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Oklahoma photographer and former Altus resident, Rob Goddard is surrounded by many of his favorite photos as he selects the originals that will be on exhibit at the Altus Public Library. The Southern Prairie Library System and the Shortgrass Arts and Humanities Council are hosting the exhibition and reception for Rob on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Altus Public Library, 421 N. Hudson.

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Robert (Rob) Goddard has turned his photography hobby into a passion. In the course of his life, he has always been an active observer of nature and photographed it in all its beauty.

Rob was raised in an Air Force family and lived in most areas of the United States. He loved the outdoors and spent all his free time on the beaches. He was an avid surfer in Hawaii and Delaware; and in 1969, he won the Delaware State Surfing Championship.

In 1970, his Dad was transferred to Altus Air Force Base and Rob thought the world as he knew it had ended. Fortunately, that thought was short-lived. Rob made friends fast and met his future wife, Gloria Barnes, on the first day of his junior year at Altus High School.

Rob joined the Air Force at the age of 19 and his first encounter with a 35mm SLR camera was on a flight line in Guam. One of the airmen demonstrated his new camera and Rob was hooked. The next morning he was at the Base Exchange buying his own camera, and his passion was unleashed.

After returning state-side to Sacramento, California, he photographed everything in sight. It didn’t take long for him to realize that nature shots were his passion. While living in California he won first place in the only two photo contests he entered.

The Goddard family returned to Altus after the Vietnam War ended and their military duty was over. In 1987 they moved to Elk City to pursue a career in the Oil and Gas industry. Rob established a successful mud logging company, RG Well Logging and RG Properties, which he operates to this day.

Rob’s work features nature at its finest and includes scenes of the flora and fauna of this area as depicted through his keen eye as a photographer and the extraordinary effects of the lenses he uses.

Everyone is invited to a reception at the Altus Public Library on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet Rob and view his exceptional work which will be available for purchase. The reception is free and refreshments will be served.