Emma J ShipleyMuch of our inspiration comes from the beautiful patterns in the nature around us and the incredible creatures we're so fortunate to share this world with. We're not alone in our admiration for wildlife, as beautifully evidenced by many artists and designers throughout history.
In honour of Nature Photography Day, we wanted to celebrate some of our favourite women in the field, capturing the stillness and awe-inspiring moments in contemporary nature photography.
"This place holds a special kind of magic that cannot be explained in words alone"
Park ranger Crystal Brindle seeks to capture the beauty in protected landscapes like 'Aoraki Splendor', taken in New Zealand.
"As a photographer, I seek to capture challenging adventure-driven pursuits in the mountains as a way of connecting the human spirit with protected landscapes: mainly national parks and other conservation land. I want my photos to contribute to a body of proof that protected landscapes have a place in the human experience solely for their intrinsic worth. Although my work is varied and includes elements of the wide spectrum of nature photography, it is defined by a focus on mountain landscapes in the South Island of New Zealand. The values of this land are endless. I have fallen in love with dramatic mountain passes, snow-capped peaks, towering glaciers, and mystical sea cliffs. This place holds a special kind of magic that cannot be explained in words alone".
"Exposing young children to nature is critical in wildlife conservation"
Like many of us, Suzi Eszterhas feels strongly about conserving our natural world for the next generation.
"My passion is photographing baby animals in the wild, and connecting children to this imagery. I work with children's magazines, write children's books, and recently launched a new online print shop for nursery prints. I believe that exposing young children to nature is critical in wildlife conservation and preserving this beautiful planet we call home. Kids today are so disconnected with nature, and bringing wild animals into their nurseries and playrooms can help us bridge this gap".
"I am drawn to photos that tell a story about a moment in a creature's life"
Driven by a passion for creatures in their natural habitat, Melissa Groo is a writer, photographer and conservationist, sharing wildlife stories through her work.
"My photography is my love for wild animals made visible. I have great compassion and empathy for wildlife, and I strive to capture their remarkable beauty and diversity along with what I see as their souls. I consider myself a wildlife biographer as much as a wildlife photographer, as I am drawn to photos that tell a story about a moment in a creature's life".
"I began to use my images in my work as a conservation communicator"
Exploring the tropical wilderness of Madagascar, Louise Jasper helps to bring attention to the conservation for these incredible creatures and their island home.
"My passion for photography began when I moved to the huge tropical island of Madagascar. Everything around me was new and strange and, at first, I used photography to help make sense of it all. Then I began to use my images in my work as a conservation communicator, creating educational materials and books and using social media to raise awareness about Madagascar's unique and increasingly threatened wildlife".
"I remain captivated by images of wildlife that evoke a powerful response"
Expressing emotion, compassion and conveying her feelings in those moments with wildlife, Susan McConnell shoots to capture authentic feelings in pictures.
"...I remain captivated by images of wildlife that evoke a powerful response, from delight and wonder to horrified fascination. I'm moved by the quirky grace of courting birds, a mother elephant's fearless protectiveness, the razor-edged focus of predators and the desperate burst of the hunted in flight. Maybe I'm too sentimental to be hard nosed about pictures - but more likely, my reactions embody the power of images. Above all, good photographs make us feel".
"I began actively seeking beauty wherever I could find it and creating it where I couldn't find it"
Canadian explorer Tracy Munson captures the bond we have with our beloved pets as well as the stunning wilderness of her home country.
"I see a lot of the ugly side of the world at my day job in an animal shelter. A few years ago, I began actively seeking beauty wherever I could find it and creating it where I couldn't find it. My passion for nature photography has really saved my sanity and helped me find balance in my life. Fortunately, I live in Canada, so inspiration is never very hard to find and my partner and I spend as much time as possible traveling around the country, camping with our two chihuahuas".
