Thursday January 12, 2012 - 3:00 pm
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“Big Thicket in Photos”

Join nature photographer Michael Black as he shares a glimpse into the strange and hidden beauties of the Big Thicket. As part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, Michael has worked to portray the adventures and discoveries of research teams as they scour the forest to find every variety of creature living in the preserve. From aquatic insects to fungi and snakes to slime molds, come meet some of your incredible and overlooked neighbors as you learn about the role of photography in science and education.

Friday, January 13

“Big Thicket in Photos” with professional photographer Michael Black, at 6 pm

Michael Black is a Beaumont, Texas native who began making photographs as a child, returning again and again to the same patches of forest and beach. The intimate and mysterious beauty he encountered deep within the Big Thicket National Preserve and surrounding region ignited a lifelong love for the small, surprising, and often overlooked treasures of nature.

After studying fine art at The University of Texas, Michael left to explore the landscapes of Southwest Colorado where he operated his own gallery. In time, he was called back to the luscious swamps and hidden flora of Southeast Texas.

Working with researchers as a part of the Big Thicket’s All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, Michael has had the privilege of being the first to photograph a number of species new to science. He enjoys juggling the needs of scientific documentation and aesthetics to find compelling ways to share these wonders with others. Black also serves on the Board of Directors of the Big Thicket Association. His work is used in official publications, with publicity, and on the website.

Years of being a field instructor, guest lecturer, and mentor to teams of college students as well leading countless cub scouts, classrooms, church groups, and families into the woods has galvanized his desire to be an educator. Returning to school for a foundation in the sciences, Michael has recently graduated from Lamar University and is now beginning his career as a science teacher. He is eagerly committed to evoking curiosity about the world around us and enticing students to get their hands dirty and shoes muddy.

For a glimpse of some of Michael Black’s nature photos: