182: Michael Remke - The Intersection of Landscape Photography & Ecological Science

Welcome to episode 182 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. 

This week on the podcast I recorded a socially-distanced, in-person podcast episode with my friend, fellow Durango resident, and fellow photographer, Michael Remke. Michael is a professor at Fort Lewis College and has a Ph.D. in Forest Science. Michael pairs his passion for the outdoors and photography with his passion for ecological systems to create a symbiotic marriage of ideas that informs how he sees the world as both a photographer and as a scientist. 

Michael's scientific research is currently focused on active forest management to promote the ecological, social, and economic well being of communities. His past research was focused on plant - soil interactions in the context of changing climates, restoration, and conservation. I personally really love how he uses his science knowledge to show us hidden parts of the world through the lens.

Michael and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:

• Using photography as a conservation and communication tool.
• How science influences his photographic compositions.
• How photography influences his scientific research.
• How we can empower photographers to work with others to see intentional photography as a tool to protect special places.
• The impact of climate science and the changing climate on landscape photography.
• Why we think some prominent landscape photographers who rely on nature for their income have a negative view of climate science.
• ... and more!

This week I decided to keep the episode in it's entirety for free here because it felt like it would break up the conversation too much, so there is no bonus episode on Patreon, but your support is still appreciated!

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Other items mentioned on the show:

1. Nature Photographer's Network.

2. Atlantic article on Galen Rowell.

3. Rob Blair's Eastern San Juans Mountain book.

4. Rob Blair's Western San Juan Mountains book.

5. Roadside Geology books.

These are affiliate links and using them does financially support the podcast.