My Inspiration

My inspiration for being a wildlife photographer comes from one of the best wildlife photographers of the 1960’s, ‘70’s, ‘80’s, and beyond, Dr. Leonard Lee Rue, III. I was fortunate to meet Lennie in Yellowstone National Park way back in my video years and again later as a still photographer. Lennie was impressed with my flying bird photographs and asked me to take him to some of the areas that I had photographed. With pleasure! It was my honor and privilege to host Leonard Rue III, now 84, on two photographic tours in Utah. To actually be photographing with the master and to be giving him tips and techniques for bird flight photography was really one of the high points of my life. During his trips Lennie urged me to publish my photos in one or more books and he even went so far as to write a forward for my first book (see below). I have not yet published a book, although I hope to do so within the next few years.	(From Left to Right): John Beach, Dr. Leonard Lee Rue III, Ted Steinke
I have turned out two DVD’s in which I combine video clips and still photography of Bald Eagles, combined with music which complements the action and mood of the scenes I am showing. I have named these with the simple titles “Eagles Part I” and “Eagles Part II”. The latter has a touching tribute to the “Eagle Trees of Farmington Bay”, which were a local icon--holding dozens of birds at a time, but which now have toppled in the wind. I hope to come out with more DVD’s in the future.
DVD - Eagles Part I $12.95 + shipping	DVD - Eagles Part II $12.95 + shipping

A FORWARD by Dr. Leonard Lee Rue III

“Jack Barrie, of Canada, was a friend of mine and when he visited at my home years ago,  told me that he considered me his mentor.  I have always said that Jack Barrie was the greatest photographer of birds in flight that I have personally ever known.  Unfortunately, Jack died several years ago.  However, his mantle has been picked up and is proudly worn by Ted Steinke of Utah.  Ted's flight photography is one of the best-kept secrets in the country for the simple reason that he has not shown it to the general public.  I hope that this book will change all that.

Ted's photographs of birds in flight are, unequivocally, the best I see any photographer producing today.  To photograph with Ted is a humbling experience and that's mainly because of his experience. Ted is out photographing birds in flight, several days out of every week and has done this for years.  His coordination, and keen eyesight, allow him to swing his big lens on an incoming subject and has his camera clicking before most of us have even seen the bird.  The fact that he lives in the midst of a paradise for waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors in the Great Salt Lake valley of Utah, helps. 

There are many good photographers, taking great photographs of birds.  I think that Ted is one of the very best and after you see his photographs that grace the following pages, I'm sure that you will agree with me."