about
I used to hate being outside and I definitely never thought I’d call myself a birder.
In 2016, my life plans took a detour, and I found myself in need of space to heal. Nature became one of the only places my mind and body were at peace, and taking photos became a way for me to focus and create little moments I could be proud of. Several years later, daily trips outdoors have turned me into a bit of a nature nut.
I hope some of the photos here bring you joy… but if nothing else, get your booty outside - it’s amazing what nature can do!
~ Kristen Matteo
Thank you
I’d be remiss not to recognize the many individuals who have supported, inspired, and created space for me to explore photography.
To my family, thank you for buying me my first camera, for putting up with my ‘paparazzi-like’ invasions at family gatherings when I was learning how to use it, and for creating such a beautiful nature space for healing and inspiration. To Todd, my partner in crime, the one who quietly comes home with 50lbs of peanuts, a new lens, a different bird house to try, who spends hours researching SEO strategy to help me… I’m so lucky to have you. To Mark Boylan, who has been an avid nature lover long before me and always answers my mystery bird texts without making me feel like a dumb beginner. To Keith Walters, who consistently shows up for sunrises and sunsets and has created a mind-blowing collection of work that is the epitome of the kind of passion to aspire to. To Laura, who is quite literally my nerd soulmate and is always up for a nature adventure (midnight Owl Prowl, anyone?). To my friends who put up with my social media feed turning completely into crazy bird lady land but still ‘heart’ and ‘like’ and tell me you look forward to my photos, you all are a huge piece of what makes me excited to get up in below-freezing temps and do it all again the next day.
There is a lot of love baked into these images, and it’s because you all have loved me so well.