Have you ever gazed at a photograph that tells a story, transporting you to a different place and time? Outdoor photography possesses this unique power. It captures the essence of nature and preserves fleeting moments of beauty. Today, we dive into the world of outdoor photography with Josie Dinsmore, a seasoned adventurer and visual storyteller. Her journey began with a childhood camera and evolved into a career capturing stunning landscapes for organizations like Ontario Parks.
From Childhood Hobby to Professional Pursuit
Josie’s journey into photography began in her childhood. It was a simple gift from her parents: a camera. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion.
She recalls school trips and family travels where her camera became a constant companion. Initially, these were film cameras, which required careful consideration of each shot due to the cost of developing. The transition to digital photography in her teens marked a huge shift. Suddenly, she could experiment without limits. Josie used her point-and-shoot until it wore out.
As Facebook emerged, Josie started sharing her photos online. The positive feedback fueled her motivation, encouraging her to improve and explore new places. This eventually led to acquiring a DSLR camera and creating a dedicated Facebook page to showcase her work publicly. Josie notes that social media is a game changer for artists, allowing them to share their work with a wide audience, unlike the limited reach of traditional galleries.
Self-Taught Skills and Continuous Learning
Despite her professional success, Josie is entirely self-taught. She never attended formal photography courses. Her approach is hands-on and iterative.
Experimentation, books, and online videos have been her teachers. Every photoshoot is a learning opportunity, a chance to tweak settings and discover new techniques. This continuous learning keeps her work fresh and adaptable.
Her experience mirrors a broader trend in photography education. According to a recent survey, 70% of photographers are self-taught. This underscores the accessibility of photography education in the digital age. Josie’s story emphasizes that passion and dedication are as valuable as formal training.
Turning Passion into Profession: The Ontario Parks Connection
Josie’s photography journey took an exciting turn when she began working with tourism organizations and Ontario Parks. This transition highlights how a personal passion can evolve into a professional opportunity.
Her early work involved selling photos to Northeastern Ontario tourism through a sourcing business. These initial sales boosted her confidence and opened doors to more significant projects. Tourism agencies started purchasing her photos for various articles and campaigns, recognizing her ability to capture the essence of Northern Ontario’s beauty.
The partnership with Ontario Parks began locally at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. Staff members familiar with Josie’s work invited her to conduct a photoshoot for their social media channels. This local project caught the attention of Ontario Parks’ head office, leading to a broader collaboration. They purchased collections of her existing photos and offered her the opportunity to do a photoshoot at Bon Echo Provincial Park, where she was paid to camp, explore and photograph, a dream come true for someone who loves the outdoors.
Josie recounts the surreal moment of seeing her photo featured on Ontario Parks’ website banner. It was a full-circle moment, reminiscent of her childhood days of cutting out and admiring park photos from guidebooks. This achievement underscores the power of perseverance and the realization of long-held dreams.
Gear Essentials and Adaptability
When it comes to gear, Josie emphasizes simplicity and adaptability. She doesn’t bog herself down with excessive equipment.
Her primary tool is a DSLR camera paired with an 18-200mm lens, providing a versatile range for various shots. While she owns a tripod, she prefers shooting freehand for speed and ease. However, she acknowledges the tripod is essential for specific techniques, such as capturing moving water or the night sky.
She also utilizes her cell phone for photography, especially during activities like bike rides where carrying a DSLR is impractical. Josie notes that modern smartphones offer impressive photo quality, making them a valuable tool for capturing spontaneous moments. Her willingness to embrace new technology demonstrates her pragmatic approach to photography.
Here’s a quick summary of Josie’s go-to gear:
- DSLR camera with versatile lens (18-200mm)
- Tripod (for specific shots like moving water or night sky)
- Smartphone (for convenience and high-quality spontaneous shots)
- GoPro (for experimental photography)
Landscape and Nature Photography Focus
Josie’s photography primarily focuses on landscapes and nature. This emphasis allows her to showcase the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
While she dabbles in other genres, such as close-up shots of flowers or experimenting with macro techniques, her passion lies in capturing the grandeur of landscapes. This specialization has allowed her to develop a distinct style and build a reputation for her scenic shots.
Her portfolio reflects a deep appreciation for the outdoors, inviting viewers to experience the beauty of Northern Ontario through her lens. While she does do some portrait work for family and friends, she generally avoids that space to focus on the subjects she loves.
The Tale of Canoe Guy: Serendipity and Connection
One of Josie’s most memorable stories revolves around a subject she affectionately calls “Canoe Guy.” This heartwarming tale illustrates the serendipitous connections that can arise through photography.
In 2014, Josie captured several stunning photos of a man paddling a bright yellow canoe across a lake at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. The photos, taken during a beautiful sunset, gained popularity on her Facebook page, earning the paddler the nickname “Canoe Guy.” Four years later, while visiting the park again, Josie spotted a familiar yellow canoe. Recognizing the paddler, she tracked him down and shared the original photos with him.
This chance encounter led to a lasting friendship. Josie continues to photograph Canoe Guy during his annual camping trips to the park, creating a series of images that document their ongoing connection. This story highlights the power of photography to create meaningful relationships and capture unexpected moments of joy.
Balancing Photography and Writing
Josie is not only a talented photographer but also a skilled writer. She seamlessly integrates these two creative pursuits to tell compelling stories.
For over 12 years, she has worked as a freelance reporter for a local newspaper, covering events and interviewing interesting people. This role allows her to combine her writing and photography skills, creating comprehensive reports that capture the essence of each story. She also uses writing on her blog to accompany and enhance her visual stories.
Additionally, Josie has contributed articles to various organizations, including Xplore Magazine, Northern Ontario Travel, and Ontario Parks. These articles often feature her own photographs, creating a cohesive and visually appealing narrative. Her experience demonstrates the value of combining visual and written storytelling to engage audiences and convey information effectively.
Advice for Aspiring Outdoor Photographers
What advice would Josie give to someone hoping to follow in her footsteps? She emphasizes the importance of practice, experimentation, and continuous learning.
Here are a few key takeaways from Josie’s journey:
- Start with what you have: You don’t need expensive gear to begin. Use the equipment you have available and focus on developing your skills.
- Experiment and learn: Try different settings, angles, and techniques. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
- Share your work: Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing your photography and connecting with others.
- Be persistent: Building a career in photography takes time and effort. Stay passionate and keep honing your craft.
- Embrace learning: Technology and techniques evolve so stay curious!
Final Thoughts
Josie Dinsmore’s story is a reminder that passion, dedication, and a love for the outdoors can lead to a fulfilling career in photography. Whether you are an aspiring photographer or simply an admirer of stunning landscapes, Josie’s journey offers inspiration and practical advice for capturing the beauty of the natural world. So grab your camera, explore the outdoors, and start telling your own visual stories.