Ray Pfortner will present an eagerly anticipated program for the Vashon Bird Alliance (VBA) on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust Building.

If you would like to purchase/donate to acquire Ray’s beautiful art cards or the hot-off-the-press VBA 2026 calendar, featuring nineteen island photographers, please arrive early.

Although Pfortner is a very accomplished artist, teacher and editor, on Vashon he is perhaps best known for documenting the beauty and magic of our natural world.

He has inspired and nourished generations of young photographers, and teaches classes ranging from middle school-aged to university students and beyond.

“When my wife and I moved to Vashon from NYC in 1994, I began to explore my new home through the viewfinder of my camera. I have never stopped. Nothing makes me happier than capturing a fleeting memory, a story I want to tell, a sunrise, a rainbow, a sand dollar, a fireworks show, a comet, an aurora, a full moon, a view — except sharing the memory and the story with others,” Pfortner said.

Pfortner is inspired by the work of early island photographers Oliver Van Olinda and Norman Edson, and intends to weave some of their historical images into his talk on the evening of Dec. 9.

Pfortner’s body of work is impressive and wide-ranging. He experiments with light and shadow, abstract and concrete images, and brilliantly evokes mood in his work.

Ever the gentle and kind educator, he also welcomes questions about his work or your own photography. This evening is sure to be one to remember, and to cherish. All are welcome.

Laura Bienen currently serves on the Board of the Vashon Bird Alliance.