What’s Your Connection to New England?

I grew up in Brewer, Maine, and spent the last six years in the Portland area. Now I live in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with my two dogs. New England has always been home for me, and always will be. I love the changing seasons, especially winter. I spend my time hiking and skiing as much as possible with camera in hand. Photography has taken me all over the world, but nothing beats capturing New England’s beauty — which is not always stunning sunsets and rolling mountains. It can also be bitter cold, bare trees, or hikers battling a winter storm.

What Equipment Do You Use?

I would describe my equipment as “well-loved.” I definitely put my equipment through a lot! My friends always laugh when they see my camera dangling off my backpack or when it’s covered in snow on a ski tour. I shoot 99 percent of my work on my trusty Nikon D750 and a Sigma 35mm 1.4 lens. I love the way a 35mm captures everyday life. I feel as if it captures life as the eye sees. The D750 is my favorite camera body because it allows me to use natural light in all situations — the low-light capabilities are unbelievable.

What Inspires Us?

Natural light and real moments. I went to the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in 2009 and was taught to always use natural light in all situations — no flash or external lighting. This allows me to capture real moments in the light in which they occur. In order to tell a story and set the scene, I shoot a mixture of lifestyle and landscape when out on an adventure. I love seeing how people interact with each other or with the nature that surrounds them. To see more of Cait Bourgault’s work, go to caitbourgaultphotography.com or follow her on Instagram.

Hiking in the White Mountains Featured Photographer Cait Bourgault

This post was first published in 2018 and has been updated. 

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