This year, we warmly welcomed a local photographer, Marielle V Chua, to the Sonoma Ecology Center family. Marielle’s photographs intimately capture the natural beauty of Sonoma Valley that inspires our work. She has generously donated her time and talent, photographing Sonoma Garden Park’s botanicals, activities, and summer camps, and shares pictures of landscapes throughout Sonoma Valley with our audiences.
We sat down with Marielle to learn more about her work and relationship with Sonoma Valley’s natural beauty.
Sonoma Valley Nature. Photo courtesy of Marielle V Chua.
What brought you to Sonoma Valley?
I grew up in the agricultural side of Bakersfield, and found myself working at the only photography shop in the town at that point, Henley’s Photo. I was managing the film lab, developing and printing film, taking studio portraits, and also helping judge photos at our county fair. I spent some years in Long Beach, then finished my time in Southern California in Highland Park (Los Angeles). My husband and I fell in love with Sonoma years ago while visiting some friends. There was so much to love that we were instantly hooked. We moved to Sonoma in April of 2023, and absolutely love the community, culture, and access to nature.
Sonoma Valley Nature. Photo courtesy of Marielle V Chua.
How did you first learn of Sonoma Ecology Center?
As outdoor enthusiasts, a big reason why we chose to move here, we were keen to keep an eye out for nature-minded gatherings and spaces. We had explored Sugarloaf, and had heard of this great community garden and resource center Sonoma Garden Park. Our first visit to the Garden Park had us feeling relaxed and inspired, it’s a gem.
Nature at Sonoma Garden Park. Photo courtesy of Marielle V Chua.
What is your favorite thing to photograph, and why?
Photography has allowed me to witness so many fleeting and beautiful moments, but my favorite thing of all is to photograph nature. To visit a place multiple times and watch how the light interacts with everything it touches, to slow down and take time to get curious about the smaller parts of the larger whole—there is always something new to discover, even in the most ordinary scene. So many elements must come together to make a landscape a living scene, there is always so much energy to capture.
Children playing at Sonoma Garden Park’s Garden Gnomes Summer Science Camp. Photo courtesy of Marielle V Chua.
What do you feel people should appreciate more about Sonoma Valley’s nature?
Appreciation comes with patience and a willingness to slow down enough to be affected by your own curiosity. We move so quickly in life, crossing off to-do lists and setting our sights on our next project — when we slow down and take time to witness, this is where appreciation comes into play. There’s a heaven to be found in each moment, but it’s up to the witness to allow space for the magic to unfold. Appreciating nature, whether a simple flower or raging river, reaffirms the present — that we’re here in the now — and what a wonderful thing that is.
Garden Gnomes Summer Science Camp at Sonoma Garden Park. Photo courtesy of Marielle V Chua.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time following various joys. Currently this includes taking long walks around my neighborhood in the morning, delighting whenever I see quail scurrying about. Spending time with friends over a home cooked meal. Creating collages, journaling, and tending to the garden with my husband. We try to live a slow life, finding joy in those simple moments that are the building blocks of life.
While some people think they must create great works of art, so often they leave their own lives out of the picture. Your lived life is a work of art in itself, and how we do one thing dictates how we do anything and everything. Find moments of connection throughout the day to reaffirm your place in this big beautiful world. Get out in nature and feel a breeze on your face. If you’re looking to add magic to your daily life, I suggest slowing down whenever possible, indulging in sunlight and bird song. Take a pause before reacting, schedule day-to-day tasks knowing there is no rush, there is only right now.
For more amazing photography from Marielle, follow her on Instagram or visit her website. You can also see her beautiful pictures throughout our 2024 Impact Report!