Katie MacDonald: Natural Explorations
- PhotoED Magazine
- 11 hours ago
- 5 min read
An interview with NIKON CREATOR Katie MacDonald
Katie MacDonald is a Canadian adventure seeker and photographer. A photography lover since childhood, her camera has been a constant companion.
Following a life-altering pulmonary embolism when she was 22, Katie began hiking to remain active during her recovery. She has since embraced and combined her passions for the outdoors, travel, and photography, working as a full-time content creator.
We spoke to Katie about her work and adventures as a Nikon Creator.
photoED: How did you learn photography?
KATIE:
When I was around seven years old, a family member handed me a DSLR camera and said I could play with it. After that first encounter, I begged my parents for a camera of my own. I received my first Nikon camera for my eighth birthday, a Nikon Coolpix. I went on to study photography in high school and then in college. I’ve shot weddings, real estate, commercial work, and more, all along the path towards finding my love for outdoors and travel adventures. I now have the privilege of using a camera every day for my work, but still find it a tool for fun and creative explorations. There is always more to learn, to capture, and to be inspired by.
photoED: What do you love most about sharing stories through photography?
KATIE:
Photography is a universal language. There’s a story in every photo and a unique perspective in every image. You can send three people with cameras to the same place and have completely different photographs taken. I love to use my camera to document my travels, and hopefully inspire others to enjoy the outdoors.
photoED: Whose work has influenced yours?
KATIE:
A few of my biggest inspirations are Rob Stimpson for his landscape and wildlife photos, Peter McKinnon for his constantly new takes on well-travelled places, Paige Deas for how she tells a story with her images, and Renee de Ronde for her nature-focused captures.
photoED: What makes a good photograph?
KATIE:
My favourite photographs are ones that evoke emotion in some way, whether it is wonder, awe, joy, sadness, wanderlust, or even confusion. These types of photos are always the ones that stick with me. Sometimes photographs make you notice details you otherwise might not. I love looking at images where I get to think about what the artist was doing to achieve the shot; whether it was a sunrise they woke up at 3:00 a.m. for, a remote location that required a lot of planning, a bridal photo where you can only imagine what went into posing a large group of people, or a dramatic wildlife capture. A good photograph is entirely subjective, but if it makes you feel something, then I think it has done its job.
photoED: How has working in photography influenced you personally?
KATIE:
Every time I set foot in nature, I feel like I am getting lost to find myself. It’s the same when I pick up my camera, I feel like I am translating the way I experience the world for others to see. It’s a constant reminder for me to be intentional, to get creative, and to simply be myself. It combines everything I love and I am able to share it with others.
Photography allows me to preserve and translate the feeling of what it was like to be where I was standing.
photoED: What has been your favourite or most personally impactful adventure?
KATIE:
My most impactful destination as a photographer, and as someone who loves to get outside, is Algonquin Park. I have been going to the park since I was a little girl, and seeing my photographs of the same place change over the years has been special to me. The same place can tell a completely different story depending on the season, the conditions, or even the mood I’m in that day. It’s wonderful to get to know one place well yet still be completely surprised by it on every visit. Algonquin truly is magic.
photoED: Tell us about your hardest or most challenging day as a photographer.
KATIE:
My most challenging day as a photographer was when I was shooting a wedding and my second shooter had an emergency, and their backup was very ill. I shot the wedding alone, which was not new to me, but it definitely made for a lot of last-minute plan changes with how the day was to unfold. The bride, groom, and their families and friends were all lovely and accommodating, and everything went well given the circumstances. To this day, they are some of the most wonderful wedding photos I have ever taken!
photoED: What advice do you have for photographers just getting started?
KATIE:
My advice is simple: Keep shooting. You truly never know when you’re going to take your new favourite photo. Sometimes it’s just around the corner from home. I also encourage people to keep playing to find what brings you joy. There will never be too much art in the world. There is space for yours too.
photoED: What are your top travel tips or hacks for travelling with photography equipment?
KATIE:
Browse around for a backpack that can strap in a lightweight tripod so you have your tools on you to not miss out on any shots. Too many times have I not brought a tripod and kicked myself for it. If you’re anything like me, buy some extra lens caps and cords for them so you don’t have to worry about losing them. Get a zoom lens for when you travel, just in case of wildlife! A mirrorless camera is great for travel too because it can be quite light.
GEAR UP
What camera and equipment do you most use now? What’s your favourite lens? Tell us about your experience using NIKON products.
KATIE:
I mainly shoot with my Nikon Z 6III. My favourite lens right now to travel with has been the Nikkor Z 28–400mm f/4–8 VR. I’ve used various Nikon cameras over the years, but for picking up my gear to head out on my adventures, these two are my sidekicks!
Check out all Katie's favourite Nikon gear, HERE.
To see more of Katie's work, check out: yourmatiekatie.com
