Mesa photographer searches for the ‘poorly understood’ in nature

Tim Cota, whose {photograph} seems within the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2026 calendar, has shifted his focus through the years from wildlife many are aware of to creatures which might be missed.

“I have been photographing wildlife since approximately 2005, which was primarily invertebrates, lizards and frogs,” he mentioned. 

“When I began, I was always in search of the next creature that I had set my sights on, which led to often-repeated photo sessions with a different subject. I mostly focused on . . . ‘field guide’-type photos of my subjects.”

Cota shifted his strategy slowly from what he calls “macro photography” to extra habitat-oriented images.

“My current photos often feature diverse habitats, often including the sky or current weather to illustrate the natural history of the animals.”

His curiosity in pictures started when he was a toddler together with his grandfather, a photographer with whom frolicked within the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County.

He was given a hand-me-down point-and-shoot when he was in highschool and took it in all places till he might afford to purchase a digital single-lens reflex.

A brand new a part of his photograph journey had begun, and it has modified through the years.

“Oftentimes, I set out searching for obscure or poorly understood subjects. I love to capture photos of creatures that people may have otherwise not taken the time to gaze at,” he mentioned.

“Bringing a photo home that may help someone gain a newfound respect or appreciation for our native wildlife is always the goal. When the photo brings in elements of weather, amazing skies or natural behaviors, it’s a wonderful bonus.”

He provides: “The search for perfect lighting with an excellent subject is a constant.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a three-part collection specializing in East Valley photographers whose work seems within the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2026 calendar.

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