Featured Artist Danielle Rayne

Photographer Danielle Rayne captures the fascinating world of pollinators through her camera lens. See more of her work by visiting her website.

 

 

I’m a nature photographer and my primary focus is capturing the relationship between flowers and pollinators. Pollinator species contribute to both our food sources and the flowers that enhance our lives. Many species are fragile due to loss of habitat and environmental impact.

 

 

My path to photography started in my own yard. Literally. After beetle disease claimed a massive tree, my husband and I reimagined our yard as a pollinator-friendly haven. After installing a variety of nectar-producing plants and trees as shelter and food sources, our yard came to life with vibrant birds, bees and butterflies.

 

 

After trying (and failing) to capture their fast-moving beauty with my phone’s camera, I picked up a starter DSLR camera and immersed myself in studying photography publications and educational videos.

 

 

If you’re into technical specs, I currently use a Nikon Z6 (a mirrorless camera that’s completely silent when I’m photographing birds.) My telephoto zoom lens lets me capture details while maintaining a respectful distance from my subject.

 

 

My dad enjoyed film photography throughout my childhood and my mom is a highly skilled painter. They are definitely my artistic inspiration. After I began sharing my images on social media, requests to purchase my photos followed. Dad suggested we start selling my photography work in earnest.

 

 

In retirement, my dad has become a skilled printer. He uses fine art archival quality papers to bring out what is unique in each image. Lustre, matte and metallic finishes highlight specific qualities, whether it’s the glow of morning light or the iridescent sheen of feathers. While we’re known as “Danielle Rayne Photography,” it’s a dad and daughter business. I couldn’t do it without him.

 

 

We’ve also accommodated custom orders for large canvasses—as large as 24”x 30” to date—because if you like your tiny birds really big, you’re my kind of people.

 

 

While I welcome all our garden visitors, hummingbirds will always be my favorite subject. The way their feathers refract light to reveal iridescent hues is one of nature’s miracles. Hummingbirds are a combination of fierce intensity and distinct personality, all packed into a tiny and powerful body. Hummingbirds have come to represent the celebration of joy, peace and hope. And many South and North American Native cultures honor hummingbirds as a warrior spirit.

 

 

Focusing on fast-moving and unpredictable fliers challenges my photography skills every day. To photograph wildlife, it helps to understand the behavior of each species, so I also spend time doing research. The decline of butterflies, bees and birds and the possibility some species will go extinct in my son’s lifetime, motivates me. I want to connect with more viewers and spread the word about saving our declining and endangered populations.

 

 

Some of the conservation organizations we support with our work include the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, Sierra Club and National Wildlife Federation.

 

Artist Danielle Rayne invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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