About Me

I photograph wildlife with patience, respect, and as little interference as possible. I move slowly, pay attention, and let animals get on with their lives. If they let me hang around for a while, I consider that a privilege.

I’m Debbie Campbell, a wildlife and nature photographer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Wildlife – especially birds – is my first love, but I’ve noticed lately that I’m noticing a lot more. Landscapes. Water. Light. Shapes. Movement. Weird little things that make me stop and wonder if there’s a photograph in there somewhere.

There often is.

I’m a believer in turning around, following photographic rabbit holes, and not assuming I already know what I’m looking for when I go to a place. This occasionally results in coming home with absolutely none of the photographs I went out to make. I’m calling that a feature, not a bug.

I like photographs that make me feel something, look twice, or spend more time figuring out what I’m seeing. Sometimes that means a quiet wildlife encounter. Sometimes it means experimenting with intentional camera movement or wandering off in some entirely new direction because something caught my attention.

My work has been recognized by NANPA, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, the Larimer County Fair, and several magazines. I also support conservation through Nature First, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Earthjustice.

When I’m not out with my camera, you’ll find me paddleboarding, hanging out with my two English springer spaniels, or exploring new places with my husband. I’ve lived in Colorado since 1998 but I’m originally from the East Coast – and still feel most at home where there are lots of trees.

Why the Name ‘Hidden Wilds?’

Because interesting things are everywhere, and we’re surprisingly good at walking right past them.

Hidden Wilds started with wildlife – the animals quietly going about their lives around us – but it has come to mean more than that. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, turning around, and noticing what you might otherwise miss.

Sometimes you just have to look a little longer.

Where to Go Next

If you’d like to explore more of my work, visit the galleries under the Portfolio section, or if you’re interested in prints or art gifts you’ll find those under Order. Join my Field Notes newsletter for trip reports, behind-the-scenes stories, and new work.