Issue 7 – Winter 2024
Inside This Issue
Immerse yourself in our latest collection of inspiring articles and stunning imagery. From exclusive interviews and innovative techniques to captivating photo essays, this issue offers a wealth of content to enhance your nature photography skills and spark your creativity.
Inspiration & Individuality
by Benjamin Maze
Benjamin delves into the balance between influence and originality in photography. Reflecting on his creative journey, he explores how inspiration shapes individuality while cautioning against mimicry. This thoughtful piece encourages photographers to embrace influence as a tool for personal growth and artistic expression.
Featured Project: Along the Shore
by Susanna Euston
Susanna presents Along the Shore, a tranquil monochrome series capturing water reflections and evolving seasonal details. Critiqued by Caroline Fraser, the project is praised for its cohesive tone and dynamic abstracts, with suggestions for further exploration. Aiming for gallery exhibition, the work highlights the serene beauty of nature.
Admiration, Hope, Love
by Joe Cornish
Joe reflects on the roles of admiration, hope, and love in his art and life. Drawing from mentors, environmental awareness, and local landscapes, he emphasizes the power of photography to inspire action and connection, urging us to cherish and protect nature’s beauty.
Interview with David Ward
Reflections on Teaching, Creativity, and Perception
David discusses his shift from editorial photography to teaching workshops, the challenges of transitioning from film to digital, and his fascination with perception and intimate landscapes. He advocates for creating “question” photographs that inspire curiosity and invite interpretation, offering valuable insights on creativity and originality.
Go Your Own Way
by Eugene Theron
Eugene explores the dynamics of solo versus group photography. He highlights how personality, creative flow, and the experience of nature influence individual preferences for capturing meaningful images.
Passion for the Unexpected
by Luis Afonso
Luis emphasizes the joy of spontaneity and discovery in landscape photography. He shares how embracing the unpredictable fosters creativity and builds deeper connections with the natural world.
Book Review: Clyde Butcher – Lifeworks in Photography
A comprehensive monograph of Clyde Butcher’s career featuring his work in the Everglades and beyond. While some technical issues with older scans are noted, the book is a testament to his environmental impact and artistic legacy.
Print Your Legacy
by Michael E. Gordon
Michael provides a practical guide to self-publishing photo books. He discusses printing technologies, design considerations, and affordable alternatives to traditional publishing for creating meaningful monographs.
Originality & the Lure of the Intimate Landscape
by Mieke Boynton
Mieke reflects on moving beyond iconic grand vistas to embrace intimate landscapes. She advocates for an environmentally conscious approach to photography that fosters originality and personal connection.
Featured NPN Member: J. Fritz Rumpf
Fritz shares his journey as a global traveler and photographer. With insights on competitions, favorite subjects like the dunes of Death Valley, and how his artistic background shapes his images, he offers an inspiring perspective.
Tracking My Wild Self
by Murray Livingston
Murray chronicles his annual connection with South Africa’s Kruger National Park. He shares the profound lessons and transformative power of observing wildlife and embracing the unpredictability of nature.
Eurasian Otters on the Isle of Mull
by Paul Browning
Paul recounts his magical encounter with Eurasian otters on the Isle of Mull. Through photography and conservation, he highlights the importance of protecting these charismatic creatures and their fragile ecosystems.
Book Review: Bruce Barnbaum – Discoveries of a Lifetime
A collection of previously unseen photographs paired with Bruce Barnbaum’s reflective essays, offering a deep dive into his creative process and showcasing his magnum opus of a long-spanning career.
The Wild Atlantic Way
by Robert Thompson
Robert takes readers on a photographic journey along Ireland’s rugged Wild Atlantic Way. Through personal anecdotes, he captures the region’s dramatic coastal beauty and its challenges for landscape photographers.
Sanctuary of the Mind
by Govind Bhattacharjee
Govind explores the spiritual and emotional connection between humans and nature at the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. He reflects on its raw beauty and how it nurtures the human soul.
Planet Mars and Climate Change
by Rob Blanken
Rob humorously imagines a Martian origin story while using abstract photography to highlight the urgency of climate change. His project creatively combines storytelling and environmental advocacy.