Meet Erin Cooper | Wildlife Photographer & Nature Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Consistency. Being consistent has led me to a lot more success in my life than anything else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I discovered this passion for wildlife photography during the pandemic of all times. There wasn’t a lot to do other than be outside so I decided to exercise my more creative side, while still remaining fairly technical with the photography piece. Sometimes I feel like I picked one of the more difficult subjects to photograph when I started with birds, but I quickly learned how to capture a great shot that tells a story without embellishing too much in the editing phase. I am constantly learning new tips and tricks from more experienced photographers and also learning more about the importance of keeping our environment healthy and how much different species contribute to that. I value the time I get to spend with more experienced bird watchers and local conservationists because I get the opportunity to learn so much. I would like for my work to contribute to the education of the public in an accessible way. My main goal with wildlife photography is promoting healthy conservationism throughout the United States and beyond by showing people all of the beautiful things that exist around them daily.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have a very distinct love for Phoenix, it is the dream of the outdoorsperson! My ideal itinerary would take place mostly outside of the city at many of the National Forests that are nearby and summitting the mountains surrounding the area. Camelback Mountain is a fantastic hike and will always be one of my favorites! I recently hiked Black Mountain for the first time and that was one of the most challenging vertical hikes I have accomplished in a while. Day 3 would afford a trip to the Jewel of the Creek Preserve and hiking around Spur Cross Ranch Conservation with a climb up Elephant Mountain, followed by a nice dinner in Cave Creek. Old Town Scottsdale is a MUST when you’re in the area, you could easily spend an entire day there. The Desert Botanical Gardens will always be one of my very favorite places in Phoenix, I make sure to visit as often as I can. Ending the itinerary with a day spent between Lake Pleasant, Cave Buttes, or the Phoenix Mountains Preserve would be the perfect Phoenix vacation for me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate this to my mom and stepdad. They are always so encouraging about my artistic endeavors and constantly speak very positive things into my environment surrounding wildlife photography! Also would like to thank all of my friends and the multiple Audubon volunteer organizations for encouraging my creative side through the past few years and leading educational and rewarding bird sighting walks.

Instagram: fari.nature.photos

Image Credits
Erin Cooper