Our Mission
Mountains & Rivers provides conservation photography and visual storytelling. Our mission is to rewild the human imagination through the use of profoundly effective photography and digital storytelling that can challenge and awaken, move and invigorate, nourish and empower, rejuvenate and connect people to each other, themselves, and nature.
Each project starts with a collaborative partnership. Our credo is Love Life Better (TM) and this reflects throughout our approach at each phase of a project.
Our clients are creating change in the world, their communities, and their workplace. As a result, we are fortunate to be doing the work that we are passionate about with the people and organizations whom we want to work with.
Services We Offer
Conservation Photography and Videography Services:
- Assignment photography
- Concept development
- Creative direction
- Video production
- Digital marketing content and asset creation
Our Blogs
Enso - A Conservation Photography Blog
Enso an exploration of conservation through visual storytelling. www.mountainsandrivers.com/blogs
South Mountain Journal
Our Team
About John Canan, conservation photographer and visual storyteller
John is a photographer, naturalist, and community builder based in Western Maryland on the edge of the Central Appalachian Mountains. His approach focuses on creating imagery that fully engages people and invites them to deepen their connections with their communities, the natural environment, and ultimately, themselves. He earned a degree in Sustainable Community Development and Regenerative Design from Prescott College and was a recipient of the esteemed Servant Leadership award.
John specializes in using photography to serve institutions, businesses, and communities. His work is described as a catalyst for positive change. He is a perpetually curious adventurer and a story sherpa who immerses himself in and openly shares the natural beauty where he lives.
Matinicus (Tinni)
Tinny is the resident blue merle, Pomeranian. Matinicus is an Abenaki word for a beautiful island 23 miles off of the coast of Rockland, in Knox Co. Maine. Tinni is pensive, sometimes content, and she always ready to explore and share her love of the moment.
Tinny also is the Visit Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland (CVB) adventure mascot, where she enthusiastically uses her expertise in location scouting, supervising John's stunts, and providing general inspiration. Cute and snuggly, she also has a hunter’s heart. To tell her story with a camera means being able to live life at 1/8000 of a second.