Klementovich Photography – Blog

Category: Editorial Photography

  • The Importance of Art and Science

    Without the voice of science and fact-based research in our mainstream conversations, the noise and misinformation are far outshouting the data.

    Researchers and technicians spraying water into the forest during the Ice Storm Experiment at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest

    Researchers and technicians spraying water into the forest during the Ice Storm Experiment at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest

    The days of scientists staying cloistered in their labs with white lab coats on are over. Without the voice of science and fact-based research in our mainstream conversations, the noise and misinformation are far outshouting the data. A while back I was part of a small gathering of scientists, researchers and artists brought together to discuss better and more novel ways to connect the public with research and science going on across the country. Specifically, field stations that are working on long-term and large-scale experiments.

    Artists have been collaborating at Hubbard Brook Research Forest for about a decade. Many alumni of the artist-in-residence program came or called in for the meeting. Most recently I made some images of Rita LeDuc and Rich Blundell while they were at Hubbard Brook, both were at the meeting talking about their art and how they are exploring new ways to reach new audiences in novel ways. It was great having a long conversation with Leah Wilson, she’s working out in the PNW on long-term projects and showing her work in public spaces taking data and nature’s structures and melding them into one massive work of art. Super cool to see the scale and creativity she is bringing to the art-science world.

    More than a few stories told that day involved the evolution of thoughts and projects based on the interactions between artists and researchers. Most attributed it to bringing a different perspective to a particular problem as well as providing deeper understanding. One story sticks with me. Nikki Lindt, makes art centered around the sounds she records under the surface of the forest. A scientist mentioned that there are horizon lines in the soils, and changes in chemistry or composition. When Nikki moved her microphone below certain horizons the sounds changed. Something obvious to science added a new level of expression to the art. There were other stories that went in the other direction as well.

    The combining of art and science is not a new way of communicating but it’s certainly becoming more and more critical as technology speeds up and AI becomes more prevalent. The voices of artists and scientists is quickly get downed by the constant churning out of “news, posts, and stories” by machines. The creative and novel concepts that are developed in collaboration among artists, researchers, and scientists hopefully will become a place where people can find facts, beauty and honest expression in an ocean of noise.

    Rich Blundell Website – Oika Rita LeDuc Website – ritaleduc.com Ben Consgrove Website – Bencosgrove.com Meghan Doherty Website – Plymouth State Universtiy Raisa Kochmaruk Website – Mondielle Nikki Lindt Website – Nlindt.com Nancy Lowe Website – Nancylowe.studio Leah Wilson Website – Leahwilson.com Rebecca Schultz Website – Rebeccaschultzprojects.com John Campbell Website – USFS Scott Bailey Website – Hubbard Brook Michael Casey Website – Dartmouth Lindsey Rustad Website – Hubbard Brook

  • Future-Ready Photography: Real Stories, Wild Places, and a Changing World

    Future-Ready Photography: Real Stories, Wild Places, and a Changing World

    Photography is evolving fast, but the most powerful images today are grounded in something timeless — truth, connection, and purpose. In both editorial and adventure work, a shift is happening away from polished perfection toward something raw, diverse, and deeply human. These trends aren’t about filters or fads; they’re about capturing the real world in ways that matter.

    Authenticity and inclusivity have become central to editorial storytelling. The industry is finally embracing diverse faces, genuine emotions, and real moments. It’s not about idealized beauty anymore — it’s about resonance. Viewers want to see themselves and their communities reflected in the stories they read and the visuals they encounter. That honesty builds trust and emotional depth, especially in adventure-based narratives where vulnerability and resilience often share the same frame.

    Smaller, more agile crews are defining the next wave of production. Whether deep in a mountain valley or on a city rooftop, photographers are choosing minimal setups that reduce impact while maximizing creativity. Compact teams move quietly and efficiently, leaving fewer footprints and more space for collaboration. This approach keeps shoots nimble and responsive — able to adapt to changing weather, shifting light, or unexpected moments of truth. The result is imagery that feels fluid, spontaneous, and alive.

    Technology continues to expand how we see the world. Drones, in particular, have transformed the adventure perspective, offering cinematic, bird’s-eye views that amplify scale and emotion. Aerial photography turns familiar landscapes into abstract compositions, revealing new relationships between humans and their environments. Combining those sweeping overhead shots with raw, unscripted ground-level imagery creates a complete story — from the vastness of nature to the immediacy of human experience.

    The fusion of editorial and adventure photography is another defining shift. The once-separate worlds of fashion, portraiture, and outdoor exploration are merging. We’re seeing stylized wardrobe and lighting in rugged terrain, or models climbing granite walls and paddling remote rivers. It’s visual storytelling that balances authenticity with aspiration, bringing editorial precision into wild, unpredictable places.

