The Smile Gives It Away

There's a particular moment reviewing a photograph that I trust more than any other. I'm at my desk, going through a series of images from travel or a walk, clicking through frame after frame with a critical eye. Then — one stops me. Without deciding to, I smile. Something in that photo reaches me before I have a chance to consciously think about it. That involuntary smile is how I know that it’s something worth keeping.

Some writers are compelled to write. I'm compelled to create images. Nature inspires me most with its endless variety and beauty. Stepping outside, I always discover something new. My camera acts as both companion and observer. Photographs must be more than just documenting observations: they are a way of seeing the world. In my case, photos are a way of seeing nature. Experience has taught me how photographs may spark feelings and not just record an object, scene, or place.

Intuition guides my image making, built from a lifetime of taking and studying photos. Composition matters most. Camera settings are tools, and composition conveys emotion and feeling. Intuition leads me to discover unexpected details in the natural world: delicate flower petals; concentric circles of raindrops on water; shadows and patterns of overlapping leaves in the fall; and abstract patterns in ice. Most people don’t notice these details: I am drawn to them.

With the proliferation of camera phones, many images exist solely as digital files — impermanent bits and bytes. Prints are different: they’re tangible objects, something physical to view. I make my own prints with minimal edits, working in a digital darkroom not unlike the film darkrooms of earlier eras. I carefully choose paper, study the printed result, and decide whether that image earns its place on a wall. Only then does a photograph feel finished to me and ready to share.

I was chosen as the featured artist for June and July 2026 at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a series administered by Friends of Parker River. For this exhibition, I chose the theme of Four Seasons, enabling me to showcase many favorite photos. Rather than organizing the images into four chronological groups by season, I arranged them to reflect the recurring cycles of Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring returning.

I felt success when a visitor told me the exhibit made her feel joyful. All thirty images are a celebration of nature, so joy was a perfect response. Many visitors shared similar feedback. They also appreciated vibrant colors, near and far landscapes, and abstract compositions. Their reactions made me think more about what these printed, framed images mean to me.

I have some images I consider perfect: the composition pleases me; colors are harmonious; and focus with depth of field highlights subjects. All these elements come together in a way that satisfies me. I could live with the images for a long time: they make me happy, pleased, and satisfied. As a bonus, these images take me back to the moment they were captured, letting me feel that beauty again.

My photography has at least two purposes. The first is that I believe beautiful nature photos may compel viewers to care about the natural world and pay closer attention to its secrets and surprises. Caring is often a first step toward protecting our environment. The second is that I deeply love what I’ve seen. I want to share that love and appreciation with whoever remains still long enough to pay attention, and sometimes, smile. The next time you’re outside, look closely. Nature may just give you a reason to smile too.

Michael David Watkins is a Fine Art Photographer focusing on Landscapes, Nature, and Conservation. He lives in New England. View his images at www.michaeldavidwatkins.photo

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This educational column was originally published by The daily News of Newburyport on July 24, 2026.