We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maggie Martin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maggie below.
Maggie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I heard a quote long ago that said, “The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.” You may think what in the world is the purpose of being an Astro photographer. For me, it’s both literal and metaphorical- it’s capturing light in the dark, and it’s about getting creative and curious with the darkness. Astrophotography became a therapeutic practice for me in that the long exposure of the shot taught me how to meditate and silence my mind if only for the 25 seconds of the exposure. The cold and solitude of the night put me right inside my body, calling me to be a more mindful person. The complexity of the camera settings as well as the mysteries of the night sky enter me into a flow state where I can be curious about the images I’m capturing. The product of post processing the pictures calls me into a creative space where the art is the production. Being in the forest in solitude connects me with nature and all the healing properties the stars, forests, and mountains provide. As a person who has struggled with anxiety, depression, and insomnia most of my life, I have found astrophotography to be one of the most therapeutic practices in my healing journey. So much so, I created my business, Colorado Astrophotography where I now teach my passion for photography, space, and nature to others who may need a healing practice in their lives. Many of my images have a meditation or an intention attached to them, and this is how I heal and show others a meaningful and creative path to healing as well.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
What I do: I own and operate Colorado Astrophotography where we provide lessons, workshops, photo shoots, and date nights to individuals who are interested in the night sky and all of it’s curiosities. We teach people how to capture the images they want in our experiences, and we provide romantic date nights for those celebrating a special occasion such as an engagement, honeymoon, or birthday. We like to connect people with nature in a creative and curious way that appreciates all the beauty Colorado has to offer. Colorado Astrophotography is focused on engaging people in a wellness practice that slows folks down in this hectic world by taking the long exposure to set an intention, or simply appreciate the beauty of the present moment. It’s about finding light in the dark!
What is most exciting and special about it: The most exciting part of the experiences we provide is the moment folks capture an awe inspiring image. There is a gasp people take in excitement of their image that instantly puts a smile on my face. I love connecting people with nature and engaging people in a flow state where creativity and curiosity are at the forefront.
What is our focus: Our mission is simply to connect people with nature in a curious and creative way that appreciates all the beauty Colorado has to offer. This year, it is our intention to do more outreach to at risk youth programs, people with disabilities, as well as collaborate more with the wellness industry to teach people the mindful and therapeutic practice of astrophotography.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
There was a moment in my life where I took a left turn. I was a special education teacher for 15 years, and my decision to leave teaching meant walking beyond my numerous masters degrees and all my training and experience. During this time, I took the VIA character strengths survey and learned that my three highest character strengths were creativity, curiosity, and appreciation of beauty. At the time, astrophotography was a hobby of mine, and the more I used it to slow my busy mind and navigate my anxiety and insomnia, I found that these three character strengths were the foundation of the practice I was engaging in. Soon after, this became the mission statement of the business I created- to connect people with nature in a curious and creative way that connects people with nature. After mastering the skill set, I knew that this skill was something I needed to share with the world. It’s so much more than just a pretty milky way picture, but rather a healing practice for others who may be looking for a creative way to engage with nature. So I jumped through all the hoops of obtaining permits, insurance, creating an LLC and eventually the business was created. The advice I would give others who are early in their journey would be first to find your character strengths, then build on those. Follow your passion and don’t give up on yourself. One door will open the next, just take the first step foreword and the next will soon reveal itself.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
The biggest challenge we are currently facing is the weather and climate change. Colorado Astrophotography operates on clear mild nights which can be illusive as of lately. While there isn’t much in my own realm that can influence the weather, I can value and support organizations and causes that protect our environment and climate change efforts. We also value the land we use and ensure we are permitted and work closely with the national forests and parks we operate in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coloradoastrophotography.com
- Instagram: @coloradoastrophotography
- Facebook: @coloradoastrophotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coloradoastrophotography/
- Twitter: @colorado_astro
