Meet Theresa Rose Ditson | Landscape and Nature Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Rose Ditson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa Rose, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My photography business was born out of my life-long hobby of taking pictures, but some catalysts that converted it from a side hobby to an occupation included some amazing storms I was lucky to capture with my camera, including a lightning and rainbow against the beautiful backdrop of Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ that garnered some media attention. I was at the time, however, a full-time occupational therapist doubling as the rehabilitation manager at a busy skilled nursing facility, so photography could only occur outside my long work hours. In order to dedicate more time and energy to my business, I knew I needed to take some risks and make some lifestyle changes to focus on honing my skills and capturing more images. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
On a personal level, my photography has helped me rediscover the beauty in the world, even during dark times when it was seemingly hard to find. I have always been acutely aware that every moment in time is unique. The clouds are never exactly the same from day to day or moment to moment; the flow of waterfalls vary depending on rainfall or snowmelt; the wildflowers grow just a little different each year; the stars and moon and their apparent alignment with features of the Earth are in continuous motion as well. And one can never forget the devastation that wildfires can create in a landscape. A preservationist at heart, I use my camera to try to capture and preserve things, places, and moments that are truly once in a lifetime: things like lightning bolts that disappear in a flash, or old relics, ghost towns, and mining camps that were abandoned long ago and fading back to nature over time. The feedback I have received from others often includes a comment about how many of my images bring the viewers a sense of much-needed peace or tranquility, or opened their eyes to things they may not have seen before. This feedback means a lot to me, to know that I may have positively impacted someone’s day, if even for a moment.

As a photographer primarily relying on nature and sometimes quite literally, the sun, moon, and stars to align, there are many times when things don’t work out as hoped. What may look to be a brilliant sunset sometimes flickers out with no real color drama at the last moment. Sometimes when I have spent a lot of time trying to shoot the stars, the clouds have come in at a critical moment and blocked the view. Alternatively, as much as I have tried to research and plan for certain images, there have been times when the most serendipitous moments have proven to be the best shot. So engaging in this field has really taught me to be a bit more spontaneous and adaptable.

I am honored whenever someone chooses to purchase one of my prints to help decorate their walls. I am grateful that my work has also been featured in various publications, including Arizona Highways, Outdoor Photographer, Prescott Living Magazine, Prescott Now, the Daily Courier, the Weather Channel, and Landscape Photography Magazine.

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.
In Prescott, I find so much natural beauty all around the town and the fact that is so diversified in terms of topographical features. On one end of town, you can be in the pines; on the other, you can be in the Granite Dells. We have many little lakes that are all picturesque in their own way. I would show my friend Watson and Willow Lakes and hike into the Granite Dells around both bodies of water. Biking the Peavine Trail and Iron King Trail is always fun. I would take him or her to Granite Basin Lake for an up-close view of Granite Mountain with the scenic lake in the foreground, and we would have to check out Goldwater and Lynx Lakes as well, for their views of the pines. Some of these lakes also offer boat rentals, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or paddle-boats. I would take my friend downtown to see the galleries and shops that line the historic and quaint courthouse square. Plaza Bonita restaurant would be a good bet for dinner. If my friend had kids, we could hit up lots of awesome playgrounds in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ian Russell, owner and artist of the Ian Russell Gallery of Fine Art in downtown Prescott, for giving me a chance to display my work at his gallery, initially as a guest artist on a trial basis for a couple months, which ultimately turned into a so-far almost 8 year stint!

Website: www.flickr.com/treerosephotography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treerosephotography/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/treerosephotography

Image Credits
Theresa Rose Ditson of TreeRose Photography