In the current issue of Nebraska Life magazine is an article entitled “Hiking with Riley” that features some experiences I had with my eldest daughter at Schramm State Recreation Area in eastern Nebraska. To accompany that and to give a little bit of insight into myself I allowed myself to be interviewed for their monthly email newsletter. If you want to know a little bit more about me, below is the content of the interview.
Through the Lens of Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston
In the past year, we’ve introduced you to the mesmerizing photos and personal accounts of photographer and writer Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston. Derrald stepped away from his camera long enough to give us a peek through his viewfinder into his life and his adventures.
What led to your interest in photography? More specifically, why did you choose nature and wildlife over other subjects?
Every year as a young boy, my parents and I would plan trips to visit various national parks and other historic areas. Both of my parents were in education and saw the importance of visiting places and immersing oneself in the area instead of just reading about them in a book. On one such trip in Montana, I took a camera to document my experiences. Upon review of the countless rolls of film, I realized I was drawn toward wildlife, nature subjects and landscapes. I continued to pursue this passion through college and after.
You do some writing, too. How did you get into that?
Writing began to interest me in high school. In college, I took a creative writing class, which I consider one of my most enjoyable classes. Since then I’ve continued to write and continue to find it satisfying.
Do you have a favorite place in Nebraska to photograph? Write about?
One place I find myself returning often is Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge near Fort Calhoun. When I visit Boyer Chute, I am often alone in the park and find the serenity a nice break from the chaos of life. Here, I am allowed to wander through the prairie, watch the wildlife and listen to the quiet swoosh of grass in the breeze.
You’ve got some breathtaking nature and wildlife photos. How do you do it?
Besides getting out there and experimenting, research is key. I find myself reading and using the Internet to find new places to see and photograph. I find that the better I know my subjects, the more I am able to get a meaningful and artistic shot.
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome shooting and writing?
One of the biggest challenges that I think any artist faces is finding a distinguishable style. I am continually evolving my style by broadening my techniques and subjects.
What is your proudest accomplishment professionally?
While I have been published in magazines, calendars, postcards and had numerous gallery showings, I would actually say that my “Hiking With Riley” (May/June 2011 issue) story has been my proudest accomplishment. It contains two important and major aspects of my life – my photography and my daughter. That’s going to be a hard combination to beat.
In “Hiking with Riley” you touch on the fact that your daughter, Riley, helps you see the world through a different set of eyes. What does she help you see?
One of Riley’s favorite things is to stop and look at everything again. Although photographers already slow down and study their subjects, having a child that is interested in the world encourages another level of reflection. Additionally, Riley has really shown me that I don’t ask the question “why” enough. She often asks this question, as most children do, and it has only proven to increase my knowledge and subsequently my appreciation of what surrounds us. With her, I am encouraged to seek out new activities and places that I think may be of interest to her, and this adds even more knowledge and further enriches my life.
Are there any places in Nebraska that you haven’t been that you still hope to capture?
I have not had an opportunity to fully tour the Wildcat Hills. I am hoping to visit and photograph that area soon.
