John Peltier

"I’m an Air Force combat veteran and pilot by trade. Towards the end of my career, I realized that I needed a different pace in my life, so I bought a 27-foot sailboat and sailed from North Carolina to the Caribbean. It was a life-changing adventure, one that I still continue on a part-time basis. Somewhere along the way, I started volunteering more of my time to help people and causes I believe in, and it feels great. I’m an accredited associate at Photographers Without Borders, have worked with a handful of environmental conservation groups, and volunteer on two search and rescue teams when I’m home. I call Lake Tahoe home and enjoy all of the year-round activities offered in this mountain paradise. These include backpacking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, sailing, and kayaking. I realize how powerful photography can be and my goal is to use it as a tool to help people. That could be to motivate them to get outdoors more for the health benefits; to help preserve land for that purpose; or to assist with non-profits and NGOs in their missions to bring a better life to others. I am a self-sufficient traveler, often embarking on journeys with just a small backpack and a shoulder bag. I embrace learning new cultures, traditions, and languages. My experiences in Air Force survival training, with two alpine search and rescue teams, and as a current wilderness first responder mean I’m ready for any challenge."