Reed, Laurie

Laurie Reed is a self-taught nature photographer based in Bedford, NS. She is trained as an astronomer but also has interests in meteorology and entomology. Laurie grew up in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and has been photographing the elements and creatures of the natural world since 2007. She specializes in oceanscapes, forests, birds and insects, and has developed a keen eye for detail from more than forty years of observing the motions and changes in the night sky. Mentors include professional nature photographers Rod and Marlene Planck in the US and Haukur Snorrason in Iceland, with whom she has studied on several occasions. Her work has been exhibited at the Mount Saint Vincent University Art Gallery in Halifax, NS. It has also been shown at the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Gallery at Saginaw Valley State University in central Michigan, where several of her prints were selected by the University for permanent installation on campus and for use as gifts to donors. Laurie’s photography can also be found in private collections in both the US and Canada.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My journey as a nature photographer began with a chance encounter with a dragonfly at the edge of a backyard pond. This dazzling little beast perched calmly in the sunshine while I set up my camera and captured its image. At the time I had no idea that dragonflies could be so differently detailed from one species to another. Photographing them is an exercise in patience and humility—they are free spirits, prone to dashing away on a whim. Coastal landscapes, with their shore birds and rough seas, are also compelling. I have only just begun to explore the nooks and crannies of the Atlantic provinces and am also drawn to Iceland, which I have visited twice. Trees and the small creatures who inhabit them are also favourite subjects. The experience at the pond was emotionally transformational for me. It opened a door into a new world and made me realize that if I truly pay attention to my surroundings, there are always lifeforms and elements worth observing and recording. My companions are often surprised by what I notice as we walk along. This is why it’s a joy to share my images. My goal is to help people realize what is all around them. Recording the beauty of Atlantic Canada is a privilege that slows me down and brings me peace.