The Artist

Debbie McCulliss, a Colorado-based winter wildlife and nature fine art photographer, travels the globe to bear witness to and record the strength, fragility, beauty, and rhythm of wildlife and nature.

McCulliss holds master’s degrees in nursing, science-medical writing, and non-fiction writing. She is also a certified applied poetry facilitator.

On most weekend evenings in 2016, McCulliss began photographing what became much-anticipated sunsets in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, before noticing two bald eagles perched on a pinion tree about 1500 feet away from her house. She remembers the first day that she tried to capture the eagles flying off that pinion tree. McCulliss made it her goal to capture a sharp image of the eagles’ amazing eyes. Her passion for wildlife photography grew from this singular challenge.

She began to research animal behavior and migration, not only for the eagles, but for other animals, such as elk and hawks. Like the eagles, the animals were drawing her further and further into their world. The more she learned, the bigger her photographic world became. With every change of season, she found inspiration in unexpected places.

McCulliss continues to master her photographic skills and to capture “the shot.” Today, she craves expeditions to polar regions. While such travel is oftentimes outside her comfort zone and in remote areas, these adventures help raise awareness and broaden her perspective of the world. It’s a privilege to see wildlife in their natural habitat and witness stunning, awe-inspiring, breathtaking landscapes. McCulliss journeys to learn about the history, ecosystems, environmental threats, and conservation efforts of the places that she visits. She believes that showcasing her work and writing for publication helps to increase the public’s awareness of ongoing needs: respect for nature and protection of wildlife, the marine environment, and endangered species.

The places she has visited have a powerful presence in her head and heart; she treasures these special places and the creation of stories that teach and art that pleases the senses. Her goal is to create memorable art that inspires conversation, evokes action, and leaves a lasting impression.


Have camera, will travel.