He believes that outdoor photographers have a responsibility to preserve the integrity of the natural environment by treading lightly, so as not to damage any part of the scene that is being photographed.  And for spreading the message of appreciation and preservation through the resulting images.

Meet award-winning outdoor photographer Mark Vollmer.

Mark Vollmer is an award-winning outdoor photographer, instructor and freelance writer based in Reno, Nevada. His illustrated feature articles have appeared in Nevada Magazine, and his images have been widely published in regional books, calendars and brochures. Mark’s first book, Tahoe Rim Trail, Exploring the Jewel, which he authored and co-photographed with Reno Gazette-Journal photographer Scott Sady, broke sales records in Reno and Tahoe area bookstores upon its 2003 release.

Mark chooses to use the 35mm format camera for its lightweight versatility that enables him to move easily in the wilderness in search for nature’s special moments of light. His love of photography began with family outings to the Grand Canyon and other Southwest locales as a youngster in Arizona, and later while earning his geology degree in Northern Arizona University. He enjoys sharing with photo workshop students his knowledge and passion for the West that grew out of these early journeys. A student of Galen Rowell, Frans Lanting and David Muench, Mark teaches photo classes of his own through Washoe County Parks, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, and Truckee Meadows Community College. Mark has won countless awards for excellence in teaching photography. Mark’s photographs have hung in galleries in Reno, Sacramento, and South Lake Tahoe. The images on display here reveal his love for the rich natural heritage of Nevada. Mark has created multi-media presentations of slides matched to music for over 20 years, more recently in collaboration with local singer/songwriters Joyce Vetter and Jim Eaglesmith.