Jim Chagares, Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, Master of Electronic Imaging, Certified Electronic Imaging, Fellow of American Society of Photographers. Prior to opening his portrait and commercial studio in 1988 Jim taught elementary school 14 years. He is fortunate to have made his living as a portrait photographer, a dream come true. It is no secret, however, that his true passion is nature photography. He cherishes his time in nature telling the story of animal behavior that most people rarely get to see. Jim is dedicated to his wildlife photography, patiently waiting for animals to share their life with him in the wild. It is his vision to capture and share the beauty of wildlife and nature with others. In 2012, Jim became a Fellow of the American Society of Photographers (ASP). Jim received the ASP Gold Medallion Award from the American Society of Photographers for his Loan Collection album entry "Messengers to the Creator." His album was also chosen as Album of the Year by Professional Photographers of America. Jim was the first to receive the ASP Gold Medallion Award twice for his album entry "The Otter Family". He received the ASP Regional Medallion Award for his album "Great Coastal Brown Bears" The entry scored a 100 at the Mid-America Regional Conference. He also received a 100 for his album "Yellowstone: Backcountry Journey" at the Mid-America Conference. He was again the recipient of the Regional Medallion and the Canon Par Excellence Award. Jim is 5-time Photographer of the Year at Professional Photographers of Indiana and is 5 time Digital Imager of the Year at Professional Photographers of Indiana. He won the Photographer of the Year title at the Mid-East States Regional print exhibit in Columbus, Ohio. He is a three-time Photographer of the Year at the Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild. Jim is also the recipient of the Imaging Excellence Award from Professional Photographers of America for over 35 Loan Collection Images, 13 of which are albums. He received PPA Diamond Photographer of the Year with four Loan Collection albums. Jim's image "Majestic" was selected to receive the Foveon Award at the 2001 Mid-East States Regional Convention, then was selected to be a part of the American Society of Photographers' Photographic Hall of Fame. Majestic was then selected to appear on the 2001 Loan Collection Book cover.