Depth of Field

Capturing Natural Connection

Photographers who focus on nature have no other option than to fully immerse themselves. Whether it be fighting the current of a surf swell, wearing camouflage in the African plains, waking up at 3 a.m. to reach a summit before the sun rises, the list goes on. It’s the dedication to the craft that results in epic photography, cultivating a feeling of connectedness we can all relate to regardless of whether we have personally witnessed it. We had the chance to spend some time in the wilderness with a few photographers to ask about a time they felt a deep connection to nature. 

Ben Thouard

I’ve always been fascinated by storms and moody atmospheres in the ocean. I think it really expresses the power of nature. So on a routine morning shoot at Teahupo’o I was waiting for that storm to approach as predicted. So I kept shooting, eventually getting hit by the storm. It was a very intense moment in the ocean during which I felt very connected with the power of nature. I called this photo “ANIMAL.”

Dive in @benthouard

Britt Myers

The day I took this, a storm had just passed. A friend was staying with me at the ranch I was taking care of, and we couldn’t wait to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with the horses. This moment perfectly reflects how everything is connected. Since childhood, horses have been my bridge — not just to myself, but to the greater world. Their energy links me to the rhythm of nature, awakening both awareness and playfulness. They bring out my inner child, reminding me that when we open ourselves to it, nature always welcomes us with open arms.

Ride on @bigskybandits

Nadia Huggins

On December 27, 2020, the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent began to show signs of an effusive eruption. For the next few months, the volcano began to erupt effusively, creating a dome within the crater. Then, on April 9, 2021, the volcano erupted explosively. During this time I was fortunate to be positioned dangerously close to the volcano on a power boat with a group of friends. We all watched as the ash plume rapidly projected into the air. The scale of the plume and the sounds made during the eruption really made me reflect on my own fragility as a human being — particularly being on the ocean as this was happening. It was the first time I truly understood what it meant to be in awe. As the boat made its way back to a safer zone I took this image as an attempt to show the scale of this ash plume over the island.

Explore more @nadiahuggins

Krystle Wright

I worry about a world that's becoming more digitally connected as ultimately, I think we are in an age of disconnection. I took a recent trip down the Grand Canyon with a group of friends who were forced to disconnect for three weeks and I can assure you that it's the ultimate bliss. There are no distractions except to be rooted in nature and in each other's presence. It's funny how quickly I forget the urgency of emails, messages, breaking news, and instead spend long days on the river watching for glimpses of wildlife or watching the colors dance across the water surface. We could all do with a regular dose of nature to ground us in what matters most.

Discover more @krystlejwright

Natalie Karpushenko

The Bayan Ancient Tree in Bali is estimated to be over 700 years old. For the Balinese, this tree is sacred — it's considered a temple. Simply standing in its presence, you can feel its energy — its quiet wisdom, shaped by centuries of endurance through different eras and changes. It makes you want to pause, listen, and absorb the lessons it silently holds. When I brought 16 women from all different backgrounds and ages to this place for the shoot, I wanted them to feel that connection. Just like the roots of this ancient tree, we all have our own roots — our ancestry, our lineage. But beyond our individual histories, there is something greater that unites us.

This project was not just about nature; it was about the deep bond between women and the power of sisterhood. Women, like trees, grow stronger together, supporting one another through generations. I wanted this image to reflect that unity — the connection to our roots, to each other, and to the strength that comes from embracing both.

Dig in @nataliekarpushenko

James Lowe

Snorkeling in the kelp forest is one of the most peaceful experiences. I feel completely weightless in the water, moving with the rhythm of the surges and watching the light dance as beams break through the kelp canopy and touch down, exposing different parts of the colorful reef as the light moves. I lay still on the surface and begin to witness fish ignoring my presence and notice they too are just moving to the same rhythm of the ocean I am. This is when I feel most rooted in nature.

Jump in @james_kelptown

Feature image by Krystle Wright