About the Artist - Curtis Harsh
The Journey
My journey began at age of nineteen with a simple disposable camera. At first I didn’t think much of what I was doing but quickly I realized I enjoyed being behind the camera. After exposing a few disposable cameras, I moved up to a point and shoot camera that came as a free gift with a printer purchase. That camera wasn’t any good but it got me out shooting. After years of learning by doing with a few more point and shoot style cameras, I moved up to a DSLR. At that point photography shifted from a hobby into a life’s calling. Today I shoot mirrorless using the best high resolution cameras available to me.
When I was first starting out, I would photograph trains. I was just documenting what I was seeing. Nothing was artistic about those early photos. One day I decided to go for a hike and I brought my camera. That opened up a whole new world of possibility for my photography. I then went on a trip to Shenandoah National Park with a friend. Before that, national parks weren’t on my radar. From the moment I arrived in Shenandoah, I was hooked. The views from the overlooks, the hikes to waterfalls, the abundance of wildlife, so much beauty that I felt like I needed to capture. At that point I knew that being out in nature was where I needed to be.
Conservation
Whether I’m hiking remote trails, exploring quiet wetlands, or tracking the subtleties of animal behavior, I’m happiest behind the lens. But the more I go out to photograph nature, the more I see the threat it faces. Photography to me is about more than producing pretty images. Photography is about bearing witness to places and creatures that deserve our respect and protection.
Photography, for me, is as much about conservation as it is about art. A powerful image has the ability to stir empathy, raise awareness, and build connection. Photography can do this often in ways words alone cannot. Photographers have always played a role in inspiring stewardship of the natural world. I feel as though I must continue that legacy through mine.
I hope that my images do more than evoke a sense of wonder. I want them to be a reminder of what is at stake. Every forest, every stream, every fleeting encounter with wildlife carries a story worth telling. By sharing these stories through fine art photography, I aim to foster deeper appreciation and invite others to take part in conserving the wild places and species that enrich our planet. After all, Earth is the only planet we have.
Life Away From Photography
When I’m not out exploring with my camera, I live in western Maryland with my beautiful wife Mayra. We love traveling and going on adventures. Whether it’s a local hike or taking a long drive, we go whenever we get the chance. My life goals include visiting all 63 national parks and all 50 states in the United States. As of now I have made it to 32 national parks and 46 states. Outside of the United States, I’d love to explore Iceland, Costa Rica, the Galápagos Islands and Patagonia.
