After nearly 15 years as a locomotive engineer Steve changed careers in 1985 to pursue a career as a professional photographer. He accepted a position as tourism photographer for the WV Dept of Commerce in December 1985. For nearly 30 years Steve photographed the scenic beauty, wildlife, tourist attractions, outdoor recreation and businesses in WV. Steve has been the owner of Steve Shaluta Photography since 1978 and has pursued a freelance photography career separate from his WV Tourism job for 40 years. From both careers Steve has over 350 cover images, and thousands of images published in magazines, newspapers, brochures, billboards, books etc. He is the author or co-author of 12 books including two 11x14 full color coffee table books about WV. Steve retired in January of 2015 and moved to Leesburg, Florida in 2018. He now pursues wildlife and bird photography exclusively. www.steveshaluta.com