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 capturing on film 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 has become one of the premier photographers of Louisiana wildlife. Her work has been featured in virtually every nature magazine, including "National Geographic," National Wildlife," "Nature Conservancy," Sierra," Birder's World," and "Ducks Unlimited."

Now living in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, famous as both "Strawberry Capital of the World" and "America's Antique City" and located about fifty miles north of New Orleans, Sims divides her time between photographing her beloved swamp, giving lectures, and public speaking.