    Ultimately, the future of photography lies in storytelling that feels real and rooted. Whether it’s a drone sweeping over a glacier, a quiet portrait on a mountain ridge, or a moment of exhaustion after a climb — these are the images that connect people to the planet. Adventure and editorial photography now share a common goal: to document the human experience with honesty, agility, and respect for the places we move through.

  • Drones & Aerial Photography

    Drones (UAS) in wild places, a topic that excites some people and frustrates others. As part of a photographer’s toolkit drones brings a pretty spectacular perspective to aerial photography and video with a lot less impact than the use of helicopters or airplanes. The problem is that almost anyone can own and operate a drone, so there are a lot more of them out there getting used here in the White Mountains. In an effort to clarify where and how I can fly my drone for work in the local national forest, I dug into the Forest service web world. A deep, dark, cryptic, and often confusing place..

    First off in the drone world there are two types of users, commercial and hobbyist/recreational. The USFS and most other governmental agencies define recreational user as: “Recreational or hobby UAS use is flying for enjoyment and not for work, business purposes, or for compensation or hire. A special use authorization is not required for noncommercial recreational activities or noncommercial activities involving the expression of views (36 CFR251.50). Members of the public may fly UAS for hobby or recreation in many places on NFS lands. However, there are areas on NFS lands where UAS can’t be flown as mandated by Federal law and in accordance with FAA guidelines.

    By law, the areas where UAS can’t be operated from include wilderness areas and areas with temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in place, such as wildfires.” I squarely fall into the commercial category of a drone pilot. Which in the eyes of the WMNF means I am required to file for a filming permit through the district headquarters in Campton, NH. As a commercial pilot, I am also required to have a UAS pilot license from the FAA. (more info here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/faqs/#fwb ) In accordance with the FAA regulations all drones (UAS) must be registered before flying both commercial and hobbyist. All users must also follow FAA guidelines regarding flight rules. I won’t go into those here but you can dig into them here (https://www.faa.gov/uas/)

    Within the national forest there are designated wilderness areas. If a pilot is following the FAA regulations it is impossible to fly a drone in those areas. A drone cannot take off or land within the boundaries. All air traffic must be above 2000 feet but drones are limited to 400 feet above ground level so this math makes it impossible to fly legally.

    Furthermore, there are now restrictions along most major roadways that pass through the WMNF requiring drones not to be launched/flown within ¼ mile from the roadway. Big brown signs welcoming you into the White Mountain National Forest have that information posted just below them.

    Lastly, we should all be operating with some common sense and be aware of the variety of visitors that enjoy the White Mountain National Forest. I agree that the noise of a drone can ruin an outdoor experience, I also feel that we can be tolerant of some fleeting noises. A bit of common courtesy can go a long way for both the pilot and the bystander, or maybe pick a time and place with no traffic.

  • Bee Keepers

    Bee Keepers

    Bee Keepers in New Hampshire

    Bee keepers inspecting the hive in Jackson, New Hampshire.

    I’m impressed by evolution, there are countless examples of astonishing ways nature creates such a wide variety of tiny, large, boring and fantastical creatures. Honey Bees are a great example of a wild creation, albeit changed by man’s breeding. Recently I spent some time photographing three bee hives in Jackson, New Hampshire at Randy and Ruthanne’s house. In the midst of a hive inspection they invited me over to document a little bit of it. I have had limited interactions with bees and bee hives other than the occasional sting. Factoid: Out of 20,000 bee species only 8 produce honey. Wearing an oversize mesh jacket and fancy headgear I was able to get right in the mix and photograph the innerworkings of a hive. Throughout the inspection I didn’t have gloves on and I didn’t have any stings or even close calls with bees getting angry with my intrusion. Randy, Ruthanne and Mike (the bee expert) took the hives apart looking for a queen in each hive structure as well as checking on the overall health of the hive. Almost all bees are females and queens are actually “created” in the early days of their life. Bees change roles as they grow older, starting as nursery bees, then receiver bees and finally foragers. The honey they produce is meant to feed the hive until spring time warms enough to get back out foraging. So there is a balance for bee keeps to strike, harvest enough without taking too much and leaving the bees hungry. There’s a lot more information on bees on wikipedia, so check it out or go visit a friend that has hives. Photography has always opened doors for people and this is a great example of that happening. The mix of old school farming and science of breeding better bees makes it a really interesting topic for me. The fact that the hives are outside all winter and these small creatures can survive the rough northern New England winters makes them even more appealing as a topic to photograph. The see more of the bee keeping photography hit the photo essay link in the menu or you can click here;