NAME: Tananarive M. Aubert
HOMETOWN: Carmichael, California, USA
SCHOOL: American River College, Sacramento, CA
INTERNSHIP PERIOD: Spring 2003
ABOUT: I was born and raised just outside of Sacramento, California. My interest in animals started with our numerous family pets, which includes rabbits, cats, mice and birds and has since broadened to interest in all wildlife, especially lions, leopards, parrots, zebras and giraffes. I also love the arts, especially painting and photography. I have served as a volunteer counselor at the local zoo's summer camp for children and held a volunteer position as a keeper's aide, which was a great way to learn about the different animals. As a result, the zoo has become a favorite place to take pictures of animals.

Photography turned into a part-time business for me when I began selling photos to the zoo for various programs and printed materials. A trip to Florida's Bush Gardens sponsored by Nature's Best photography magazine was a pivotal point in my life. I then had an opportunity to attend the North American Nature Photographers Association's annual convention. Through these fine opportunities, I have met photographers who are passionate about their work, the environment and are making a difference.

I continue to photograph animals, but also have broadened my interests to include plants, flowers and landscapes. I still love taking pictures at the zoo, but hope to travel more in the future and shoot more in the wild. My dream is to spend some time in Madagascar, where my father was born and raised.

TITLE: Tiger Eyes
CAPTION: Young male Sumatran tiger hiding in the bamboo
TECHNICAL: Fuji Film
photo © 2003 Tananarive M. Aubert

TITLE: Urban Orangutan
CAPTION: Adult male Sumatran orangutan
TECHNICAL: Fuji Provia 100
photo © 2003 Tananarive M. Aubert

TITLE: Tuffed Puffin
CAPTION: Puffin enjoying the sun and the water
TECHNICAL: Canon EOS 100-400mm is lens at 400mm Fuji Provia 100
photo © 2003 Tananarive M. Aubert

TITLE: Peacock in Bloom
CAPTION: Male peacock trying to get the attention of a chicken
TECHNICAL: Canon EOS 100-400mm is lens at 400mm Fuji Provia 100
photo © 2003 Tananarive M. Aubert

TITLE: Badger
CAPTION: Waiting for his keeper to come and feed him
TECHNICAL: Canon EOS 100-400mm is lens at 400mm Fuji Provia 100
photo © 2003 Tananarive M. Aubert