5 of the World’s Most Underrated Nature Photographers

When it comes to photography, much attention is paid to those who excel at capturing the intricacies of the human form. The work of landscape photographers, then, is often brushed to the side. Unlike with human models, nature photographers are not able to direct their subjects' behavior; rather, they must adapt their own behavior to it. Such realities render the genre quite difficult and yet that much more rewarding. The following photographers deserve credit for allowing us to perceive all that is around us in a different way, prompting us to admire the beauty in the topography and sky we have become blindly accustomed to.

Kilian Schoenberger

Kilian Schoenberger is a 28 year-old German landscape photographer whose artistic visions are not hindered by the fact that he is colorblind. His work has recently been compared to the landscapes that could have served as backdrop to the Brothers Grimm fairy tales; moody and mystical, with an air of otherworldliness – which he hopes will inspire people to simply relax.

As Schönberger says, "I think there is a deep longing for tranquil naturalness among people in our technology-driven environment. Therefore, I don't want to show just portrayals of natural scenes. I want to create visually accessible places where the visitor can virtually put his mind to rest. Possibly this is the real benefit of my work – resting places for the eyes in an overstimulated world".

Source: Kilian Schoenberger

Mikko Lagerstedt

Source: Flickr

Born in Finland, the talented Mikko Lagerstedt began his photography career in 2008, and is completely self-taught. When it comes to capturing his simple yet grand (in terms of scale) compositions, Lagerstedt picks a natural subject that encapsulates his feelings at the time of the photo. Such vast, atmospheric moods may stem from the loss of his best friend, an event that would change the way anyone would look at the world.

Source: Flickr

Erika Larsen

Source: Erika Larsen

With photos featured in both National Geographic and Reader's Digest, Erika Larsen is no stranger to what some refer to as "immersion photography". When Larsen decided to commit herself to photo documenting the people and lifestyles of the Sami people – who reside in Northern Scandinavia and Northern Russia – she became one family's live-in housekeeper for two years. While Larsen dabbles in several different photographical arenas, the landscapes she photographed while fully immersed in this Scandinavian culture are representative of a true-to-life moment capture, unlike some of the more stylized approaches of her peers.

Source: Erika Larsen

Nature Photographer: Hengki Koentjoro

Source: Flickr

Hengki Koentjoro believes black and white photography is the best way in which to express himself. Born in Central Java, Indonesia, and attending the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, Hengki currently resides in Jakarta with his wife and three kids, and works part-time as a videographer editing nature documentaries, as well as pursuing his other passion. "Photography can never be separated from the aspects of making the common things unusual, welcoming the unexpected, indulging and embracing ourselves with the joy of photography." Hengki says. His joy shines through in his subjects and compositions.

Source: Flickr

Nature Photographer: Ben Canales

Source: The Star Trail

A self-professed "time-lapse junkie", Ben Canales also splits his time between photography and videography, his main focus being capturing the night sky –and more specifically- the stars. This particular brand has its own name: Astrophotography. On his website, he explains his penchant for the darkened veil above us: "I take these pictures first for the joy of it, but second to bring back the experience to friends, family and others that don't have the opportunity to get out from the city."