“Birds Doing Stuff,” a photo gallery featuring the work of Steve Jessmore, opened Tuesday evening in Jody Richards Hall.
The gallery features photos of several birds in the Torch Lake, Michigan area which also happens to be his home. The location is slowly becoming dangerous for the birds, Jessmore said.
“His concern for the ecology trumps his photography,” photojournalism student Jack Cheasty said. “He just cares.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessmore never paid much attention to the birds in his backyard. However, since he was locked inside and “needed something to do,” he decided to buy a kayak and go out on the lake to see what he could find.
“My goal was to improve myself and improve my photography,” Jessmore said.
Jessmore began to notice the toll tourists and visitors took on the wildlife and their ecosystem after years of photographing the same places along the river.
Erosion from the many boat rides have led to islets “disappearing,” he said.
“The tourists ignore the sandbars because they are ‘too far’ or ‘too crowded’ and choose to stop on these little islands and cause them to erode,” he said.
Jessmore also said tourists ignore the “no wake” signs, causing further erosion.
Although bird photography began as a way to improve his skill, Jessmore found a narrative he could produce after learning about and observing the birds. This story would eventually bring attention to the damage being caused on the lake and river and begin new conservation efforts.
“I wanted to capture the calmness of wildlife in a storm of activity,” Jessmore said.
Jessmore began working with Audubon, an organization that aims to help “halt, and ultimately decline, the decrease of birds across the Americas,” according to its website.
Jessmore has won many Audubon competitions and has worked hard to aid in the organization’s efforts.
Jessmore’s photos focus mainly on birds in action, hence the name “Birds Doing Stuff.” The photos consisted of close-up views of different birds flying, eating and perched on branches, searching for food.
The newest aspect of the exhibit features birds and other wildlife with the erosion and damage caused by tourists and people new to the area. One photo features two deer and a posted “no wake” sign that has been slowly overtaken by water.
“It was kind of unexpected, and that aspect of the exhibit is kind of debuting tonight,” said Tim Broekema, gallery curator and visual journalism & photography professor.
A multitude of photojournalism students flocked over to Jessmore to ask the veteran photographer questions.
“His photos are amazing, and he shows such variety in the kinds of birds he photographs,” said Carlee Hite, a freshman photojournalism major.
Jessmore’s gallery will be displayed in Jody Richards Hall from March 4 to April 18. More information about him is available at stevejessmore.com.
