Koi 13

In addition to my work as a photographer I also design and install koi & lily ponds for clients around the country. In the spring of 2007 I did the impossible - I created a koi & lily pond for my friend Steve in his gardens in Arizona. Against the odds we created a paradise, at the heart of which is one of the most beautiful ponds I've ever had a hand in. Rather than start with large expensive koi we shopped for and found some beautiful youngsters; each one of them chosen by me and Steve together. Four years later virtually all of them are still alive and measuring anywhere from 12 to 30 inches in length.

Very soon after introducing them to the pond they became accustomed to my constant presence and responded as most koi do to the daily feedings. I had never photographed any of my client's koi before but this time with a new digital camera in my life I decided to get down into the pond and see what I could do. The results still surprise even me; thigh deep in the water with a camera in one hand and the other in the water my buddies came to play...

The images in this collection have been adjusted for levels but have not been manipulated in any other way.