By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Former Northborough resident Ryan Pennesi, 25, recently received first place in the Lake Superior Magazine’s 21st annual Photo Contest. His work competed with 260 photographers from 18 states and provinces.
Pennesi has called Northborough home since age 5 and his immediate family still resides in town. He is a 2008 Algonquin Regional High School graduate and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in wildlife and fisheries conservation.
Growing up, he spent a considerable amount of time exploring pools and local ponds, which were always full of amphibians and birds. His love of nature and the environment has influenced his career path.
“I have always been fascinated with the natural world and the wild animals that thrive and adapt all around us,” Pennesi said. “From an early age I was interested in working with animals.”
Pennesi’s sense of adventure first led him to Minnesota to take a position as a naturalist at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, which consists of 2,000 acres of forests, lakes, rivers and hills. While in Minnesota, a mutual friend introduced him to nature photographer Benjamin Olson. He decided to try his hand at nature photography after viewing some of Olson’s work and being very impressed. He has been photographing semi-professionally for about a year and Olson continues to be one of his biggest mentors.
Pennesi works as a naturalist, wildlife photographer and wildlife technician throughout the year. He is currently working seasonally for the New York Department of Environmental Conservation where American marten and fisher populations are being studied.
“Working as a wildlife technician means that I have to go where the jobs are,” said Pennesi. “It’s often a season by season endeavor that takes me to some amazing places. By far my favorite area to photograph has been the boundary waters canoe area wilderness in Northern Minnesota.”
“Photography is both a hobby and career-related,” Pennesi explained. “Photography helps me to document and bring to life the work that I get to be a part of. Images can invoke powerful emotions, instill curiosity and inspire action. Through photography I hope to shed light on many of the conservation issues faced in the modern world.”
He said he felt honored to have earned first place in the Lake Superior Magazine’s contest as it had a very impressive array of submissions this year. It is his second contest win for his photography.
“I am excited to build my reputation as a professional photographer,” he said. “This honor will undoubtedly help to gain attention for my work. Being a wildlife photographer connects me with those creatures in a very personal and meaningful way.”
Additional photographs can be viewed on Pennesi’s website at www.ryanpennesi.com