Nature & Nurture

Unique perspectives on outdoor photography and the importance of preserving our environment

By Jim Clark

Labels: Camera Technique, How To

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Sandhill cranes congregate in sunrise fog near San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Nature photographers not only are major contributors to the profession of photography, but also to our growing understanding of the natural world. Many photographers have taken it upon themselves to lead through example and practice, spearheading conservation efforts and capturing the physical world in its pristine state. Others have chosen to inspire through their imagery and words, passing on the lessons that they have learned to future generations of photographers by teaching and writing. With luminaries such as Heather Angel, the late Peggy Bauer, Tui de Roy, Pat Leeson, Kathleen Norris Cook, Kathy Adams Clark and Connie Toops, to name just a few, there are extraordinary nature photographers who have become driving forces in the world of photography and conservation, and while they’re linked by a common gender, their imagery transcends to push the boundaries of modern nature photography while bringing much needed attention to a changing environment. A number of women are continuing this tradition today, and here they share some of their thoughts about nature, photography and protecting a changing world.

Wendy Shattil also composed this image of a young red fox, which helped to make her the first woman awarded the Grand Prize as BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Conservation Through Action
Wendy Shattil
For nearly 30 years, Wendy Shattil has explored, photographed and written about the natural history of the United States. Traveling with her partner Bob Rozinski, she has dedicated her life not only to showcasing the wonders of the natural world, but the threats facing it as well. Together they have produced 12 books and have had images appear in hundreds of publications. They’re internationally known for their pioneering work documenting the natural diversity of life found at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge located just outside Denver, Colo.

The crowning achievement in Shattil’s photographic career occurred when Sir David Attenborough presented her with the Grand Prize in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, the first woman so honored with this award. And while Shattil has always been a nature lover, she didn’t embrace photography until she took a course in scientific illustration at the University of Arizona. She finally had found the perfect avenue for connecting her love for nature with a purpose—to document nature and share it with others. Before long, she found herself as the photographer for an archaeological dig at Tel Gezer in the Middle East.

Shattil doesn’t hesitate to admit how difficult and challenging it is to be a “full-timer” in this profession. During the first six years of her photography partnership with Rozinski, it was a part-time venture. “Bob and I both had full-time jobs,” Shattil recalls. “Nevertheless, we spent an average of 40 hours each week on our photography. Every weekend and vacation we were in the field photographing, and every weeknight we kept busy submitting images and conducting lectures.”

Of course, Shattil’s favorite moments are when she’s surrounded by nature. “I feel I’m a part of nature and not simply an observer,” says Shattil.

Whether it’s spending four hours sitting on a rock in the high-alpine tundra photographing a pika or spending 22 hours in a tiny plywood blind photographing bald eagles along the Rio Grande, these are the experiences that make it all worthwhile for this conservation-minded and well-focused trailblazer.

To see more of Wendy Shattil’s photography, visit www.dancingpelican.com.

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20 Comments

cecilee hamilton makes this comment

Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Hi.Im Cecilee Hamilton.Im the age of 17 and still in highschool and well i must say im pretty new at this whole photography but it has really just caught my.And i just love the nature so photography nature is something i would love to.I just need kind like a guid line to get me started really.I was wonderingdo you got any tips..?
Harith makes this comment

Wednesday, 23 December 2009

I Love Nature
Robert Rhoades makes this comment

Thursday, 24 December 2009

Besides being any excellent photographer, Lynda is a superb instructor.
Crystal makes this comment

Tuesday, 29 December 2009

I am also still in high school and have recently gotten into photography. I love nature, particularily animals. Any tips/links would be much appreciated!
D.K. Simon makes this comment

Wednesday, 30 December 2009

Wendy Shattil and Bob Rozinski are incredible photographers--and conservationists. I hope, one day, to take a photo trip with them---meantime, their website is a joy to view for a glimpse of their latest photos. They're true 'in the trenches' and very hard working photographers, and their talent and patience, which almost seems like a sixth sense, is reflected in their work. THANK you for this story!
George Kosana makes this comment

Wednesday, 06 January 2010

How often does NANPA conduct seminars in the eastern United States? How much do they cost? What is their e-mail address? Please reply.
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Thanks for your share this with us, I like this very much, I had read over this article.
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Thursday, 07 January 2010

Thank very much.
Dave Willis makes this comment

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

@ Crystal and @ Cecilee - There are plenty of amazing tips/tutorials/articles on taking great nature images from a variety of professional photographers in our "How To" section: http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/how-to.html
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Scott J makes this comment

Sunday, 24 January 2010

Interesting article, but the title is somewhat misleading. The piece seems more a photographer-profile than a real discussion of how photographers can aid (and perhaps hinder) conservation. How about rewriting this article with a more in depth analysis of direct ways we can all help protect nature with our photography. Additionally, some words of caution should be provided about the direct impacts our actions as photographers have on our subjects. For example, visiting an osprey nest at flegding time (Lynda Richardson photo), even to place a remotely-tripped camera, has the potential to significantly impact the success of that nest. Simply showing such a stunning photo in an article without discussing methods of reducing disturbance associated with getting that shot is quite frankly irresponsible. Any intrusion into the reproductive efforts of wildlife must not be taken lightly.
Eric B makes this comment

Thursday, 28 January 2010

Sandra Samojeden's image of the crab shooting water grabbed my attention. Stunning image. I had the privilege to met her and see many of her works, including some of those fantastic barn owl images she mentioned. Not only a gifted photographer, but a delightful person.
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Friday, 29 January 2010

Sandra Samojeden She is a wonderful photographer and a person who will make a difference in the protection of the barn owl in Illinois. I have seen her pictures of the barn owl, short=eared owl, eagles, and more. She is dedicated to the cause of raising the awareness and protecting our environment. More people should step up to the plate-pictures, education of students/adults, and standing up for what they believe in. Way to go Sanrda! THanks.
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