It is Finally Fall!
September 22nd marks the 2025 Fall Solstice. Autumn begins in the Northern Hemisphere and spring begins in the Southern Hemisphere. Cooler temperatures and changing seasons means more photography opportunities. Cooler weather also means better night sky photography opportunities!
Introducing "Featured Feature!"
Each newsletter I will feature a photograph from a different featured photographer. I will share a little bit about the photographer and the photographer will share a little bit about the image.
⬇️ Keep scrolling to see the first Featured Feature! ⬇️
⬇️ Keep scrolling to see the first Featured Feature! ⬇️
It has been a busy year!
The summer season was a busy one! My schedule has been booked with shows and presentations and so much more. It is wonderful to be so busy with things that I am so passionate about. I am looking forward to a slight reprieve from the go-go-go, but there isn't much time to rest. So many more events are on the horizon!
Connecting you to the wild through ethical visual storytelling.
I recently officially launched Respect The Wild. Please click here to visit RespectTheWild.org and learn more about this exciting new venture.
The summer season was a busy one! My schedule has been booked with shows and presentations and so much more. It is wonderful to be so busy with things that I am so passionate about. I am looking forward to a slight reprieve from the go-go-go, but there isn't much time to rest. So many more events are on the horizon!
If you or someone you know would like to join our mission, please click here to contact me directly. Let's collaborate and respectfully spread awareness about the importance of respecting wildlife and wild lands. (Or contact me at RespectTheWild.org@gmail.com)
Conservation Corner
September 22nd is World Rhino Day!
World Rhino Day is a day of awareness for all five rhino species and the work being done to save them. Since 2011, World Rhino Day has been celebrated internationally on September 22nd by rhino experts and advocates around the world! On World Rhino Day, the International Rhino Foundation celebrates the five species rhinos and all those who care about them. If you know me, you probably know that I am slightly obsessed with rhinos. I am fascinated by their powerful yet magnanimous presence.
Did you know there are five species of rhinoceros?
These include two African rhino species - Black and White rhinos. The names of black and white rhinos are misleading – as both species are actually grey. The white rhino is said to have gotten its name from the Afrikaans word for wide (‘wyd’), referring to its wide, square lip (in contrast, black rhinos have a pointy prehensile upper lip). Early English explorers mistook this word for ‘white’ and consequently named this species ‘white’ rhino, and the other ‘black’ rhino to differentiate. There are an estimated 6,487 black rhinos and approximately 16,800 southern white rhinos across Africa.
The remaining three are Asian rhino species, which include Greater One–Horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos. The Sumatran, Javan and Black rhinos are listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN - there are thought to be fewer than 70 Javan rhinos and between 34-47 Sumatran rhinos left, which makes them truly under threat of extinction in the wild. The greater one-horned rhino is currently vulnerable with an estimated 4,014 individuals in the wild.
While there are five species of rhinos, the African White Rhinos are classified into two sub-species;
The Southern White Rhino (mentioned above) and the Northern White Rhino with only TWO individuals remaining on the planet.
These include two African rhino species - Black and White rhinos. The names of black and white rhinos are misleading – as both species are actually grey. The white rhino is said to have gotten its name from the Afrikaans word for wide (‘wyd’), referring to its wide, square lip (in contrast, black rhinos have a pointy prehensile upper lip). Early English explorers mistook this word for ‘white’ and consequently named this species ‘white’ rhino, and the other ‘black’ rhino to differentiate. There are an estimated 6,487 black rhinos and approximately 16,800 southern white rhinos across Africa.
The remaining three are Asian rhino species, which include Greater One–Horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos. The Sumatran, Javan and Black rhinos are listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN - there are thought to be fewer than 70 Javan rhinos and between 34-47 Sumatran rhinos left, which makes them truly under threat of extinction in the wild. The greater one-horned rhino is currently vulnerable with an estimated 4,014 individuals in the wild.
While there are five species of rhinos, the African White Rhinos are classified into two sub-species;
The Southern White Rhino (mentioned above) and the Northern White Rhino with only TWO individuals remaining on the planet.
Why should we care?
Rhinos are what we call a ‘keystone species’ – one whose presence and role within an ecosystem has a disproportionate effect on other organisms within the system. That is why we should fight to keep rhinos alive in our wild ecosystems. The rhino has several essential roles. Unlike other keystone species such as lions and wolves that are apex predators, the rhino is a mega-herbivore that ‘significantly alters the habitat around it, thus affecting large numbers of other organisms’- the very definition of a keystone species.
Rhinos are what we call a ‘keystone species’ – one whose presence and role within an ecosystem has a disproportionate effect on other organisms within the system. That is why we should fight to keep rhinos alive in our wild ecosystems. The rhino has several essential roles. Unlike other keystone species such as lions and wolves that are apex predators, the rhino is a mega-herbivore that ‘significantly alters the habitat around it, thus affecting large numbers of other organisms’- the very definition of a keystone species.
So...what can we do?
- Spread awareness about rhinos! You probably know that rhinos are poached for their horns. But did you know that rhino's horns are made up of keratin - just like our hair and fingernails! Share posts containing facts about rhinos and the dangers of poaching.
- Visit AfricanGeographic.com to learn more about the importance of the rhinoceros.
- Visit Rhinos.org to get involved.
- Spread awareness about rhinos! You probably know that rhinos are poached for their horns. But did you know that rhino's horns are made up of keratin - just like our hair and fingernails! Share posts containing facts about rhinos and the dangers of poaching.
- Visit AfricanGeographic.com to learn more about the importance of the rhinoceros.
- Visit Rhinos.org to get involved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Psssst...Did you hear the big news?
