Hunter Nichols

hunterious@yahoo.com

www.artforconservation.org/nichols.htm

“Murder Creek” – Conecuh County - $250

Hunter Nichols

 I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. I'm very fortunate in that I grew up in a house surrounded by forests and creeks. I had a green paradise to explore, relish, and learn from. For many people, including myself, nature serves as a refreshing asylum from the boisterous and chaotic urban realms we inhabit.

I no longer live in that childhood paradise, nor do my parents. The good news is that my childhood connection to the natural world lives on; I always feel at home when I'm out in the woods or exploring rivers. The bad news is that an increasing number of children, and adults alike, often miss or lack the opportunity to experience the bliss and freedom that nature provides. The ways in which municipalities grow and expand is partly to blame for this trend. In many communities a natural forest or unpolluted stream can be miles away. Finding the right balance between growth and conservation is a constant struggle, one that begs for more attention and better solutions.

This is where photography plays a role in my life. Photography has become a tool that allows me to graphically illustrate the contrasts between a healthy environment and a degraded one. I hope my work will inspire others to get outdoors and reconnect with nature. In doing so they will enrich their lives and better understand the overwhelming value of our natural resources. In turn, I believe this understanding will lead to better stewardship of our environment.