Details

Capturing the beauty of nature, one frame at a time.

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Welcome to my world, where the art of photography meets the pursuit of simplicity. I'm Kristen Kabrin, a nature enthusiast and a devoted photographer who finds solace and joy in capturing the beauty of the world around me. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Northern Nevada, I embarked on a journey through life's lens that has led me to moments of pure connection with nature and the serene simplicity it offers.

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Artist Bio

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Kristen's journey from the rolling plains of Rural Montana to the vibrant artistic communities of Scottsdale, Arizona, is a testament to the power of curiosity and an insatiable love for nature. Born just outside the city limits of Great Falls, MT, in the shadow of Malmstrom Air Force Base where her father served in the Air Force, Kristen's childhood was a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences. As a military brat, she traversed the landscapes of Montana, Indiana, Germany, Idaho, Michigan, and Arizona before finally setting roots in Nevada. Her upbringing was enriched by two parents deeply passionate about history, culture, and travel, providing her with a diverse tapestry of experiences and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

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Despite a formal education that led her to earn a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada Reno and a subsequent 25-year career in the same institution's Political Science Department, Kristen's heart always beat for photography. Inspired by the vibrant visuals of National Geographic, a magazine her family subscribed to religiously, and the art of her grandfather, a portrait photographer, Kristen developed an early fascination for capturing the world through the lens.

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Her creative awakening occurred in 2013 when her mother and brother gifted her a camera. Joining a local photography club, she quickly fell in love with the craft, discovering a community of like-minded individuals who not only shared her passion but also enriched her knowledge. Kristen's artistic training was a blend of trial, error, and relentless learning—scouring YouTube, photographer websites, podcasts, and social media. This thirst for knowledge continues to be a cornerstone of her technique, as she evolves with both the changing technology and her own artistic vision.

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Kristen's art carries the spirit of her adventurous upbringing and the serenity of nature’s untouched beauty. Her work seeks to zoom in on the often-overlooked details within grand landscapes, highlighting the delicate intricacies that might otherwise escape notice. Her creative process is fluid and adaptive, whether she carefully plans her shots in familiar settings or lets her mind wander in new and unexpected places. The magic happens in post-production, where she meticulously edits her raw images, taking her time to ensure each photograph captures not only the visual aspect but also the emotional resonance of the scene.

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A significant aspect of Kristen's artistry is her inspiration drawn from the natural world. For her, photography is a means to share the splendors of nature in hopes of fostering a desire to preserve it for future generations. Her unique artistic sensibility is evident in two standout projects: her captivating series on old doorways, particularly in Taos and the Barrio Viejo in Tucson, which invoke the stories and personalities behind them, and her evocative photographs of the wild horses of the West, symbols of freedom and resilience.

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Influences like Jim Henson, Jim Brandenburg, Charlie Waite, and Ansel Adams, each contribute to her distinct style and ethos. From Henson, she learned creativity and authenticity; from Brandenburg, the ability to capture an animal’s soul; from Waite, the serene and peaceful essence of landscapes; and from Adams, the reminder that it is the photographer's vision, not just the camera, that creates remarkable images.

Kristen's dedication has led her to exhibit her work at the esteemed Anticus Fine Art Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. Her photography has been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the American Art Awards in 2015 for non-manipulated landscape and still life photography, and the Nevada Magazine's Great Nevada Picture Hunt in 2016. Viewers often comment that her photographs resemble paintings—a testament to her ability to transcend mere imagery and create true art.

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Outside of her artistic pursuits, Kristen's love for animals remains a significant part of her life, inspired by her late dogs, Tana and Toby, who reignited her appreciation for the outdoors. Music is a constant companion as she works, providing a backdrop to her creative processes.

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Kristen's work reflects her deep-seated values of preserving nature and finding beauty in the often-overlooked details of life. As she continues to grow as an artist, she aspires to engage in more art shows and gallery exhibits, believing in the transformative power of art to provoke thought, conversation, and experience in society. Kristen's journey is far from over, with each photograph she takes adding a new chapter to her compelling and ever-evolving artistic narrative.

