About Me

I was born and raised in Northern Indiana, although I spent ten years living in Charleston, South Carolina. I also had the opportunity to serve in the United States Air Force from 2006–2013, including two overseas deployments. Through all of those experiences, one thing has remained constant: I have always felt most at home outdoors.

My journey into photography actually started with birding. I co-host a podcast called Busted Knees and Pretty Trees (Check us out!!) and we interviewed a friend that is an avid birder. I went birding with him a couple times—and I quickly caught the bug.

There was just one problem.

I didn't want to see birds only through binoculars. I wanted to see them up close, study their details, and be able to share those moments with other people. So I picked up a camera.

What started with photographing birds quickly grew into a passion for all types of nature photography. These days, if I'm outside, there is a pretty good chance I have a camera with me.

Photography has become much more than simply taking pictures. It has changed the way I experience the outdoors. When I'm photographing, I'm paying attention to everything around me—the movement of wildlife, the smallest details of a plant or insect, changing light, and those unexpected moments that can happen when you simply slow down and look. A lot of times, my lovely girlfriend is with me when I am focusing on everything other than where I am walking. So, shout out to Sarah for keeping my shoes poop free and ankles in healthy condition!

I love photographs that make you wonder what was happening just before or after the shutter was pressed. A single image can make me imagine an entire story, and that's what I hope my photographs can do for other people as well.

Most of my travels revolve around being outside. Hiking, backpacking, kayaking, fishing, exploring nature preserves, and especially visiting National Parks are some of my favorite ways to spend my time. That means my camera comes along wherever I go, whether I'm exploring somewhere close to home in Northern Indiana or traveling halfway around the world.

And I don't let the weather stop me.

Below-zero temperatures and several feet of snow? I'm probably still outside. A hundred degrees with high humidity? I'll be out exploring then, too. If there's a park, nature preserve, hiking trail, river, or wild place to explore, that's where I'd rather be.

Photography started as a hobby, but it has quickly become a passion. It gives me another way to connect with the places I explore and the wildlife I encounter. More importantly, it gives me the opportunity to share those experiences with others.

One of the greatest compliments I can receive is when someone connects with one of my photographs. Whether it reminds them of a place they've visited, makes them stop and appreciate something they might otherwise overlook, or simply brings them joy, that's what makes photography meaningful to me.

And when someone likes one of my photographs enough to want to put it on display in their home, that means the world to me.

Bradley Grear Photography is my way of sharing the places, wildlife, and moments that inspire me—in the hopes of giving you a reason to slow down, look a little closer, and appreciate the natural world around you.