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

I'd love to hear from you.

Blog posts

2nd Quarter 2025 Birds, Etc

Hi, there! In the past I’ve posted thousands of bird portraits and snapshots – but not all I’ve captured. You...

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.)...

1st Quarter 2025 Bird Photos, Etc.

Hi, there! In the past I’ve posted thousands of bird portraits and snapshots – but not all I’ve captured. You...

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...

His peace finds its way to me

From time to time when the “spirit” moves I’m inclined to put pen to paper. What follows is the result...

September 2024 Birds And…

Hi, there! In the past I’ve posted thousands of bird portraits and snapshots – but not all I’ve captured. You...

Wing Us A Song…

Can I insert a little levity. I think I can use a little. How about you? Wing us a song...

On The Forgotten Art of Lament

As a Christian people we have forgotten, or never really understood, the art of lament. So here are my thoughts....

Two Lonely Monarchs

Two lonely monarchs,Each sitting on their throne,Both trying desperately,To buy up every vote. Here a promise,There a promise,Do words really...

Standing alone

Kathleen and I walk early in the morning. Since school started we've been walking past high schoolers waiting for their bus. In one of the small groups standing at a corner we noticed five girls. One standing by herself and a group of the other four.

Flawless

A favorite song of mine is Flawless by MercyMe. I'll share the lyrics below. I always enjoy seeing a newly emerged butterfly from its cocoon. In essence they are "flawless." Not a mark on them. Such was the case today as I saw this tiger swallowtail blow through our garden.

Looking Through My Window Pane

Looking through my window pane,Is it just me, or has the world gone insane,A canvas painted with hues of gray,Where...

He Bore My Pain

He bore my pain, my crimson stain,A sacrifice of love divine.Upon the cross, He felt my shame,And drank the bitter...

August 2024 Birds And…

Hi, there! In the past I’ve posted thousands of bird portraits and snapshots each month – but not all I’ve...

I Surrender

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧,𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞,𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬,𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐭, 𝐒𝐨𝐧. 𝐍𝐨...

Buried Fossils

In between the sporadic bird activity yesterday, I was glancing down at the river rock in our hardscape and noticed a tiny fossil inside a golf ball sized rock that was split in two. I began to ponder for a moment, then came this...

The Story of the American Goldfinch

Recently while sitting out by our garden where I photograph summer birds I sat memorized by the playful activity of several goldfinches. The late after light and the various shadows and textures of the foreground and background made the images you see below.

The Land of Crimson Giants

Oh, Man! Am I excited about this image or what! Let me explain. The weather lately has been fantastic. With temps in the low 80s, sitting outside has been absolutely wonderful - whether I made any snaps or not. Yesterday was no exception. I had been sitting outside waiting for a hummer to show up, but now it was time for supper.

Four Iron Blooms

Four iron blooms, a rigid grace,Fleur-de-lis etched upon each face.Not born of field, nor sunlit bough,But forged in fire, yet...

Eleven Lights

Eleven lights, by doubt once dimmed,Now bear the flame their Master trimmed.Peter, strong, with heart astray,Found strength renewed on Easter’s...

Podcast With Friend Jeff Mason

My friend Jeff Mason, who hosts a podcast, had me on to discuss my passion for photography, creativity, and why...

July 2024 Birds, Butterflies, Flora and Fauna

Hi, there! In the past I've posted thousands of bird portraits and snapshots each month - 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.

The Field of Unspoken Dreams

In a secluded corner of the countryside, where the meadows stretched endlessly under a glowing sky, lived two adventurous goldfinches named Finch and Fern. They were known throughout the woodland for their spirited flights and their curious nature that often led them to explore new horizons beyond the familiar fields.