It has been an absolute joy getting to know Betty over this past year. Betty placed second in our San Marcos 2022 Juried Photography Show, then exhibited her work in our Rotating Art Gallery, and most recently was a judge in our 2023 Juried Art and Photography Show. Betty’s work is unique and you can see her appreciation for animals shine through. I love hearing about her travels and experiences in the different places she’s visited around the world! I am looking forward to working with Betty again and I hope that she will continue to be part of our cultural arts programs here at the City of San Marcos.
Holly Payad
Recreation Supervisor
City of San Marcos
“I was visiting friends on the Mainland and was looking for some gifts to take back to Hawaii. I popped into a gallery where the picture was being shown. I absolutely had to have it. Giraffes are my favorite animals. Betty called it, “The Three Swingers,” because the giraffes are swinging their tails in perfect synchronicity.
I ended up with a gift to myself.”
Steven Marjieh
Kona, Hawaii
“I met Betty Byrd over 15 years ago. We were brought together by the love of animals. Her being a wildlife photographer and I being a pet sitter. Betty’s photography speaks for itself. From the way she captures the animal you can tell it has a story behind it. She has the patience it takes to capture the right photo. Her work is so amazing!!”
Karen Orozco
Owner Wags Away Del Mar
“I have experienced Betty’s friendship and talent for over 20 years now. Recently, we traveled together on Safari to Kenya, Africa. She showed me what it took to be a wildlife photographer: Lots of willingness to face danger, rough terrain and changeable weather, climbing in and out of jeeps and planes, yet all the while having unwavering patience to capture animal behaviors on camera.
I sat behind Betty observing her stealth body posture, as she snapped many shots of a Pride of Lionesses feasting on a Cape Buffalo dangerously near our jeep. One large, well muscled lioness had snagged the tongue from the others. Betty told me that it was safer to feed her cubs the tongue because it was not only a delicacy but it had no bones in it. Only a skilled photographer, familiar with the environment and behaviors of that predator would know that. This was a true moment of awe and respect for both the wildlife and for the skill and passion Betty Byrd had for her art.”
Nan Cie Hamilton-Cole
Keller Williams Professional Partners
Keller Williams team Leader Hall of Fame Inductee
Women of Strength and Leadership Award Recipient
Phoenix, Arizona
“We love having Betty’s work in our art gallery. Not only is her photography beautiful and captivating, but each one has an interesting story behind it. Betty’s engaging and positive personality shines through her work. We hope to continue sharing her work with our clients for a long time.”
Gabby Barraza
Manager
SmartSpace Vista Art Gallery
“People around the world long to experience the adventures of the great outdoors but so many will never have the chance to encounter that wonder face to face. Betty’s stunning ability to capture these intimate moments with her camera so we may enjoy them in the comfort of our own homes is a true gift. “
Matthew Rodrigues
Host/Producer Chicago Today NBC
“I have had the pleasure of working with Betty doing the picture framing for her photography for many years. She is a great client and an incredible photographer. We are so excited at the shop when we get new work in from Betty, because we get to see it before anyone else does.
Looking forward to the next gallery show we get to frame!”
Jeremy Dunaway
Owner
ArtWare picture framing
“If you haven’t been to one of Betty Byrd’s art exhibits you must go! The array of vivid colors & natural landscapes is breathtaking. Betty has captured so many different scenes that you will be sure to find that perfect piece for your wall . My favorite pieces are of the birds! (Betty Byrd)…The cat photos are also amazing. I love them all! She has stories for each one which also makes it fun!”
Gina Vreeburg – REALTOR
COMPASS Real Estate DRE#01413801
North County & San Diego
“Ever since I’ve known Betty (and that goes back decades), she’s always had a knack for creativity and an eye for composition. Once she and her camera became inseparable, I was privileged to see the consistent high quality of the nature photographs she was taking. From her breathtaking subdued light photo of a black panther with his eyes practically glowing, to the perfectly timed shot of a bald eagle in flight just as the bird and Betty locked eyes, to her dramatic photo of a swan gracefully gliding above a reedy marsh in the late afternoon light, I realized that she had found her true passion and calling. Just check out her amazing Arctic tundra pictures of a polar bear named Bob and you’ll see what I mean!”
– Terry Mullery
Las Vegas, Nevada
“Passion, creativity and a love for animals are what fuel Byrds Eye View Photography. They have already built an incredible gallery and we look forward to seeing what animals Betty photographs next!”
– Jake Loskutoff
Videographer
“Wildlife photography is incredibly difficult. The subjects are often mobile and unpredictable. Betty has somehow found a way to capture moments with these animals, in a way that is both fascinating and mystifying.”
