During a recent spurt of networking, I had the most honourable pleasure of being introduced to Deborah, the woman behind the lens at Force of Nature Photography. I would like to think I have some pretty good nature shots myself, and have been to some really amazing places to do photography shoots (New Zealand definitely comes to mind here), but Deborah’s images blow me away. There is this surreal, stunning quality that makes you almost stop and blink, saying to yourself – is that real? Isn’t that the funny thing about nature; sometimes it is so incredible, our brain’s first reaction is to dismiss it as a figment of the imagination.
I had to find out more about what Deb’s secrets are behind producing such amazing work. Read on.
“Force of Nature” sounds quite powerful. What got you into nature photography in the first place?
Thank you. I liked the name of the business as it sums up what nature is all about. Its so much more powerful than us mere humans.
I’ve always loved nature, walking in the countryside has been a passion since I was young. Photography sort of just went hand in hand. I longed to capture what I saw so that I could look at it longingly back in the city!
You sure do have some amazing photographs. But that single image only captures a moment in time – can you tell us about an experience you’ve had in a place where you just ‘had to be there’ to experience it?
Once when I was in the Highlands of Scotland I rose at 3.30 to be in time for an early sunrise over Duncansby Stacks (near John O’groats). Its a long story but basically I nearly fell down the 100 foot cliffs whilst taking some pictures near the edge! I managed to hold on and later, when I’d composed my nerves, got some nice shots which I will always look at and thank God I’m still alive. My husband jokes that my pictures might have been worth a lot more if I didn’t have strong arms!! Hmmmm…..
How do you find your photo shoot settings?
I travel around a lot looking for the right places in my spare time and always take my gear with me just in case. Wherever I go I’m always on the lookout for an interesting landscape, or building, or oddity ( I recommend always looking up in cities- it’s amazing what you miss out on if you don’t). I’ve always travelled with work, and my family and friends are dotted all over the UK so I’ve been fortunate enough to see lots of places which help me to plan in advance where to go for a full photo shoot.
What’s your favourite photo and why?
Tranquillity. I love the depth of the image and the serenity- it makes me feel calm when I look at it. Its also one of the few photos of mine that wasn’t planned in advance. I had been on the banks of Ullswater in The Lakes the previous dawn and had somehow dropped my hotshoe spirit level. I’d gone back the next day to see if I could find it and happened upon this lovely scene. I didn’t find the device but was rewarded with this picture instead. Quite a good trade off!
Where would you like to travel to do some future work?
There are several places- the mountains in New Zealand’s south island, which I believe are quite similar to Scotland (my favourite country), the Arizona desert to see Antelope Canyon and capture star trails and Huaraz in Peru, which is in the heart of the mountains to photograph the people and the culture (as well as the amazing scenery of course).
Deborah has been making pictures for many years and turned professional in January 2007 and hasn’t looked back since. She launched her website the following September and held two successful exhibitions in 2009. She continues to shoot her favourite passion -landscapes, and has also branched out into commercial photograph. Clients include; Bacardi Martini, Greenall’s Gin, The Purveyor and Puma -having recently photographed Flintoff and Vidic.
Thanks Deborah. I totally agree with you on the ‘look up’ point – very good way to get a new perspective on a place.
Just to elaborate on the bit there about New Zealand – it truly is one of, if not THE, world’s most photogenic country. One of my favourites is Mirror Lake near Fox Village. Quite a story that one is, I’ll blog about it later. Otherwise a great way to get good shots in NZ is to hike one of the walking routes that criss-cross the country – loads of them especially on the South Island. These paths take you wandering into the heart of “God’s country” (as my grandmum would say) and you can find some really special, really amazing places.
What do you think of Deborah’s photos? Have you been somewhere that you’ve felt the force of nature? Weight in down in the comments.
Images Copyright Force of Nature Photography
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