The ELCC's guest speaker for October is Michael Richie, an award-winning photographer, writer, and naturalist. Michael's presentation will focus on his passion for New Mexico's Badlands and the photographic techniques he uses to capture the extraordinary images found in the San Juan Basin Badlands.

Michael specializes in outdoor adventure travel. He has visited 46 countries, including every continent, except Antarctica. He has hiked the Alps of Northern Italy, canoed the Amazon River, and scuba dived in Panama and Costa Rica.

In addition, Michael is an active freelance writer and photographer, publishing over 200 articles and 900 photographs in dozens of magazines, including Arizona Highways, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Albuquerque-The Magazine, New Mexico Magazine, and Sierra Magazine.

Michael's topic for the evening is Photographing the Badlands of New Mexico, a subject dear to his heart. As a specialist in the San Juan Basin Badlands, Michael will give an overview on the geology and ecology of the badlands and then focus on special photographic techniques and considerations. Michael also conducts guided tours through the Badlands for UNM students, the Sierra Club, and camera clubs. For more information about Michael's tours, freelance writing, and photography, please visit his website at PhotoTrek New Mexico.