By Julia Sims

Hunters traverse the wilderness searching for trophies to place on their walls. Julia Sims also scours the wilderness for "wall hangers," but hers rest between frames.

Called the "Swamp Lady," she earned her moniker through her devotion to nature photography that captures the vast Manchac Swamp surrounding Lake Maurepas between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Sims grew up in Baton Rouge, not far from the swamp she loves so much. Ironically, her family members were not ardent sportsmen. Not particularly a tomboy, she craved adventure nevertheless.

Julia Sims is one of America's premier nature photographers, her work having been featured in virtually every nature magazine, including "National Geographic," "National Wildlife," "Nature Conservancy," "Sierra," Birder's World," and "Ducks Unlimited."

Sims spends most of her time photographing the Louisiana wetlands she loves so much, giving numerous lectures on coastal erosion, and serving on the Louisiana State Pardon Board. In addition to her well-received book, Manchac Swamp: Louisiana's Undiscovered Wilderness, Ms. Sims is hard at work on two new books, one of which is a collaborative effort with Chef John Folse. Her stunning nature photography can be seen at Gateway Gallery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.