Photo of a honey bee going to work on a flower. It was the first photo I uploaded and so far the only one I've submitted for a featured photo. Currently in the articles insect, bee and pollination.

John Severns edit

I'm a 27 year-old officer in the United States Air Force. As a public affairs officer, I have significant experience with researching, writing and editing articles and photography. Some of the photos I've uploaded were taken during my official duties -- most, however, are taken during my personal time with my own camera.

Camera edit

At work we use a variety of cameras, but on my own time I use a Nikon D50 with a variety of lenses. It's an excellent camera that I will gladly recommend to anyone looking for an entry-level DSLR.

Interests/areas of expertise edit

Although I'm qualified to speak on behalf of the USAF, under most circumstances it isn't appropriate for me to do so on Wikipedia. In some cases representatives of the US military have taken to actively editing and upkeeping articles about themselves on Wikipedia (see USSTRATCOM), but that isn't an official policy of the Department of Defense.

More personally, I have a strong background in botany, zoology, ecology and environmental issues. My secondary education includes a Bachelor of Philosophy in Environmental Science, and I worked for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency before joining the Air Force.

Photography edit

I have a strong interest in photography, and typically spend several hours a week out and about with my camera. I have access to several parks, preserves and forests here in Eastern Nebraska, so if there's some natural item or phenomena out here that you think needs a photo on Wikipedia, please leave me a note on my talk page.

Gallery edit

The following are photos of mine currently being used on Wikipedia. Out of ever 50 or so photos I take, usually 3 or 4 will have the necessary quality for inclusion in the project.

I have many other photos that are high enough quality to include, but that I have not yet found an appropriate location to upload.

 
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus fruits, mid-October. Taken at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, and used in the Symphoricarpos article. I'm using this one as my desktop image at the moment.
 
Ripe crab apple tree fruits. Currently used in the crab apple article.
 
A bowler about to release his ball toward the pins. Currently in the bowling and ten pin bowling articles.
 
Older students sit in the boys section of the Bamozai primary school near Gardez, Paktya Province, Afghanistan. The school has no building; classes are held outside in the shade of an orchard.
 
Girls sit in the girls section of the Bamozai primary school ner Gardez, Paktya Province, Afghanistan. The shcool has no building; classes are held outside in the shade of an orchard.
 
A white-marked tussock moth, currently in the same article.
 
Zebra grass. Currently in that article.

Dear John,

I could not find a link to email you - I hope you get this message If the videos are done by the time you get this - visit our various websites - the name of our youtube and blitv channels are ZaagkiiTV aka Zaagkii TV

I am using your bee photos in several internet videos about a non-profit student pollinator project - I included links to photos and what I intend to post - and want to make sure I have your name correct

We want to give your credit.

my email: earthkeeper@charter.net

my phone: 1-906-401-0109 (Michigan, USA)


This is what I will use in script - and your name on photo in wideo

A European honey bee collects nectar, while pollen collects on its body. A European honey bee (Apis mellifera) extracts nectar from an Aster flower using its proboscis. Tiny hairs covering the bee's body maintain a slight electrostatic charge, causing pollen from the flower's anthers to stick to the bee, allowing for pollination when the bee moves on to another flower.

Photo by John Severns (Wikipedia username Severnjc) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:European_honey_bee_extracts_nectar.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Severnjc ---

Sincerely, Greg Peterson aka yoopernewsman Negaunee, Michigan USA (Near Lake Superior)

The videos will be creative commons and uploaded on numerous sites on internet Videos I am making are about "Zaagkii Wings and Seeds Project" - here are some news stories and a website about project: --- Zaagkii Blog: http://zaagkiiproject.wordpress.com --- Indian Country Today newspaper: Part 1: Pollinator Preservation: http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/archive/28395844.html

Part 2: Sand Point restoration: http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/home/content/28284129.html --- Native Times Zaagkii pollinators newspaper story:

http://nativetimes.bizweb5.tulsaconnect.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=439&Itemid=0 --- News From Indian Country newspaper: http://indiancountrynews.net/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=5028 --- Earth Times - London: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/michigan-teens-native-american-youth,593342.shtml ---



Photos awaiting inclusion/notes to self: edit

None as of 15 Oct. Other photos are good but not encyclopedic.

Watched pages edit

Wikipedia:Featured picture candidates