Charlie Seifried is shown with the digital camera he uses to capture one-of-a-kind images around the world. | Clif Knight

Charles Seifried of Decatur, who specializes in large format, Panasonic all-digital photography from around the world, is the Artist of the Month at Hartselle Fine Art Center.

His photographs will remain on display through October and may be viewed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Art enthusiasts had the opportunity to meet the photographer and purchase prints during a reception at the art center from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Two of the viewers were Marianne Hall and Alex Harville of Danville.

“Seifried’s exhibit reflects his extensive travels worldwide and his ability to capture the beauty of his subjects,” Hall said. “He has a special talent to capture with his camera what most people don’t see.”

“His wildlife photos are one of a kind,” added Harville. “They leave the impression that great technique was used to capture them in their natural habitat.”

Seifried said his 38-year photography career is the fulfillment of a boyhood dream.

“My dad purchased a 33mm camera for me when I was a young kid,” he recalled. “I started shooting pictures with it and I’ve never looked back.”

Seifried has done work in 49 of the 50 states as well as in Italy, Australia, Ireland and China. As a commercial photographer, he has worked for international companies like BP and the Marshall Space Flight Center. His photos have been published in The New York Times, USA Today and he was commissioned to photograph famous personalities such as Dan Quayle, Bob Dole, John Glenn, and Barbara Bush.

But shooting photos in Alabama has held a special interest for the New York City native. His photos comprise six books of the photos he has shot in the state. To get up close and personal with his wildlife subjects, he enjoys paddling around in rivers, creeks, coves and backwaters hunting for special photo opportunities.

Seifried operates Seifried Photography out of his home. His work can also be seen online at seifriedphoto.com.