Nature Photography and I have lost a great friend.

[James Shadle]

On March 11th, Vanessa "Dr.Van" Hilliard passed away in her St.Petersburg, Fl home.
I'll miss her.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/article1159005.ece

[Daniel Cadieux]

Oh man, that is terrible news. I got the chance to meet her on your boat a couple of years ago and we shared many laughs and photography stories. My condolences to her family and friends...

[Sid Garige]

Sad news James.

I still remember her reaction when I told here I was asked to take a drug test for a new job. She had very low tolerance for stupidity. Very logical and never afraid to state her opinion. May her soul rest in peace.

-Sid

[Rocky Sharwell]

I was dumbfounded yesterday when I read the news online and saw the article. I first met Dr. Van when I was assisting Artie during a birding festival at Eckerd College when we took the group to Ft. DeSoto. She was enthusiastic and smiling the whole time....I always enjoyed meeting her when out and about photographing...

[Melissa Groo]

So sorry to hear it, James. I just looked at her galleries online--what an incredible photographer. And sounds like she had quite a spirit too.

[David Pugsley]

I just learned this morning of the passing of Van Hilliard. She passed away at her home in St. Petersburg, FL on March 11.

I shot a number of times with Van. She was a tremendous talent and a mentor to me. She was always willing to teach and I learned much from her in a short time. She will be greatly missed.

I'm unsure if Van was a member here on BPN, but I do know she was a participant.

Rest in peace my friend. I will think of you always when photographing at Ft DeSoto and especially when spending time with "Big Red".

http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/van-hilliard-wowed-people-with-athleticism-smarts-and-photography/1159005

[annmpacheco]

What a treasure we have lost. I looked at her galleries and thanked her... So sorry...

[Chris Martinez]

I didn't know Van but when I heard the news earlier today I was truly saddened. We had very briefly conversed online when I asked some questions about the 800mm she used to great effect. Van was so very helpful. I know that if we had met I would be feeling much worse than I do.

[Lana Hays]

Truly a great loss.

[Michael Pancier]

Sad indeed. I always ran into her while shooting at Fort de Soto. A sweet person and fine naturalist. She will be missed.

[Blake Shadle]

This still feels unreal. She was an incredible person, dynamic, and full of passion for her art. I'm very happy that I was able to count her as a friend. She encouraged and supported me and my photography. I'll miss seeing her smiling in that little red truck.

[Don Hamilton Jr.]

I just saw this, so sad to hear of this. i met her at Desoto, and she spent time showing, my dad, and i different techniques in the back where the water fountain is; an amazing lady, and talented ! She will be missed; my condolences to her family.
Don