Clyde Butcher/Florida's Ansel Adams of Photography

The first time I ran into Clyde Butcher was at an art teachers convention and he was the guest speaker.  With his burly build and full white beard I thought I was seeing Santa Claus!  It doesn't help dispel the image any that he is always smiling and his cheeks are red.  He began to talk about his photography and his love of the Florida Everglades.  Slide by slide his passion transported one from gator mosquito infested swamp to a magnificent river of grass where egrets, herons, turtles, eagles, majestic cypress, and mangroves make their home.  On his swamp walks he lugs his huge camera on his back sloshing through stagnant waters and around a moccasin here or there. But he has no fear, they are just part of his world that he loves and respects.  For years his studio was on the edge of the Glades, and his world was at his doorstop.  I love the story of him taking a midnight break stepping out on his deck right on an alligator!

He showed us he use of filters and the differences they made, comparing picture to picture.  He explained why he used the camera he did and how large the format could be for wonderful clear details.  He talks to you with interest, as a teacher who loves his subject.  He takes groups on swamp walks and photo shoots.  You can rent his old home for vacations, now he has moved to Venice, Florida where he has a studio and gallery.  I think I would like that, to rent his Everglades home, and at a midnight when I walk on the deck...look around very carefully for Mr. Gator!