Nature Photography |Chicago, IL
Hello! My name is Melanie Cole, and I'm a nature photographer currently based in Illinois. While I have plenty of experience with family and freelance photography, I have always felt more comfortable working with animals, and when I'm in nature, I am truly in my element.
Photography has been an incredibly significant part of my life. I have been capturing moments of objects, animals, and people that surround me since I was twelve years old, and as someone that has always had a difficult time expressing who they are and what is important to them, photography has helped me do that.
I am drawn to my two focuses, nature photography and cemetery photography, for several reasons. As I've mentioned, I am most comfortable and content when I'm in nature. Spending time in the woods, surrounded by plants, animals, and the beautiful natural ecosystems is my safe space. I became entranced by the life that thrived among the departed. I have seen a large variety of animals living in the cemeteries near my home, including deer, coyotes, owls, herons, and so many others. It is quite amazing to watch the animals live their lives in both environments.
I am currently working to get my Bachelor's degree in Animal Health and Behavior. I want to be able to work closely with animals and have a better understanding of how they communicate and survive.
When I photograph animals and nature, I feel as though I can better understand who they are. I can capture what makes them beautiful and share it with everyone. I also like to spread awareness and educate others on the animals I photograph, so they have some facts, as well as knowledge on how they can help the animals that they share the Earth with. This is their home too, and it is important that we treat all creatures with respect. I am glad my photography can help me express this.
You can see more of Melanie's work here
In a home of death, there is new life.
Among the stones, the grass grows;
Blades dance in the breeze
And gently caress the lasting identities.
The house of the dead becomes
The house of the living.
The family of foxes takes shelter
With the remains of family
Since passed on.
In this home of the dead
And home of the living
Nature reclaims what was lost.
Vines creep up the stony temple
And paw prints mark the territory
That they have regained.
Among the deceased
The living may thrive.
The herd of deer find safety
And tranquility
In their home of bones and stones.
The remains of the dead
Are present and abundant
But the coyote takes refuge
And flows with the circle of life.
He will do his part in keeping
The balance between life
And death.
In a home of death, there is new life.
The deer
The coyotes
The foxes
And the other protectors of the remains
Will remain
In this home of life and death.
-Melanie Cole
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