Great Bear Media

01/22/2023

Getting asked to capture the wildness and beauty of this unique group of canines and human companions who have gathered daily and weekly for years has been a highlight of the first month of 2023. Well worth bundling up for chilly sunrises and bracing for potential impacts of full speed dog chases. Many thanks to for this assignment.

The last weeks back in the States have been restorative and I'm looking forward to what's on deck. Cheers to all. ♥️

12/13/2022

Quickly back online and headed back to...Poland!

While it may be the last adventure of 2022 (or will it? I can sense all the shaking heads) it's only the beginning of a collaborative effort to record and illustrate the impact of war and conflict on non-human animals. Working together with friend and Harvard Animal Law & Policy program visiting fellow Polina, we aim to gather stories, reports, interviews, images, video...everything possible, to build an ongoing collection accessible to all. This work will likely entail a trip back soon to Ukraine, and much more.

We'll be visiting shelters still receiving and caring for Ukrainian animals displaced by the war. On top of local animals currently in residence, this is a constant strain on already limited resources. If you'd like to help donate food and supplies as winter sets in, please feel free to DM and/or click the Venmo link in my bio as we'll be shopping on the ground and delivering donations during visits this week.

Gotta go catch another flight, lots more soon. Love to all ♥️🇵🇱✈️
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📸 BTS from March/April by the singular - As always, you can support my work in general for the animals by joining my Patreon - link in bio, too.

10/29/2022

It’s National Cat Day, so I can’t think of a better post than to share what’s happening with the cats of Paseo del Morro, in Old San Juan. This week news broke that the plans to remove all “free-range” cats in this area. It’s an historic cat colony that has existed in partnership with and is one of the hallmarks of tourist visits. See words below and if you can,  submit comments using the link below - also in my link in bio for ease.  

I’ll be heading back later next week to capture more visuals later for the meetings - these cats are so special and need everyone’s help. 

"🚨Situation with our dear TNR cats from Paseo del Morro 🐈‍⬛☀️🌊Yesterday we learned that the Federal Government (the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service) is developing a plan to manage-control-eliminate the historic cat colony that inhabits Paseo del Morro in Old San Juan.
For nearly 20 years, our organization has been in charge of spaying, feeding and giving medical attention to these cats. We have achieved this with the help and financial support of the community and many tourists, who become our allies by witnessing our work. We are in communication with the federal personnel in charge of executing this plan and we trust that these efforts will reach a solution that ensures the well-being of the cats of the Paseo and its visitors. Our commitment to the cats of Old San Juan is unwavering and we will not allow anyone to harm them. We appreciate all the support shown. Now we need you to study the proposed plan, submit comments and participate in the public meetings. Stay tuned to our social networks for more information. 👀To join our team of volunteers write to us at [email protected] 💪"

⚠️Public Meetings: November 2 and 3 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Castillo San Cristóbal Visitor Center in Old San Juan
⚠️To submit public comments (until Nov 22): https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=121487

10/25/2022

Fall 2022: News, Puerto Rico & Patreon -

The last two months have been quite full with commercial work in LA and Tucson, followed by extensive traveling for animal photojournalism projects in NYC and Puerto Rico. A whirlwind, indeed! As things await the final green light on the commercial end of things, here's a brief update on the latte...

10/23/2022

On my last day in Puerto Rico, and I drove into Old San Juan to see the famous cats that roam the area. Local legend has it that Felisa Rincón de Gautier, mayor of San Juan from 1947-69, was such a strong advocate for the cats that they remain beneficiaries of an unspoken protection by the community residents and since 2004, a nonprofit organization. Today the area is home to over 400 cats - Save A Gato places a strong emphasis on TNR (trap-neuter-release), veterinary assistance and adopting out cats when possible. It was a real bright spot of the trip, but not without its realities.

Lead volunteer Irma reiterated the need for larger spay/neuter efforts and the stress that every natural disaster has had on the people which directly affects the animals. “It’s been 5 years of bad luck on our island..a lot of hurricanes, earthquakes and then Covid. And every time there’s a catastrophe, adoptions slow down. First it was (hurricane) Maria..where a lot of animals were abandoned. So they don’t adopt as much because people are struggling themselves. With Hurricane Fiona, it’s the same. Nothing will change unless the government gets involved.” Because of this, and the fact that they are not a shelter, works with nonprofit partnerships in the States to help give those adoptable cats a better chance of finding homes.

As evening set in, we wandered the streets and met a number of ear-tipped cats (the universal sign of a fixed cat) enjoying the night air and themselves. It gave me pause to consider everything the week revealed, from the great work of and to the heartbreaking scenes of local animals struggling to survive to these cats who seem to have good humans on their side in town. It’s a long road to resolving these issues, but all the more reason to push onward. I'm looking forward to going back, sooner than later.

* Save A Gato relies solely on donations, so please give a follow and if you can, a few bucks!

10/18/2022

A week and a half ago, I flew directly to Puerto Rico from NYC to start investigation into the challenges facing companion animals on the island. The plan initially was to join forces with my friend Margarita Potts GoDiva to see firsthand the situation and meet the rescued Great Dane she is fostering. As I’ve followed them for years now, I thought “why not touch base with The Sato Project?” A few hours later, I was connected with the team and president Christina BecklesChrissy and we found ourselves on the road to Ponce the next morning to tag along during a vaccine clinic at the municipal shelter.