The Reno Tahoe International Art Show was a big success!
We had so much fun connecting with so many great people! THANK YOU so much to everyone who stopped by our booth. It was truly special spending time with each of you.
Walk This Way
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
SOLD!
😊
😊
SOLD!
I will never not be humbled when I sell a print.
Triple Take
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
Safety
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
SOLD!
Custom Prints Available.
Let's curate something perfect for your home!
Let's curate something perfect for your home!
Stay Wild - Guidance of the Undomesticated Leader is available for purchase now!
This fantastic guide book, written by Dan Rieves, offers excellent guidance and advice for anyone wanting to break through corporate conformity.
And it features my photography throughout the book!
And it features my photography throughout the book!
Click here to order yours!
Would you like to travel through the waters of Southeast Alaska with me as your personal photography guide?
There is still time to sign up for this amazing opportunity!
There is still time to sign up for this amazing opportunity!
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
I am partnering with A Whales Song Expeditions to offer a guided photography tour of Seldom Seen Alaska! Our captain and certified naturalist will guide us through the rich, vibrant waters, lush landscapes, and icy fjords of the Alexander Archipelago bringing us close to iconic Alaskan wildlife such as whales, bears, otters, eagles, and so much more; always while keeping a safe and respectful distance. I will offer one-on-one ethical wildlife photography guidance as well as tips & tricks, techniques & critiques to help you bring your photography knowledge to the next level and ensure you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Unlike other photography trips to Alaska, this expedition is both a workshop and an adventure, covering up to 1,000 nautical miles to chase the best light and wildlife action. You’ll refine your skills in tracking eagles in flight, stabilizing shots on a moving boat, and dialing in the perfect settings for Alaska’s ever-changing conditions. Learn to tell powerful visual stories through ethical wildlife photography, master post-processing techniques, and receive real-time feedback from an expert...me! After a day of capturing nature’s finest moments and sharpening your skills, you’ll unwind in remote lodges – recharging both your energy and your gear – ready to frame the next day’s adventure.
Available Dates:
May 9th-17th 2026
May 1-9, 2027
June 3-11 2027
May 1-9, 2027
June 3-11 2027
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me directly by clicking here. Or simply send me an email at MomentsbyHeatherNicole@gmail.com. I look forward to speaking with you about this adventure opportunity!
Photo Fact!
White Balance and Color Temperature
As the name suggests, white balance balances the color temperature in your image. How does it do this? It adds the opposite color to the image in an attempt to bring the color temperature back to neutral. Instead of whites appearing blue or orange, they should appear white after correctly white balancing an image. In simpler language, white balance in digital photography means adjusting colors so that the image looks more natural.
Standard white balance settings
K stands for Kelvin
Did you know you can get really creative with the settings and adjust the color temperature, too?
By adjusting the color temperature (Kelvin) you can change how the camera 'sees' color. Increasing the number adds warmer tones like red and orange as seen in this image while decreasing the number adds cooler tones like blues to your image. Seen here is an image of a sunset with a manual Kelvin setting of 5,000 making a magical sunset even more dramatic.
Lala Salama
©MomentsbyHeatherNicole
What do you think?
Want to learn more? Contact me here to schedule a lesson.
Featured Feature!
Andrew C. Strom
Today we are featuring the work of Andrew C. Strom Photography. Andrew is a fantastic award-winning and Congressionally Recognized photographer whose talent spans the scope of many genres. From stacked macro photography to fast flying birds, Andrew has a natural ability to capture the personality of his subject. Please click here to visit Andrew's website and see more of his beautiful work.
Raven's Game
Black birds are amongst my most favorite photography subjects, Ravens in particular. Black birds are anything but. Their feathers are often highly iridescent and show off an array of colors in the right light. Ravens are also highly intelligent, they communicate, play games and can even use tools. The pair seen here were playing a game with the piece of Spruce Tree at their feet. They would pass it back and forth, carry it and drop it to one another and sometimes play tug-of-war with it. They seemed to be having a great time and it was a moment I was excited to capture and happy to share! This photo recently was awarded first place in photography at the Nevada Artist's Association Summer Show in Carson City and later went on to win the People's Choice Award! — Andrew C. Strom
Do you or someone you know want to be featured? Let's talk! Contact me here to get in touch.
Where to find me and my work...
Nevada Artists Association
New gallery shows every 6 weeks. I will be showcasing my photography as a Featured Artist from September 13th through October 24th.
The reception was held on September 20th. Thank you to everyone who stopped by. I am so grateful and feel so supported by the art community.
New gallery shows every 6 weeks. I will be showcasing my photography as a Featured Artist from September 13th through October 24th.
The reception was held on September 20th. Thank you to everyone who stopped by. I am so grateful and feel so supported by the art community.
Workshops & Presentations
I really enjoy presenting my photography and telling stories about my experiences and the importance of ethical wildlife photography. Let's talk if you'd like me to speak at your event or club! Please contact me here to book me for a presentation or photography talk.
Did you know I teach photography workshops and one-on-one lessons? Contact me today to learn more!
Thank you!
It means a lot to me that you are here. Photography has brought me to destinations I never imagined I would go, introduced me to the most talented and beautiful souls, and awarded me countless life-changing wildlife encounters. I am beyond thankful and humble for everything photography has awarded me. I am truly honored to share my journey with you.
Let me know your thoughts. What else would you like to see from me? Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. It truly means so much to me! 🥰 Please share the link to this newsletter with anyone you think may be interested!
If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, simply send me an email with "unsubscribe" and I will remove you from the list. No questions asked. No hard feelings.
©2025MomentsbyHeatherNicole All Rights Reserved