Shot by award-winning photographer Alan Maltz, “Wings of Majesty is a testament to the artist’s remarkable talent and tenacity.
It was 4 am on March 3, 2016, when Maltz journeyed deep into the Everglades National Park in search of the elusive Roseate Spoonbill. Maltz’s remarkable photographic safari led him to a remote location accessible only by water and untouched by time. His 2.5-hour journey into the wild wasn’t an easy one. Despite wearing layers of protective clothing, he and his guide were eaten alive by swarms of bloodthirsty flies. But he would not be deterred. The subject matter was far too compelling to turn back.
As Maltz recalls: “Drifting between dream and daylight, the Roseate Spoonbill dances through Florida’s wetlands with quiet elegance — part spirit, part explorer. With wings infused by nature’s palette and movements shaped by instinct and grace, this iconic bird embodies both resilience and romance. Once hunted nearly to extinction for its ornamental plumage, the species has quietly returned to the wilds — a living symbol of nature’s enduring beauty and its power to renew. The story of this bird is one of survival and serenity — a visual reminder that even the most delicate of creatures can leave a profound and lasting impression on the land they call home.”
Maltz discovered the first Spoonbill perched peacefully on a gnarled branch in the mangroves. Set against the pre-dawn sky, it was a gifted image born of determination and destiny. That first shot and Maltz’s journey into the Everglades exceeded his expectations. He was fortunate enough to come away with this exciting collection of Roseate Spoonbills. The series is now part of Maltz’s ever-expanding collection of Florida images that span over 40 years.
As Florida’s Official Wildlife and Fine Art Photographer, Alan Maltz’s stunning work envelops you in his visionary magic and often effuses deep emotion. Whether capturing the allure of nature or the subtleties of everyday life, this self-taught prodigy never uses shortcuts to achieve virtuosity. Instead, he simply follows the light, using his camera as both “brush and palette.” The elusive nature of the light inspires him to create imagery that is both immediate and eternal, abstract and impressionistic. The result is a work of art with the same visual impact as a fine oil painting.
You can see more of this work at the Alan S Maltz Gallery, 1210 Duval Street. Info: 305-294-0005; alanmaltz.com.
