Meet Harry Lichtman | Landscape and Outdoor Photographer

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

Hi Harry, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a landscape photographer, work and life balance is a critical component to consider. Because travel, weather, dynamic lighting, and seasonal conditions play such an important role in this genre of photography, personal relationships with friends and family can easily take a back seat in pursuit of that perfect shot. Early on, I realized that group activities were not usually compatible with getting great images. Sometime I need to wait for hours in the same place on a hike or travel in the middle of the night to get to a location for desired lighting. I quickly realized that others in my circle did not have the same passion to be on my schedule or itinerary. I began to separate these excursions and kept my photography trips separate from outings with friends. My wife and I have worked out an understanding for the travel we do together that parts might be exclusively for photography and portions just for us. I may head out for 3 days with my backpack and then meet up with her upon my return. In this way I can be more fully present for both aspects of my life. My type of photography does not have set studio times or scheduled shoot engagements so it can be challenging. Landscape photography can be physically and mentally exhausting, so managing this balance helps prevent burnout and resentment in relationships.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started selling my photography way back in the late 1990’s as I worked as environment scientist and then later as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 25 years. Way back then I never had thoughts of taking photos professionally, it was more a way of documenting my new interests in the outdoors. After getting some initial positive feedback from friends and family, I entered some images into a very small local contest and ended up winning. This experience lit my fire and gave me the confidence to improve and create more artistic photos instead of purely documenting my travels. I had read photographer/climber Galen Rowell’s Mountain Light and tried to pattern my style after him. Over years, I improved my photographic skills through instructional books, trial and error and later the internet while still keeping my 9-5 jobs. These jobs allowed me to travel and schedules were flexible enough to plan for photographic trips and local shoots to build a portfolio of work that I could then submit to publishers. Ironically and half kidding, I probably spent more time with my photographic pursuits than my day jobs over the years! During the pandemic, I transitioned to photography full time. Since the physical requirements of my type of landscape photography can be vigorous and the time commitment extensive, I realized my window was limited and wanted to make the most of my time. It was a difficult decision since I really enjoyed my work in physical therapy and my coworkers were a great group of people. Landscape photography can be a very solitary endeavor compared to my work in physical therapy and required some adjustment.

I try to portray the natural landscape in its most wild and beautiful moments. New England can be a difficult place to create landscape images compared to the western states, where many noted photographers reside. NH has great swaths of forested lands and a tiny shoreline, so open views with grand and impressive views are more difficult to encounter . I try to create images using new perspectives or under more unusual and epic lighting. I pride myself on capturing recognizable locations in more dramatic ways to separate myself from other photographers. My passion for the outdoors drives and inspires me to work a little harder to find new places under ideal lighting conditions. These images have resonated with the public and especially in the medical community. I have decorated many public spaces in hospitals, clinics, and building exteriors, with mural sized installations. Most of my success seems to have come from word of mouth through designers and architects coming into contact with my finished work. I’m most proud of seeing my images produced in large format for the public to enjoy. I was fortunate to win the Windland Rice Smith Award through Nature’s Best Photography Magazine teice in different categories and have had my images exhibited in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where they have become part of their permanent collection. In 2015 I was the Landscape Category winner, and in 2020 the Adventure Category winner. These prestigious awards are among the highlights in my career. I followed my passions and over time received recognition for all of the hard work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The NH seacoast where I live is only 17 miles long, the shortest of any in the US. I would begin here, maybe taking a bike ride along 1A which hugs the shoreline and stopping at the many beautiful beaches and rocky outcroppings along the way. Much of my landscape photography features purely natural settings, devoid of man’s influence. This can be hard along the seacoast since it is so built up, but it is possible. Petey’s Summer Seafood in Rye is a great stop year round for fresh seafood along a tidal marsh. The South End of Portsmouth, NH is another spot I frequent for quintessential New England Harbor town images. The number of places to eat is extensive, but I enjoy Geno’s Chowder and Sandwich Shop as it is located on the water with beautiful views. Nearby Prescott Park offers colorful gardens and musical programming in the summer, and ice skating in the winter. The second part of my itinerary would be to travel 2 hours north to the White Mountains. I’ve spent countless hours trekking through this area and it is awe inspiring coming from the flat lands of the seacoast. A drive through Franconia, Crawford, and Pinkham Notch are a must, connected by the Kancamagus Highway. Crawford Notch’s Notchland Inn would be a great place to stay for quick access to the finest scenery. Many short hikes to waterfalls are available, or consider longer treks into the treeless alpine zone of the Presidential Range. A favorite eatery is White Mountain Cider in Bartlett, NH. A ride up the historic Cog Railway near Bretton Woods to the top of 6, 288 ft. Mount Washington will give you views that normally only hikers are privileged to see.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I must recognize my wife Stephanie for all of the support and encouragement she has given me over the years. She was an avid backpacker and outdoors person when I met her and really got me interested in these activities. Prior to that, I was more of a team sports person. I have been able share many outdoor experiences that include photography, so she has a great appreciation for what I do and the effort that is involved for my type of work. I would also like to thank the folks a NPN (Nature Photographers Network) for the instructional assistance I received through critique forums during the many years I participated on their online site.

Website: https://www.HarryLichtman.com

Instagram: @harrylichtmanphotography

Image Credits
Harry Lichtman all images