Grace Conrad is a Chicago/New York fine art photographer whose work delves into the intricate relationship between human subjects and the non-human world. While the images were initially captured on her 8x10 field camera in Puglia, Italy, Conrad finishes them with alternative printing, particularly late 19th century technique platinum palladium printing. In "Children and Their Companions," Conrad creates images that explore environmental portraiture, emphasizing the connections between children and their surroundings—be it the natural world or the animals within it. In her ongoing project, "Children and Their Companions," Conrad investigates how children find solace in unknown and untainted territories while growing up. Through this exploration, she highlights the innate bond between young humans and the environments that nurture them, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of these relationships that often fade in adulthood. Conrad’s work aims to transcend simple representation; it serves as a dialogue between subjects and their landscapes, urging the audience to reconsider their own connections to the world around them.