby of animal photography is not isolated from his teaching job.
“I think it has given me more of a world view,” Bowdey said. “I am able to incorporate that in what I do.”