It’s cruel we only have a finite time to experience all this beauty

Nathaniel Perales is a Mexican American photographer based in Portland, Oregon, whose work explores the evolving relationship between people and the land. His photography often traces stories of environmental justice, cultural identity, and our collective connection to place. Themes that live at the intersection of portraiture, landscape, and documentary work.

Nathaniel’s images have appeared in High Country News, Willamette Week, and other local and national publications. He has collaborated with a range of organizations, from Indigenous-led land return movements and climate nonprofits to architecture firms and recycling companies, to help visually tell the stories of communities shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

Rooted in a spirit of curiosity and care, Nathaniel’s work often begins on the road, with a camera, a notebook, and a deep respect for the people he meets. He has exhibited solo shows on his travels through India and the American West, and is currently working on a book that weaves together his photography and poetry.

Whether you’re a publication, nonprofit, or creative collaborator, Nathaniel welcomes opportunities to create work that reflects authenticity, empathy, and a sense of place.

Let's work together