W. Don Orkoskey
Photographer
Designer
Artist
Photographer
Bringing attention to important issues surrounding conservation and the environmental through emotionally engaging photography.
Designer
Generating success through impactful design of websites and small business visual marketing packages.
Artist
Exploring the contradictions and absurdities of modern and postmodern living as a member of the working-classes.
Pittsburgh Photographer Don Orkoskey
I'm Don Orkoskey, a professional nature photographer, artist, designer, and photography teacher. I'm passionate about our natural world, the systems that allow it to sustain life, and every being that calls it home. I'm committed to documenting our wonderful world and any man-made challenges that seek to upset the delicate balance we require to enjoy life upon it.
I want to understand the natural and man-made systems that surround us and affect ours and the planet's future. This is the focus of much of my nature photography and my art work. I believe by examining and better understanding these systems we can more live more creatively and in harmony with our world.
Through my nature photography I document the intersections and edges found in our natural world. I examine the systems which impact the planet and advocate for nature. Natural systems work exceptionally well without our intervention. I want to understand these systems and to question or deconstruct those which cause harm. I share stories of those working in conservation and in building resilient and regenerative systems.
Through my fine art photography I examine the systems which are impacting our lives in a more personal way. My fine art work is often introspective, exploring more about myself and how I relate to the world. I also incorporate nature into this work. From the madness of our continuing fossil fuel extraction and dependence on cars to natural systems that work in harmony. I want to understand all of these systems and call attention to those which cause harm.
I've always made art but I've never cared for the way art is commodified as a means to avoid taxation. I don't make art for those who embezzle and steal from the working class. I make art that makes me laugh, ask questions, and provides answers. My art isn't a tax dodge. Support me on Patreon to further my goal of exposing and deconstructing harmful systems.
Graphic design, like web design, are not my primary focus but I've created logos and other visual branding pieces over the years for many small businesses. My focus when creating any graphic design piece is developing an understanding of what you want to say and to who you're saying it then to deliver a clear and targeted design that stands out and is easy to read.
I have designed a lot of real world objects from shelves to flower beds to entire homes. I am a certified Permaculture Designer and love to design and build things. I take a holistic approach to all design projects maximizing the benefits for any and all users while doing what I can to ensure resiliency and reduction in waste.
I'm driven to design websites with the goal of creating aesthetically pleasing and easy to use websites. Many of my clients are small business owners whose clients want a frustration-free experience and that's what I deliver. I've built websites for more than 15 years and while it's not primarily what I do (being a nature photographer) it is something I enjoy and am more than capable of doing. If you need a website designed contact me today.
I am fascinated with our world and how it works. I love sharing my fascination and the things that I've learned, the skills I've mastered including photography and visual communication. I see teaching as a multidimensional process where I can not only share knowledge but can hear and experience other points of view that keep my understanding growing. View a list of all of my current classes here.
I currently teach photography, videography, storytelling, art making, & more.
Contact me to hire me, talk about collaboration, or even just to leave a few friendly words. Chances are good that we can find a way to help each other out. If not now, in the near future. Connections welcome!
Social Media
I'm a neurodivergent person.
That means my brain functions differently. At least, different from neurotypical brains. Some say people like me are more creative, better at problem solving, and able to think about the big picture and see it differently. I suppose so.
However it's a real struggle sometimes. For decades I've been told to bottle up my authentic self. I've been told to mask who I am. Now I'm learning to undo that. I'm learning how to express my authentic self.
I am who I am. Because of this I'm learning to love myself. This is a systems that I'm actively working to deconstruct and rebuild.
Unf**k the world
I don't care what we call it, late-stage capitalism, or even if we give it a name. What I do care about is people and our planet. As such, I am committed to navigating our collective experiences with as much compassion and sense of community as possible. I hope that you'll do the same. Additionally, I hope that you'll join me in condemning the overwhelming anti-social nonsense that divides us for the benefit of a small group of very unwell individuals suffering from extreme greed and delusions of grandeur. Too, that you'll join me in calling for a swift end to the systems they've constructed which negatively impact us all.
Contact Me
Nature Photography
Learn Nature Photography
Do you love nature? Do you enjoy taking photos? Do you want to improve your skills as a nature photographer? Sign up for one of my nature photography classes or order private lessons for yourself or someone you love today!
Register Today
Bird Photographer Don Orkoskey
Please enjoy the following bird photos that are some of my favorite nature photos.
Question Everything.
Question everything but especially the systems that confine us and define our world. Inspect the systems we've made. Interrogate the systems powerful people make. Explore natural systems. Learn how systems work.
Too, challenge and deconstruct systems that harm you and those you love. Disrupt and corrupt systems which harm others. Stop the damage to those without agency. Seek justice for those who harm the world.
We have the power, it is within us. Because understanding how these systems work help us to dismantle them. Too, it allows us to adjust our roles in order to create better systems.
Question everything because that is how we will build a better world.
Latest Blog Posts
This Former Country Club Is Now A Vibrant Birding Hotspot
You need to see Churchill Valley Greenway, a reclaimed nature preserve that’s become a birding hotspot in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs.
Late Start, Strong Finish: Follow My New Health Journey
Follow my new Youtube channel all about my health journey; Late Start Strong Finish is where I’m sharing updates on my path to better health
Turn The Tables: The Monumental Need To Save DEI Programs
DEI programs are vital to more people than you’re likely thinking they are. Therefore, we need to save DEI programs for everyone’s benefit.
Uncommonly Beautiful Red-headed Woodpeckers Just Arrived in Pittsburgh
A rarely seen pair of beautiful red-headed woodpeckers have moved to North Park near Pittsburgh and they appear to be preparing to stay.
How To Make Incredible Fine Art Nature Photography
Take your nature photography to the next level with this guide to making incredible fine art nature photography.
You Need To See My Creepy Gothic Bird Photos
These creepy gothic bird photos make the perfect addition to your home decor for Halloween and year round. Check them out now!
I hope that my work inspires you; that you will begin to ask questions about the systems that impact all of us. At a minimum I hope you'll think about the systems that impact you. You are surrounded by systems you've build intentionally as well as through unconscious means. Additionally you're impacted by systems that others have created. Many of those systems were not created with your needs being considered.
I hope that you will begin to examine those systems and ask if they're healthy or if they need to be changed and will put forth the work to change them. When we come together we can accomplish great things. Together we can both topple tyrants and build healthy communities.
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