We recently connected with Joan M. Wood and have shared our conversation below.
Joan M. , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience really comes from a deep passion for pushing my limits and seeking adventure, especially in challenging outdoor conditions. I find a strong connection to nature through storm chasing and outdoor exploration. It’s not just about enduring tough environments, whether it’s heat, cold, rain, or snow, it’s about the thrill of capturing those unique, breathtaking moments that come from being out there. For me, every hike, every storm, is an opportunity to grow, challenge myself, and achieve something meaningful—whether it’s a perfect shot or a new milestone in my outdoor pursuits. My drive to constantly improve and my love for adventure fuel my resilience. The more I engage in these experiences, the stronger and more adaptable I become, and that keeps me pushing forward no matter what challenges I face in the Elements to make the perfect shot or the perfect adventure.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In the valley, where volcanic mountains rise from desert sands I watch the weather as the humidity rises over ranges and the deserts magnificent power starts to create storms with its rising heat , I chase these storms with my camera and document the stories they tell. When monsoon season arrives, I track the raw power of nature lightning slicing through massive storm clouds, rain pounding the cactus-covered earth, and winds carrying the electric smell of desert rain .
Storm chasing isn’t just a thrill, it’s a science. Armed with radar, maps, camera bodies , and instinct, I plant myself in the path of chaos, waiting for nature’s wildest moments to explode. My camera captures it all: ominous shelf clouds spanning the horizon, lightning bolts ripping through the night, and the eerie beauty of mammatus clouds.
But my work isn’t just about the storms. It’s about preserving the soul of Arizona’s disappearing wilderness. In the desert I come across forgotten Pioneer and mining grave markers to abandoned towns and Mines many structures standing before them, the desert holds secrets of the past that I aim to photograph the most wickedly beautiful horizons above them and to respectfully honor the stories the area holds before they’re lost to sprawling developments.
Every shot is a pulse of adrenaline, a connection to the untamed. As the monsoon and Milky Way collide above, I capture the magic—Arizona’s wicked beauty frozen in time.
My work is currently featured On Exhibit at The MPBG Gallery, located in The BMO Tower, Downtown Phoenix, until May . In October, my photography can be seen on exhibit at the Brill Gallery and Studio in Phoenix during their Monsoon Show.
On my swing shifts of cooler, dry or foggy outdoor weather, I specialize in portraiture and engagement photography, creating the atmosphere my clients dream of. Whether it’s a stormy backdrop, a grungy junkyard, or adrenaline-filled moto shots, I’m available for hire. These opportunities fuel my creativity and allow me to produce unique, artistic work with my camera.
In my off-season of Monsoon, I love rock hunting, 4×4 adventures, paddleboarding, and exploring abandoned places or forests with friends. These adventures inspire my photography and keep my passion for storytelling alive.
People can also connect with me on Instagram at @j.marie_nightphotography and @desert_wild_photography. I’m available for portrait sessions and creative projects and always available through messaging just reach out!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity drives me to explore new techniques, locations, and subjects, keeping my work fresh and inspired.
-My Advice Stay open to learning, even from unexpected situations. Whether it’s understanding storm systems or trying a new photographic style, curiosity fuels growth. Practice embracing the unknown “it’s where the magic happens”.
Mastering my camera and understanding the science behind storms has been critical. Capturing lightning or creating a moody portrait in unpredictable conditions requires technical precision. Knowing your tools and the environment gives you the confidence to create under pressure.
-My Advice Invest in learning the technical aspects of your craft. Take classes, experiment, and make mistakes,it’s all part of growth. For photographers, understanding your gear and natural phenomena (like light or weather) will elevate your work beyond luck.
Photography is more than taking pictures; it’s about telling a story. Whether I’m capturing the fierce beauty of a storm or a couple’s special moment, I approach every shot with a vision of what I want it to convey. This focus has set my work apart and given it meaning.
-My Advice is to Find the stories that resonate with you and let them guide your work. Be intentional with every shot,think about what you want your audience to feel.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents shaped me into who I am by instilling a deep love for the outdoors and a drive to excel. My dad, especially, was my greatest teacher, motivator, and historian. He introduced me to hunting, fishing, film photography and exploring the wilderness, showing me how to embrace the challenges and beauty of nature. But more than that, he shared the stories of the Southwest, of historical events and hidden places that hold the spirit of the Wild West. His passion for history is why I visit and document these locations with my camera today, preserving them before they disappear.
Growing up in a military and scouting family, I learned the importance of resilience and strength, especially as a woman navigating spaces like hunting , skateboarding and sports. My dad’s lessons in independence, respect for the wild, and love of storytelling gave me a solid foundation to chase my passions.
Losing him a year ago has been the hardest challenge I’ve faced, but I carry his spirit and lessons with me in everything I do. My photography, my adventures, and my love for history and nature are all in memory of him. My photography and storm chasing are rooted in that same spirit of adventure and curiosity he instilled in me. My work celebrates the untamed beauty of nature and the history he so passionately shared with me. His influence is alive in every image I capture, every wild story I chase, and every moment I stand strong in the face of a challenge.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @J.Marie_Nightphotography
- Other: Joan Wood’s work is currently on display at the MPBG GALLERY at the BMO Tower in Phoenix, AZ. To explore her full photo gallery and learn more about upcoming exhibitions, sales, and tours, visit her on Instagram @J.Marie_Nightphotography
Image Credits
Cover photo of Joan Wood , Taken by Melissa Wambolt, Tucson Az
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