Member Profile- Meet Doreen Lawrence
Introduction
Photography for me, has always been a journey of discovery, a way to explore the quiet conversations of light, land, and life. My inspiration comes from desert dunes glowing under the first morning light to the untamed grace of wildlife moving through their natural rhythm. Images begin as a moment to freeze time and evolves into an artistic interpretation of how I see and feel the world.
The Golden Moment- Canyonlands National Park
Journey and Inspiration
Superstition’s Warning
My passion for photography ignited at a young age while on a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park. I had a small Kodak Instamatic with the viewfinder a portal to a world of color, light, emotion and storytelling. My father encouraged me to see light and shadows while coloring in my coloring books. He would sit with me and show me how using different colors of crayons and shading lightly or more aggressively could make my coloring book pictures come to life. I use those early teachings today to help me see light, shadows, contrast and highlights.
As life moves forward, I married, worked and raised two boys. As with all mothers, we take on the role as designated photographer to document family life which allowed me to stay connected with a form of photography. It wasn’t until I retired ten years ago when I seriously pursued my passion for photography. Over time, personal travels, chance encounters, and everyday observations became sources of inspiration, pushing me to experiment and refine my skills.
As a landscape and wildlife photographer, I drive to create a deep connection to the natural world. Each image I create isn’t about what is in front of my lens; it’s about expressing what’s within me; curiosity, wonder, solitude or connection. Each image becomes a reflection of that connection, a way to share the quiet awe of standing before a vast desert scene in Death Valley or witnessing a soft, tender moment of a lioness and her young cub. Through my photography, I want to convey the timeless artistry found in nature’s design of lines, colors, and textures that shape our emotional response to a world that very few will experience.
In every landscape and every creature, whether small or large, there is an unspoken reminder that we are part of something much larger profoundly beautiful.
Artistic Vision and Technique
For me, landscape and wildlife photography goes beyond beauty; it’s about evoking a feeling of serenity, solitude or wonder which will draw the viewer into the frame.
Snuggles
When I approach photography, I often begin with a vision in mind of the area I’m planning to photograph. I do as much research as I can using weather apps, google maps, social media platforms and follow exceptional photographers who offer landscape and wildlife tours to give me an idea what they may be photographing in the areas I’m interested in. As you all know, with all the preparation and readiness, nature has a way of humbling even the best laid plans. Light shifts, weather turns, and wildlife moves to its own drum beat. In those times, I have learned to let go of those high expectations and embrace what is given. My husband says I have all the patience in the world for photography, but for everyday life, not so much. Photography is about balance being prepared and purposeful but also open to the beautiful unpredictability of Mother Nature.
I chose landscape, nature and wildlife photography because it naturally blends with my love for travel and the outdoors. Whether I’m exploring new places in my RV, hiking along a rugged trail, or traveling internationally, I find inspiration in the quiet beauty of the natural world. These experiences allow me to slow down, observe and connect with landscapes and wildlife that make these destinations unique.
After being out in nature, post processing is where I add the final touches bringing my photographs to life, enhancing what was there rather than reinventing the scene. In both wildlife and landscape photography, it’s about refining the image to reflect the emotion and atmosphere I felt at that moment. Subtle adjustments to contrast, color balance, and sharpness can draw attention to the subject and mood without altering the story I’m trying to present. My goal isn’t to manipulate reality, but to honor it and help the viewer experience the same sense of excitement or wild energy that I saw behind my lens.
Challenges and Achievements
Skogafoss, Iceland
I have faced many challenges such as self-doubt, creative blocks, and the pressure to stand out in this saturated industry. Sometimes stepping back from photography allows me to rediscover why I fell in love with it in the first place. In a world where creative work is often measured by recognition or the expectations of the artistic community, it’s easy to lose touch with your personal vision and joy.
When I feel stuck or uninspired, experimenting with new techniques, perspectives or lighting helps me see the world with fresh eyes and grow not only as a photographer but as an artist more in tune with my visions and the stories I want to tell. I will experiment with photographing florals using LensBaby lenses to work with more ethereal images or work with flash lighting to photograph waterdrops. Macro photography slows me down to work with shapes, textures and see what may be unseen. These explorations remind me that even the most challenging or routine moments with landscape and wildlife photography can help me reconnect with my subjects and my own artistic vision and storytelling.
As for me, speaking about my achievements has never come easily. I’ve always preferred to let my work speak for itself. Still, I’m grateful and humbled for the recognition my photography has received over the years. Being honored 2019 ANMPAS Judges Choice Award and the 2024 Nevada Camera Club Photographer of the Year are milestones that affirm my growth as an artist. Having several images published and highlighted In Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries travel guide and Africa Geographic reflect my passion for wildlife and the natural world. Solo exhibitions at Pope Joy Hall and Nevada’s Las Vegas Clark County Library District gives me great joy in sharing my work with others.
Every challenge has taught me something new and every achievement is a reminder of my growth that comes from embracing those challenges.
Advice to the Community
To those embarking on their own photographic journey, I offer this advice: Stay curious, be patient, shoot constantly and be true to yourself. “Shoot for you”.
Embrace your failures as a valuable teacher and persist through setbacks. Not every shot turns out as planned. A missed focus, a fleeting moment gone or the perfect light disappearing to quickly can be frustrating. Rather than seeing these as setbacks, I’ve learned to view them as lessons and opportunities for growth. Each “failure” teaches me patience, adaptability and deeper understanding of my subjects and environment.
Learning from mentors and engaging with like-minded communities, such as camera clubs, provides perspective.
I was very fortunate to meet LeRoy Perea from the Enchanted Lens Camera Club. I felt he took me under his wing and taught me so much. I remember volunteering to “babysit” as he would say, during the ANMPAS and Shades of Gray exhibitions. We would sit for hours discussing photography. He would go around the gallery and point out a print and show me how to see, shape, color, texture and understand the story behind the image. I always came away from our talks with a renewed interest in my own photography.
Seeking feedback or entering photography contests is one of the most effective ways to grow as a photographer. Each contest is a learning opportunity. Listening or reviewing judges’ comments can help you refine your techniques and push you beyond your comfort zones. Being able to see contestant’s entries can help improve the way you present your images.
Remember, the most powerful images come from the heart, and true artistry lies in the courage to share your vision with the world.
