Women's Connection to Nature: A Photographic Exploration

Using black & white (35mm) film photography with a double-exposure technique.

Separation from ourselves

The lifestyle most of us lead is heavily driven by devices; we use them for work, relaxation, distraction, and to seek connections. But all this device time leaves me craving nature, quietness, and a connection to something greater than myself. As a woman, I feel we often hold space for others, rarely allowing much for our own needs.

Grounding in Nature

I know that the most direct way for me to feel grounded is to sit in nature, feel the earth under my feet, watch the trees dance above me, observe the clouds moving through the sky, and listen to the birds chattering or a bee buzzing past. These simple cues bring us back to the moment; they make us feel small in comparison to the greater world, and life's problems seem quieter.

The Project Concept

I want to explore the concept of women's deep connection to nature and how, when we allow ourselves to surrender to this space, we can feel held and nurtured, like a million warm hugs and words of reassurance. I like to talk about my feelings, but sometimes I feel like we can go around in circles—talking doesn't always give me the release I need. We are natural beings, and reconnecting with who we are reveals that many answers lie within us.

The Artistic Process

Through a series of black-and-white film portraits, I will capture women where they feel most held, safe, and grounded. I want these portraits to convey that these women are one with the earth and land they feel most connected with, highlighting the inseparable bond between us and nature.

To achieve this, I will first capture photos of the natural locations where these women feel the most connection. I will focus on the shapes, textures, light, and landscape of these locations. The film will then be rewound and reloaded into the camera, and in a separate sitting, I will take simple portraits of the women. The result will be a blending of women and nature, becoming one.

The Genesis of the Project

I first tested this concept by photographing my daughter at her favourite space—Mill Beach. The results thrilled me, and I knew this would be my next personal project. I am shooting this series with an old manual film camera, without autofocus, and not seeing the results immediately. The rolls are then sent for processing, which is exciting, nerve-wracking, and joyous.

Surrendering to the Creative Process

When taking these photos, I don't have much control over the outcome, which is part of my creative process—separation from control. Having been a professional photographer for 20 years and an avid photographer for years, what started as an art practice in a black-and-white darkroom has progressed into a commercial career. While much of my client work aligns with my personal values, I am still following someone else's brief, and I've almost forgotten what it's like to create a personal project without a commercial outcome.

The Heart of the Project

This project is about exploring women and our deep connection to nature. It's also about me, as a creative, surrendering to the process and letting go of control. Accepting the magic that comes from the not knowing and the time I have to wait before I see the results. There's nothing instant about it.

Future Explorations

I'd also like to explore video by shooting footage of women overlaid with footage of their special nature place and include sound from the outdoor location, overlaid with music and the voice notes from the women involved - a mixed media piece.

I am excited and energised that I have so many ways I can approach this project and I also don't know where it's going and that is ok and kinda magical.