Few experiences leave a lasting impact on my life and work as photographer. Spending time with the acclaimed botanist, author, and environmentalist Diana Beresford-Kroeger on my recent editorial shoot was one of those transformative moments. Known for her deep knowledge of the natural world and her profound respect for the wisdom of forests, Diana offered me more than just a scientific perspective—she provided a glimpse into the ancient language and spirit of trees.

Meeting the Forest with Diana

When Corporate Knights asked me to head east to photograph Diana on her property, I knew this was going to be a memorable experience. Her 1 kilometre, foliage filled driveway ends at a roundabout with trees planted 50 years ago in a circle formation. 50 years ago, Diana also built her home with her own hands. I jumped out of the car in awe to say hello to her as she warmly welcomed me onto her property. I immediately stepped back into the car for bug spray, remembering that my mom was right after all telling me that mosquitos love me because I have sweet blood.

Diana’s Intuitive Direction: A Unique Collaboration

Working with Diana also meant embracing a collaborative flow that was intuitive, almost instinctual. While many editorial shoots are to some extent planned, I decided to let the forest and Diana’s energy dictate the pace. Diana would pause before certain trees, and share knowledge about the importance of some of them to Indigenous cultures. It was impossible not to be captivated by her insights, and I found myself trying to focus on photographs that resonated with her words. Diana’s philosophy redefined the shoot for me: each click of the shutter became an act of bearing witness to the forest’s enduring strength and fragile beauty. As she explained the vital role of trees in climate stability, I saw the forest through her eyes—a protective guardian of the Earth’s future.

As we moved from one spot the another, Diana showed me her pond. Taking a few steps closer to the water, I was quickly introduced to the dozens of frogs living in and around the property. Anywhere I looked there was so much life. Setting up my next shot, I suddenly heard Diana chanting in an unfamiliar language. When I asked her about it, she said she calls her Koi fish in Gaelic and they respond and come to her.

A Call to Action

Diana’s passion for forest conservation is infectious, and it’s impossible to walk away from her presence without feeling a sense of urgency. As we concluded the shoot, she left me with a reminder: we are not merely visitors in these spaces. We are caretakers, and through our efforts, we can inspire others to protect what remains of our natural world.

In the end, this shoot with Diana was more than an editorial assignment; it was a humbling experience. Working alongside her, I didn’t just take photographs of the forest—I captured moments of wisdom, silence, and resilience that speak to the universal need for connection and preservation.

Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a reminder of the power our work holds in the larger fight to protect the Earth.