Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Valleri Ames

Moderately new to the photography world, Valleri is self-taught and started her business in 2023. Photography is her chosen medium, a tool through which she seeks to capture the beauty of nature and landscapes. Valleri’s passion for the outdoors and travel led her to explore various landscapes from the mountains to the oceans. Her work focuses on capturing a sense of place and emotion of the environment that surrounds us. She is drawn to the play of light, angles and shadows. She strives to transport viewers into the natural spaces that inspire her and tell a story. Her goal is to create images that encourage appreciation for the world around us, moments of quiet reflection, and connection to nature through her lens.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My journey into the art world began in 2023, but photography has been a quiet passion of mine for much longer. I've always found joy in capturing the beauty of the world around me, especially in nature. What began as a simple hobby—taking photos during outdoor adventures—quickly became something more meaningful. The more I explored, the more I realized how much I wanted to share those moments with others. Photography has given me a way to express appreciation for the landscapes and light that inspire me daily. Though I’m still early in my artistic journey, my goal is to bring a sense of peace, wonder, and connection through each image I create.”

What inspires you?

“What inspires me most is the outdoors—nature in all its forms, from mountains and forests to coastlines and open skies. There’s something deeply grounding and renewing about being in these spaces, and I aim to capture that feeling in my work. I have a growing desire to explore more of the world and document the places that stir emotion and awe. Through photography, I hope to not only share what I see, but also inspire others to pause, appreciate, and reconnect with the natural world.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“The central themes in my work are nature, serenity, and connection. I focus on capturing landscapes and natural light in a way that evokes a sense of peace, wonder, and stillness. Whether it’s a quiet shoreline, a glowing forest, or a dramatic sky, I’m drawn to moments that make us pause and feel more connected to the world around us. The underlying message in my work is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. In a fast-paced world, I hope my photography offers viewers a moment of reflection and encourages a deeper appreciation for nature and the places that often go unnoticed. A special influence in my artistic journey has been my mother, who introduced me to the painter Thomas Kinkade. His warm, light-filled scenes brought her comfort and inspiration, and that spirit continues to guide my own work. Through my photography, I hope to create that same feeling of peace and joy for others.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would describe my work as a reflection of the quiet beauty that exists in the natural world. I aim to capture landscapes just as they are—honest, unaltered, and full of presence. My photography focuses on the emotion of a place: the way light moves across water, the shadows stretching through a forest, or the calm before a storm. I’m especially inspired by the idea of exploration—seeking out places that move me and sharing them through my lens. While my style is rooted in realism, I strive to create a sense of mood and atmosphere with the images that draws the viewer in, offering a moment of stillness, clarity, and connection with nature.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Two artists who have greatly influenced me are Thomas Kinkade and Clyde Butcher. Thomas Kinkade’s use of light and warmth left a lasting impression on me from a young age, thanks to my mother’s love for his work. His paintings inspired my appreciation for the emotional impact art can have and planted the seed for my own creative journey. Clyde Butcher, with his powerful black-and-white landscapes and deep connection to nature, has influenced the way I see and capture the world around me. His work reminds me of the importance of patience, presence, and honoring the natural environment. Both artists, in very different ways, continue to inspire how I approach photography—with heart, respect for the landscape, and a desire to evoke feeling through simplicity and light.”

“I would describe my work as a reflection of the quiet beauty that exists in the natural world. I aim to capture landscapes just as they are—honest, unaltered, and full of presence.”

What is your creative process like?

“My creative process is a blend of spontaneous observation and intentional exploration. While I often find inspiration in everyday moments outdoors, I also plan trips specifically around places I feel drawn to photograph. Sometimes, it’s a location I’ve researched and imagined for years; other times, it’s a last-minute detour that surprises me. Travel plays a big role in how I gather ideas—it allows me to step into new environments, chase changing light, and see familiar scenes with fresh eyes. When I’m in the field, I prefer to slow down and observe before I shoot. I take time to connect with the landscape and wait for the right moment—whether it’s the way the clouds move, how the sun hits a lake, or how the bridge takes in the light over the river. Once I do photograph a location, I aim to keep the editing process minimal and true to what I saw and felt in that moment. I focus on small refinements—enhancing light and color in a way that preserves the natural beauty rather than transforming it. For me, it’s about honoring the place and sharing it authentically, as if inviting someone else to stand there beside me.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I believe an artist’s role in society is to help people see—to slow down, reflect, and feel something they may not have noticed before, or take them back to a earlier time in life that made them feel at peace and happy. Whether it’s through beauty, emotion, or storytelling, artists offer new ways of looking at the world. In my case, that means using photography to highlight the natural spaces that are often overlooked or taken for granted. Art has the power to reconnect us—to nature, to ourselves, and to each other. As the world becomes more fast-paced and digital, I see the artist’s role evolving into one of grounding and preservation. We’re not only creating for beauty’s sake but also documenting, inspiring, and encouraging awareness. Especially in nature-based work, there’s a growing responsibility to advocate for the places we capture. Artists today are both creators and messengers—and I think that dual role will only become more important.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several exhibitions that have allowed me to grow as an artist and share my work with a wider audience. Notable shows include: She Who Tells a Story – Sebring, Florida (Sept–Nov 2024) -my first gallery showing, where I thought at one point, I may never get another chance to do this, and fortunately it has just grown ever since. Other shows include: Season of Trees – Oakland, Florida (Nov 2024–Jan 2025); Spring Photography Show, Southlake Art League – Clermont, Florida (Mar–Apr 2025); 100% Pure Florida Exhibition – Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, Melbourne, Florida (Mar–Apr 2025); Jax Photography Hub Gallery Showcase – Jacksonville, Florida (May 2025). I also had the honor of presenting my first solo exhibition at a local coffee house, where I curated a collection of local nature-inspired images. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with the community and share the emotion behind my work in a more personal setting.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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