– Lizz Rantze-Loskutoff
Producer
“I am the owner of a beautiful horse named LEVI, a Gypsy-Morgan cross that I bred for over 8 years ago. He’s actually somewhat famous as he was the horse that debuted on The Bachelor a few years ago when one of the girls rode in on him on the first night of the show. He’s also been shown in a couple of bridal magazines and on the back cover of a horse magazine. I enlisted the services of Betty Byrd Photography when I decided to have some photos taken to build his portfolio. She was very professional and very brave, working with a horse she had never met. Betty was willing to actually enter the arena to take most of the action shots, where he was often running around, being his mischievous self. Her bravery and PATIENCE allowed her to get some amazing shots and produce quite a beautiful collection of photos.Betty also took an amazing photo of our dog Gunner that I admire daily as it hangs on our family room wall. She has an incredible talent to capture the innate beauty of of nature and animals. I truly admire her passion for her work and look forward to working with her on future photography projects.”
– Ginni Bradbury
Escondido, CA
– Kara A. Berke, DVM
Carlsbad, California
“Betty Byrd’s photography grapples me! Passionate about her work, Betty delves into the world of wildlife animals with extensive abandonment and propels you into the animal’s world. After seeing the Black Panther, I simply could not resist having him. Her photograph makes my senses come alive as I can feel the muscles burning as the panther stalks his prey with intensity in his eyes that he will be the eventual winner. Whether it be the fierceness of the lion, gentility of the bird, or playfulness of the bear, Betty captures the message in the moment. I look forward to owning another!”
– Subie Hazelton
Dallas, Texas
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with the wonderful Mrs. Betty Byrd and her amazing companion, Darth Vader, a big, goofy, gentle German Shepard. Her compassion for animals, shines through in her personal life as well as her professional life. Her photography captures the true soul and spirit of these magnificent animals. Many people never have the opportunity to experience the power of these creature’s presence, Betty’s work allows the viewer to emerge themselves in the moment, from the vibrant hues of a fanned out male Peacock to the piercing, golden eyes of the ultimate predator, the Black Panther. It takes a one-of-kind talent to seize nature in its true, raw beauty. Her timing, use of light, eye for perfection, and respect and understanding of her animal subjects is what produces her awe-inspiring images. Betty is a true talent, the art and animal community are undeniably lucky to have her.”
– Stacy Hollo, Veterinary Professional
San Diego, California
“I’ve known Betty for over 40 years. She has an affinity for animals and is instinctive in watching their movements, knowing exactly when to shoot that perfect photo.
I traveled with her to Churchill-Manitoba, Canada on a Polar Bear Photo Safari on the untamed Hudson Bay Coast. It was there that I saw the extent of her dedication to her profession. In 10 degrees below zero weather she walked amongst polar bears, tromped over the arctic tundra with 13 screws in her ankle, never faltering, always intent on keeping up with the group. Even when one of the polar bears lay down in front of the snowmobile, she kept clicking!!
Now that’s dedication.”
– Susan G. Naylor
Gold’ntouch Golden Retrievers
Boston, Mass
“I have had the good fortune to know Betty Byrd since we were children in Oklahoma City. Always interested in the arts, Betty has employed unique vision and attention to detail in her work as an actor and a writer. Looking through the gallery of wildlife photos at https://byrdseyeviewphotos.com/ I can see that Betty brings these same talents to her work as a photographer. I particularly appreciate that this portfolio includes such a wide variety of animals shown in their natural habitats. Log onto Betty’s website and enjoy seeing Polar Bears in “the Untamed Arctic”, Moray Eels swimming in the “Deep, Blue World”, endangered cats from around the world, and much more. Also, take a moment to read the short, entertaining descriptions which help bring each subject to life.
The landscapes and natural settings, which frame each animal, truly add much to each shot. Betty not only chooses to work in beautiful areas, but also makes certain that lighting and time of day work to enhance the animal being photographed. For example, one of my favorite photos, “Lovebirds”, focuses on two Barn Owls posed side by side looking very much at home in a mystical, foggy evergreen forest where just the right amount of sunlight filters through the treetops. So, I recommend that you get to know these incredible animals, but don’t be surprised if you decide to take a few of your favorites home.”
– Christopher Watts
La Mesa, California
“As a marine wildlife and coastal wilderness guide here in beautiful Sitka, Alaska, I enjoy the extraordinary privilege of sharing our wild paradise with folks from all over the globe. Most of my thousands of passengers take photographs; some of my passengers take good photographs, some take great photos… And then there’s Betty! Betty Byrd has an eye for photography possessed by only a select few; she’s a true professional, a master of the art of capturing wild images. Nailing the rare shot… when the boat’s rocking, the wind’s blowing, the seas are rolling and the often unpredictable animals are on the move, well…..that’s what separates the pros from the amateurs, the “ok pic” from the “WOW!” image; that’s where you’ll find Betty…”WOW”!!”
– Davey Lubin
Captain, Naturalist and Owner of Esther G Sea Taxi, in beautiful Sitka, Alaska