Meet John Waller

We were lucky to catch up with John Waller recently and have shared our conversation below.

John, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For most of my academic life, imposter syndrome wasn’t something I really struggled with. In high school, my B.S. in Biology, my M.S. in Biology, and now as I work through my MBA, I’ve always found comfort in the structure of school. There were clear benchmarks—classes to complete, grades to earn, and tangible milestones that made progress easy to track. I always had a defined goal and knew that if I followed the steps, I’d get there.

But that changed when I transitioned into photography, specifically boudoir photography, and launched my business, Natural Exploration LLC. Suddenly, there were no grades, no professors, no experiments to validate my success. I went from working in a research lab—where expertise is backed by data and peer review—to a creative space where the line between being “a photographer” and just a guy with a camera can feel razor-thin.

Even now, after more than two years as a photographer, I sometimes catch myself questioning whether I’ve “earned” the title. With no formal checklist or universal standard for success in this field, it’s easy to feel like an outsider. But what helped me push through that self-doubt was something more organic: feedback. The words of encouragement from friends, the genuine excitement and gratitude from clients after a boudoir session—those became my new metrics. Each shoot, each moment where a client feels empowered and beautiful in front of my lens, reminds me that I’m not just someone with a camera—I am a photographer.

Photography—especially outdoor boudoir photography—is deeply personal, vulnerable, and powerful. The trust my clients place in me, and the art we create together, has helped me shed the last of that imposter mindset. Every session I post on Instagram @natural_exploration, every story I tell on my blog at naturalexplorationllc.com, adds another brick to the foundation of confidence I’m building.

If you’re reading this and wondering when you’ll feel like the real thing—just know that showing up, putting your work out there, and listening to your audience matters. That’s how I’ve found my voice—not in a lab report, but through the lens of my camera.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt most at home outside and working with my hands. In high school, I thought the best way to channel that passion was to become a surgeon—something hands-on that could also give me the means and flexibility to explore the outdoors. That dream led me to the pre-med track and ultimately to earning a B.S. in Biology, followed by an M.S. in Biology with a focus on conservation research.

It was during my master’s program that a friend suggested I start documenting the fieldwork—photographing the remote New Mexico landscapes I was working in, and the wildlife I was handling. That simple suggestion sparked something much bigger. I began exploring different types of photography: landscapes, portraits, wildlife, pets, and eventually boudoir. Of them all, outdoor boudoir photography had the most profound impact—both for me and the people I was photographing.

The first outdoor boudoir session I ever did was with a friend who generously let me practice. Seeing her reaction when she viewed herself as art—set against the backdrop of nature—was powerful and deeply moving. That moment made it clear: this was the creative and professional path I had to follow.

Now, I’m the founder and photographer behind Natural Exploration LLC, a photography brand rooted in the wild places of New Mexico. My tagline is “Amazing people, incredible places”—because that’s what my work is all about. I specialize in full-day boudoir photo shoots in remote locations across national forests, offering clients the opportunity to explore nature naturally, whether that means hiking nude, semi-nude, or fully clothed. These locations are carefully selected based on each client’s vision—desert vistas, forests, waterfalls, blooming poppy fields—whatever matches their energy and comfort level.

What makes Natural Exploration unique is that I don’t rely on studios or city backdrops. I guide each client into the wilderness—sometimes miles off the beaten path—to find incredible, secluded landscapes. I handle all the logistics: planning the location, guiding the hike, ensuring safety and comfort, and tailoring everything to the client’s hiking ability and desired aesthetic. Each shoot includes a professionally printed photo book and all digital images.

This spring, I’m especially excited to offer new sessions featuring blooming poppy fields and secluded waterfall locations—a vibrant twist on the rugged beauty New Mexico has to offer. I also recently had a magazine accept one of my boudoir submissions, and I’m actively working on more publications and blog posts that highlight both the adventure and artistry of this work.

For anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to celebrate themselves through nature-based boudoir photography, I’d love for you to visit naturalexplorationllc.com and schedule a session. You can also follow along on Instagram @natural_exploration to see behind-the-scenes stories, featured shoots, and updates on new seasonal offerings.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey—from field researcher to outdoor boudoir photographer—are adaptability, intentional learning, and building strong client relationships.

Adaptability:
Whether I was adjusting to muddy fieldwork conditions during my biology research or learning to shoot in ever-changing outdoor light as a photographer, being adaptable has been essential. In nature-based boudoir photography, you can’t control the weather or the lighting like you can in a studio—you have to be able to pivot. For folks early in their journey, I’d say: embrace the unexpected. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn a new skill or creative workaround. Flexibility is a creative superpower.

Intentional Learning:
During my academic career (B.S., M.S., and now MBA), I always had structured goals—get the grades, finish the thesis, complete the project. Photography doesn’t have that same structure, which can make imposter syndrome hit hard. What helped me most was creating my own curriculum—watching tutorials, shadowing other photographers, and practicing in the field. My advice? Treat your passion like a subject worth studying. Get curious. Learn continuously. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel—even without a “grade” to prove it.

Building Meaningful Relationships with Clients:
In outdoor boudoir photography, the most important thing isn’t the gear or the location—it’s the connection you build with your client. Helping someone feel safe, empowered, and seen in such a vulnerable setting takes trust. That trust is what transforms a beautiful photo into a powerful memory. My advice: listen deeply. Learn how to ask the right questions, understand your client’s comfort zone, and create an experience they’ll cherish. That’s what turns clients into supporters, and supporters into community.

If you’re just starting out—whether in business, art, or anything in between—know that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Start with what you love, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. I’ve been able to grow Natural Exploration LLC not just because I take photos, but because I’ve stayed curious, resilient, and focused on serving the amazing people I work with.

If you want to see what this looks like in action, check out my work at naturalexplorationllc.com or follow me on Instagram @natural_exploration.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Are you looking for folks to partner or collaborate with? If so, describe the sorts of folks you are looking to collaborate with and how they can connect with you if they are reading this and want to collaborate.

Absolutely—I’m always looking to collaborate with people who share a passion for the outdoors and a spirit of adventure. I’m especially interested in working with models, artists, and creatives who have bold, unconventional ideas for photo shoots—concepts that many other photographers might shy away from. If it’s something a little wild, a little rugged, and rooted in natural beauty, that’s my favorite kind of challenge.

What really excites me is collaborating with someone who pushes me to grow—whether that means trying a new location, working in tricky light, or helping bring a unique artistic vision to life. Since Natural Exploration LLC is a passion project that I balance alongside a full-time job, I typically shoot on weekends or with about two weeks’ notice to plan and prepare, especially for shoots that require travel or gear.

I’m based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, but I’m open to traveling for the right collaboration. If you’re a fellow nature lover with a bold vision, I’d love to hear from you.

You can connect with me through:

My website: naturalexplorationllc.com

Instagram: @natural_exploration

Phone: (575) 915-3160

Email: [email protected]

Let’s create something unforgettable together—amazing people, incredible places.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,