Nature photography focuses on landscapes, wildlife and plant life as they are found in their natural environment. Where art and nature combine, the nature photographer can use their perspective to educate people about the beauty of nature, often with the hope that more people will be inspired to help the environment. Humanity and its relationship with nature has long inspired the artist with endless sources of inspiration to pull from. Whether it is unearthing hidden gems to the masses like in the work of Donna Carnahan who travels around Italy or Elena Raceala who travels the world taking black and white photographs and revealing the stories of those who live within the setting, complete with a majestic backdrop. The 21st century and the growth of social media has created a new platform for nature photographers to display their work and inspire a new generation to protect the beauty of their surroundings. From the landscape to the seascapes to vineyards, cliffs, caves, and architecture the nature photographer's subject ranges from a close up of minute detail to a vast vista that composes itself. It's an inspirational branch of photography that is here to stay.
