 EXPANDing "nature Photographer"Because I am woman who enjoys photographing solo, I often struggle with calling myself a nature photographer. Over the years, I've grappled comparing myself with the image I have of nature photographers who go out into wild locations in extreme conditions. With my circumstances and desire to use nature photography to restore my body and mind, I had to accept that I need to keep my practice simple and safe. Here are a few things I do to keep myself comfortable out in nature, even if not typical practices for many nature photographers. I travel light and keep my practice simple.
I keep daylight hours.
I center myself and my relationship with nature.
I honor my comfort-zone.
Staying close to home this winter provided me a bit of comfort and connection with the natural world during a season short on daylight hours. At first, I struggled with the idea that what I was practicing was nature photography, but overtime I realized that there are many ways to connect with nature and many ways to serve as nature photographer.
Not all of us have the same relationship with the outdoors. That doesn't make those of us who take fewer risks are less worthy storytellers or nature lovers. Let's not be afraid to share, witness, and embrace the unconventional stories. Instead, let's allow and celebrate complexity within nature photography and the locations where we feel a connection. When have you expanded your definition of traditional labels?
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