It’s perhaps not surprising that early photographers viewed their work as a partnership with nature. The Romantic era’s reverence for the natural landscape persisted into the nineteenth century, and the newfound ability to capture the world through light and chemistry must have seemed almost magical.
Georgina Goodwin’s work brings a unique dimension to photography, through her conscious choice of brightness and color, and intentionally connecting us with emotion, she adds depth and vibrancy to her images.
As an independent documentary photographer and former Canon Ambassador based in Nairobi, Kenya, Georgina has spent over 20 years capturing the intricate stories of the environment and social issues. Her photography transcends the ordinary, telling tales that resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the pull of our world’s beauty and the urgency of conserving our natural world.
Georgina was born and brought up in Kenya. Her first connection with photography was at age 6, when she was given a pocket-size camera which she snuck into her school and snapped far-away portraits of her friends. Much later, while working on a yacht sailing from Africa to Asia she felt the need to capture not just life’s scenes, but the deeper essence of individual moments.
Finding work back in Kenya running a safari camp in the famous Masai Mara, Georgina’s passion for photography and connecting to nature grew. She took on documenting the 2007 Kenya elections and election violence that followed, learning early in her career how photography can be a powerful tool for witnesses. Her images still stand today as windows into the lives and moments that would otherwise have remained unknown.
Kenyan’s rich diversity of people and culture, nature, and landscapes have been a constant and rich source of inspiration, allowing Georgina to be immersed in stories of resilience, connection, and beauty, all as deep realities of our world.
“There is so much to see and learn about in our world! I feel privileged to experience many things I wouldn’t otherwise do through my photography. I want to share what I see and learn with others, particularly stories that I think few people might know about. Those I want to share first,” Georgina reflects.
“My goal is to show not just what’s in front of me but what’s inside, and underneath—the layers of human and nature experience, history, and connection,” she says. Her deep love of nature and her passion for its preservation is evident in her personal projects and her professional work. “Photography allows me to translate my love for our world, especially nature, into something tangible,” Georgina explains. “It’s about fostering a love and appreciation for our environment and our world that’s rooted in understanding. Only then can we love it and want to protect it.”
For Georgina, balancing motherhood with her photography career has of course been a challenge, but also a source of inspiration. “I had to put aside any personal work while starting a family,” she explains. “But now, as my children are getting a little older, I’m finding the space to begin new projects, to explore themes that are meaningful to me.” Her journey in motherhood has helped develop her ability to slow down and adapt. She now finds ways to connect her personal experiences as a mother into her photography and storytelling. “There are now small gaps in my day which allow me the time to ponder on and plan for new projects,” she shares. “And I’m bringing in my love and passion for nature to fuel these ideas.”
One of these new projects focuses on the mental and emotional benefits that come from spending time in nature. “There’s a lot of science now that supports what we intuitively know – spending time outdoors can reduce stress, increase happiness, and foster creativity,” Georgina says. “I want to visually explore how the natural environment fosters mental clarity, emotional well-being, and stress reduction.” This project will showcase how nature can be a sanctuary for the mind, offering a space where individuals can reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Another personal project is a journey of self-discovery through reconnecting with nature. “I’ve always found solace in the natural world,” she says. “Through this project, I hope to encourage others to find that same peace, that same connection.” Georgina’s images in this series will focus on the intimate relationship between humans and the environment—how spending time in nature can provide a sense of perspective, purpose and belonging.
“I try to make the art of photography feel tangible and meaningful to others, to connect through emotion,” she says. “I use my personal connection to nature as part of my teaching, explaining how spending time outdoors helps us observe light, patterns, and wildlife behavior.” Through workshops and courses, she teaches the next generation of photographers not just how to capture an image but how to tell a story through their work. “It’s about slowing down, noticing the details, and feeling present in your environment while consciously creating each frame,” she says. “I encourage my learners to photograph with purpose, to see beyond the frame’s obvious scene.”
Storytelling is a powerful tool for change. Georgina’s extensive archive of work and on-going projects are a testament to her commitment to bearing witness. “By sharing in these experiences – like when the golden-hour light shifts and magically transforms a scene – we can connect to something deep within ourselves”, she says, “I hope to inspire others to see photography as a way to connect deeply with the world.”
Recent Comments