Photographer   ❈   Naturalist    ❈   Traveler

Above and Below
with Nature


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  • Home
  • Nature Photography
    • ◈  birds
    • ◈  insects & reptiles
    • ◈  mammals
    • ◈  manatees
    • ◈  scenic & nature
    • ◈  underwater
  • Manatee Woman
    • old site is discontinued
    • ◈  photos are now here
  • Travels
    • ◈  travels 2016-Present
    • ◈  travels 2003-2010
  • Contact
    • ◈  email Laura
    • ◈  recommended links

Welcome

About Laura

Laura specializes in underwater, nature and wildlife photography. She has an extensive collection of photos taken in the Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, all of California and throughout North America. Her images have been featured in many magazines and publications, including:

❈ O' Magazine ❈ Weekly Reader ❈ Scuba Diving ❈ Natural History ❈ World Wildlife Fund

and many publications about manatees. In addition, her photos have been featured in graphic designs on DVD and CD covers, post cards, teaching kits and just recently in the Peterson Reference Guide to North American Woodpeckers. Laura has volunteered and been a naturalist for Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, American Cetacean Society, Save the Manatee Club and Sea & Sage Audubon.

Born and raised in Southern California she has a tremendous respect for the ocean and the environment. Her Photo Gallery includes birds, insects, mammals, manatees, scenic & landscapes, and underwater photos. Click the picture for a zoom-in view. Laura also shares her Retirement/Travel Journal notes with photos and links to some fabulous places which you may want to consider adding to your own bucket list!   Enjoy your visit - we're glad you're here!  

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Laura's Nature Photos

These photos are offered for educational, scientific, and research purposes - by permission only.
Laura has literally hundreds of photos in each category!   If you have a specific request, please contact Laura.



Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Birds

Please don't tell my whale-watching friends, but I actually really like birds now, and love to photograph them!    → go

Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Insects

Not to worry - this section also includes some reptiles & amphibians. We'll be adding more photos, so be sure to check back.    → go

Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Mammals

This section also includes marine mammals, which is where "it all started" for me! Can you spot the rare Risso's Dolphin with battle scars?    → go

Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Manatees

What ever can I say about the manatees? They have been my favorite and they became my passion. Talk about love at first sight!    → go

Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Scenic & Nature

This category is fun. It can include everything from mushrooms, to a beautiful sunset or simply amazing patterns found in nature.    → go

Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Underwater

To be underwater is like being in another world. It is so quiet, beautiful, and calming. It comes in as second favorite behind manatees.    → go


Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Manatee Woman

"Manatee Woman website is discontinued"

Manatees are very gentle, loving creatures.   For many years it has been my joy and fulfillment to be associated with nature organizations dedicated to the preservation of this endangered species.  The Manatee Woman website, now archived, is dedicated to biologists, conservationists, naturalists, researchers and volunteers whom I have met and worked with over the past 40+ years, with manatees holding the top spot on my favorites list.

My 'new' life is changing and I can't be as involved as I have been in the past, but being a volunteer and naturalist for the American Cetacean Society, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Save the Manatee Club, and Sea and Sage Audubon are experiences that I will never forget nor can replace.  It is because of these various groups and the many people I have met and worked with that I have the understanding and appreciation for our natural world. Thank you to everyone.    I hope you will enjoy this new journey with me!  Watch for my new Retirement/Travel Journal Page.    With warm regards ... Laura O.

Go to manatee gallery

Travels

Photos, notes, links and videos.

Laura Osteen - Nature Photographer

Important Notice!

After 10 years and much thought, I have decided to retire my lens cloth business. Retirement has thrown me a few curves and I had to refocus my energy, but will miss my business greatly. You may, still order prints by email request . Thank you to all of you who have supported my work and my business!


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Laura Osteen - Travel Journal

Travels 2003 - 2010

These are notes and photos from our first seven years of travel blogging. We met and worked with many wonderful, passionate people at heartfelt and dedicated organizations who are working hard to preserve our wildlife. We encourage you to support them. Some of their links are noted at the bottom of this page.     →  Go to Archive

Laura Osteen - Travel Journal

Travels 2016 - Present

Around the time of retirement in 2016, we sold our house in Huntington Beach and began traveling around the country in our lovely motorhome. We will be sharing journal notes and travel tips in the near future. Be sure to check back for updates and new content.     →  Go to Journal



Favorite Links


  • Homosassa Manatee Snorkeling Center
      Homosassa, Florida       website
    Report broken link
  • Save the Manatee Club
      Maitland, Florida       website
    Report broken link
  • Lubee Bat Conservancy
      Gainesville, Florida       website
    Report broken link
  • San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
      Irvine, California       website
    Report broken link

  • Cabillo Marine Aquarium
      San Pedro, California       website
    Report broken link
  • Ellie Schiller Wildlife State Park
      Homosassa Springs, Florida       website
    Report broken link
  • Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory
      various locations, Arizona       website
    Report broken link
  • Cascade Caverns
      Boerne, Texas       website
    Report broken link

  • Florida Natural History Museum
      Gainesville Florida       website
    Report broken link
  • Monterey Bay Whale Watch
      Monterey, California       website
    Report broken link
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
      Pacific Grove, California       website
    Report broken link
  • Paton Center for Hummingbirds
      Patagonia, Arizona       website
    Report broken link

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