Speakers: Cathy and Gordon Illg

The natural world has been an inspiration for both Cathy and Gordon since Cathy was old enough to step outside into the Northern Wisconsin woods and Gordon was old enough to explore the Sonoran Desert that surrounded his childhood home. They graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson--Cathy with a degree in Business & Outdoor Recreation and Gordon with a degree in Wildlife Biology. Between hiking and backpacking extensively throughout the West and Gordon's immersion in wildlife biology, they developed an intense love for and a desire to share images of wild places and the animals who live there.

For the past nineteen years they have been working as full-time nature photographers. Their work is widely published, including numerous covers of magazines like Backpacker, Defenders, National Geographic Young Explorer, Ranger Rick and National Wildlife. Several of their images decorate the tails of Frontier Airlines' jets, and their first ebook, Worshipping With A Camera, Other Nations; The Creatures Who Share This Planet With Us, has been well received. They have done well in photo contests, the pinnacle of which was being flown to London to accept awards in BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.

Perhaps even more important than being skilled photographers and instructors though, is the fact they are also Certified International Tour Managers. This means they are used to ensuring that traveling companions have a great time, regardless of where they are traveling and what they are doing. The job is particularly fulfilling when it involves bringing guests face to face with the great outdoors and the wildlife that calls it home. Their instructional photo tours have introduced them to many wonderful friends from all around the world, and they're looking forward to meeting many more. They’re also looking forward to showing you a great time while you compose calendar-quality images.

For more information, please visit their website at https://www.advenphoto.com.