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.

fine art photography

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.

nature photography

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.

More Art

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.

more design

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.

graphic design

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.

web design

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.

teaching

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

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

Nature Photography
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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!
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Why I Question Everything.

Question everything but especially the systems that confine you and define your world. Systems you've made, systems which far more powerful people have made, even natural systems. Learn how these systems work. Challenge and deconstruct systems that harm you and those you love. Disrupt and corrupt systems which harm others, especially those without agency, and those that harm the world around us.

We have the power, it is within us but we have to understand how these systems work and adjust the role we play within them in order to build a better world.

I question everything because that is how we can understand what provides benefits and what causes harm.

I'm a neurodivergent person.

That means my brain functions a little differently than a neurotypical brain. Some people 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 that's true.

Sometimes it's a real struggle though. For decades I've been told to bottle up my authentic self and mask who I am. I'm learning how to undo this and to express my authentic self. I am who I am and I love myself. This is one of the systems that I'm actively working to dismantle.

Latest Blog Posts

2022 Natural Building Update


I’m pro photographer Don Orkoskey, here is my 2022 natural building update for those of you who are looking for information on my project.

Finding New Ways To Photograph Yosemite


Join me, professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey and I discuss the challenges and rewards of finding new ways to photograph Yosemite.

Brand New Nature Photography Website


Welcome to the brand new nature photography website of Pittsburgh photographer and nature photography teacher Don Orkoskey.

Thumbtack.com Will Steal From Your Small Business


Thumbtack.com will steal from your small business. Theft is an integral part of Thumbtack’s business model. Don’t let them steal from you!

Art, Humor, and Community


Pittsburgh photographer, artist, and designer Don Orkoskey shares some thoughts on art, humor, and community as well as personal responsibility.

New Artist Website


I’m photographer, artist, and designer Don Orkoskey and I’m happy to welcome you to my new artist website at Orkoskey.com

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.