Environmental Portraits

I’m drawn to the tranquility and serenity of landscapes. While my photographic journey began as a high school yearbook photographer, photographing people has always been a challenge for me.

My photography start as a junior at Patrick Henry High School (Minneapolis) on the Orator yearbook staff (right-hand side in the middle)

In 2022, I had the opportunity to try environmental portraits on a trip to Monument Valley on the Diné (Navajo) reservation. Rather than isolating a subject against a bland backdrop, an environmental portrait captures a subject within their natural surroundings. This approach can add layers of meaning, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the subject.

I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the approach. Our guides and hosts from Dineh Bekeyah Tours (“The people’s land”) were warm and cordial. Taking their portraits made the trip to their ancestral lands much more meaningful.

The Shot

One of our first stops was Teardrop Arch. The setup was simple, yet powerful.

Another stop was near the famous West Mitten for two portraits.

A third location included East Mitten and Merrick Butte in the background.

 The trip served as a great reminder to expand my photographic horizons and embrace the people who are so much a part of the lands they inhabit.

Thanks for looking,

Chuck Derus Zenfolio | Chuck Derus