Forty years ago, the Port Authority of New York laid plans to transform the Great Swamp into a N.Y. metropolitan airport. New Jersey residents, passionate about preserving this unique ecosystem, rescued it from becoming entombed in concrete. Because of their efforts generations to come can enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the swamp.

Naulty captures this beauty for others to enjoy, preserving it in time and bringing to light the many reasons why the Great Swamp was worth saving.

Naulty shoots in the warm and golden light of early morning while most of the world sleeps. For wildlife, activity begins prior to the sun rising and continues well past sunset. Never knowing what each morning will bring, and having to react to the events as they unfold, is what makes photographing the Swamp special for Naulty. On some days he does not shoot a single image; on others he is inundated with the activity of natural life.

Naulty has a degree in horticulture from Clemson University with a minor in botany and entomology. After spending 18 years in the magazine publishing business, he recently started his own landscape design/build firm, Fairfax Gardens. He now creates outdoor spaces and custom gardens to enhance people's homes and lives. Naulty's garden design work compliments and balances his passion for photography, both of which are creative outlets that use many of the same elements of composition and form to affect the viewer.

Naulty has lived in Gillette, N.J., for the past 18 years with his wife, Robin, and their two daughters. The Naulty house is one of the original properties of Long Hill Township and was built in 1732. Had the Port Authority been successful in transforming the Great Swamp into an airport, the Naulty's would have never called this historic house and beautiful area home.