Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023
By Eh Ler Tha
My name is Eh Ler, and I am usually behind the camera at Outdoor Outreach. In 2020, I joined the Fundraising and Development team as the Communications Coordinator, and my role blends my passion for photography and my love of the outdoors. As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I want to share about myself and my journey here at OO and in the outdoors.
Growing up surrounded by concrete in Southeast San Diego, my earliest memories did not include spending time outdoors. The lack of transportation, equipment, and outdoor education was a significant barrier that prevented me from experiencing nature. As a result, I never saw myself as someone who belonged in the outdoor space.
It wasn’t until high school that I had my first introduction to the outdoors. I will never forget my first backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierra, where breathtaking mountains and crystal-clear lakes surrounded me. The experience profoundly impacted me and sparked a seed that grew in ways I never could have imagined.
As someone who admires Chris Burkard, a renowned landscape and adventure photographer, I found myself inspired by his breathtaking images of beautiful places from around the world. His work moved me in ways that words cannot express. He was one of the first photographers whose work I began to follow and admire, and his style has greatly influenced my own. As I pursued my passion for photography, I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of our world and the people in it.
During my time at Outdoor Outreach, I’ve had countless opportunities to capture the experiences of youth as they ventured into the great outdoors. I witnessed them overcome their fears of the water or of heights while facing challenges. I saw how those experiences impacted their confidence and self-esteem.
Whether standing on a surfboard, scaling a rock wall, or learning to ride a bike for the first time, I saw how these experiences allowed them to walk away with a newfound sense of courage and accomplishment. These rare moments reminded me of my own first experience in the outdoors, and sometimes I even saw myself in the youth that we work with.
As a result of my experience photographing young people in the outdoors, I’ve become increasingly drawn to nature-based photography, particularly those moments that capture the joy and wonder of people as they interact with the natural world around them. Although I never considered myself a storyteller, picking up a camera provided me with that opportunity. Through my lens, I’m able to capture people for who they truly are, and I believe it’s essential to highlight and share these moments as a testament to the importance of building a connection with nature in any way possible.
Stepping into the role of Communications Coordinator was a period of career growth and learning opportunities, especially as it relates to community building. Through this role, I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience that have proven to be invaluable in my work as a photographer and videographer. Alongside my work at Outdoor Outreach, I launched my own photography and videography business in 2021, a move that has been both thrilling and daunting. There’s nothing scarier than taking a leap of faith into a path that you’re not fully certain of, but I’ve found that the key to success is having the courage to pursue your passions with enjoyment.
With each new photo shoot or video project I take on, I’m grateful for the unique position I find myself in – balancing two jobs that allow me to do what I love most. Drawing from the skills I honed as the Communications Coordinator, I’m constantly building new connections with clients and collaborators in the creative space. One of the most important things I’ve learned from my experience is that building strong relationships with those around you can truly make all the difference.
Reflecting on a time when I didn’t see myself as someone who belonged in the outdoors, I now realize that, in addition to the limited resources, I also didn’t see anyone from my community in outdoor spaces either. I believe that everyone should have access to outdoor experiences, and we must acknowledge and overcome the individual obstacles to achieve equity.
The outdoors is where I find joy and fulfillment. Personally, hiking and rock climbing bring me immense happiness and motivate me to tell stories through photography. Outdoor activities can help us develop confidence, discover our potential, and cultivate resilience. It can serve as a healing space that offers comfort and peace. Through my experiences, I have realized that the outdoors opens the door to endless possibilities for personal growth and allows me to become the best version of myself. Most importantly, it has led me to photography, where I can tell stories that shift the narrative about outdoor equity and representation.