01 Aug Images of the West: Time in Nature

The West has intrigued me since I was a kid. I grew up in the Midwest, playing in the woods, observing wildlife, and discovering photography. Given my early affinity for the outdoors, it made sense that I would be drawn to the West, to the vast expanses and herds of animals bigger than any my mind’s eye could dream up.  Little did I know what it would do for me.

A Frosted Stand I | A stand of striking silver trees — most likely dying due to a forest fire many years ago — is covered in the frosty rime of a cold winter day deep in the backcountry.

Now that I’ve spent almost 30 years of my life in the West, my love for the outdoors has grown even more. My understanding of the connection to nature and wildlife has only deepened, and now that feeling is reflected in my photography. When I am the most connected, I am patient and present in the moment, identifying with the subject emotionally. Feeling the mood of the landscape or the animal that I’m photographing allows me to emphasize that in the images I capture. 

A Raven’s Perception | Eye contact is a truly amazing thing, across distance and species. The creatures I photograph tend to be as curious about me as I am about them, sometimes posing, as if they know they are art already. Though enamored with that eye contact, I always try to show respect to the wildlife I’m shooting: It never works out well when the animals feel uneasy or threatened.

While I’ve enjoyed the growth, changing styles, and evolving phases of my photography throughout the years, I’ve mostly realized the priceless joy of spending so much time connecting with nature and wildlife. 
I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love and share these special moments. It’s my hope that it reminds us all to take the time to appreciate what we have in nature and how we can make a difference in protecting it. As the world continues to get busier, less and less of the natural world exists around us.  

Basking in the Light | A female bison in Yellowstone enjoys the glow from the last light of day. She has this soft fuzziness to her, her eyes closed like she’s meditating as she feels the warmth of the sun before the cold night descends.

I was drawn to the West to search for deeper connection and purpose. Spending time in the natural world has helped me achieve those things; this collection is an embodiment of that journey.

Moon Rising Over a Churning Old Faithful | Photographing at night has always been an exciting and fulfilling part of photography for me. Images created at night often seem unreal, like they are from another reality. By using long exposures and new digital techniques, photographers can create unbelievable visions that aren’t similarly visible with the naked eye. A unique art form in and of itself, night photography isn’t easy; it takes a lot of patience and little sleep.

The Eagle’s Stare | The bald eagle is a symbol of strength and vision: This eagle’s captured eye contact is particularly illustrative of that symbolism.

Initially launching his career as an adventure photographer — which led to legend days with legendary people — Ryan Turner now creates contemplative fine art landscapes and spontaneous wildlife photography. Known for his iconic imagery, he creates custom large-format artworks from his photographs, particularly highlighting the dramatic play of black and white. Turner’s fine art print collection is sold online and in his gallery in Big Sky, Montana; ryanturnerphotography.com.