A person standing in a swampy area with tall cypress trees in the background. The person is wearing a red jacket and gray pants, holding a walking stick, and wearing sunglasses and a hat.

Hi, I’m Colby DeGraaf.

I'm an artist, wildlife photographer, and lifelong admirer of Florida's remarkable wild places. For nearly twenty years, I've created oil paintings inspired by the natural world and the stories found within it. More recently, that artistic journey expanded into wildlife photography—a pursuit that has deepened both my appreciation for nature and the way I approach creating art.

What draws me outdoors isn't simply the chance to make photographs. It's the experience of slowing down, paying attention, and witnessing moments that most people never see. A heron standing motionless at sunrise. An alligator disappearing beneath the surface. Light breaking across an endless marsh. Those quiet encounters have become some of my greatest sources of inspiration.

Every photograph I create begins with respect—for the wildlife, the landscapes, and the privilege of experiencing them. Many of those photographs go on to become museum-quality prints, while others become the reference for original oil paintings that continue the story in a different medium.

Through Salty Chuck, my hope is to share Florida's extraordinary wildlife, encourage a deeper appreciation for its natural places, and support the conservation efforts that help protect them for generations to come.

Thank you for being here. I hope my work inspires you to slow down, explore a little farther, and discover the remarkable beauty waiting just beyond the trail.