Hal Speaking

Is your group, church, or organization looking for an engaging, and highly energetic speaker? Let’s chat!

I’ve spent the last four decades engaging staff and customers while gaining deep understanding of the dynamics at play in these relationships.  I know what drives employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and loyalty.

One of my talks titled Finding The Extra In The Ordinary, combined with a unique style of visual presentation, will motivate and encourage your team to discover their own “extra in the ordinary.” What does that mean exactly? We live in a world today that is so fast paced we’ve lost our ability to slow down and take in simple wonders and the opportunities to serve others around us. By taking a narrative walk through images specifically prepared for your audience, my aim is that all come away with a renewed sense of wonder which leads to new discoveries of: what ifs?, new possibilities, ways of seeing problems and solutions, and an attitude of we can, not we can’t.

Many people may think photography is simply the art of capturing light on film or a digital sensor. Rather, I say photography is the art of seeing! It’s a way of seeing your circumstances in a different light. It’s a way of capturing hidden stories and emotions – while broadening our view of the world around us.

Don’t miss this principle! When we learn to see the world around us with a new perspective, we’re better equipped to engage and serve others. Isn’t that why you’re in business or why your organization exists – to serve others? I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve dealt with the pressure of strategic planning, goals, budgets, margin versus mission, regulatory requirements, technology innovations, and the list goes on. But, let’s not forget one of the biggest challenges – staff engagement

Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to refocus and I can help with that. If that isn’t your purpose for being in business – wow! Let’s start there. I can help with that, too.

Additional talk topics are also available that focus on; creativity, design, learning to see, quality, innovation, serving, and others – all designed to inspire your audience. (Be sure to check out  Sounds of Nature)

I can also conduct workshops on birds, butterflies, and blooms. Be sure to check out those galleries on the menu above. I can help you capture nature at it’s best.

Churches, I’ve got plenty of Good News for you, too. I’ve been wandering though creation for most of my life capturing the visual majesty of our Creator. Almost all of my images relate back to a metaphor, biblical passage, or principle I learned while growing up. And, I have hundreds of stories worth sharing. Give me a shout if you’d like to have me share with your congregation or group. As the psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies display His handiwork…” That goes for me too!

To learn more click to email Hal

Contact

Blog posts

A Thought, A Wing, And a Prayer

“With God all things are possible.” The chances of me writing a book are slim and none – or at...

4th QTR 2026 Birds, Etc

These quarterly posts are primarily for recording bird activity around our home. Winter residents are beginning to move in. I...

12 Reflections on Photography, Life and, Faith

( You can read my introduction here) A must read to understand my “reflections.” What follows took 50 years to...

The Wonder Behind a Photograph

There are many things that can make a photograph good. Composition matters. Light matters. Color, focus, perspective and timing all...

The Strength to Keep Flying: Embracing What Remains

There is something almost sacred about a worn butterfly. Its wings are no longer perfect. The edges are ragged, the...

Dickcissels: Fascinating Birds of North America’s Grasslands

It's always a pleasure to study and capture a series of images of a bird in its habitat in one sitting. Yesterday morning I was able to watch these dickcissels sing, perch, forage, and play among the grasses, chicory, wildflowers, and horseweed.

3rd QTR 2026 Birds and Butterflies, Etc

These quarterly posts are primarily for recording bird activity around our home. Birds are pretty quiet in July and August,...

But then…

But then…

I wanted to share a brief testimony with you. There is no way I can share all of the details, so I'll be as brief as I can.

Prothonotary Warblers

Prothonotary warblers are one of two of my favorite bird species to photograph (not counting owls!) The reasons are varied and I'll share a few along with information about this "golden wonder" I call Proton.

Pause for beauty

Let me ask you to pause for just a minute… and consider how is it that we humans have the...

2nd QTR 2026 Bird Photos, etc

These quarterly posts are primarily for recording bird activity around our home. I have over 8,000 bird portraits of numerous...

1st QTR 2026 Bird Photos

1st QTR 2026 Bird Photos

These quarterly posts are primarily for recording bird activity around our home. I have over 8,000 bird portraits of numerous...

All About Hummingbirds!

Hummingbirds are perhaps my favorite bird to photograph! Why? I think for several reasons. 1 – It’s difficult! And, that...

All About Cardinals

Living in "Cardinal Nation" and having friends who are very fond of the bird, I decided to give them their own page. So, here you go, 101 cardinals throughout the seasons.

4th Qtr 2025 Backyard Birds, Etc

I have over 8,000 bird portraits of numerous species which includes; bluebird, cardinal, woodpeckers, goldfinch, hummingbird, blue jay, owl, warblers of all kind, wrens, titmouse, thrush, mockingbird, phoebe, tanager, oriole, fly catchers, birds of prey, and many others.

Hummingbird wars in the backyard!

Each year we have a resident hummer(s) that move in and take control of our flower garden and nectar feeder. And, if you've not witnessed it, hummers are very aggressive towards anything that invades its space!

My Missouri Backyard Bird “HALmanac” – 2nd Qtr 2025

From April to June, Missouri’s backyards become a seasonal theater of color, song, and movement. Spring migration peaks in May, with warblers, vireos, and flycatchers sweeping through in waves

3rd QTR 2025 Birds, Butterflies, Etc

I have over 7,000 bird portraits of 150+ species which includes; bluebird, cardinal, woodpeckers, goldfinch, hummingbird, blue jay, owl, warblers...

A Fast And Furious 3 Seconds

One in a great while the photographic elements come together unexpectedly that catch me by surprise. Yesterday while sitting out...

2nd Quarter 2025 Birds, Etc

I have over 7,000 bird portraits of 150+ species which includes; bluebird, cardinal, woodpeckers, goldfinch, hummingbird, blue jay, owl, warblers...

We pass through many doors

A few years ago I created a series titled Passages. The 24×36 inch metal print above me is my favorite...

What is it about being different

This week I wrote a poem and attached a bird portrait to my Facebook page. (I do that a lot.)...

My Missouri Backyard Bird HALmanac, 1st QTR 2025

Click here for links to all of my bird and butterfly images. If you’d like to download any high resolution...

Happy New Year 2025

Cast like iron he fixed his gaze, Upon the future of distant days, With hope and dreams as bright as flame, A yearning heart, an untold claim.

The Eighteen Percent

18% of Americans deal with one or more disabilities. Understanding is the key to their freedom. So, I offer this...

4th Quarter 2024 Birds, Etc.

Hi, there! In the past I’ve posted thousands of bird portraits and snapshots – but not all I’ve captured. You can check them out in my 5 bird galleries on the menu and my monthly blog posts at the bottom of each page.

100 Years of Hurricane Data

After the recent devastation caused by hurricane Helene I started looking at some raw data on the NOAA website. I decided to download 100 years of data, put into a spreadsheet, then extrapolate the information. What I found was very interesting so I thought I'd share some of that data with you.

Snuffed out in the prime of life…

The tragic events of yesterday – a 14 year old boy shot and killed 4 people at his high school...