The Photographer:
Walter grew up in a small town in Vermont near the Appalachian Trail. He spent much of his youth exploring the wilderness and wildlife around him from a log cabin that his grandfather and father built by hand after a hurricane in 1968. “Hurricane Cabin”, a summer family gathering place was the setting for many wildlife encounters, that resulted in Walter’s fascination and respect for wildlife.
Grizzly bears and large stands of untracked wilderness lured Walter to the Rocky Mountains where he attended the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Walter’s vast knowledge of wildlife and ecosystems has been honed through many nature based study groups. Before he ever took an image of a grizzly bear, he studied under world renown bear biologist Chuck Jonkel. Walter is a firm believer that you need to know wildlife to portray it on film. Walter furthered his photographic skills and eye for composition as a photo editor for internationally recognized nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen who is Walter’s number one influence and inspiration.
Walter does not photography any captive or trained wildlife. He prides himself on making images that are Truly Wild, and an accurate depiction of what you could actually see if visiting one of the many wildernesses or national parks that he photographs in. His objective is to show people the wonders of the natural world with the hope that they will be inspired to experience it and help protect and preserve it for future generations.
“If during my life as nature photograph I can inspire people to get involved, and help preserve our world’s natural heritage, I feel I will have done the job that God intended for me” - Walter F. Mather
Walter lives in Eagle Colorado with his wife and three sons.
