Summer is Officially Here!
June 20th marks the 2025 Summer Solstice. This marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The summer solstice occurs because of a 23.5 degree tilt in Earth's rotational axis. Thanks to this tilt, we experience the changing seasons, equinoxes and solstices — events that have been celebrated by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Animals are affected by the solstice differently than us humans. Unlike humans, animals can control their own sleep-wake cycles naturally, even during the longest days of the year. Animals, particularly those who live above the arctic circle, do away with their typical daily sleep routines and adapt to a new cycle for the season. In addition to sleep, the summer solstice can also affect the way an animal finds its food and eats. Many species can base their sleep schedules on their digestion. As soon as they feel they need to digest, they get some sleep, resulting in many naps throughout the day regardless of how sunny it is.
Introducing:
Founded by Heather Nicole and Andrew C. Strom, Respect The Wild is a collaborative initiative which seeks to use photography and visual storytelling to spread awareness and evoke an emotional connection to wildlife and the environment they call 'home'.
Animals are sentient beings. They are emotional. They have roamed this planet long before we have. Animals need to be respected. In this ever-changing world, there is an urgency to tell the stories of the voiceless. Ethical wildlife photography and honest storytelling practices are the core of our mission. Our desire is to showcase the connectedness that exists among all life. Our hope is to encourage people to slow down, just a little bit—to peacefully observe, appreciate, and respect the harmony in nature that surrounds us and that we are all a part of—the nature that is so deeply ingrained in all of us. Let's not forget, Without Mother Nature—We Would Cease To Exist.
If you or someone you know would like to join our mission, please click here to contact me directly. Let's collaborate and respectfully spread awareness about the importance of respecting wildlife and wild lands.
Conservation Corner
World Rainforest Day!
Founded in 2017 by Rainforest Partnership, World Rainforest Day celebrates the importance of healthy, standing rainforests for climate, biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods— and convenes a global movement to protect and restore them. Celebrated annually on June 22, this day highlights rainforests and their critical role in safeguarding our future on this planet, showcases innovative and emerging solutions for their protection, and inspires individual and collective actions around the world for holistic forest impact.
Did you know the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world is located in North America and covers most of Southeast Alaska?
Here are a few incredible facts about The Tongass:
- The largest National Forest in our nation.
- The largest rainforest in North America.
- Over half of the Tongass is covered by ice, water, muskeg, and rock.
- Home to some of oldest tress in the nation—some over 800 years old!
The U.S. Senate Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill that would mandate the sale of roughly 2 to 3 million acres of federal public lands in 11 western states, including Alaska. The so-called Big Beautiful Bill "...could make 82.8 million acres of public land in Alaska, including much of the Tongass National Forest, “eligible for sale” to private interests." [Reference: alaskabeacon.com]
Why should we care?
The Tongass National Forest is incredibly important due to its size, biodiversity, and role in mitigating climate change. It is basically the 'lungs' of the Northern Hemisphere. Destruction of this rainforest would dramatically negatively impact the health of the ecosystem which it encompasses and ultimately, the health of the air we breathe and the oceans we so heavily rely on. This is a bi-partisan issue which affects all of us. Not to mention the health of all of the life which calls The Tongass 'home' — brown bears, black bears, salmon, eagles, ravens, halibut, moose, squirrels, hummingbirds, moths, lichen, mushrooms, and so, so much more.
So...what can we do?
- Visit EarthJustice.com to learn about their efforts and ways you can help.
- Contact your senator to voice your opinion. (Visit www.lcv.org for an easy step-by-step guide.)
- Visit www.senate.gov for more information about contacting your local senator.
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
You better pay attention to this...
Stay Wild - Guidance of the Undomesticated Leader is available for purchase now!
This fantastic guide book, written by Dan Rieves, offers excellent guidance and advice for anyone wanting to break through corporate conformity. And it features my photography throughout the book!
Respect The Wild makes its debut gallery appearance!
That's right! Respect The Wild will be at the Reno-Tahoe International Art Show...and we are featured in their official exhibitor announcement!
Pre-sale tickets are on sale now!
Wild - it is not over yet!
Wild has officially ended. It was bitter-sweet to take down our gallery show last week. If you missed it, don't fret. You can still watch the virtual exhibit and read the beautiful essay! Thank you so much to CCAI for this amazing opportunity. I am forever grateful.
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
Selling a print is the biggest compliment I can get as a photographer. Sharing these moments with you brings me so much joy and gratitude.
