Photographer Carol DiQuilio captures the beauty of birds and mammals in vivid detail.
Carol DiQuilio has only lived in Clarkdale a little over a year, but the word is out on her nature photography, as the subjects in the captivating photos seem to jump out at passersby in local shops.
The nature photographer has been perfecting her craft for 60 years. With the decision to downsize, she moved from Texas to Clarkdale. Her Arizona adventures have included camping at Deadhorse State Park in Cottonwood while searching for her new home and traveling to Patagonia in Southern Arizona to capture photos of birds and mammals.
DiQuilio uses different cameras and lenses, depending on how far she is from the birds or mammals. Quail are her favorite birds to photograph. “I’m trying to get a hummingbird on a snow-covered branch,” she said.
One of her most cherished photos is of an osprey feeding its young at Page Springs. She also has stunning images of songbirds, eagles and owls.
“Some birds are skittish,” she said, “but some mammals will let you get close.” For example, a family of foxes moved into her yard when she lived in Johnson City, Texas. “They would get close to me because they got to know me. That was phenomenal.”
Those foxes were in her yard for eight years. “When I moved, they moved to my girlfriend’s house down the street. They are in the same subdivision and that makes me feel good.”
Javelina, pronghorn, bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes are among her subjects. She has cameras set up in her yard, where wildlife often visit.
For decades, starting in the 1980s, DiQuilio worked in photo labs and graphic design. It was only 10 years ago that she started out on her own. “I always wanted my own business,” she said.
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Carol studiead at the Rochester Institute of Technology and earned a degree in digital photoshop and graphic design from Houston Community College.
“I love being out in nature. When I capture a photo of an animal, it’s great to capture the moment,” she said. “The most challenging part is getting the lighting right depending on the weather.”
The Lookout in Prescott, Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Cartwheels Gallery in Cottonwood and Copper Cactus Coffee and Gifts in Clarkdale are among the places where her images can be found. Friends of the Verde River often use DiQuilio’s greeting cards in correspondence to donors.
This holiday season, her photography will be on display at the Made in Clarkdale Artist Showcase, Dec. 4-7, at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse.
My Role Model
My bosses at the Houston photo lab taught me a lot. They were like the Ansel Adams of the day.
Favorite Place to Visit
I love the Mogollon Rim. I saw bear, coyotes and two bobcats there.
Rituals that Ground Me
Working in my yard to make it bird and wildlife friendly. I am clearing my yard to put in 50 plants.
Advice for Young Photographers
Be patient. You have to sit for hours in order to get good photos. You watch the birds and the wildlife. You watch and wait.
If I Had a Million Dollars to Give Away
I would give it to the National Wildlife Federation or an organization that wants to help the birds and the environment. FBN
By Stan Bindell
Photos by Stan Bindell: Nature photographer Carol DiQuilio lives in Clarkdale, surrounded by art and nature.
