Hello March!

March always feels like the start of a race—stretching, warming up, knowing that any moment now, the season will burst into spring greens and vibrant colors across the landscape. Winter’s quiet slumber is giving way to signs of life, and I’ve already spotted my first crocuses and snowdrops peeking through on my afternoon walks.

Also, happy belated International Women’s Day to all the incredible women! 🎉 I recently shared a reel highlighting some of my favorite female photographers and friends. And while we’re celebrating—happy early Pi Day! 🥧 Because who doesn’t love an excuse for pie? (Apple is the best—go ahead, try to change my mind.)

Speaking of celebrations, I’ve gathered 10 standout lessons from last month’s LIVE! presentations. Plus, I’m revealing the answer to the previous Naturalist’s Notebook poll (was your guess right?), and I have a multitude of trail finds to share in this edition.

So tell me—what’s your favorite part of spring to photograph?

Off to do some plant yoga with my macro lens,

THE OBSERVANT LENS
​Reflections to deepen our craft and sharpen our vision

LIVE! 2025 was packed with inspiration, and I wanted to find a way to share some of that magic with you. Think of this as a tasting menu—small but powerful bites from some of the 50 brilliant presentations that left a lasting impact. These lessons are just a glimpse of the creativity that unfolded and the lightbulb moments that sparked new ways of photographing. Ready for a taste?

THE LIGHTROOM COMPASS
​Navigating a better post-processing & photo organizing experience

Did you know Photoshop just turned 35 years old?

On February 19, 1990, Photoshop 1.0 made its debut, thanks to the brilliance of Thomas and John Knoll. But that’s not the only milestone Adobe has given us on February 19—Camera Raw turned 22, and Lightroom is officially an adult at 18 years old.

Honestly, February 19th should be a global holiday for photographers. Imagine a day dedicated to celebrating all the creativity, community, and innovation Adobe has brought us over the last 35 years. Until that happens, here’s a look back at the incredible journey of Photoshop and its impact on the world of photography.

I'm putting it on the calendar for next year. For this year, we can celebrate Pi Day in just a few days! 🥧Yum!

NATURALIST'S NOTEBOOK
​Scientific insights to deepen your connection to the natural world

Last time, I asked you to take a guess—where do you think these frost patterns were formed? Turns out, this one was too easy! The majority of you got it right: this delicate design appeared on my glass patio table.

This image is proof that being open to photographing anywhere can lead to unexpected magic. It's often challenging to "see" a good photo as we go about our daily routines. We're typically so busy that we overlook the little wonders in the places we walk past day in and day out. But on this particular morning, I noticed those tiny patterns glimmering, and instead of rushing past, I carved out a few extra minutes (or accepted that I'd be a few minutes late) to pull out my camera and create a memory.

These delicate ice patterns form when water vapor freezes along microscopic imperfections on smooth surfaces. The temperature, surface texture, and even the tiniest air currents shape these formations into stunning, almost artistic designs. It’s most common to find something like this on clear, cold mornings with calm winds, when still air allows the crystals to grow uninterrupted—a fleeting masterpiece created by nature’s perfect conditions.

Keep this in mind for next winter—or even the next chilly morning. A little extra awareness might reveal nature's hidden artwork.

FOCUS POINTS
​To utter, repeat, and shape our mindset

"To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."

— William Blake, Auguries of Innocence

TRAIL FINDS
​Curated resources, news, and inspiration for your journey

1.) Ten of my friends and fellow photographers joined forces for the Sacred Lands Print Sale, where 100% of proceeds support National Park Service and Forest Service employees who recently lost their jobs without warning.

2.) In "On Seeing", Guy Tal reflects on the profound joy of observing the world with intention, emphasizing that the act of seeing—beyond capturing—is a source of meaning, mindfulness, and creative fulfillment.

3.) In Michael Rung's article "Authenticity & Integrity in Photography", he explores the importance of staying true to real experiences in nature photography amidst the rise of AI and digital manipulation.

4.) In "How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse", Ian Plant shares expert tips on gear, settings, and composition to help you capture the upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, (TONIGHT) with clarity and creativity.

5.) In "How to Photograph the Full Moon", Benjamin Williamson shares essential tips on planning, gear, and techniques to capture stunning moon images with clarity and impact.

6.) The Horizons Photography Conference, October 2-5, 2025, in Durango, Colorado, is an inaugural event bringing together 15 expert photographers for learning, connection, and creativity.

7.) In his video "Simplifying the Landscape", Bruce Percy explores the art of refining compositions by removing distractions, allowing the essence of a scene to shine through with clarity and impact.

8.) In Finding Your Creative Voice: Activity Guide, Colleen Miniuk offers an interactive eBook filled with insightful prompts and reflections to help you explore inspirations, refine your creative perspective, and deepen self-awareness.

9.) Thanks to Colleen Miniuk, I now know that the Cloud Appreciation Society is a thing. Who knew? Okay, Colleen did— now we do too.

10.) In "Moments of Wonder", Jennifer Carr embarks on a year-long project capturing weekly scenes that spark awe and appreciation, from snowy landscapes to fleeting moments of light.

nature photography • photo education • lightroom training

Copyright © Chrissy Donadi Photography, All Rights Reserved.
​606 Liberty Avenue, 3rd Floor, #107, Pittsburgh, PA 15222​
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