Mark Ellis is a retired research chemical engineer from 3M Company and has nurtured a lifelong creative outlet through nature photography. Beginning at age 12, and armed with a manual 35 mm camera, Mark studied the fundamentals of the craft and began photographing the natural world at his family’s northern Minnesota lakeside cabin. Later, with the arrival of digital photography, Mark’s ability to capture wildlife and the natural world took on a new dimension. Experiments with time-lapse photography resulted in visual essays depicting swirling stars and auroras moving across the night sky.  

With a theme of nature conservation and education, Mark donates to various causes, including an annual loon calendar at the National Loon Center in Crosslake, Minnesota. His time-lapse work has been featured by the BBC’s Natural History Unit, Nat Geo WILD, science blogs, and Minnesota Public Television (Almanac). His video clips also appear in “Medicine of the Wolf,” an award-winning 2015 documentary about wolves, available on outlets such as Amazon Prime and Hulu.  

Mark will summarize his photography background and overview his loon photography technique and loon interaction etiquette. Through photos and accompanying stories, Mark will illuminate loon life during the breeding season from migratory spring return after ice-out through to fall migratory departure. The dedication of loon parents will be illustrated during nesting through to care, training, and protection of loon chicks and maturing juveniles. Primary natural and human conflict hardships in the lives of loons will be illustrated to emphasize the need for loon conservation efforts and expand appreciation for these magnificent birds. 

All presentations are family-friendly and free to the public. 

Donations are always appreciated. 

Take your time driving up the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway.