Nature's Gift Photography's photostream

My relationship with nature has been developed over 20 years as an outdoor professional having been blessed to work and play in the Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Alps, the Andes, the Sierras, the Rockies, the deserts of the Southwest USA, and more. My eye for natural beauty is more a product of this intimate relationship with the outdoors than it is a product of any formal photography training of which I have none. It is my intention to share the beauty of nature with all in hopes that it will inspire others to both enjoy and preserve the natural beauty of the world as well as to develop one's own personal relationship with nature.

My photographic eye is also greatly influenced by my exploration and experience with internal nature. I have been a dedicated student of Vipassana meditation, the Buddha's practical teaching of Dhamma, for over a decade. Amongst many benefits, I believe it helps me to see the natural beauty in not only the grandiose but the simple as well. It is rather easy to take ordinary pictures of extraordinary things, not so easy to take extraordinary pictures of ordinary things.

I am not the creator of my images. My subjects are the creation of Nature, Life, God, as you like, and are Gifts. My ability to see these images and compose them in a pleasing way is also a Gift of Nature. My images are a combination of these two Gifts and remembering this fills me with gratitude and keeps it all from going to my head. Thus the name "Nature's Gift Photography." Out of this gratitude arises an intention to gradually turn a large portion of this venture into charitable causes, a way of giving something back. I would eventually like to channel funds towards both protecting the natural beauty of the outer world as well as encouraging others to explore their internal nature. I would also like to extend services to other good causes. Currently I have a postcard project to benefit the poor in Kushinagar, India and have made a donation of Utah image postcards for a relief fund at an organic farm in Caineville, Utah.

Please feel free to contact me for purchases, to discuss projects, or any other questions you may have.

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by,
Zach Hessler
Teasdale, Utah