In her own words:
My love for photography began at a young age and I have enjoyed taking pictures throughout my life as a way of creating memories. I dabbled with photography over the years, but it was not until I retired, then hung up the cruising life title of “First Mate” in 2019, that it became a serious hobby.
Our property on Wadmalaw Island, SC provides endless opportunities to capture images of nature, whether a sunset from our dock or the pair of ospreys who have nested behind our house for more than 20 years. We have had the privilege of hosting, observing, and getting to know many animals and birds in our yard, the most special being a gray fox, a black vulture, and the ospreys. These special subjects have allowed me to connect with the moods, expressions, and habits of my subjects. With the extra time at home due to the inception of Covid in 2020, I took advantage of the long lens given to me as a gift from my husband to observe, document, and photograph every move the ospreys made that year. They became my muse and deepened my love of photographing birds.
My desire is to bring nature, in the form of artwork, from the outside into a home or office to enjoy. I want to share my experiences and photographs with others who may not have the opportunity to observe wildlife/nature in the way that I can, and I hope they will be as excited as I am by it. Additionally, I hope to communicate any knowledge that I gain to raise awareness and educate people about the challenges that nature confronts every single day.Natalie Chapman
Natalie’s photography can be seen at the Photo Club Gallery Wall at the Lake House beginning January 7, 2025 (in the hallway that leads to the library). The Seabrook Island Photo Club is hosting a reception which is open to all on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 4:30-6:00 pm at the Lake House Photo Wall hallway.
-Submitted by Seabrook Island Photography Club
(Image credit: Natalie Chapman)