From Me to You, Photography As a Means to See the Heart

By:Julie Ansell 

I have been fascinated by photography for most of my life.  There is something about looking through the viewfinder, knowing that you are capturing a small piece of time, a fleeting moment soon to be lost to the millions of other moments happening around us. Photography has taught me to slow down, and for me it is therapeutic, especially if I am in nature.  There is often magic happening in the present moment.  When you slow down, you allow yourself to be more open to this magic, and soon you become more aware of things you would have otherwise missed.  Sometimes it can be profound, and like most art, photography allows you to share something meaningful in a visceral way.

Photography is also a part of what I do for a living.  I used to work full time as a photographer in Las Vegas.  I shot weddings, conventions, and special events for a company that serviced the huge mega casinos on the strip.  It was there that I learned how to think about how photography could be meaningful in someone else’s life.  Photographing weddings in particular is something that can hold deep personal meaning!  How someone feels towards the event or subject greatly impacts the value of their photos.  For example, a photo of a tear running down the check of a groom who otherwise never cries, a photo of the family member who made it halfway around the world to be there, a picture of the dad and bride having a laugh together before walking down the aisle. These moments are more valuable because they hold more personal meaning to the participants.  We even had times when a photograph became priceless, sadly like when someone passes away and suddenly for a loved one, it is one of the few reminders they have left of that person.  On the flip side, when a couple gets divorced, the photos have now lost their value.  

After COVID I ended up moving away from Vegas, and eventually I found my way to Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.  I had put myself through school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Information Technology, this helped me develop the skills I needed to become a part of the “Comms” or Communications team for the wetlands at Rosewood Nature Study Area. 

It was great to find how different it is to work in nature versus the hectic pace of the Las Vegas strip. I still work hard, but I don’t feel like I am just a cog in a giant machine.  Working for a nonprofit has always been my dream job.  Having a daughter of my own, I wanted to do something that makes me feel like I’m leaving the world a better place.  The work that TMPF does is impressive, caring for the environment by being stewards for our local parks and open spaces, inspiring our community to engage in activities that are proven to help with physical and mental health, and making a difference in the lives of children, especially those that may not get a chance to experience being outside in nature. I am glad for the opportunity to share the labor of love TMPF has taken on to care for our parks and our people.

  I’m excited and I hope in this role I can inspire people to stop and see the magical moments that we often overlook.  I hope I can inspire people to take up photography and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of expressing yourself in an artform and being in nature.  But most of all, I hope that I can convey something deeply important to my heart, the value that I see in the beautiful natural places and the wonderful people protecting and sharing them.

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About the Author:

Julie Ansell

Wetland Outreach Coordinator

As a mom Julie lived in Las Vegas for twenty years and worked as a professional photographer.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Information Technology from Arizona State University in 2021 and has volunteered for a variety of nonprofits.  Julie has always depended on her time outside in nature to decompress and keep her grounded.  She enjoys hiking with her dog, camping with family, and getting out to touch water in a kayak. As the Wetland Outreach Coordinator VISTA, it is Julie’s hope to help others in her community learn the difference outdoor spaces can have on one’s health and well being, as well as how essential it is to cherish and preserve these open spaces for future generations.