Sixteen-year-old Emily Thomer’s interest in nature has been growing for the past four years, but her discovery of the natural world comes with a modern spin. The budding naturalist has found nature through the lens of technology. This proves a passion for the outdoor world may unite nature enthusiasts but their journeys may start from very different trailheads.

For Emily Thomer, the natural world has largely been discovered through the lens of technology. She shared images of a cedar waxwing, Carolina wren and a tufted titmouse, along with scenic shots she captured from Natural Falls State Par...