About Me
Bird Photographer
Jose Arrieta
My camera and nature were my only escapes to avoid headaches, depression and anxiety.
This is how I started falling deeply in love with wildlife photography!
My passion for capturing moments ignited when I first encountered a black and white photograph. I vividly recall that moment from my childhood in a small village in Colombia; it felt like witnessing a living painting. In 2007, I embarked on a journey to share the beauty of my homeland through photography by creating my first website. Since then, I’ve relentlessly pursued every opportunity to capture life’s fleeting moments, from the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, Argentina, to the serene vistas of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
However, life often presents us with unexpected challenges. In 2019, I was involved in a devastating car accident that left me with a life-altering concussion. This condition forced me to disconnect from screens, including computers and cell phones. In the midst of this adversity, my camera and the solace of nature became my refuge, offering respite from the debilitating headaches, depression, and anxiety. It was during this time that my passion for photography deepened, as I found solace in capturing the beauty of nature and the moments shared with friends and clients. Through it all, I’ve learned to embrace the brighter side of life.
Since 2020, my journey has taken me to Colombia, where I’ve embarked on a quest to discover the most exquisite spots for photography and birdwatching. I am deeply committed to the conservation of bird habitats and have had the privilege of collaborating with national and international nonprofits, including the American Bird Conservancy, Friends of Sax Zim Bog, Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends, the Ornithological Society of Córdoba (Colombia), Carpenter Nature Center, and others. Together, we have raised over $350,000 to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.
I’m a wildlife photographer based in Stillwater Minnesota. I had a concussion a while ago. This condition took me away from any screen devices