We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Heather Physioc a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I have a lifelong learner personality, but I also have a task-oriented mentality, which can be a big blocker to learning if you don’t harness it. Reading the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear helped me to shift my mindset from focusing on reaching some imaginary finish line of being a photographer, to instead focusing on the habits that make a photography practice. The best way to improve your photography skills and output is through consistent learning and application, getting out and doing the thing. The habit became the goal – a daily practice of engaging with photography for five minutes. Ideally, shooting lots of the time, but it can also include reading an article online about a photography technique, looking closely at another photographer’s work, post-processing my images, or any other way to engage with the craft. I learned more in the first year of this habit-focused method that built in lots of flexibility and grace than I did in the 20 years prior of start-and-stop dabbling.

Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a nature photographer. For me, outdoor photography is confluence of learning, creativity, exploration, giving back, and wellbeing. I photograph because I love to travel, experience the sheer beauty and magnitude of the outdoors, meet fellow human beings from all walks of life, and evolve my understanding of the world. Every single time we travel, we grow. We learn something new, get a bit more resourceful, or become a bit more empathetic. I am happiest in nature and among wildlife, so naturally that’s where I spend my time.

However, many of these incredible places and species are at risk due to climate change, habitat destruction, and other forces. For people to care, they have to know about it, and feel something about it. I donate half of all sales of my work to wildlife conservation and environmental protection organizations. It is one small way I am trying to do my part for a better world. The other half is reinvested into the photography practice so I can continue to shine that light.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

All my life I have said I don’t have a creative bone in my body. I considered myself a purely analytical non-creative. I’m still uncomfortable being called “a creative.” It’s a very vulnerable act to start saying you’re a photographer and opening your images up to public scrutiny. Creative work feels more personal and connected to me than non-creative work, so it feels more exposed. Which also makes it brave. I had to give myself permission to be creative. I also decided to share that journey transparently to the world on KCTRVLR.com, but purely for my own love of doing it and no one else’s. I have been putting myself out there in more ways, too – like submitting my work to contests and critiques so I can keep growing, and having my first artist reception with nine images at a local business.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My number one priority is aligning things that bring me the most happiness and fulfillment in life, while making a positive impact on the things I care most about. With my camera in-hand, I’m creating every opportunity to indulge my love of adventure, exploration, outdoors, wildlife, and nature. I hope that my images and writing can inspire others to do the same, and to care about it enough to protect these species and spaces.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kctrvlr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kctrvlr/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherphysioc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/trvlrkc

Image Credits
Heather Physioc Heather Physioc Heather Physioc Heather Physioc Heather Physioc Heather Physioc Heather Physioc Heather Physioc