Meet Betty Byrd | Wildlife Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Betty Byrd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Betty, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was raised on a ranch where all types of animals were ever present. I lived a more solitary life, however, there was always a fawn that kept visiting our property. I would dash outdoors to see if it was there that day. Always in hope that it would return and not be killed. So my first love of an animal was a wild one. I learned at an early age to love the unattainable. I would also read the monthly issue of National Geographic Magazine where once again animals came to life.

My love of Wildlife Photography came straight from my heart, and it still resonates now with all the endangered species that fight for their survival every day. My goal has been to photograph as many endangered animals that I can so as to leave behind a legacy of their footprint. Like the fawn, will they return?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My wildlife photography is centered around the expectancy of good. I’ve learned to live in the now when photographing my animals, not that I need a photo for a show or I’ve got to make a sale, a big one. I show up wherever I’ve traveled to and look forward for whatever crosses my path. Then I study and linger. What feeling can be evoked in the photo?

What sets me apart from others is that I grew up around wild animals and I learned from them. Creatures never waste one moment on the past or future, they live in the now. It’s up to me to respect their character and pay homage to it through my photos. Unlike others today I do not photo shop my animals. Should we lose these many endangered species, I would like for people to remember their beauty, untouched.

Challenges are ever present. It’s tough to be a female wildlife photographer in a male dominated genre but you must stay focused and put your blinders on. Ultimately, your work can prevail.

My lesson from the animals is that I’m determined to do a better job of adjusting myself to the perception of life lived in the now. They only want good and what I want to give to the world through my lens is their beauty and my knowing that they will remember who was good to them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would fly them from Vancouver to the tiny community of Tofino, British Columbia in a float plane. Stunning view!!

Embark on a rainforest hike, spend your mornings seeking out wildlife, or take in coastal art. There are endless ways to make the most of this vibrant, treasured place.

Surf enthusiasts will fall in love with Tofino which is a small surf town on Vancouver Islands West Coast. Home to only 3,000 local inhabitants.
Known for its raw beauty, year round surf beaches, great food and lay back vibes it’s one of the most unique spots in BC.

Oh and don’t forget whale watching and Black Bear watching!!

Live, love and learn………

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to National Geographic Magazine and to their incredible photographers some of whom I have had the pleasure of socializing and studying with. They opened my eyes to many beautiful places that I would not have traveled to or known about.

My encouragement also came from knowledgeable photography teachers who share my love of wildlife.

Website: byrdseyeviewphotos.com

Image Credits
Betty Byrd