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Artist Statement

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My artwork revolves around capturing the breathtaking beauty and serene moments of nature through landscape and wildlife photography. Using a Nikon D850 camera body, I have honed my craft with a versatile set of lenses that cater to various aspects of my photography. For most landscape shots, I rely on my Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens. This lens provides a great balance of flexibility and quality, allowing me to capture everything from sweeping vistas to intimate details. When I need to go ultrawide, especially in slot canyons or to capture expansive scenes, my Nikkor 16-35mm f/4 lens is indispensable. For wildlife photography or when I challenge myself with different landscape compositions, I turn to my Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 lens. Though it's a hefty lens, the results it delivers are truly remarkable.

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In my landscape photography, I focus on discovering the often overlooked details that bring a unique perspective to familiar scenes. Whether it's an unconventional angle on a waterfall or a long exposure of water to illustrate movement, my aim is to convey a sense of calm and tranquility that nature imparts. This sense of peace and quiet is what drew me to photography initially, and it's what I strive to capture and share with my audience.

 

When photographing wildlife, my approach is twofold. First, I seek to capture a moment of connection, such as a sparkle in the eye or a glimpse of personality that makes the viewer feel a bond with the subject. Second, I aim to portray these animals within their natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of conserving these environments. By showing wildlife in their true surroundings, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation and desire to protect these precious outdoor areas.

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Overall, my work is characterized by a deep appreciation for the subtle, serene, and sometimes hidden aspects of the natural world. My palette is defined by the rich, vibrant colors of nature, and my compositions often balance the grandeur of the landscape with intimate, calming details. Through my photography, I strive to capture and share the moments of calm and beauty that nature provides, encouraging others to pause, appreciate, and protect our natural surroundings.

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When selecting my subject matter, a variety of factors come into play. First and foremost, I always adhere to the principle of "shoot what you love." For me, that means anything in nature. I am particularly drawn to mountains and water shots, as they offer a serene and majestic beauty that I find captivating. Over the past few years, I've also developed a deep passion for the Sonoran Desert, especially its iconic sentinels, the Saguaro Cactus. Their unique forms and the stark, yet vibrant, desert landscape provide endless inspiration.

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Weather conditions are another key factor in my subject selection. If it's a stormy day with dramatic clouds and dynamic lighting, you can be sure I'll be out there capturing the atmospheric changes and the interplay of light and shadow. These conditions often create some of the most striking and evocative images.

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When it comes to wildlife photography, the process involves a great deal of patience and a thorough understanding of animal behavior. Observing and studying the patterns and habits of wildlife is crucial to capturing those fleeting, intimate moments that reveal their true nature. Ethical considerations are paramount in my approach to wildlife photography. This means no baiting, no interfering with their natural activities, and, as I mentioned before, a lot of patience. Respecting the animals and their environment is essential to my practice, ensuring that the images I capture are authentic and do not cause any harm or distress to the subjects.

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What primarily draws me to a particular scene or composition is good light. Light has the power to transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary, highlighting textures, creating depth, and evoking emotions. Whether it’s the soft, golden hues of sunrise or the dramatic, contrasting shadows of a stormy sky, good lighting can reveal the intricate details and natural beauty of a landscape or wildlife subject in a way that nothing else can. In every shot, I strive to harness the best possible lighting conditions to bring out the unique characteristics and emotions of the scene. It is this interplay of light and nature that truly draws me to a particular scene or composition, creating images that resonate with a sense of wonder and serenity.

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What inspires me is the profound calmness of nature. The inner peace that envelops me as soon as I hit the trail is my greatest source of inspiration. It’s the simple, yet powerful, moments that nature provides—the chirping of birds, the blooming of flowers, the gentle sound of water running—that fuel my creativity and drive my passion for photography. By capturing the peaceful essence of natural settings, I hope to share that sense of calm and inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world.

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My creative techniques revolve around simplicity and a light touch in the editing process, often resulting in photographs that have a painterly quality. This distinctive look comes from my commitment to keeping the editing process minimal, allowing the natural beauty of the scene to shine through. I print my photographs on high-quality watercolor paper, which adds a rich, textured dimension to the images. The prints are then mounted onto wood panels, creating a sturdy and elegant display. To protect the ink and paper, I seal the prints with a beeswax resin. This not only preserves the artwork but also eliminates the need for glass, allowing viewers to appreciate the image without the distraction of reflections.

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By blending traditional photography with elements of fine art presentation, I've created a unique style that stands out. This approach allows me to present my work in a way that enhances its natural beauty and creates a tangible connection between the viewer and the image.​