Sarah, tell us about your photography journey...

I became inspired by nature and the landscape as I hiked, camped and travelled around New Zealand and other parts of planet Earth. Originally, I picked up a camera to record these adventures and the landscapes. This soon developed into wanting to capture more than just a ‘snapshot’. When I am in the landscape and around nature I find that I am more grounded. The process of photographing in the landscape and nature allows me to escape the busy-ness of life and pay attention to what I am seeing and doing in that moment – a meditation of sorts!

In your bio you mention you follow 'Nature First' principles - can you tell us how did you come across that organisation, why is it important to you?

I came across the organisation after reading an article by Ann Wheatley, “Taonga First”, in December 2019’s issue of NZ Photographer magazine. On reading the article, I found many of the ideas resonating with thoughts that I had had over the past few years. I reflected on the role of social media and the many articles and blogs that list the “Top 10 Places to Photograph in xxx” or “The Best Instagram and Photography Spots in xxx”. These lists are helpful in some ways, but can also be detrimental to the often outstanding locations they mention.

We all know of at least one location that has become increasingly inundated with visitors, photographers and instagrammers as they line up, literally in some cases, to get their shot of an iconic location or view. There is a cruel irony at play here. In their attempt to capture and showcase the stunning landscapes that inspire many of us, inadvertently visitors, instagrammers and photographers are impacting negatively on the very environment whose beauty they are trying to experience, capture and share.

I think many photographers do follow the ‘Nature First’ principles, but it would be great to see more people promoting them and seeking to protect the environments that we are so privileged to visit.

What has been your most challenging shot so far?

I think mastering the art of long exposures was/is a good learning curve and one that I am constantly revisiting.

Can you choose a favourite shot?

My favourite shot changes all the time depending on my moods, what I am trying to achieve and what I am into at the time. Often I will look at my images after a shoot and I have no favourites, but over time they reveal themselves.

How do you plan your journey and how do you find interesting photo opportunities?

I’m quite casual in the way that I travel and photograph. I’ll have a basic itinerary of places that I want to visit and then see what happens when I get there, if I don’t feel anything I’ll move on. If something moves me and I think it is worth being there for golden hour, I will organise to stay the night. Obviously, with this approach the weather also plays a part. Flexibility is important and I have to work with what I am given, which isn’t always the shot that I have in mind, but something even better might reveal itself instead. I find sitting with the landscape, observing it, and watching the light play to be so rewarding, and good for the soul!

What do you enjoy most when out in the wilderness?

I enjoy the pace of the wilderness. I find it has a slower and more purposeful approach and provides the space and peace that I need in my life when it all gets a little too much. I try to convey this feeling and emotion in the images I create.

What would you recommend to beginner photographers if they are thinking about landscape/travel genre?

I think becoming familiar with your equipment and what it is capable of is important. Your equipment should be an old friend that works with you, not against you and it should not stand in the way of you creating the images you envisage. I upgraded my equipment 6 years ago and am still learning new ways that I can use it today, even though it is very out of date now. At the time I upgraded I was excited about the possibilities, but soon realised just how well I knew my old equipment. I had to slow down and learn how to do things that I could previously do instinctively on my old gear. At times, I wondered what I had done!

I also think researching a place and learning what is special or unique about it is critical. I will often read about a place to discover what possibilities there are. Once there I spend some time observing the location and the landscape. It is only after immersing myself in a place and the experience it is offering that I begin to notice the emotions and feelings it evokes with in me and then I can begin to make my images and my interpretation of my experience.

There is a lot of debate going on about how sharing locations on social media leads to overcrowded places, herds of tourists and damage to the environment. What are your thoughts on finding a balance between sharing a good spot with fellow photographers on social media and not seeing it turning into the next 'Wanaka tree' a few weeks later?

I don’t think sharing locations on social media is important. I struggle with the concept of ‘bagging that iconic shot’ created by another photographer. It denies the opportunity for creativity, imagination, interpretation and emotion on behalf of the photographer, not to mention the impact it can have on the location itself if it is shared and becomes too popular.

That said, I understand that photographers like to test their skill and emulate the shots created by photographers that they admire, but that doesn’t mean capturing the exact shot in the exact location. To my mind, it is more important to examine what it is that you like about that photographer’s image, what it is they have done, how they have done it and then go and discover a location where you can try it for yourself.

I also think it is important to retain some sense of wonder and mystery in the world as well as a sense of discovery and exploration. When we explore and discover something wonderful for ourselves, we respect it and are more likely to protect, treasure and guard it, if you will. Sharing locations on social media not only removes that sense of protection but also that opportunity for discovery and sense of wonder.

Where did the idea for the 'Soul DeLight' name come from?

Great question! Soul DeLight Photography only came about at the start of 2020. Previously, I had been using my name, Sarah K Smith Photography, only because I couldn’t think of a suitable alternative. I’d like to say I came up with it but it was my partner’s brainwave after a few days of us batting ideas about. I like that it includes the word ‘light’, a critical element in making every image, and when I’m in the outdoors, I often feel something that delights my soul which is what I try to recreate in my photographs for others. It’s all very deep, I think way too much!

(You can read more about the name and how it came about in a blog post I wrote here).

What is next for you in photography? Where do you see yourself in 1, 3 or 5 years?

Gosh! It would be great to complete some formal photography training to fill in the many knowledge gaps that I have and perhaps have an exhibition of images at some stage. Ultimately, I hope to continue to be inspired by the landscape and nature in this world and to continue to find creative and inspiring ways to capture its beauty.

I hope to continue to learn and experience life as a photographer, explore different genres perhaps and just go where the creative muse takes me!