Jo Fretwell-Dooley

Jo Dooleys photography is more than capturing moments through her lens. Hers is a spiritual connection with the natural world. Being a passionate creator, Jo’s aura is a key component of her work and her spirit can be felt in every frame. “I am always taking photos in my mind,” she says. “When I’m behind the lens, I move quietly and whenever the opportunity presents, I make eye contact with my subject.” An impassioned wildlife photographer, Jo’s formal artistic journey began in 2012. “I took a photography class at Grand Canyon University while my husband and I were temporarily living in Phoenix, Arizona,” she says. Originally from Pampa, Texas, Jo has moved all around the country. Her vividly detailed wildlife photographs have been seen in locations like Runge Nature Center and Capital Arts Gallery in Jefferson City, Missouri as well as Oschner Medical Center in Slidell, Louisiana. Her love of St. Augustine was born during a 2013 visit. “We moved here permanently in 2019,” says Jo. Today, she spends much of her time capturing wildlife photos around the state with a heavy focus on native birds. “Florida is paradise,” she says. “It is teeming with natural beauty that I am so blessed to be able to memorialize through my lens.” With the unwavering support of her husband, Jo has been a valued member of High Tide Gallery for the past two years. While she has found many different creative outlets in her life, Jo feels that nature photography is her true calling. “God has bestowed this gift upon me,” she concludes. “I will continue to use it to bring joy to others.”