Gretchen Steele of Coulterville, Ill., owns and operates Steele Photo Services. Gretchen is a Southern Illinois native and has been traversing the wild spaces of Illinois since her childhood. Following a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2000, and facing the accompanying disability, she retired as a public health nurse in 2003 to pursue her passion of outdoor and wildlife photography full time. Her award-winning work has been featured in many outdoor media outlets, and has been exhibited in various venues across the nation. A lifetime of wild crafting and wild foraging has made Gretchen a well respected authority on Illinois and Midwestern edible and medicinal wild plants and fungi.Gretchen is a pro staff member and photographer for Southern Illinois Outdoors, Down River Outdoors, Silver Creek Hunt Club, and Muddy River Shooting Preserve. She also holds a position as Event Staff for Prois Hunting and Field Apparel. Gretchen is a featured writer and photographer with several other outdoor media groups including Illinois Hunter, Heartland Outdoors, Women’s Outdoor News and Illinois Outdoor News. Gretchen is a member in good standing of Delta Waterfowl, Retrievers Unlimited HRC, The Pink Whistle Society, Illinois Bowfishers and Bowfishing Association of Southern Illinois.
Gretchen also serves as a guide and speaker for various photography clubs and organizations wishing to explore the world of outdoor and nature photography. She hosts several outdoor photography tours each year and biannual outdoor photography workshops. Additionally Gretchen serves as a speaker throughout the Midwest as an advocate for women in the outdoors, disabled outdoor opportunities, the benefits of outdoor time, and various hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports.
In addition to serving as contributing writer and photographer in the print market Gretchen authors several outdoor-themed blogs, and publishes two daily news e-papers:
Wild Woman’s Daily Outdoor News
Medicine Mama’s Outdoor Daily News
Gretchen is available for speaking engagements, lectures, and programs, as well as also being available for photo and writing assignments. Gretchen Steele can be reached via e mail at steelephoto@gmail.com.
Gretchen Steele with Willie, the Wonder-Lab, who tells Gretchen what to write in his blog! Submitted photo.
