LOVE OF NATURE INSPIRED A THRIVING CAREER FOR BILL KEOGH

Captain Bill Keogh took a childhood love of the outdoors and turned it into a career. He is the owner of Big Pine Kayak Adventure in the Lower Keys, where he has made his living for nearly three decades as a naturalist guide, educator, published writer and professional photographer.

Keogh’s work has appeared in numerous books, magazines and publications throughout the world, and he co-produced a book written by Jeff Ripple on the natural history of the Florida Keys. National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges and many others have used his photographic images.

A resident of the Florida Keys for 29 years, Keogh relocated to the region to escape the cold winters of Connecticut and Maine, where he was raised and attended college, respectively.

He became a photo intern at Newfound Harbor Marine Institute on Big Pine Key where he honed his photography skills, working for 10 years at the hands-on science facility where his projects took him on, in and under the waters of the Keys.

His transition to writing occurred when he began giving natural history presentations six or eight times a year as part of a program called the Discovery Nature Series. He gave slide show environmental and ecological presentations to any group that needed a guest speaker, which led to his being asked by a publisher to write a paddling guide for the Keys.

Keogh's photography also led to the creation of his kayaking business. It all began when the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce hired him to provide the images for a brochure. The chamber's list included photos of canoes and kayaks, so Keogh visited the guide at Bahia Honda State Park, which is known for beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets and excellent snorkelling.

"I rented a couple of kayaks to take some photos for the brochure, and the guide liked my work and was interested in buying my shots," he said. "After discussing pricing he realized he couldn't afford me so he bartered for them, offering me a couple of kayaks.

"I loaded up the kayaks with my above and underwater camera gear and my tackle box, including everything a fisherman would want out on the water, and I was basically hooked," Keogh added.

The four kayaks have grown to a fleet of over 50 and a thriving nature guide business. Keogh offers his kayakers a complete experience, combining his kayaking expertise with his eye for nature and photography.

"What's great about the Florida Keys is the totally flat, open waters and the fact that the majority of the really cool wildlife are beneath you," he said.

Keogh has received many accolades for his kayaking/nature guide prowess, including a Rand McNally Editor's Award for his backcountry wilderness tours, and his tours are listed in prestigious travel guidebooks.

For more information on Bill Keogh and Big Pine Kayak Adventure, visit keyskayaktours.com.