Duncan Neilson Photography

Home
United States
Milwaukie, OR
Duncan Neilson Photography

I was born in Coulee Dam, Washington, where my father served as the town doctor during the wartime construction of the third power house.

📸 Bird & Nature Photographer
🌿 Wildlife, Light & Landscapes
🕊️ Malheur Refuge, Flowers & Flight
✨ Purchase Fine Art Prints Available at
www.shop.dnielsonphoto.com Soon after, our family settled in Portland, Oregon, where I was raised and first discovered my deep love for birds. I joined the Portland Audubon Society at age 10 and spent my childhood exploring nature and learning color photographic techniques from my uncle Ronald Neilson and his friend Charles Conkling—experiences that laid the groundwork for my lifelong passion for bird photography. After earning a Biology degree from Reed College and a medical degree from Johns Hopkins, I returned to Portland to practice medicine and raise a family. Alongside my career as an OB-GYN, I continued to nurture my artistic side, converting darkrooms and taking annual trips to Harney County and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge—places that continue to inspire my bird and landscape work to this day. In 1980, I founded Natural Reflections, a studio dedicated to the production of high-quality photographic prints. My work has appeared in solo and group exhibitions at Camerawork Gallery, the Portland Audubon Wild Arts Festival, the Migratory Bird Festival in Burns, and is represented by the Freed Gallery and the Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery. Though I now embrace modern digital tools, my approach—rooted in the precision of large-format film and technical excellence—remains unchanged. My greatest joy lies in capturing the expressive beauty of birds in their natural habitats, alongside the flowers and landscapes that support them. I believe in the power of nature's beauty to inspire awe, connection, and conservation. As Thoreau wrote: “In wildness is the preservation of the world.”

11/04/2026

Holiday shopping is upon ujs!

11/04/2026

From my collection, this is: "Savage River Sunset Denali National Park Alaska"

Shop At: https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com

11/02/2026

The dining room gets more attention in November than it does all year. Long meals deserve something worth looking at.

A practical note for anyone hosting: art above a sideboard or buffet should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it, with six to ten inches of space between the two.

That proportion makes a room feel settled instead of accidental.

Would "Wizard Island Crater Lake Oregon" earn a spot at your table?

https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com/warehouse-open-edition-prints/art_print_products/wizard-island-crater-lake-oregon

10/30/2026

One of the last slow weekends before November speeds everything up is here.

What's on the docket? My wish for you is no errands, no rush, just a fun, cozy, or spooky weekend, as you prefer.

You're looking at "Tokatee Falls" today, which is available in the online gallery.

https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com

10/28/2026

I want to know what makes you pick something off the shelf and take it home forever. How about with art? Have you identified something that makes art resonate with you, or is it just a spark you can't explain?

Tell me your answer; I'll tell you mine.

"Lesser Goldfinch" is today's feature.

https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com

10/26/2026

Longer evenings are good for slowing down with something worth looking at. Might I suggest "Phlox Mt. Hood" as you take a beat?

https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com/warehouse-open-edition-prints/art_print_products/phlox-mt-hood

10/26/2026

This will be an amazing event--the first of its kind in Oregon! It is a collaboration between the Portland Art Museum and the Willamette Valley wineries association using artists from the Museum's Rental Sales Gallery, of which I am one. My booth will contain works currently in the gallery as well as additional works which I will bring to the show. Check out the details via this link:

Event Details & Tickets:
https://portlandartmuseum.org/event/harvest-celebration-where-wine-art-meet/

10/23/2026

American Kestrel

American Kestrel on fence post

https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com/warehouse-open-edition-prints/art_print_products/american-kestrel

10/21/2026

Quick fall reminder: clearing one shelf or one wall now makes the whole house easier to decorate once the holidays actually hit. What are you making room for this year?

Would "Alaska Range Denali National Park 2" make a good holiday conversation piece?

https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com

10/19/2026

A quick interior note for the season: don't forget warmer textiles this month, like wool throws, wood tones, deeper colors, and striking monochromes.

What's your favorite fall item to display, or decor tip you live by?

Would "Great Egret Display" fit your style?

https://shop.dneilsonphoto.com

Address

Milwaukie, OR
97267

Website

http://www.dneilsonphoto.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Duncan Neilson Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.