WHO AM I?
My name is J. C. Strange. I am a nature photographer from North Carolina. My passions for art and the outdoors merge behind the camera.
I am a certified member of Nature First, the Alliance for Responsible Nature Photographers.
THE NATURE FIRST PRINCIPLES
- Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
- Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
- Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
- Use discretion if sharing locations.
- Know and follow rules and regulations.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
- Actively promote and educate others about these principles.
Visit the Nature First website for more info.
WHAT DO I STAND FOR?
My photography is all based on three core principles. They ground my work and give it purpose
1. Glorify God.
I believe that the loving God created this beautiful world we live in. Both mine, and nature's only purpose is to bring glory to the Creator. I hope and pray that everything I say and do, including my photography, will, in any and every insignificant way, fulfill this calling. This is my number one principle and you can see it in my symbol; a lens with arrows pointing up. Without this I am nothing, and my work is utterly meaningless.
2. Impact People.
My second wish for my art is that it will impact myself and others in a lasting and meaningful way. I want my photographs to cause emotion, bring people closer to the beauty of the world, and leave them with a thought or smile. I don't want to be a "flash-by" or an instagram star. I strive every day to make my photos more grounded, more deep, more thoughtful, more true.
3. Promote Smart Protection of the Earth.
As a Christian and naturalist, I believe that we have been given the earth to enjoy, love, and care for. I do my fair share of enjoying, and in all my interactions I attempt to do equal amounts of smart, balanced protection. It is in this line that Nature First comes in. I also us WHCC, a highly eco-conscious print house.
WHAT HAVE I DONE?
In the 2019 Wildlife in North Carolina competition I won first and second place in the youth category and second place in the invertebrate category. You can see more here.
I am a Close-Up Photographer of the Year Shortlisted Photographer. CUPOTY is an international competition of the best macro and close up photographers. You can learn more and view my entries here.
I have been a photo of the day winner on The Imaging Resource thirteen times. You can see a list with links here
I was named second place in the 2019 EcoWatch Earth Day photo contest. You can view that here.
I was awarded an honorable mention in The Photograph International Photography Awards. You can see more here.
And that's just the beginning of this incredible journey!