Freya Fennwood captures the joy of being outside
Bellingham-based photographer Freya Fennwood is on a mission to showcase the diversity of outdoor communities in Whatcom County and across the world.
Whatcom County is a photographer’s mecca: With sprawling forests, impressive mountain ranges, and islands dotting miles of coastline, there’s always something worth capturing here.
Freya Fennwood, an award-winning outdoor and adventure photographer and the owner of Fennwood Photography, has been capturing the natural beauty of the PNW since she got her first camera at age 12. As a teenager, she photographed the wilderness in her own back yard, like the Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier. Since making a name as a professional photographer, her work has brought her to the tops of Washington ski slopes, across California deserts, and to the pastel-colored streets of Cuba.
We sat down with Freya to learn how Whatcom County shapes her as a photographer and what’s next for her adventures.
For Otterbox in WA
Charting the course
As an avid adventurer — Freya loves kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking among other avocations — she got her degree at Colorado Mountain College focusing on outdoor photography. Later, she found her niche capturing the world of sea kayaking for brands like Northwest River Supply and Outdoor Research.
When Freya first started out, outdoor photography was mostly a male-dominated space, and she specifically sought out partnerships with other women-owned businesses. Today, she’s noticed much more representation in the industry, but her work is still centered around showcasing the broad diversity of outdoor communities.
She works with local and international brands, including the women-owned Title Nine, an outdoor clothing retailer named after the civil rights law that established gender equity in public education and sports.
(left to right) Cuba and Joshua Tree For Title Nine
Returning to roots
Freya’s photography has brought her all over the world, but during the era of travel restrictions, she shifted the focus back home. She spent time supporting local businesses and organizations in Whatcom County including The Bronze Chapter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded and led by Denice Rochelle that aims to make outdoor recreation accessible to communities of color. She also created an outdoor-themed marketing campaign for WECU.
Bikers in Alaska
On the horizon
As for what comes next, Freya wants to continue doing what she really loves. That means focusing even more on non-profits and telling stories with soul that are directly connected to the causes she cares about: diverse representation and promoting responsible and loving relationships with nature.
Follow more of Freya’s adventures on her website and Instagram.