How else can you explain these images? Every time I see them, something deep inside me jumps for joy.

The world looks different through the eyes of Allison Trentelman.

Is it just me? Or is there a subtle sense of bliss pervading everything she photographs?

One friend describes her nature prints as soft and feminine. To me they are full of consciousness and light.

Take her birds in flight, for example. I am mesmerized by these snowy photos. So simple, but she captures something that I can’t describe. Seeing these photos I almost know what it’s like to fly.

Or take a look at her nature mandalas. The world becomes a kaleidoscope. Tree branches beckon to a realm I’ve never visited.

I’ve been following Allison’s work for two years and she never ceases to amaze me. Recently, I’ve gotten to know her better.

When I asked her about her photography, I got a clue about what makes it special. Sure she focuses on nature. Who can go wrong there? But more importantly she says, “No matter what the subject, I’m generally interested in capturing a mood… A certain magic or beauty or sweetness that I see in both plants and animals.”

That magic, beauty and sweetness comes through loud and clear to me.

If you ask Allison about the creative process she says, “You just can’t help but create what’s going on inside you.” She describes how her work changed dramatically once from black and white to color, and from simplicity to vibrancy just as she recovered from a long illness.

She continues, “I find my best work is whatever I’m truly excited about in the moment, and it can’t be faked. Right now I’m truly inspired by gardening and the plant world, so it’s just natural to photograph flowers and plants.”

“I have many journals filled with my ideas and mock-up sketches from the last 10 years or so, and sometimes I find myself photographing something I remember dreaming up years ago. When I go out with a specific shot in mind, I rarely find it, but if I just go and wander and follow whatever interests me along the way, I’ll end up finding a completely different shot that I’ve always wanted. There’s a wonderful magic to photography like that.”

What a way to live!

Maybe that’s why her work feels so full of life. Maybe that’s why people fall in love with the animals she photographs, as if they had a personal relationship with them.

Take a look through Allison’s gallery on Etsy. You will find great wall art, nature prints, and cards.

Located in Maine, she goes by Rocky Top Studio and NatureMandalas. Check out her nature prints today.

What’s your experience with Allison’s work? Please leave a comment below.