The Sato Project works to help offload the overpopulation of dogs and cats by vetting them thoroughly for future transport to the US mainland. Full diagnostic testing, quarantine and behavioral observation is done for each animal accepted into their care. The local shelters in Puerto Rico suffer from a severe lack of resources - from electricity, water, veterinary medical supplies and staff veterinarians, all of which is exacerbated by the hurricane season.

The following Saturday at midnight I headed out solo to the San Juan airport’s Jet Aviation section to watch the staging and loading process of 70 dogs and cats for a Wings of Rescue evacuation flight, and it was remarkable, despite on and off again rain showers. Watching The Sato team work was mesmerizing. The care, efficiency and dedication to getting every detail right for every single animal they take in goes above and beyond. It was a privilege to witness.

More soon from PR 🇵🇷

10/12/2022

Puerto Rico. What a place. So much to do, so many to help. Coming off Kaporos a day prior to arrival in San Juan to see the very real and very dire animal situation here wasn't planned, but sometimes life just happens and you roll with it.

My goal was to begin what looks to be a long term documentation of the work being done to counteract the longstanding challenges facing companion animals on the island. From a good friend who has quietly been on a mission to improve the lives of illegally dumped cats and dogs near her home, to the incredible efforts of and force that is to the kickass guys of to the volunteers who work thanklessly to TNR and care for the cats of Old San Juan and every human who showed compassion and love at the municipal shelters. It has left an indelible impression.

Yet all of the above makes for a starker contrast to those routinely dismissive of the animals. From those who relinquish what were once pets to the beaches and streets to fend for themselves, to those who proclaim to be "animal lovers" but keep pets tied up outside or in garages, to those intentionally swerving on roads without care as cats and dogs struggle to stay out of harm's way. The continued indifference to non-human life is a dangerous, constant thread woven through every animal rights situation and it chills me to the bone. Witnessing and documenting it will never not feel really hard, but it will always feel necessary.

Heading back to AZ now to recharge - it's been a successful week here, but I am very tired. I've got a ton to sift through and look forward to sharing over the next days once I've got some sleep. Thanks to everyone who has checked in, it's meant more than you know. I remain grateful for these experiences and opportunities that have tested all my muster. This is the life and work I've always wanted, and now I am living it.♥️

09/16/2022

It's official! These images and many more from Ukraine and Poland are now available on the stock gallery and free to use by animal rights organizations.

It was especially cool meeting fellow American volunteer in Lviv, who spent several weeks working with animals at this shelter and coordinating both veterinary and other supplies around the country. These dogs arrived from parts of the country heavily affected by the war - anxious, traumatized and unsure of their future. The genuine care, attention and compassion was extraordinary to witness...and something I don't forget. It's good to meet good people.

To be a part of the WAM team is a dream come true, please give them a follow...it's an incredible organization. Onward.
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09/15/2022

“I first met Rose a little over 10 years ago while I was working at Pima Animal Care Center.  She was 6 or 7 years old at the time and I can't remember the reason, but she was at risk of being euthanized.  I brought her home to buy some time, hoping I could find a rescue for her. Tucson Cold Wet Noses stepped up, and found a more permanent foster for her.  She was soon adopted, and that was the last I saw or heard until 2018. 

In Sept. of 2018, I was scrolling on Facebook and see a vaguely familiar little black face, only grizzled with white now, on Cold Wet Nose's page. They're looking for a placement for a 13 yr old dog named Rose. It said she'd been adopted through them, and then given away years later because the adopters got a new puppy Rose didn't like. She'd then landed as a stray, back at PACC.

Believing with near certainty it was her, I reached out to Terri at Cold Wet Noses. It was impulsive, but I had a strong conviction that Rose needed to spend the rest of her life with me now. 

I confirmed it was her and 9/12/18, we made the adoption official.

Rose joined our family and pack. Rose is now around 16 years old, and just as I'd hoped, she's made the perfect dog for Odessa, who's now 6, to grow up with. Rose is gentle, patient, and kind. Cuddler Level: Expert. 

And for the record, she's great with puppies.  But she does get into the trash occasionally like one.  

Odessa (human daughter) calls Rose her dog, and Rose is one of my only dogs to listen to Odessa with the same enthusiasm she listens to me. She's perfect, occasionally naughty, and we're just incredibly grateful to have reconnected. It brings me a lot of peace and some tears to know she finally found the understanding and security she'd deserved all along.  In this case, I'm tempted to believe in fate and that she came home to me for a reason. (cont'd in comments)

09/13/2022

N Y C. I'm coming back for ya! And yes, I'm trying to make this a more regular-ish thing. I know many have requested possible animal/family sessions in the past, so let's make it happen. In the apartment, at a park, by the beach...we'll make magic. For rescue orgs, this service is 100% free.

🗓 Dates open: 9/29-10/4

DM, comment or click contact in bio for info and booking. 🐾 Swipe to see a former "assistant" checking things out..
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08/16/2022

"Dogs have no money. Isn't that amazing? They're broke their entire lives. But they get through. You know why dogs have no money? No pockets." - Jerry Seinfeld

Channeling the focus of with his 🐰 toy as I navigate a month where every day is spoken for with shoots, travel or edits. Psyched for the work, now I must go re-caffeinate.

Odin, 1 year old, husky. Photographed 10.31.21
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