WLM | my Wyoming craving
WLM: If you had unlimited resources to pursue this idea, what would be your perfect picture/embodiment of
your goal?
BZ: Oh boy, that’s a tough one. Not because I don’t know, but because I have so many ideas. A big part of what I
do is philanthropy. A portion of the proceeds from my photography is donated to causes that support conservation,
research and outdoor education. If I had an ideal situation, I would establish my own charitable foundation. From
that foundation, I would do a few things. First, I would sponsor a summer camp that brings inner city youth into
the wilderness and teaches them about nature.
Second, the photographer in me would be sure to
capture their adventures so they could relive those
memories forever and show their friends and family
back home. And third, the foundation would award
grants for projects that would enhance nature
in schools and cities, such as creating outdoor
classrooms or green space. That would be a good
place to start, anyway. I have a list as long as my
arm of things I would do with unlimited resources.
WLM: Any stories from people that you’ve
connected with Wyoming/nature in general you
want to share?
BZ: I recently photographed a surprise engagement
proposal out on a hiking/bike trail in the foothills.
It was beautiful. They were two people who loved
nature and he wanted such a special occasion to
occur in a place that meant so much to both of them.
On our hike out after the proposal, we passed three
elderly hikers who congratulated the happy couple.
Looking back on it, it just makes me smile. Two
sets of people at completely different stages in their
lives, but sharing the same trail, the same love of the
outdoors. It kind of reassured me that once people
fall in love with nature, they rarely fall out of love
with it. All we have to do is help introduce them to
it. W LM
View more of Brian’s work & learn more about his
philosophy at brianzinkephotography.com.
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Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2016