About

Originally from the United States, Crystal has always lived in close proximity to (and sometimes in) national parks and has worked in conservation for the whole of her adult life, in both the United States and New Zealand. She now resides permanently in Te Anau and spends as much time as she can in the mountain landscapes that made her fall in love with Aotearoa - writing, running, and photographing.

Crystal believes that what goes into creating a photo is as important as what comes out the other side and that the practice of photography connects the photographer to the subject. She feels a deep connection to the land and focuses her photography on remote and mostly wilderness locations, taking the time to get to know a place and working to uncover its beauty.

Crystal's intention with her photos and writing is that they contribute to a body of proof that protected landscapes have a place in the human experience solely for their intrinsic worth. She is the New Zealand Ambassador for the Nature First Photography Movement and is working to unite photographers under the ethos of putting “nature first” to uncover practical and meaningful ways for photographers in Aotearoa to lead by example for the benefit of nature.

"I cannot cause light; the most I can do is try to put myself in the path of its beam." - Annie Dillard

Crystal Brindle

I am here to write, photograph, and share the story of the land.

Where to find me:

Published in:

You can purchase any of my work by contacting me or visiting: