#477 FINDING MOUNTAIN THERAPY
FEATURING EXPLORER PHOTOGRAPHER LEE NORDBYE
Canadian landscape photographer Lee Nordbye hikes climbs, and skates with a camera in hand, embracing what he calls mountain therapy to navigate life and mental health. In this episode, Lee shares how time in the Rockies helped following an unexpected career change, a battle with depression and how he's now giving back by teaching, guiding, and using his lens to inspire a connection with nature. This feels like a conversational meander where we talk about healing, creativity, and the quiet power of the wild.
Also, on the show from the mailbag, Paul Friday’s trying to coax us into photographing underwater, but after hearing what’s coming up, I’m not sure I’ll even risk a paddle in the bath. Chris Smith’s found his own kind of mountain therapy in the Lake District, Chris Hale is getting wistful about a hiking trip with his wife, and Myles Barfield is discovering a quiet comfort wrapped in the morning mist.
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LEARN:
MORE ABOUT names, words, THE MUSIC and places FROM TODAY’S SHOW
Paul Strand was an American photographer whose pioneering work bridged art and documentary, using his camera to explore everything from abstract form to the dignity of everyday life around the world.
Jill Heinerth is a pioneering Canadian underwater photographer and cave diver, known for capturing hauntingly beautiful images from some of the most remote and dangerous underwater environments on Earth.
The Pentax K1000 is a legendary 35mm film camera, celebrated for its rock-solid build, fully manual controls, and status as the go-to learning tool for generations of photography students.
In March and April 2025, Photowalk listeners have a special offer for a pair of fantastic LOWA boots, so if you need NEW boots to walk that trail, then you’ll be pleased to know that using code PHOTOWALK on www.lowa.co.uk – you can receive 25% off a price of boots or shoes up to the end of April 2025. We’re also GIVING AWAY a pair of LOWAs to UK listeners who send in a great picture story from the walks you take along the trail. Due to shipping, we can only accept entries from the UK this time around - send your letters and pictures to stories@photowalk.show
Kelvin Brown’s flickr Photowalk inspired group - join by invite by clicking on to THIS LINK.
The ENCOUNTERS workshop in April.
MUSIC LINKS: Timbo sang and wrote today's playout song When the hurricane comes in. Music on the show is sourced primarily from Artlist and also features in Michael Brennan’s Spotify playlist GoFoto. For Apple Music users, follow this playlist.
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THE SHOWPAGE GALLERY
lee nordbye
Above, Trifecta, the picture Lee has hanging in his office behind his desk, commented upon during the show. Further photographs from his collections below.
MYLES BARFIELD
Myles Barfield’s letter on the show today reveals why this spot, a photograph he took with a drone camera, means so much to him. A personal journey photograph. See more of Myles’ work on his website.
PAUL FRIDAY
Paul Friday enjoying photography beneath the waves.
CHRIS SMITH
Finding his own mountain therapy, walking with friends. See more of Chris’ work on his website.
CHRIS HALE
Chris Hale reminisces on a hike across rocky ground!
NEALE JAMES
Sketchbook photographs from the path today. Spot the barking machine.
VIDEO LIBRARY
The following videos or subjects are referenced within today’s show.