hello new ebook!
riversong Creative, Holistic Approaches to Photographing New River Gorge
- learn both the art and craft of landscape & nature photography from a national geographic published pro landscape photographer
- discover the landscapes of new river gorge, west virginia (the location of our nation's newest national park) from a trained geographer
- Take a peek behind my creative curtain in a series of images with essays, organized by location
all available for you inside this 111-page ebook!
“The gorge is a place of infinite visual possibilities, and Riversong offers a beginning for your own photographic exploration, just as my experience here was a personal starting point.”
Riversong Includes:
Foreword by Sarah Marino, highly regarded nature photographer, photography educator, and writer
A geography primer on New River Gorge, with information about what makes this landscape unique, how it formed, and cultural/human elements, too
Suggested locations for exploration, with summary information included along with hyperlinks to National Park Service pages for further information
In-depth essays on 12 example images, including both Artistic Context and Technical Approach sections for each
Initial presentation of intermediate to advanced photography techniques, for further reading and research by the reader
Personal sources of inspiration, including books, newsletters, music, poetry, quotes, wellbeing practices, and more
Maps, including a general map of the gorge, and inset maps showing the general location of each example image
The stories behind the images - why I made them, what they mean to me
58 supporting images in addition to the 12 main images
Afterword by Sam Krisch, exhibiting artist and educator
All included in a downloadable 111-page PDF for just $20
would you like to grow as a photographic artist?
- Have you ever wished for a more holistic learning resource? Something that teaches both the artistic context and the technical approach to landscape and nature photography?
- Do you want to nurture your artistry as a developing photographer?
- Would you like to have ready access to technical information for specific images, with discussion about why specific settings and techniques were chosen?
- Ever wonder why an artist made a particular image, or what it might symbolize or mean to them personally?
- Would you like to learn about what inspires other artists as a way to find inspiration of your own?
are you interested in learning more about new river gorge?
- Have you wondered what all the hype is about New River Gorge National Park, our nation's newest national park?
- Would you like to learn from a trained geographer about what makes this landscape unique?
- Would you like information about some of the best areas in New River Gorge to make interesting images?
“Over the eight years I have known Michele, I have developed a deep respect for her photographic body of work. I have always been impressed with her ability to create fresh, personally expressive, and stylistically unique photographs of the locations she visits, including the Appalachian Mountains generally and New River Gorge National Park specifically. As you will see in Riversong, Michele’s work shows that she brings a keen sense of observation to her work as a creative photographer, turning moments of connection into insightful interpretations of the natural world."
sarah marino, nature photographer, photography EDUCATOR, & writer
Riversong is a unique and holistic learning resource for landscape & nature photographers
I’ve always been mesmerized by place. From a graduate degree in physical geography, to a 20 year long career in location analytics, and now to my current life as a pro photographer specializing in the landscapes of Appalachia, my love of place runs deep.
Come with me to discover this incredible West Virginia landscape and the best locations to visit. Let me show you, using specific examples, the art and craft of shooting here.
Get ready to be inspired!
REVIEWS & testimonials
shawn means
CO-OWNER OF LAFAYETTE FLATS BOUTIQUE VACATION RENTALS
"As a photography enthusiast and a lifelong New River Gorge explorer, I found this book to be captivating on many levels. The images Michele uses to illustrate photographic techniques are breathtaking, and her description of each photograph's context is both instructive and inspiring. She unselfishly gives the reader a piece of herself, sharing not only the "how," but also the sometimes surprising "why" behind each location and image. The result is an immensely enjoyable book that defies categorization: It could easily be labeled as fine art, instructional, philosophy, or even a travel guide."
TALOR STONE
Pro Photographer & PHD researcher
pro with Muench Workshops
"Riversong provides a rich insight into the New River Gorge's history and sights as well as into the heart of the artist herself. Michele writes with a true sense of poetry and it's clear that this book is as much a testament to her deep relationship to the land as it is an educational guide guaranteed to inform and inspire."
Claudia Welsh
Photography Business Owner
former vp, retail for the ansel adams gallery
"In Riversong, Michele Sons invites readers to take a journey with her to our newest national park, the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Her love for nature and respectful attitude permeates the book. Within these pages you’ll find tranquil scenery, inspiration and photographic guidance, as well as links to help you plan your own visit to this beautiful area."
“The threads of Michele’s work weave an inspirational tapestry of creativity, technique, and research. She is a generous and humble instructor and a thoughtful and complete artist. Riversong is a sum of her prodigious talents and her spirit permeates the work. Reading it motivates me to work harder at my craft so that I can aspire to also glimpse those moments of the sublime that she so confidently presents.”
SAM KRISCH, EXHIBITING ARTIST & EDUCATOR
“To try to categorize Riversong is nearly impossible. Michele has delivered the perfect blend of everything an artist could want in a location guide. Riversong is a poetic travelogue that offers as much practical advice on the location as it does nurture the reader's connection to the landscape. Michele shares her photographic guidance on the images within the book with a plethora of creative techniques for readers to employ on their travels to New River Gorge National Park and beyond. “
CHRISSY DONADI
NATURE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATOR, WRITER
how can i access my copy of riversong?
Follow the link below to check out securely and get your copy of this beautiful ebook.
$20
about the author
Michele Sons
Hi there. I'm Michele Sons, a professional landscape and nature photographer based in the Appalachian mountains in Virginia in the United States. I'm originally from England, have travelled extensively over the course of my entire life, but have been based in Appalachia for the last 20 years. I'm also a trained geographer with an MS in Physical Geography and 20 years of experience in the field of geography. You could say my love of landscapes runs deep…
I specialize in quiet, contemplative imagery of Appalachia, and I have a unique way of distilling the chaotic environment of this region down to minimalist, calming scenes. I have worked with National Geographic for a number of years, and my clients include The Wilderness Society, Great Smoky Mountains Association, and more. For more information, visit my website at www.michelesons.com
I would love to share my knowledge, experience and love of art and expression with you in my latest ebook: Riversong!