Title: Owner and Photographer
Company: Great Wildlife Photos LLC
Location: Sparks, Nevada, United States
Lynn B. Starnes, owner and photographer at Great Wildlife Photos LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in photography and wildlife.
With nearly five decades of experience, Ms. Starnes has built a distinguished career in wildlife and wildlife photography. She is the owner of Great Wildlife Photos, a business she established in 1996. Her extensive experience includes roles as an EHP advisor at FEMA from 2008 to 2014, a reservist at FEMA from 2006 to 2014, and an aquatic ecologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 1984 to 2006. Prior to that, she worked as a biologist with the Tennessee Valley Authority from 1974 to 1984 and served as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1972 to 1974. She returned to FEMA in 2020 to support disaster relief efforts. Additionally, she authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in aquatic ecology and co-authored works with her former spouse, an ichthyologist. She is also actively involved with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, and the National Conservation Foundation. Laying a solid educational foundation, she completed coursework in zoology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, from 1968 to 1972, and a Master of Science in aquatic ecology from the same institution in 1976. Additionally, she is a registered fisheries scientist with the American Fisheries Society.
Ms. Starnes has achieved several major milestones, including winning an international photography contest in 1996, and her tenure at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which was marked by significant contributions in lobbying and legislative support. She played a key role in crafting environmental speeches that supported bipartisan Congressional efforts, contributing to landmark legislation like the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Endangered Species Act. Notably, she was instrumental in advocating for the Marine Mammal Protection Act, collaborating with Native communities in Alaska to develop wildlife monitoring systems that integrate Indigenous knowledge with conservation practices. Reflecting on her path, her dedication to conservation often required long hours, yet she has remained steadfast in her mission to protect species and uphold environmental mandates.
Ms. Starnes’ photography career reached a significant milestone in 1996 when she won an international photo contest with her captivating piece “Nature’s Ballet,” which inspired her to transform her passion for photography into a business. She is deeply committed to her craft, and each photograph, like her image of a mountain lion standing over a mouse, conveys a unique message of harmony and coexistence in nature. She strives to capture these raw, untamed moments, such as eagles in flight or animals in their natural habitats, to inspire awe and appreciation for wildlife. She credits her success and resilience to her grandparents’ immigrant heritage, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and adaptability. Looking to the future, she is focused on opening her own art gallery, giving her greater control over the sale and presentation of her work, with her ultimate goal being to create a space where she can fully showcase the beauty of her wildlife photography, inspiring others to see the natural world through her lens. She is currently preparing for her upcoming art show, “Romancing the West,” which will feature 20 artists and 16 gourmet chefs.
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