Conversations with Beverly Monnahan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beverly Monnahan.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My very first exposure to photography was when I was in high school when I was given my first film camera, a Pentax ME Super, and mastered the dark room. I explored the wonders of photography by photographing friends, family, and pretty much anything and everything. By 18 I was offered my first gig and did my first wedding.

Although it was a great experience I knew wedding photography was not my niche – it just didn’t make me as happy as I thought it would. As time passed I stopped taking photos seriously and pushed my hobby and dream of being a photographer to the back of my mind. The urge to chase my dreams and fall in love with the camera came back several years later as my children got older. When I began to take photos of my son playing football to keep for myself.

But before I knew it I was not only taking photos of my son but several others of his teammates. I had started building a reputation and everyone wanted photos of their child making the big play and I was able to deliver. My career as a photographer had begun, football photos, family photos, graduation photos. I was the go-to girl now. But I still hadn’t found the subject matter that made me truly happy until one day my husband and I went to Rocky National Park and spotted our first moose.

There at that moment, I knew wildlife photography was the one. I was so excited to capture the beauty of these magnificent creatures. I couldn’t wait to wake up at 4 am multiple times a week to be sure I was there to take pictures when the moose were most active. It’s been over 5 years now that I frequent the Rocky Mountains where I get to see many amazing creatures and track their journeys while I wait to capture the perfect moment.

Every minute in those mountains is worth the photos, the joy it brings me, and the joy I get to share with others; those who may never experience those moments or can longer experience the mountains like they once did. It may not always be as profitable as my other photography services like family photos but it makes me happy and I wouldn’t change my passion for wildlife photography for the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest obstacle is myself, it seems like everybody’s a photographer, and I am constantly comparing myself. I always question how my work stands up with the rest. I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing because it keeps me striving to do better. Once I get past myself the biggest challenge is sometimes finding the wildlife.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer with two areas of focus. My main passion and first love is wildlife photography where I travel to several locations and spend many hours attempting to capture the perfect landscape or the perfect moment of different animals, generally moose.

Once I have the photos I sell both downloadable and physical prints of the photos to others. My other area of expertise is family photos, my favorite being seasonal family photo shoots. I love capturing the love and connection between the family members. The best shots end up being the candid shots in between the posed positions.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have to say I have great family and friends, and the support they give me is fantastic. My husband Tim has always been a great advocate, He always has my back both emotionally and when we are in the backcountry. You just never know when wildlife will sneak up on you.

Contact Info:

• Website: Alainnaislingphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryphotography2019/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backcountryphotography2019