Biography
Henry is a photographer focused on the inter-relatedness of nature and the rhythms of the seasons. In 2026, Henry graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Biology. Looking ahead, Henry will be attending a nature-inspired arts residency at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Born and raised in Waterloo, Michigan, he is specifically interested in wildlife within the Great Lakes region. In attempts to understand the workings of the Earth, he is aimed at observing species abundance, interactions, and behavior through photography and field writing. He has exhibited in several group shows in Kalamazoo as well as “Sourced from the Zoo” at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Artist Statement
Through the practice of active observation in natural spaces, I have explored variety in species, ecosystems, and interactions within the landscape. I spend time staying still and softening into the scene surrounding me, letting natural processes unfold without my interference. I find the act of waiting as a doorway into sharing a moment with nature and seeing what truly happens in the wild. Being seen as not a threat cultivates a sense of mutual trust and peace. Over time, I have gained a sense of familiarity with the names of many of the plants and animals of the Michigan region and in turn have become more sensitive to notice diversity and anomalies. Because the natural landscape is an ever-changing environment, there is always a different occurrence to observe, many of which only happen once every year.
I grew up within the Waterloo State Recreation Area. With the park spanning over 20,000 acres, I had ample access to open and forested state land supporting an abundance of wildlife. As a result, I developed a feeling of rootedness in the land around where I live, knowledge which has only enhanced my admiration and connection to it. The connection has brought me to be more in tune with the rhythms and patterns of the seasons and which species are prevalent at each time.
My photography is unscripted and done entirely out in the field. Working in the field introduces a lot of unpredictable variables. Part of the draw toward wildlife photography is the uncertainty, and having to adapt to whatever conditions or subjects one may come across. I record seasonal occurrences and observations of species and weather when I am out taking photographs. Keeping a journal record serves as a form of reflection for me and aids in my identification skills. I find that recording and recognizing species has provided me a much richer experience of nature, and I feel I have only scratched the surface. Being able to compare observations from previous years allows the ability to anticipate what I may come across or experience. My photography is a representation of my curiosity and appreciation toward the natural world.
