Meet the Photographer

DeAnn Jaekel is a black bear photographer who lives with her husband in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where black bears roam freely through the land she calls home. As a registered nurse, her days are often filled with the fast pace and emotional demands of healthcare - but behind the lens, she finds peace, purpose, and connection in the quiet moments of nature.  What began as a simple outlet quickly became a passion for capturing the beauty, curiosity, and spirit of the Western North Carolina black bear in its natural environment. Through her photography, DeAnn invites others to slow down, breathe, and experience the wonder of wildlife- offering a glimpse into moments that are both powerful and deeply peaceful. 

DeAnn's passion for photography grew into a passion for writing children's books that blend true wildlife photography with meaningful storytelling. Through tiny cub characters like Blaze, Willow, and Scout, her books are designed to teach life lessons such as courage, kindness, curiosity, faith and resilience, helping children grow with confidence and emotional strength.