AN INTERVIEW WITH NICOLE LAND

Nicole Land won 1st Prize in our recent Animal Kingdom competition with a poetic image of two egrets in a nest – one that depicts the natural world in an elevated, lyrical way, and that judge Charlie Hamilton James praised for its graphic composition, lighting and subtle color palette.

Keen to discover more about the image and Nicole’s approach to photography, we put some questions to her. And her thoughtful answers — covering her background, love of nature, and the roles of birds in managing her mental health — offer plenty to reflect on…

Dear Nicole, congratulations on winning our Animal Kingdom competition! What did you make of the judges’ comments?

I was blown away by the judge’s feedback! The statement “this is the clear winner” made my heart sing with pride. I love the image for so many reasons and I was so excited to know that such as esteemed judge loved it just as much.

It’s very stunning image, that has a real intimacy – it feels like we’re witness to a very special moment between these two egrets, and the lighting only adds to the quiet brilliance of the moment. Can you tell us a little bit more about the shot and the circumstances behind it?

I was visiting a local rookery in Dallas, TX and my head was just spinning with all the activity. There were dozens of nests to view but I found one at eye level and just decided to wait and see if Mom would stand up to give me a view of the eggs. She had made slight adjustments but hadn’t stood up, and just as I was about to give up and move to another nest, Dad flew in. I just starting shooting through all the movement. It happened so fast that composition was about the furthest thing from my mind! When I went to review the photos, I was blown away by what I had captured. I’ve been birding for almost 10 years and photographing for about 5 and I have never come across an image like this one. I felt I had something truly unique!

I think it’s fair to say that birdwatching and photography is your passions, and you’ve travelled the world in pursuit of it. Where did this interest first come from, and how did it develop?

My passion for birding started in my backyard! I have always had the travel bug since I was a kid and my parents took me and my brother for annual vacations. We were very fortunate to be able to travel as kids. My birding hobby turned into a photography hobby when I followed a world-renowned photographer to Brazil to photograph a Harpy Eagle with a chick (a very rare sight!). I was there for the birds but I quickly got the shutterbug and ever since I have tried to incorporate photography into my birding expeditions.

Who or what are your photographic inspirations?

My dear friend, teacher and mentor, Karine Aigner, is my inspiration. She’s such an incredible photographer and even better person. I strive to make her proud by incorporating all she’s taught me when I’m behind the lens.

And what is it, do you think, that makes for a really special bird photograph? The rarity of the species, the expression of the moment? Or something else?

I think a combination of those, such as the rarity of the moment. We can all take photos of birds on sticks, so it becomes challenging to find moments that really speak to the character and behaviour of the subject that really make a great image.

Of all the places this passion has taken you, where has been the most special place to shoot? And where do you have on the bucket list?

Shooting the Harpy Eagle with her chick in the Brazilian Rainforest was definitely a high point, but this year, I’ll be traveling to the Galapagos Islands with a photography tour. Last year, my husband I visited Brazil again to shoot jaguars in the wild deep in the Pantanal. It’s hard to pick a favorite place as I’ve travelled to 27 countries so far.

You brand yourself as “The Lazy Birdwatcher” (which we can only assume is tongue-in-cheek, given your Instagram output), and also as the “Bipolar Birder”. Was does a pursuit like birdwatching and photography teach you about yourself? And, if you’re comfortable to discuss it, what impact does bipolar have on your approach or response to photography?

The lazy birdwatcher came from the fact that my husband and I live in the country on a lakefront, and we get amazing birds right in our backyard. So much so, that I really don’t have to work very hard to see an incredible variation of birds, especially during migration!

But I’m also bipolar which is a challenge I live with every day. The extreme ups and downs of bipolar disorder come and go, but one thing that remains constant through it all is the birds. Regardless of where I am on the bipolar spectrum, from mania to depression, I can always count on the birds to get me through. Whether I’m traveling the world on a manic high and simply gazing out my bedroom window in a depression, I always focus on the birds.

Aside from your winning image, can you tell us about a shot you’re particularly proud of?

While most are bird images, like my bathing Northern Cardinal (female). I do have several landscapes from Norway that I just love to revisit every now and then [above, and banner image at top of article]. It’s hard to take a bad photo when in Norway with the Northern Lights overhead.

I also have an image of a Purple-barred Tree Frog clinging to the water hyacinths from Brazil that is one of my favorites [above]. The frog is so tiny and easy to miss but when waiting for jaguars to appear, one must explore every inch of the environment and that includes looking down into the water!

What’s the best piece of advice you’d pass on to your younger self if you could?

Just keep riding the rollercoaster! Many that are afflicted with bipolar disorder end in suicide. It’s just a fact of the disorder. But through nature, I have learned that even on my darkest days there are bursts of color. And through photography I can freeze those moments forever.

And finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2024?

I am very much looking forward to the Galapagos Islands in July. This is the trip of a lifetime! I very much hope to come back with more award worthy images! After that, I’ll settle back into my very own backyard where the birding is lazy and the days are long.