John’s Wildlife

John’s Wildlife * Matthew 6:33
* Hobbyist Wildlife Photographer
* Enjoying the experience of what God provides
* Nikon Z8 & Z6III

My love for the great outdoors began with my dad. Some of my fondest memories are of us hunting and fishing together. Our hunting and fishing group consisted of myself, Dad, my brother JD, and my Uncle Jimmy. While it was always fun to fill a tag or contribute to the next fish fry, the best part was just spending time together, sharing stories, and making memories. This love has now translated int

o my passion for wildlife photography and conservation. I want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities I had growing up. I hope you enjoy the photos I share and the stories I tell from time to time. Wildlife photography is just a hobby for me, as I work a full-time job and love my family. However, I do plan on selling calendars each year if there is interest. If you want a print of any of my photos, just shoot me a DM, and we can work something out.

"Chippy"I started photographing him back in 2023, and every year since, he’s been the dominant bull. Last year, though, ...
08/09/2026

"Chippy"

I started photographing him back in 2023, and every year since, he’s been the dominant bull. Last year, though, Gustavo looked like he was getting close to taking that title from him. Another big bull I’m hoping to see again is Caesar, I didn’t get any photos of him last year, but he’s definitely one to watch.

I’m really looking forward to seeing these familiar bulls again, along with some of the younger ones coming up. Yes, I’ll be there with my wife and friends… but I’ll also be keeping an eye out for some impressive racks.

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation! - Mark 16:15

I was texting a good friend while they were in Cherokee about the spots where we’ve seen elk crossing the river, and it ...
08/08/2026

I was texting a good friend while they were in Cherokee about the spots where we’ve seen elk crossing the river, and it made me go back and look through images from past trips. My wife and I are heading back for our fifth year in a row, and for the last three years I’ve been hoping to capture elk crossing with fall colors behind them. I’ve got plenty of photos of elk in the fields, but less than 10% are in the river.

This year, I’m planning to sit at, or even in, the river to focus more on those crossing shots. There’s just something about watching them move through the water that’s fun to witness and even better to photograph. The first image in this post is the moment I got hooked. It was also the year we met Medlin Photography, and I fully blame Jen for this addiction.

I’ll get the shot I’m after. It’s just a matter of time.

The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘ From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ - John 7:38

This rabbit was hunkered down under the tree and didn’t seem bothered at all when we stepped outside. I went back in, gr...
08/02/2026

This rabbit was hunkered down under the tree and didn’t seem bothered at all when we stepped outside. I went back in, grabbed the camera, and managed to get a few images. As I was editing, this particular shot kept pulling my attention. The contrast of a soft, furry rabbit tucked beside a gnarly looking tree gave the whole scene a mysterious, almost storybook feel. Adding a gentle haze helped with the mood, and I felt a B/W version could really work as well. Which do you prefer?

The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. - Psalm 145:9

Eastern cottontail | Coffee County | 7/26/26

Nikon Z8 | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

This otter was enjoying a crawfish breakfast while keeping an eye on me. Watching them work so hard to get the crawfish ...
07/27/2026

This otter was enjoying a crawfish breakfast while keeping an eye on me. Watching them work so hard to get the crawfish positioned just right in their mouths makes me extra grateful for forks and spoons. I found an article explaining why they handle their food this way, and per that article:

It’s a fascinating behavior, primarily done to clean and manage their food and, in some cases, deter theft! Otters have evolved this spinning technique to efficiently process their meals in the water.

https://iere.org/why-do-otters-spin-while-eating/

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Otter | Rutherford County | 7/18/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

On this National Parents’ Day, this doe is a gentle reminder that even with all the chaos around us, we need to find our...
07/26/2026

On this National Parents’ Day, this doe is a gentle reminder that even with all the chaos around us, we need to find our quiet place and let Him restore us. As my wife and I were driving around, we spotted her relaxing on a bit of high ground, calmly watching the world go by. There was something peaceful about the way she settled into that moment, and it felt like an invitation for us to do the same.

He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; - Psalm 23:2-3

Whitetail Deer | Franklin County | 7/16/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

When these beautiful birds are around, there’s always a good chance one will perch on that broken tree, and I never miss...
07/25/2026

When these beautiful birds are around, there’s always a good chance one will perch on that broken tree, and I never miss the opportunity to photograph them there. In the close up shot, I removed the bright distractions, so the focus stays on the Yellow‑crowned Night Heron glowing in the warm sunrise light. In the second image, nothing has been removed. I just walked back and forth along the walkway, working the angle until the background looked the way I wanted.

As the morning light rested on this yellow‑crowned night heron, I was reminded of Psalm 19:1 how even the sunrise and the stillness of a single bird proclaim His glory. Creation doesn’t rush; it simply receives the light He gives.

The birds of the sky dwell beside them; They lift up their voices from among the branches. - Psalm 104:12

Yellow Crowned Night Heron | Rutherford County | 7/18/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

These little guys would pop up every so often just to check on us, almost like they were making sure they hadn’t lost tr...
07/24/2026

These little guys would pop up every so often just to check on us, almost like they were making sure they hadn’t lost track of us yet. Then they’d slip back under the water and go right back to swimming and playing. The younger ones were especially playful, while momma was simply trying to get from one spot to another as she searched for food.

But just ask the animals, and have them teach you; And the birds of the sky, and have them tell you. - Job 12:7

Otter | Rutherford County | 7/18/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Coming back home after my granddaughter’s tumbling class, we spotted two sets of twin fawns. Of course, I had to grab th...
07/23/2026

Coming back home after my granddaughter’s tumbling class, we spotted two sets of twin fawns. Of course, I had to grab the camera and head back. The first pair only gave me a few shots before they ran a short distance, and I didn’t want to disturb them, so I moved on. The second pair I just a handful of photos as well before I left them alone. Sometimes the brief encounters are the sweetest ones.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Whitetail Deer | Coffee County | 7/20/26

Nikon Z8 | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

This Great Blue Heron was soaking up the warm morning light. I did a little reading online and learned that when they su...
07/23/2026

This Great Blue Heron was soaking up the warm morning light. I did a little reading online and learned that when they sun, they often stand tall facing the sun with their wings partly open and their underside exposed. Sometimes they even lift their head toward the sky and puff out their belly feathers, giving them a column‑like look. It’s called the “Flasher Pose,” and it’s pretty striking when you see it in person.

The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. - Psalm 19:1

Great Blue Heron | Rutherford County | 7/18/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

I’m pretty sure this is the largest common snapping turtle I’ve ever seen. I’m not completely certain what was happening...
07/22/2026

I’m pretty sure this is the largest common snapping turtle I’ve ever seen. I’m not completely certain what was happening, but it looked like it might have been mating behavior. In the first image, you can spot the foot/claw of another snapping turtle, and every so often another head would pop up out of the water. It was fascinating to watch.

Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions. - Psalm 104:24

Common snapping turtle | Rutherford County | 7/18/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

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Tullahoma, TN
37388

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