Local Photographer Zooms in on His Neighborhood's Natural Beauty

When news broke that the , Woodinville's Bill Stankus decided that he had to make a photographic record of the neighborhood - his neighborhood - so that people would be able to remember and appreciate his little slice of Woodinville the way it was.

"I'm just going to go out and take pictures of the area as often as I can," Stankus said about his initial inspiration.

Stankus said that he wants to show people what the neighborhood is like, warts and all, and make a photographic record of its natural beauty and unique character.

Stankus, who once dreamed of being the next Ansel Andams, said that he's always had a particular sensitivity for nature photography. That shows in his images of vibrant green fields, local wildlife, and snow covered trees.

Stankus believes that it's these kinds of spaces that drew many of the region's residents to the Puget Sound, and he's concerned that some people seem too willing to just let them go in the name of progress.

"I think we realize that these places are good for health, good for sanity," Stankus said.

Stankus' work can be found on his Wellington Hills blog.

Have your own photos of Woodinville that you'd like to share? Head to the Pics and Clips page and upload your own photograpic memories.