Bored Panda reached out to Christine Ward to delve into her world and creative journey. A skilled photographer and tattoo artist, Ward's talents intrigued us. We were curious about the inspiration behind her decision to venture into photography, expanding her artistic horizons.
"I’ve always had an interest in photography, so I guess it was only natural," the artist shared. "I remember when I was around 15, I would play around with my dad’s digital camera, taking photos of the flowers and bugs in our backyard. When I was 17/18, someone I knew who was a photographer told me that I should get into macro photography because I had always been really fascinated by the small details in nature. I’d always point out the fine details in things. That kind of stuck with me, and eventually, I got my first DSLR and tada!"
Nature has a unique way of leaving imprints on our memories, so we asked Ward if there are specific moments or places in nature that have left a lasting impression on her. The photographer replied that she feels that every place visited has made a lasting impact, providing unique experiences and memories at each destination.
"Each place has its own beauty and magic. There will always be something there to experience and connect with. If I had to choose a couple of places, though… there was one place I used to visit in a region called Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia. I came across a particular river one day, where an Osprey used to hunt, and I would go there daily for about two years. I was grateful because I got to observe this majestic creature for a while and its habits up close. It was fun to learn about its behavior, and it also seemed to get used to me in the time I used to go there.
I remember there was one time when I spent 4 hours in the same position in one spot, observing it—I was in the water, balancing myself on slippery rocks with no shoes on, while holding up a monopod and my heavy camera gear. I was a bit worried about dropping my gear in the water, haha. I also kept getting cramps in my feet and kept getting bitten by bugs, but I didn’t want to miss anything. That was fun. There’s also something exciting about a creature trusting you and allowing you to get close. During this period, it really taught me to be patient and taught me to live more in the moment. Plus, I got to learn more about Ospreys by researching and observing. They’re now one of my favorite birds of prey. Another place is Norway; that country is super magical to me, but maybe I’ll delve into that another day, haha!"
Ward really likes animals, especially birds and bats. That's why she mostly concentrates on them.
"I usually love taking photos of any creatures I see, and sometimes the right moment just pops up! I love shooting photos of bats because, not only are they cute, but they are also incredibly misunderstood. I’d like to clarify that I’m not a bat expert, but I’ve been trying to educate myself about them over the years. I’ve spoken to several bat carers and ecologists about them and how important they are to ecosystems.
I like to take nice photos and videos of them to show that they’re actually not that scary. They’re sweet little creatures, and I also like to talk about their roles. Lots of people aren’t aware that they’re a keystone species and how much work they actually do. It would be negatively affected if we got rid of them or if they suddenly disappeared. Unsung heroes of the planet!"
"I want people to realize how magical and important nature is, and that it’s not just a bird, or just a tree, or just… a 'thing.' I want people to become more aware of their surroundings and see the beauty in it while it’s still here. I've had a few people say that, after following me for a while, they've noticed more birds and learned more about nature, bringing happiness into their lives and making them realize its importance. That warms my heart so much!
I also want my art to evoke some kind of feeling.
Several people have questioned why I use blue tones. Many have said it gives a cold, sad feeling, which I understand. I do appreciate melancholic things, and being quite an emotional person, I suppose it all makes sense as to why I color-grade things the way I do. However, I also strive to bring a sense of calmness with my work, and if I can contribute to that, then I’m happy!"
