Jiri Kriz Nature Photographer in Cary, IL

I was born and raised in Czechoslovakia, in an industrial part of the country where black coal was mined and steel was smelted daily. Despite the industrial backdrop, the stunning Beskydy Mountains were just a short distance away, providing a serene escape into nature, allowing us to leave behind our everyday concerns. The fresh air, filled with the scent of spruce trees, was a delightful aroma.

This environment fostered a deep connection with nature, a bond that remains strong to this day. As a child, I also developed an interest in photography, marveling at how images could be captured on paper. It was then that my passions for nature and photography converged, forming the core of my interests and what I love to pursue.