01/25/2026
Tuesday Feb 3. 2026 at 7 PM
Attracting and Photographing Birds & Wildlife in your own Backyard
Local photographer Julie Dodge is intrigued with both the natural world and the animals that inhabit the wilds. She transformed her woodland backyard into a wildlife sanctuary, attracting resident songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors, and wildlife. An unexpected accident left Julie healing in a recliner for months. To pass the time, Julie began photographing the birds who inhabited her backyard and studying bird behavior. From the cast of typical year-round residents to songbirds that migrate with the seasons, she created a portfolio of bird “portraits” that she enjoys sharing with fellow nature lovers and photographers.
Julie is a lifelong native of Central Illinois who focuses her work primarily on local landscapes, wildlife, and nature. She believes, “you don’t have to travel far to capture nature’s beauty—it’s right here in our own backyard.” Julie also spends her time exploring the many pockets of nature hidden in plain sight, photographing magical spaces along the Illinois River valley, capturing the seasons within our nature preserves, and sharing imagery and stories with community.
Also, the results of our Print 2 competition will be show with judge’s comments.
Visitors are welcome!
If you’d like to attend, please email us at [email protected].
Peoria Camera Club typically meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from September to May. We meet at the Life Together Center located at 3625 N Sheridan Rd (at War Memorial Dr) in Peoria, IL. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, we invite you to join us for an evening of learning, inspiration, and community.
