In the Eyes of: A Scenic Photographer

The sights and scenes of West Virginia are nothing short of captivating — vivid, dynamic, and at times, almost impossible to put into words. For scenic photographers, that challenge is part of the magic. They chase the light across rolling green hills, frame the rhythm of rushing creeks, and climb to the state's highest peaks in pursuit of the perfect shot.

Through their lenses, these landscapes are transformed into visual stories — each image a canvas that captures both the beauty and the feeling of the moment. To step beyond the photograph and into the perspective behind it, Lisa Lambert offers a closer look at her creative process and what it truly means to capture West Virginia's wild, wonderful spirit.

After decades behind the lens, chasing something you haven't seen before as a scenic photographer is difficult. In all the places and scenes that Lisa Lambert has been to, there are still some exciting moments to be had.

"The most exciting thing is finding a new spot in a familiar place. I have photographed a particular waterfall several times over decades, but over the summer I found a cave beside it!" — Lisa Lambert

Capturing a moment is more than focusing the lens and pressing the shutter button. In any form of photography, the one behind the lens wants to ensure that the viewer can immerse themselves into it. That pressure can be complicated, especially in nature where the environment is unpredictable. Lambert has had her fair share of battles with the elements, and trying to photograph winter without snow has become a harder but more rewarding shot to get.

Over the years people have scouted out those locations that rewarded Lambert. Sharing those places with other families and seeing their own family growth has become a prize of its own. As the seasons change, so do we, and with each photo it halts time there for a moment.

Soaking in those moments and planning the perfect shots, in her time as a scenic photographer sometimes instincts are more reliable. Lambert's plan of action is to seek out the location and then trust her gut for the rest.

"The most beautiful moments come during the journey." — Lisa Lambert

From start times as early as 4:30am on her Canon R5 with a 24-105mm, to navigating midday shoot times, bad lighting, or working with strict schedules, sometimes simplicity is key. Chasing that perfect photo is the goal, but Lambert has found that sometimes the best moments are right in front of us.

"I notice we all do it — we'll plan a trip three hours away when there are locations still unexplored, only ten minutes away." — Lisa Lambert

While she has been chasing those breathtaking scenes for decades, she still has nostalgia over where it all began. She started out developing her film photos, and now reminisces over the days in the darkroom. Although she has since become accustomed to the ability to snap a picture at any moment with a smartphone, nothing can top watching the photos sink into the developer.

All the way from the darkroom days to hunting rare moments with her Canon R5, Lisa has been able to experience a wide variety of breathtaking shots. She enjoys the mere seconds needed to grab the perfect picture and watching the light and land align in perfect harmony. Being able to watch a simple view turn into an indescribable oasis in the matter of seconds is what keeps her going as a scenic photographer.

If she had to give one piece of advice to any new scenic photographer or someone interested in shooting nature, it would simply be:

"Follow the light." — Lisa Lambert