In Nature's Embrace

I began photographing 12 years ago as a form of self-therapy. The death of my mother plunged me into a downward spiral until a chance encounter with nature set me on the path to recovery. Its vastness gave me a sense of perspective, while its majesty reignited in me a sense of wonder and adventure. Initially, the urge to photograph was born of an urgent and desperate desire to prolong the serenity that nature brought. Over time, I began to enjoy simply being in the forests, lakes and meadows. The scenes I photograph are set in Hokkaido, Nagano and Aomori, Japan. Each of these locations are very different but united by their extreme natural beauty. I am drawn to Hokkaido because I used to visit it often as a child, while Nagano and Aomori are known for their cherry blossoms. I often photograph at intense moments, at extreme temperatures or during snowstorms. Now more than ever, we need to alleviate the stress in our lives and heal. Studies show that nature, or even images of nature, can provide symptom relief, lower stress levels, and reduce depression and anxiety. I hope these photographs of the natural world provide a brief reprieve from life’s harsh realities, by reminding us of the beauty in all things delicate and fierce.