Welcome to the first blog entry for Northwest Rivers Photography. For the past three decades, I've worked with land and water conservation organizations that introduced me to wild rivers, lands and experiences. Instead of sending me to New York, San Francisco and Chicago, I spent time on Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon, California's Upper Kern, Georgia's Tallulah Gorge, and Washington's North Cascades and Salish Sea. I met others with similar interests and passions. From this I began a long love with high energy and high gradient water (river, ocean and snow), wild landscapes, and wildlife. From this was born the idea for Northwest Rivers Photography.
Wild rivers are earth's renegades, defying gravity, dancing to their own tunes, resisting the authority of humans, always chipping away, and eventually always winning. Richard Bangs
I also learned that while you need good photography skills, the best way to get interesting shots is to spend time in amazing places and wait for exceptional light and opportunities.
Nooksack River, Washington
In 2001, my family and I moved from Washington DC to Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington. Not only because of the great natural resources available in the Pacific Northwest, but also due to its location as a gateway to British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon Territories. Over those years I've been lucky to have spent time in each of those areas.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
In 2020, I retired from my conservation work with the goal of starting up my own photography site. The plan was to spend my first year capturing photos in those northern latitudes. But the Covid Pandemic had the same timeline and borders were closed and travel became a danger and very difficult. You will see my new plan for this year as I spend time closer to home in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Wyoming. We are blessed to have so many places to get wild, and I hope Northwest Rivers Photography will alleviate somewhat the difficulty in getting out and around the country -- and an inspiration to get out when we can.
The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time. Henry David Thoreau
I hope you will follow my travels, explorations and adventures, and be inspired by the photos contained on this website and on this blog. And remember, its not enough to love wild places -- they need your help and support to grow and thrive. Find your passion, tell others about your interests, and then find, join and support those organizations that share your passion.
Rich Bowers
A few of my favorite organizations:
Incredible photography! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.