The Challenge: The Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation needed a digital platform to drive online donations and raise awareness for their endangered animals. However, I quickly realized their existing photographic assets weren’t strong enough to capture the majesty of the wildlife or emotionally connect with potential donors.
The Solution:  I pitched and executed a comprehensive digital overhaul that went beyond standard web development. I traveled to their Gainesville, Florida sanctuary to serve as the lead photographer and art director, capturing over 1,000 high-resolution images. This original photography became the visual foundation for a custom-built, donation-driven website.

Meet the Samers

While this legacy website has since been retired, the project remains a career highlight. Not only did the new digital presence successfully boost their online fundraising, but the foundation showed their gratitude in the most unforgettable way: by naming one of their rescued lions “Samer.”

Custom Web Architecture

Long before modern CMS templates became the standard, I architected and hand-coded this platform from the ground up. The UI design prioritized intuitive navigation and a frictionless digital donation process to maximize financial conversions for the non-profit.

Art Direction & Asset Management

Managing a high-volume field shoot requires rigorous technical organization. I utilized Adobe Lightroom Classic to process, color-grade, and catalog over 1,000 RAW images from the weekend, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across the foundation’s digital and print materials.