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

Hi Imma, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Nature and its beauty have always been a source of fascination to me and therefore, I became a biologist with a passion for discovery and exploration. Photography to me is the perfect way of combining my scientific analytic approach and curiosity to document what is beautiful and inspiring on this planet. Moreover, it is also a never-ending process for learning and creating and the perfect outlet for my curiosity and inspiration.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I decided to pursue a career in landscape and nature photography I already had in mind combining my scientific background, my conservationist leanings and my passion for photography into this art form. As I delved into my favorite things to capture, I started to feel more and more interested in night photography as it offered a chance to shoot scenes that few ever see and are truly awe-inspiring. For the last few years I have been working on a couple of photography books to raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation efforts and in particular, protecting the night sky from light pollution. Preserving the nighttime environment helps support human health and heritage and preserves wildlife habitats. The main goal for my books is to capture those inspiring landscapes under the night sky. My first book “The stars, the moon and the sun (in the NJ/NY area)” is now available on Amazon (ISBN: 9781083074126). My second book is in progress and it will cover several of the most beautiful National and State Parks in the USA. Another important aspect of my photography is my educator role. I have taught several classes from basic photography to advanced topics, like night and long exposure photography, and offered may free lectures and seminars covering my current project. Being noticed as a photographer in a world where everyone has a phone with a camera is a challenge nowadays. However, having found a project that really inspirited me has helped me grow professionally. It is a difficult task as I am trying to minimize the travel expenses required for this project so I have applied for several grants and I have been selected as the Artist in Residence for Capitol Reef, Acadia and Glacier National Parks. These residencies allow me to stay for a longer period at the park as accommodation is provided for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This question is not as easy as it seems. Living in the New York City metro area the possibilities are infinite. Let’s say my friends love photography so I would obviously take them to the locations where the views of Manhattan are the best, both, from New Jersey or from Staten Island, Brooklyn or Queens. I might even suggest a helicopter ride for even more unique views. Although it is not possible to see the stars in NYC, there is still plenty of photographic subjects to indulge oneself. I would also like to take them to the less touristic areas in the city, like the Cloisters, the northern area of Central Park or some of the smaller parks in Manhattan. I would also include a visit to the Vessel and a walk at the Chelsea line. And on rainy days, the Natural History, the MoMA or the Metropolitan Art Museum would be a must. There is so many places to eat and drink in Manhattan that it is not easy either but right now, some of my favorite places are the eateries at the Vessel.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to Mark and Ricard Halvorson for all their support, patience and for allowing me to follow my dream, Special thanks are also due to B&H Foto for believing in me and selecting me to be a part of their Portfolio Development Program and supporting the development of my first book. I would also like to thank the several administrators of the various Artist in Residence programs at some of the most spectacular American National Parks by working with me to make those residencies a total success. And last but not least I would like to thank my photography friends for their support and inspiration. I could not have done this journey without any of their help.

Website: www.imma.photo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imma.photo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imma.photo/
Other: Newsletter Subscription: http://eepurl.com/djgg-f  Books: Amazon Paperback:   https://www.amazon.com/dp/1083074121/ref=rdr_ext_tmb Blurb Hardcover:   https://www.blurb.com/b/9728491-the-stars-the-moon-and-the-sun

Image Credits
(c) Imma Barrera

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