Kristen Matteo / @birdyyy_photo
MEDIUM /// WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
"I used to absolutely hate being outside and I definitely never thought I’d call myself a birder. In 2016, my life plans took a detour, and I found myself in need of space to heal. Nature became one of the only places my mind and body were at peace, and taking photos became a way for me to focus and create little moments I could be proud of. I slowly started upgrading my lens to a longer focal length, and before I knew it, the little flying specs that I assumed were all robins, were in fact DOZENS of species of birds that I had no idea lived here. My peaceful jaunts in the woods now had a new, very exciting element of surprise as I became aware of all the woodpeckers, warblers, birds of prey... the list could go on! These photos are a melding of my journey to healing, exploration of artful composition, and a big splash of childlike wonder. I'm so honored to be able to share them!” - Kristen