Michele Westmorland
Michele Westmorland is an American photographer who specializes in underwater photography. Westmorland is a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and The Explorers Club. She runs her own company, Westmorland LLC, in Redmond, Washington where she resides.[1]
Westmorland's preferred area of travel is Papua New Guinea. Her stock is represented by Getty, Corbis, and Fotostock [2]
Early life
[edit]Westmorland is a Seattle native. She worked in the corporate world for twenty two years before beginning photography.[3]
Westmorland attended Barry University in Miami, Florida from 1990 to 1992.
Publications
[edit]![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2015) |
Westmorland's photographs have been published in publications such as: Smithsonian, National Geographic Traveler & Adventure, Outside, Outdoor Photographer, Sport Diver, Ocean Geographic, Scuba Diving, Elite, Unterwasser, Wyland’s Ocean Realm, Asian Geo, Diver Canada, Alert Diver, and Scuba Diver Australasia.[4]
In 2005, Westmorland was inspired to retrace the journey of American portrait artist Caroline Mytinger, who traveled to Melanesia in the 1920s to paint portraits of the indigenous peoples. The Headhunt Revisited project became a documentary film, a book, and an exhibition.[5] The documentary, Headhunt Revisited: With Brush, Canvas, and Camera, premiered in 2017, combining historical footage with modern-day documentation of the people and cultures in Melanesia. This project underscores Westmorland’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage through photography and film.[6]
Additionally, Westmorland has expanded her focus to include environmental advocacy. As a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), she contributed to the Global Reef Expedition, documenting underwater ecosystems and the scientists working to protect them.[7] Through her photography, she aims to raise awareness about the fragility of marine environments and their importance to coastal communities.
In recent years, Westmorland has broadened her work to include portraits of indigenous communities in Melanesia and Polynesia, exploring the deep connection between these societies and the ocean. Her images highlight traditional ways of life that are closely tied to marine resources, capturing both the beauty and challenges of preserving these cultural practices.[8]
Awards and honors
[edit]Westmorland was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2011.[9] She has also won several awards, including the Environmental Photography Invitational, Photo District News, and the PNG Underwater Photo Competition.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Westmorland Images LLC".
- ^ Michele Westmorland supports International League of Conservation Photographers on Art for Conservation
- ^ The G2 Gallery | Artists: Michele Westmorland
- ^ "About westmorland Images LLC - Westmorland Images LLC". Westmorland Images. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "THE PROJECT". Headhunt Revisited. 2017-03-05. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "Headhunt Revisited". Headhunt Revisited. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "International League of Photographers - Westmorland Images LLC". Westmorland Images. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "Photographer of the Week – Michele Westmorland". DivePhotoGuide. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ Women Divers Hall of Fame | Member Roster 5
