Since 2002, Dennis has lent his expertise as a naturalist and photographer to Adventure Canada, traversing regions such as the Arctic, Newfoundland, Labrador, Antarctica, New Zealand, the Galápagos, and Scotland. In 2022, he began serving as a host on some expeditions, and, in 2023 Adventure Canada asked him to escalate his involvement by assuming the position of Senior Advisor within the permanent staff of Adventure Canada. In this capacity, Dennis writes content for publishing, helps train staff, manages the photography program, and serves as a brand ambassador.
Photography and the natural world are the cornerstones of Dennis's passions—a symbiotic relationship that sees him capturing nature's essence to foster a deeper appreciation for it among his audience. "I think that good photography should communicate through the eye to the heart and bring new awareness and respect for our amazing world.”
Besides making photographic images himself, Dennis loves to nurture the photographic interest of others and help them improve their photo skills. Aboard the ship, he teaches photography fundamentals, especially composition, and encourages guests to see more creatively so they can capture images that will have lasting emotional appeal.
With a foundation in wildlife biology, Dennis embarked on his early career path by setting up and running Salmonier Nature Park, an environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation centre in Newfoundland and Labrador. His journey also included nearly three decades dedicated to broader environmental education, both locally in Newfoundland and Labrador, and abroad in Africa, the Seychelles, and the Caribbean. His ventures have also included dairy farming (in his father's footsteps) and polar bear guiding in Churchill, Manitoba. In 2016, he was inducted into The Royal Canadian Geographical Society's College of Fellows.
Dennis has authored or co-authored ten books, encompassing educational and photographic themes. His most recent book, titled Slow Photography, Images with Intention, was released in 2020.
Dennis calls Clarke’s Beach, Newfoundland home, where he lives with his wife, Antje Springmann, their three dogs, and an aged cat of eighteen years. A family man at heart, Dennis takes immense pride in his three children and seven grandchildren. Both Antje and his daughter, Sarah Minty, also work with Adventure Canada.