We had the opportunity to partner with the 

Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

 (SEAFWA) to create imagery that promotes inclusivity in fishing and outdoor recreation. The project objective was centered around capturing the true essence of diverse experiences and celebrating the joy that comes from casting a line into the water. In the photography we provided, we set out to showcase people of color, multi-generational families, people of all ages, and women enjoying fishing in locations that would resonate across the Southeastern states.

Promoting inclusivity in fishing and outdoor recreation is crucial for creating a more equitable society, expanding access to outdoor spaces, fostering environmental stewardship, building stronger communities, and inspiring future generations. By actively embracing and encouraging inclusivity, we can ensure that fishing and outdoor activities are enjoyed and cherished by all.

, I played a pivotal role in shaping the overall aesthetic of our recent photoshoot. It was crucial to find the perfect photographer for the project, and without a doubt, Aubrey Janelle stood out as the ideal candidate. Her impressive background in outdoor photography, combined with her exceptional ability to direct and make people feel at ease in front of the camera, made her the perfect fit. This was particularly important since all our models were regular individuals, and ensuring their comfort was a top priority.

Our Fish and Wildlife contacts came through with some fantastic options for models in our photo shoot. They tapped into a pool of talent, including Fish and Wildlife employees, friends, and even family members. This added a wonderful sense of ease to the photoshoots because many of the models were familiar with one another which created a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere that translated beautifully into the final shots.

We carefully selected locations that were representative of the region, ensuring that our imagery could be relatable to a wide range of communities. From the sandy beaches of Florida's coastline to the serene lakes and rivers of Kentucky, we captured moments of connection, laughter, and shared experiences. 

Bringing together all the essential elements of the photo shoot was a mammoth task, but VIA's Project Manager and Production Coordinator, 

 absolutely nailed it. She worked her magic to coordinate everything from the models, locations, travel arrangements, on-set snacks, and meals, to the scheduling of the shoots. Chelsea's expertise shone through as she seamlessly organized our trips from Portland, Oregon to both Florida and Kentucky, ensuring a smooth experience for Aubrey and me. Not only that, she flawlessly managed the run-of-show schedules during the shoots and made sure everyone stayed hydrated and in high spirits.

Our journey in Florida began with early morning photoshoots, where we eagerly awaited the rising sun on the captivating coastline. The incredible hues of dawn painted an otherworldly backdrop as we captured the essence of families and friends bonding over the shared love of fishing. 

We documented the joyous moments of saltwater fishing, both on boats and right from the shore. The photographs captured the thrill of reeling in prized catches, the laughter that filled the air, and the pure delight on the faces of those casting their lines into the ocean.

In Kentucky, we immersed ourselves in the serene beauty of freshwater fishing, setting out on kayaks and pontoons to explore the abundant lakes and waterways. 

This was a place where women took center stage, showcasing their fishing skills with confidence and grace. Our lenses captured the camaraderie of families and friends, as they embarked on fishing adventures together, sharing stories and creating memories.

...And we did! Throughout our journey in Florida and Kentucky, our project showcased the diverse fishing opportunities of the Southeastern states while emphasizing the significance of promoting inclusivity in outdoor recreation. Our photographs captured more than just the thrill of the catch — they depicted shared experiences among families, friends, and women who were united by their love for the sport.

These images exceeded the client's expectations

and have resonated with people far and wide, sparking conversations about representation and inclusivity in the fishing community. Let's use this project as a reminder that fishing has the power to unite people from all walks of life, celebrating our unique stories and the beauty of coming together in nature.

If you or your team needs help planning or executing a campaign, VIA is here to help. Whether you're in need of photography, video, marketing services, or anything in between, we've got you covered. Explore our 

Olivia Harmsen - Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, R3 Coordinator

Emily Abellera - Florida Fish and Wildlife, Public Information Specialist II

Art Direction

Photography

Reel Stories: A Photography Project Exploring Inclusivity in Fishing

Knowing how to deliver feedback constructively in a creative setting takes practice. That practice can be difficult and awkward at times, which is why I’ve carved out some tips on how to make the process go a little smoother. These tips begin with all the members of a critique leaving their egos at the door and being committed to making the work the best it can be.

If you are not in a formal critique atmosphere, always ask if feedback is welcome and needed at this point in the project. Using phrases such as, "Can I give you some feedback?"  "Are you open for feedback?"  "What kind of feedback are you looking for?" is a great way to start the 

This goes without saying, but I see this happen all the time: don’t ask for feedback just to check a box. If you are nearing the end of a project and ask for feedback on something, make sure you have the time,  budget, and motivation to implement the feedback. Dismissing ideas simply because you don’t have the time means you may have missed the boat on asking for feedback in the first place.

2 — Remember That It’s All Subjective

As the person giving feedback, using first-person pronouns (I, me, my) is a great indicator that your feedback is just your opinion. Sentences with “I feel that..” “I think..” “I see…” opens the floor for back and forth discussion, prompting others to engage and speak from their perspective as well.

3 — Nix The Ol' “Compliment Sandwich”

The idea of this is nice and it can be helpful if you are very new to critiques. However, the compliment - critique - compliment technique can come off a bit insincere. Definitely give kudos when you see something you like, just make sure you are being direct and honest with your feedback and are delivering it with respect and care.

If you are the one giving feedback and see an aspect of the work that you are unsure about, always ask the presenter how they got to that point or why they made that decision. Phrases that start like “Tell me more about...” or “What’s your thinking behind…” The answers to these simple questions will give the piece deeper meaning and provide more context around the work as a whole. If you still see room for improvement after you have listened to the explanation, respectfully express your thoughts. Asking questions invites reflection and is vital in sparking new ideas.

5 — Don’t Make Comments Just To Make Comments

In many critique environments where people are going around the table giving feedback, you may feel pressured to comment on the work. If feedback doesn’t immediately pop in your head, don’t feel like you have to come up with something just to make your voice seem valuable. If this is the case, take time to compliment the work and explain what's working for you. 

As much practice giving valuable feedback takes, receiving that feedback takes just as much. Giving context and listing the goals of the project before you begin presenting your work will help give viewers a solid understanding of the project. If you are the one receiving feedback, try your best to separate yourself from your work and not take things personally.

Follow these six easy steps and you are on your way to becoming a master at critique! 


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Reel Stories: A Photography Project Exploring Inclusivity in Fishing

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