CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY -
By Monty Siekerman
Photography has taken pharmacist and wildlife enthusiast Joey (Hull) Campbell to all 7 continents, 40 some countries and all 50 states. She specializes in bears…. all species of bears; polar bears, black bears, grizzly bears, brown bears, and even the extremely rare “Spirit” bear..
What is a “Spirit” bear? A “Spirit” bear is a rare black bear with creamy fur. It is not a polar bear or an albino bear. While the majority live in coastal British Columbia in the Great Bear Rainforest it is believed only around 100 remain in existence.
She’s never been threatened by an animal, even leopards and great white sharks that she has encountered. Having observed and studied the manner of creatures for many years, she can recognize the signs of an animal who is unhappy with her presence. But in nearly all cases, the animal goes about its routine, not giving a thought about the photographer. She also relies on the expertise of an experience guide with ethical wildlife practices.
Her goal is to do no harm to the animal and not change its behavior in the wild. She loves all animals and believes no photo is worth risking a wild animal missing an opportunity to catch a meal or feed it’s young.
She says it is exciting to make eye contact with an animal in the wild. Just a quick glance at each other is an awesome moment, she relates. A true privilege.
Joey is patient, extremely so. She may observe a wild animal for hours just to get the right shot. While waiting, she enjoys all the nature around her: the sounds, smells, and landscape. It is important to her not to disturb the life of the animal she hopes to photograph. While the animal clearly is aware of her presence the goal is not alter the animals behavior, harass the animal or make it uncomfortable.
Joey will never run out of wild animals to photograph because there are so many kinds. She would like to see the polar bears in the Russian Arctic. They are different from those found north of here (and look different from the ONU mascot, as well).
She and her husband have made friends around the world. They are often invited to the homes of local residents, learning about their cuisine and culture.
She specializes in bears, but has photographed many other kinds of animals in the air, on land, and in the sea.
Her photographs have been published in magazines and displayed at art shows. One prize she won paid for an entire trip to Churchill, Canada to photograph polar bears..
Her photographs are for sale. One new way of displaying her pictures is having the picture produced on metal. They can be developed on glass, as well.
Some of her work is for sale at the gift shop at The Inn where one will find postcards and framed prints, mostly of polar bears, of course. Check out JoeyCampbell.zenfolio.com or her Facebook page at Joey Campbell Wildlife Photography. She offers a variety of wildlife and landscape prints as well as canvas wraps, framing, and metals.
Joey graduated from Ada High School in 1991. She credits former art teacher Bob Minto for encouraging her in art and her husband for buying her first camera and encouraging a creative outlet as a release from the stress of Pharmacy. She received her pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern in 1996 and is a pharmacist at Walmart in Ottawa.
Her husband Jason is the Head Baseball and Head Golf coach at Ada High School. The couple also owns several rental properties in town.
She joined the Ada Rotary Club three years ago. She and her father, Gary Hull, were the first father/daughter members of the club.
Joey said she seeks the thrill of observing animals in their natural habitat and enjoys sharing her love of nature and spirit of adventure through her photography.
PHOTOS:
• Joey Campbell in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa
• Joey and Jason Campbell in Africa
• Joey and Jason Campbell kayaking in Antartica