Custom sizing is available. Please contact me if you are interested in a print. 😊
Where to find me and my work...
Would you like to travel through the waters of Southeast Alaska with me as your personal photography guide?
I am partnering with A Whales Song Expeditions to offer a guided photography tour of Seldom Seen Alaska! Our captain and certified naturalist will guide us through the rich, vibrant waters, lush landscapes, and icy fjords of the Alexander Archipelago bringing us close to iconic Alaskan wildlife such as whales, bears, otters, eagles, and so much more; always while keeping a safe and respectful distance. I will offer one-on-one ethical wildlife photography guidance as well as tips & tricks, techniques & critiques to help you bring your photography knowledge to the next level and ensure you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Unlike other photography trips to Alaska, this expedition is both a workshop and an adventure, covering up to 1,000 nautical miles to chase the best light and wildlife action. You’ll refine your skills in tracking eagles in flight, stabilizing shots on a moving boat, and dialing in the perfect settings for Alaska’s ever-changing conditions. Learn to tell powerful visual stories through ethical wildlife photography, master post-processing techniques, and receive real-time feedback from an expert...me! After a day of capturing nature’s finest moments and sharpening your skills, you’ll unwind in remote lodges – recharging both your energy and your gear – ready to frame the next day’s adventure.
Available Dates:
May 9th-17th 2026; May 1-9, 2027; June 3-11 2027
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me directly by clicking here. Or simply send me an email at MomentsbyHeatherNicole@gmail.com. I look forward to speaking with you about this adventure opportunity!
📢This is a BIG DEAL!⬇️
RTIA 2025
Respect The Wild will be making its debut gallery appearance at the Reno-Tahoe International Art Show! September 11 - 14, 2025 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. We are super excited to be a part of this International Art Show featuring artists from all over the world! Pre-sale tickets are on sale now! Please click here to order your tickets today.
NAA
Nevada Artists Association - New gallery show every 6 weeks. I will be showcasing my photography as a Featured Artist from September 13th through October 24th. Additional info and Artist Reception details coming soon.
Wild Moments Presentations
The Top of the World: Ice, Light, Life, & Magic; September 20th at NAA member meeting.
Workshops/Lessons/Presentations
July 20th 10am to 1pm at NAA - click here for more information and to register
I really enjoy presenting my photography and telling stories about my experiences and the importance of ethical wildlife photography. Let's talk if you'd like me to speak at your event or club!
Did you know I teach photography workshops and one-on-one lessons? Contact me today to learn more!
Photo Fact!
Rules are made to be broken!
Arguably the most commonly known 'rule' in photography is The Rule Of Thirds. The rule of thirds is a fundamental guideline in visual arts like photography and painting that suggests positioning the main subject off-center, along imaginary lines that divide the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. This creates a more visually appealing and dynamic composition than simply placing the subject in the center.
While I agree that in most cases, following the rule of thirds makes for a visually appealing photography, I also agree that sometimes it works better to break the rule! Sometimes it adds more impact to an image when the rule of thirds is exaggerated. Or when the subject is centered.
What do you think?
Featured Photo!
World Giraffe Day - June 21
Since 2014, June 21 has been observed globally as World Giraffe Day. Chosen deliberately for its distinction as the longest day of the year, the date honors the world’s tallest land mammal. The symbolism is compelling, but the message is urgent. Giraffes are undergoing a rapid and largely unrecognized population decline. While often admired for their appearance, their ecological importance and conservation status remain overlooked by the global public.
Giraffes may be quiet and unassuming, but they play a vital role in nature. They perform key ecological functions that support biodiversity in savanna ecosystems. While feeding, giraffes naturally trim tree canopies, allowing more sunlight to reach the plants below. This promotes understory growth and enhances the structural diversity of the ecosystem. As giraffes move across landscapes, they disperse seeds, contributing to forest regeneration.
Thank you!
It means a lot to me that you are here. Photography has brought me to destinations I never imagined I would go, introduced me to the most talented and beautiful souls, and awarded me countless life-changing wildlife encounters. I am beyond thankful and humble for everything photography has awarded me. I am truly honored to share my journey with you.
Let me know your thoughts. What else would you like to see from me? Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. It truly means so much to me! 🥰 Please share this newsletter with anyone you think may be interested!
If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, simply send me an email with "unsubscribe" and I will remove you from the list. No questions asked. No hard feelings.
©2025MomentsbyHeatherNicole All Rights Reserved
Credits:
Published by Moments by Heather Nicole ©MomentsbyHeatherNicole