Indisputably, and quite obviously, they are my favorite subjects to photograph. Every image is a result of close observation and a desire to learn what makes each species and individual unique. As a result I can only hope that you see that personality is not necessarily a trait unique to humans alone.

To learn about plants is to put our Animalian lives in perspective. Hope Lehren wrote in her book Lab Girl: “No risk is more terrifying than that taken by the first root. […] Once the root is first extended, the plant will never again enjoy any hope (however feeble) of relocating to a place less cold, less dry, less dangerous.”

Through this lens of understanding, every inch of leaf, stem or flower is then a testament of strength over adversity, and also a reflection of the fragility of life.

I grew up rather shy and reserved in rural Pennsylvania. Moving to New York City as a teenager forced me to come out of my shell. Those introverted tendencies were actually a benefit to my craft - they directly correlate with my observational skills. My initial comfort zone was to observe from a distance and focus on sense of place. Through the creative community in this city and subsequent freelance work, I’ve used my camera as a vehicle to move closer and connect with others.

My camera is often my impetus to walk around and explore my surroundings. The pace of a city can lend itself to an experiential blur, but photography helps me to slow down and observe details, corners and alleyways I might otherwise overlook. These are snapshots from some cities I’ve visited and loved, as well as from the city I call home.

Though I’m a city dweller I find myself continually drawn to these expansive landscapes. The textures, sounds and scents of the outdoors are invigorating and inspire me to observe and create. The longer I live in a city, the more I recognize how much I need the outdoors to truly thrive.

How much of the world is truly wild? Recent studies have shown that only about 20% of the planet’s land area remains as wilderness, and those areas are dwindling. I struggle with reconciling my love of nature with my desire to live in a city. This is an exploration of how the environment shapes us, and how we shape the environment.