Having started her career about 4 years ago, Shayna is a photographer with a focus on wildlife and conservation. She has always been infatuated with the natural world, but it was only after being given a DSLR camera for college graduation that her passion for photography flourished. "It only took a few clicks of the shutter to get me hooked."
Shayna has an incredible love of all wildlife, but her favourite subject is the barred owl. She first saw a barred owl in 2011 and was immediately captivated by its enchanting behaviour. She says its soft coo, silent flight, impeccable hearing, and stunning beauty truly captured her heart.
Shayna has an incredible love of all wildlife, but her favourite subject is the barred owl. She first saw a barred owl in 2011 and was immediately captivated by its enchanting behaviour. She says its soft coo, silent flight, impeccable hearing, and stunning beauty truly captured her heart.
In her photography, Shayna tries to convey beauty, whether it be an obviously gorgeous owl, or (to most) the not so obviously gorgeous garter snake. "I think it is important for us to appreciate the unique beauty that each species holds, because as a society we have based conservation efforts on "cute" and "beautiful" things. The more someone can see in a maybe not-so-loved animal (such as the snake), the more chance that species has of protection and survival."
For Shayna, the most difficult aspect of her work are the mosquitoes. "Sometimes I sit in one spot for 5, 6, 7 plus hours in the middle of the summer and am completely eaten alive by insects. It's most definitely worth it.. most of the time. ;)" Indeed, the great outdoors is her office she says, and she wouldn't change it for the world. She is constantly inspired, and is always looking for new locations to view different species.
Some of her favourite photos are shown in this blog entry. They're her favourites for personal reasons.
The greatest compliment she has received for her work is that her photos are natural, and the animal always looks comfortable with her presence. It is almost as though they are sitting with her with an invisibility cloak over them.
Some of her favourite photos are shown in this blog entry. They're her favourites for personal reasons.
The greatest compliment she has received for her work is that her photos are natural, and the animal always looks comfortable with her presence. It is almost as though they are sitting with her with an invisibility cloak over them.
When asked where she gets her inspiration, Shayna said "It's pretty hard to not be inspired by the great wild spaces we have surrounding us. I am inspired by everything from wind, to leaves, to snakes, to deer. Everything in nature is an incredible inspiration."
Shayna has begun to sell her work at arts & crafts shows, but prints can be purchased through her website as well. shaynahartley.com
"My main goal is to inspire the viewer to embrace the outdoors, and work towards protecting and conserving the natural world, and all that lives within it."
Come over to Silver Bean Café/Millennium Park in Peterborough to meet Shayna on June 27 and purchase her gorgeous pieces! She'll be there from 10:30 - 3:30 pm.
Shayna has begun to sell her work at arts & crafts shows, but prints can be purchased through her website as well. shaynahartley.com
"My main goal is to inspire the viewer to embrace the outdoors, and work towards protecting and conserving the natural world, and all that lives within it."
Come over to Silver Bean Café/Millennium Park in Peterborough to meet Shayna on June 27 and purchase her gorgeous pieces! She'll be there from 10:30 - 3:30 pm.