COCA Spotlight Images FY22 (22)

COCA Spotlight: Michael Riffle

by Christy Rodriguez de Conte In a world where trillions of images are taken daily and distributed at the click of a mouse, it may seem an insurmountable feat to take the perfect picture. The…

by Christy Rodriguez de Conte

In a world where trillions of images are taken daily and distributed at the click of a mouse, it may seem an insurmountable feat to take the perfect picture. The subjectivity of photography makes it difficult to pinpoint the attributes of the ideal image.

Yet, photographer Michael Riffle has made it his artistic quest to capture the beauty emanating from Florida’s hidden coves, crevices, and creatures into one perfect image.

Although the journey has brought him eye to eye with a bear, side by side with a herd of hungry manatees, and head to head with a camera-shy Florida brown snake, Riffle forges ahead. “I am in search of the perfect image. I know I’ll never get it, but that’s the fun part.”

In November, Riffle returns to showcase Florida’s wildlife at the 2022 Photofest opening at the Artport Gallery. 

As the Senior Director of Field Research & Development at Valent U.S.A. LLC armed with a doctorate in agronomy, the study of soil management and crop production, Riffle’s lifelong dedication to biology and plants has influenced his work tremendously.

Ever the student, Riffle views photography like a science: analyze the light, test the exposure, and study the weather. “I’m a scientist at heart. So, I’m an analytical person, and I always have been. Drives my wife crazy,” Riffle said. “I took all that into the passion of photography because photography is a science-ended art.”

In a world where trillions of images are taken daily and distributed at the click of a mouse, it may seem an insurmountable feat to take the perfect picture. The subjectivity of photography makes it difficult to pinpoint the attributes of the ideal image.

Yet, photographer Michael Riffle has made it his artistic quest to capture the beauty emanating from Florida’s hidden coves, crevices, and creatures into one perfect image.

Although the journey has brought him eye to eye with a bear, side by side with a herd of hungry manatees, and head to head with a camera-shy Florida brown snake, Riffle forges ahead. “I am in search of the perfect image. I know I’ll never get it, but that’s the fun part.”

In November, Riffle returns to showcase Florida’s wildlife at the 2022 Photofest opening at the Artport Gallery. 

As the Senior Director of Field Research & Development at Valent U.S.A. LLC armed with a doctorate in agronomy, the study of soil management and crop production, Riffle’s lifelong dedication to biology and plants has influenced his work tremendously.

Ever the student, Riffle views photography like a science: analyze the light, test the exposure, and study the weather. “I’m a scientist at heart. So, I’m an analytical person, and I always have been. Drives my wife crazy,” Riffle said. “I took all that into the passion of photography because photography is a science-ended art.”

Combining science and art led him to capture nature images while playing with the artistic elements of light and time. He finds solace in physiology and biochemistry and unapologetically treads science blogs for fun.

Although Riffle’s love for photography began at a young age, it was not until later in his life that he decided to pick up the camera again and follow that old feeling. True to his agricultural roots, the lens took him deep into the thicket of Tallahassee.

Drawn to the rivers, Riffle claims over two-thirds of his photography has an element of water and that he can often be found with a wet suit and camera snorkeling. Riffle revels in the sense of Utopia he finds among the Florida freshwater springs. “It literally is like swimming in an aquarium.”

Ruffle reveals that in addition to planning regarding the weather, moon phase, and surrounding natural environment, that 90% of getting the shot is to be there. “You gotta be out there, and you have to be ready.” Friday through Sunday, his laces are tied tight, and his cameras lay steadily in hand.

Riffle has perfected his process: First, prep the night before by looking at the weather forecast and the river levels. Pack a grab back with the hiking essentials. Select your tripod and camera, whether full-frame, full-spectrum infrared, underwater, etc. Finally, you wake up before sunrise and wade through Florida’s dark forests to find the perfect place.

Read the full article on the Tallahassee Democrat.