Episode 3: Clyde Butcher (Part 1)

In this episode of Icons of Naples, Kristen sits down with the legendary Clyde Butcher, a man who has shifted the world’s perspective on the Florida landscape through his monumental black-and-white photography. Originally from California, Clyde shares his journey from living on a sailboat in Newport Beach to discovering the "spiritual cathedral" of the Florida swamp.

More than just a photographer, Clyde is a dedicated storyteller and conservationist. He recounts the pivotal week in the early 80s when he "found Florida" through a chance stop at a roadside attraction and an introduction to the deep wilderness of Big Cypress. Clyde discusses his transition from color to black-and-white photography and his evolution into one of the most passionate guardians of the Everglades ecosystem.

In this episode, Kristen and Clyde discuss:

00:00 Clyde Butcher
05:59 The Shift to Black & White
11:03 Becoming a Conservationist
27:30 Founding the Big Cypress Gallery
37:43 The First Swamp Walk

“Florida is a living, organic environment... you find a big old cypress tree and hug it for about half an hour, you can feel the energy in that tree.” — Clyde Butcher.

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Special Thanks:
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