Jackie's enthusiasm for diving and her willingness to consistently meet new challenges head-on is an inspiration. Jackie Walker, a relatively new diver, has missed only one Imaging Foundation expedition!

Jackie pulled double duty on this trip working to develop our image database, and collecting volunteer profiles and portraits.

She drew laughter from our ranks when she announced that her favorite quote is, "If you are lucky enough to be here, you are lucky enough!

Dave is another serial expedition participant. In addition to years of experience as a teacher Dave brings enthusiasm and dedication to our mix. On the Galapagos Expedition, Dave was tasked with methodically reviewing all the current image holdings and ensuring their proper orientation. A tedious and arduous task for sure, but considering that the database is vital to the IF mission, it could not be entrusted to just anyone.

When presenting his progress to other team members, Dave even found a way to convey the task description into a comedy skit. Emulating a misoriented image, he showed the team how he could be manipulated to be rotated, reversed and otherwise contorted.

With over 80,000 images to review, Dave had his work cut out for him. He successfully completed his tasks and never missed one land excursion!

Rick Scallety was a member of our Cayman Classroom expedition and he has become a strong ally and critical member of the IF team.

For the Galapagos expedition, Rick put aside his own camera to help Jay launch the initiation of our new F900 Sony high def camera. He learned about clips, in and out points, and most importantly, the myriad things that can go wrong when working with high tech equipment while hundreds of miles from the mainland.

Rick's ability to keep a cool head, coupled with his methodical and logical approach to problem solving helped save the trip. We were able to trouble shoot this complex system and returned with successful footage!

This was Curtis' first IF expedition, and hopefully not his last. Curtis was an ideal participant. He is excited about photography, IF goals, travel and well, almost everything! Curtis was able to carefully review the not yet data based images. There were multiple problems including redundancies and corruptions. Curtis, or 'KC' methodically reviewed each image and consolidated our RAW holdings.

Rare is the occasion we trust anyone with image deletion, but KC's judicious approach and good instincts enabled us to give him the green light to make these calls after only three days.

KC's described his reasons for joining the IF expedition, "I am a scuba diver and dive instructor and enjoy wildlife both on land and in the water. The Imaging Foundation’s Galapagos expedition sounded like I might be able to combine both diving, my love of wildlife and ecology, while enriching and adding to my knowledge." Considering the fact he is still working with our Core Team, I do not think he was disappointed.

Oscar Ortiz is the owner operator of Cabo Expeditions so when his schedule allows for a bit of R and R, what does he do? He goes on an expedition!
Oscar is a constant source of laughter and warm feelings. He shares his philosophy about life, work, love, eternity and well, pretty much anything. Oscar's heartfelt belly laugh, brings a smile to everyone around him, even if the reason for the laughter is unknown. Quick to lend a helping hand, we hope to see Oscar as a volunteer at the Long Beach consumer show in June.
The person Oscar admires most is , " my grandfather, who was a very happy person and made lots of people happy too." Well Oscar, sounds like you are a "chip off the 'ole block."

John Monk has attended every Imaging Foundation Expedition and is an essential member of our team. John coordinated all onsite logistical efforts on this expedition. He maintained a spreadsheet where he logged the daily progress of each team member and their project development. John was also the "Master of Ceremonies" organizing evening slide shows and informative seminars.

As if that was not enough, John is the in-resident photo-pro. He is quick to share photography tips about equipment, lighting and animal behavior. John's vast archive of underwater photography is about to hit the big time with the launch of his own gallery in Pasco, Washington.

This was Rich's first Imaging Foundation Expedition. His good nature was quickly embraced by the rest of the group. They jokingly dubbed him "shark bait" when it was discovered that he was the only team member who had not ever experienced a shark encounter. The playful chidings continued throughout the trip and no one enjoyed the levity more than Rich.

Rich brought his eloquent writing skills to the Imaging Foundation expedition. Helping draft future IF document templates strongly positioned us for the future launch of our nonprofit image database resource. Check out a sample of Rich's craft by reading through the Galapagos Daily Log. Rich's colorful prose successfully captured both the bricks and mortar as well as the 'esprit de corps ' of our Galapagos trip.

Rich is guided by his father's words, " You can never be wrong doing the right thing."

Steve brings a delightful mixture of business savvy, patience and quick wit to the team. Steve attended the Cayman Classroom Expedition and has been involved as a Core Team member ever since. Steve quotes George Bernard Shaw, "The problem with communication is the assumption it has taken place." Steve has brought a strong element of structure and protocol to Imaging Foundation leadership.