BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF NATURE

I wish I could say that I took nature pictures. People say that’s what I do for a living, but I disagree. What I see and what I experience when I am walking through nature is different to what I can shoot on my camera. I take photographs of the scenes in front of me, but I never seem to be able to capture the essence of the view. And perhaps that’s a good thing. It leaves me wanting more. It leaves me craving for the experience of being back in nature with my camera, because I know that however much beauty finds its way into the image that I see on the computer, or in a frame on my wall, it’s still only a fraction of the awe I feel in my heart when I am standing at that location, viewing the magnificence of the scene before me. 

I am one of the fortunate ones. My career as a nature photographer is also my passion, so it doesn’t feel like work to me. It seems as though I am constantly on vacation in the most beautiful landscapes. Even though there are constant challenges, I make sure I take notice of my surroundings and I always have deep awareness of the joy it brings me.

The Joy of Being in Nature

Hiking through national parks is one of life’s great pleasures, and even though I often walk along the same paths, the scenery around me is always changing and I discover something new every time. The weather has a lot to do with these changes of course. A peaceful morning filled with sunshine is going to have a different atmosphere to an afternoon with storm clouds brewing on the horizon. I’ll take the sunshine when I can get it, but I don’t grizzle about the fog and rain because it also adds a little something to the story that I’m attempting to photograph. The glow of the rising sun warms my skin and my heart, but cool rain is refreshing. And what about snow? The serenity of snowfall is spellbinding. Deep layers of snow across the land, trees draped in white, and sunshine creating diamond-sparkles on ice water…these offer the deep peace of solitude.

Snow changes the terrain. It covers and camouflages familiar trails. Sometimes I fear becoming lost. Sometimes I welcome this possibility. Fog and mist also do their best to hide and disguise landmarks. I get excited about this because I love the soft, ethereal, dreamlike feeling it adds to images. And when the sun shines through the mist creating rays of light that radiate towards me, it’s as if God is reaching towards me with divine grace. Not many people think of venturing into the wild during winter. I understand; it’s cold and sometimes uncomfortable out there. But the rewards are great for those who are willing to make the effort.

In stark, winter landscapes there is simplicity. It’s perfect for my style of nature photography because the blanket of snow covers any distracting elements and creates a smooth foreground to contrast against dramatic skies and rugged mountains. Could there be anything better? 

Each of the seasons have their own personality and beauty. Winter lends itself to images that I find peaceful, but colorful photos have a dynamic element that is equally appealing. Spring, summer, and fall also bring joy and vibrancy into my life. Each season reflects variations of my inner self. I often settle into a state of thankfulness and contemplation as I gaze at the beauty around me. 

In the wild, no-one is judging me. I feel I am truly at one with the natural world. I feel I have as much right to be in that place and time as the fish that swim in the crystal clear waters of the stream flowing past my feet. Whoever claims that it’s too quiet in nature has never really stopped and listened to the music of the landscape. The swish of the trees, the hum of the bees, and the sounds of the birds calling to their mates across the valley are endless conversations that are joyful to my ears. 

Why I Love Taking Photos of Nature

Walking through the wilderness fills me with wonder, but nothing compares to the enjoyment of photographing landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife. I imagine that seeking a scene to photograph must be similar to being a novelist who sits in front of a blank page as they wait for inspiration to strike. Being patient is the hallmark of a good nature photographer. I spend a lot of time looking at a scene and pondering how I can do justice to what I see before me. When the idea comes, or when the clouds part and illuminate the vista with just the right amount of light, there’s a rush of excitement that can’t be described. But situations of serendipity are few and far between. 

When I come across a viewpoint that looks promising for nature photography, I stop and contemplate how the image could be composed to bring emotion into the scene. Sometimes it’s a matter of waiting for the wind to become calm. Sometimes I wait for fluffy clouds to appear. Sometimes I wait for them to disappear. Sometimes I wait for a rainbow. I do a lot of waiting! But that’s fine because that gives me time to enjoy my surroundings as they are, while pausing for all the elements to come together for the perfect nature picture. As I’m standing in that setting, there’s one factor that takes precedence over all the rest. I’m waiting for the right light. It’s always about the light. My notebook is filled with entries describing the location of spectacular scenery alongside words such as, ‘I must come back at dawn.’ or, ‘This area will be perfect in the subdued light of winter.’ 

Even if I spend a whole day trekking through nature without capturing a winning shot, it’s never a waste of time. Being in nature is a soothing experience and I am always thankful for the opportunity to explore and immerse myself in new environments. As I walk I practice a form of mindfulness meditation where I am at one with my surroundings. I move through it, not past it. I look at where I am going, but I’m also looking at what is around me in the present. It’s a delicate balance of looking for things to photograph, while enjoying being in the moment. 

This is how I manage to photograph so many animals in their own environment. By moving slowly through the countryside I sometimes spot them before they see me. I certainly prefer to make sure the animals I’m photographing are unaware of my presence, so they carry on with their lives as normal, allowing me to photograph them with natural expressions on their faces. Being amongst wildlife in their territory is a powerful experience. It’s exciting to witness them as they hunt, forage, play, and relax.

Having Nature Photos in Your Home

Do you want a window into my world as a nature photographer? You can do that by purchasing one of my framed wall art prints. My nature photos take you to stunning locations around the world. As well as brightening your home you’ll feel inspired and uplifted as you gaze at meandering rivers, flowing waterfalls, or colorful coastlines. You will gain the same sense of reverence that I experience when looking into the eyes of buffalo, bears, and bobcats. If you don’t have the option of traveling into the wilderness to view these magnificent creatures with your own eyes, my nature photos can transport you there instead. While viewing the image you can daydream that you were there. 

Having fine art photographs in your home can also be your way of showing that you care about Mother Nature, her creatures, and their conservation. Nature pictures are relaxing, soothing, and healing; they celebrate the diversity of the natural world. Framed wall art is a form of visual poetry that you can lose yourself in again and again.

Conclusion

My role as a photographer is not just to snap images of scenery and wildlife for magazines and websites. I do it because I care for nature and our precious wildlife. It documents their existence, but I mainly do it to share the beauty of each landscape, seascape, and animal with you. 

I travel far and wide to experience life’s wonders for myself, and to create nature pictures that bring joy to people’s hearts. I consider myself to be the luckiest man alive. I get to see all the facets of nature’s beauty as it changes from season to season. From the depths of winter’s peaceful slumber to the emergence of spring’s awakening of buds and blossoms. I see the canopy of blue skies and hedgerows full of ripened blackberries waiting to be tasted during the heat of summer. And as the light slowly fades into fall, I get to see the trees transforming into a kaleidoscope of colors. I don’t take it for granted. I appreciate this gift from spirit that constantly fills me with compassion and love for the earth and its bountiful blessings. Nature photography is my calling and I will keep doing it until I finally capture the essence of nature itself. That may never happen, but that’s OK with me. It’s the journey that matters, not the destination. And it’s a joyful journey!

~With Love And Gratitude,

Robbie