Wildlife photography demands patience, skill, and a deep respect for nature. From the frozen Arctic to lush rainforests, wildlife photographers document incredible creatures to not only inspire us but also foster a deeper understanding of the natural world.
This guide showcases some of the most celebrated figures in wildlife photography. We’ll explore their remarkable careers and their diverse approaches to capturing our nature.
12 Famous Wildlife & Animal Photographers
Ami Vitale
📷 Ami Vitale pic.twitter.com/yVVBm16S8e
— Christos Miner (@ChrisMrFosil) July 14, 2023
Ami Vitale’s career in visual storytelling spans decades and continents. She began her journey as a picture editor for the Associated Press in 1994. Her early work focused on documenting conflicts in various regions around the world.
As her career progressed, Vitale shifted her focus to environmental conservation. Vitale’s portfolio includes work from over 100 countries. She has been a contract photographer for National Geographic and serves as a Nikon ambassador.
Her most notable projects explore the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. Her amazing photos have covered stories ranging from poaching in Africa to the cruelty of animal captivity. In 2018, Vitale published “Panda Love,” a photo book showcasing pandas and their release back into natural habitats.
Tim Laman
Tim Laman is a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. His work often centers around the Asia-Pacific region.
The American photographer first earned his Ph.D. studying rainforest ecology in Borneo. This experience ignited a lifelong fascination with tropical birds, shaping his decades-long career. Laman published his first National Geographic article in 1997. He frequently tackles challenging subjects, documenting elusive creatures like the Sunda flying lemur.
A significant portion of Laman’s work focuses on the birds of paradise. He collaborated with ornithologist Edwin Scholes on an extensive project in New Guinea. Over eight years, they embarked on 18 trips to capture almost 40,000 photographs. This effort made Laman the first person to photograph every known species of the bird of paradise.
Will Burrard-Lucas
Will Burrard-Lucas is a well-known wildlife photographer with a deep connection to African wildlife. A big reason for this conservation photography is that he spent part of his childhood in Tanzania because of his father’s work at the time.
This passion ignited his photographic journey around 2003. He initially used his camera to document travels during university breaks; then, his focus quickly shifted to capturing unique perspectives of wildlife.
Burrard-Lucas aims for intimate perspectives and compelling stories rarely seen in traditional animal photographs. He prefers close-up wide-angle shots and even macro photography to showcase both the wild animal behaviors and its surroundings.
His desire for proximity drove him to develop camera traps like the BeetleCam, which enable closer encounters while ensuring both his safety and the animal’s well-being.
Shannon Wild
Her photography journey began as a hobby and quickly evolved into a full-time pursuit. The Australian native picked up her first camera while working as a graphic designer. Her passion for wildlife photography soon outgrew her day job, prompting her to seriously learn the art of capturing evocative images.
Her reptile rehabilitation background helped shape her career. This experience created a strong bond with animals, especially reptiles, which she often includes in her work. Wild has settled in South Africa, where she keeps expanding her native wildlife subject portfolio.
National Geographic and the United Nations are among the high-profile clients. She also collaborates with various wildlife NGOs to support their conservation efforts.
Paul Nicklen
Paul Nicklen is a Canadian marine biologist and photographer who spent his childhood in a small Inuit town in Canada’s Arctic Circle.
The community taught him a deep connection to nature and an intimate understanding of the Arctic ecosystem. This upbringing also equipped him with survival skills in extreme conditions that would later contribute to his success as a nature photographer.
Since 1995, this award-winning wildlife photographer has focused on stunning pictures of the polar regions. He became the only Canadian photographer working for National Geographic.
He’s good at ice diving and maneuvering his ultralight plane for aerial photography. His work showcases a profound respect for the wildlife inhabiting these remote areas. His expeditions have led him to track sea lions in the Aleutian Islands, dive with narwhals near Baffin Island, and swim with leopard seals in Antarctica.
Brian Skerry
Brian Skerry has made the underwater world his second home, where he has logged over 10,000 hours beneath the waves.
Since 1998, he’s been a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine. Here, he has produced more than 30 feature stories, including 7 cover stories. They have helped bring the mysteries of the deep to millions of readers worldwide.
His images often shine a light on the challenges faced by marine ecosystems. This includes everything from overfishing to the effects of climate change. His approach allows him to capture intimate moments that reveal the personalities of his aquatic subjects.
This unique perspective in his underwater photography has earned him recognition beyond National Geographic. You can also find his works on the likes of The Washington Post, Paris Match, and Audubon. His talent has also been acknowledged with 11 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.
Beyond still photography, Skerry has expanded his storytelling to other mediums. He’s authored 12 books, including the acclaimed “Ocean Soul” and “Secrets of the Whales.” His expertise has also led him to produce and direct documentaries, such as “Return of the White Shark.”
Melissa Groo
Melissa Groo is a professional photographer and writer based in Ithaca, New York. Her path to photography wasn’t direct. Groo majored in English Literature and explored various careers, from Wall Street to education and science. She even spent time in central Africa as a research assistant to study elephants.
Eventually, she discovered photography, initially as a hobby, but it quickly became her central focus. Birds, especially shorebirds and owls, are the signature subjects in her striking images.
Groo is a big supporter of ethical photography and animal welfare. She gives advice to the National Audubon Society on this matter. Along with Kenn Kaufman, she co-created their official guide for ethics in bird photography.
Frans Lanting
Frans Lanting’s journey began in the Netherlands and led him to the United States. He then became a key contributor to National Geographic, serving as their Photographer-in-Residence.
He’s no stranger to remote areas. He documented the wildlife of Madagascar and explored the Okavango Delta in Botswana. His amazing pictures fuse artistic expression with his scientific understanding of the natural world – a combination that tells compelling visual stories about the beauty of nature.
Now, he works to highlight the natural wonders of North America. His photography portrays its diverse landscapes and inhabitants. This work strongly promotes his messages on conservation and environmental awareness.
Neil Aldridge
Growing up in Africa shaped Neil Aldridge’s perspective as a famous animal photographer. He works as a cameraman, primarily collaborating with NGOs and frontline projects. He has also filmed for BBC wildlife programs.
His major works include documenting efforts to save African animals like wild dogs and rhinos. He also explored controversial topics in the British countryside, such as the badger cull debate.
Aldridge’s powerful images were instrumental in the creation of Rhino Conservation Botswana. His images and efforts helped the organization secure crucial funding, which helped relocate and safeguard rhino populations in the country.
Currently residing near Bristol, Aldridge now focuses on the wonders of wildlife that are closer to home. He guides photography trips in the UK and Europe, alongside tours to Africa. He also lectures in marine wildlife photography at Falmouth University.
Amy Gulick
Amy Gulick pic.twitter.com/itYWQckU1D
— iPhone Wallpapers (@iPhonewal) July 8, 2024
Amy Gulick is an acclaimed nature photographer and writer with a 30-year career. She combines her photography with storytelling, a passion she’s pursued since childhood.
Gulick started by contributing to magazines specializing in natural history and outdoor activities. This led to her interest in conservation-focused photography.
She regularly contributes to notable American publications, including Outdoor Photographer and National Wildlife. Through her work, she aims to help people understand their connection with the animal kingdom. This, she suggests, is an essential aspect of caring for our shared planet.
Christian Ziegler
Christian Ziegler blends his scientific background with his skill as a photojournalist. As a trained ecologist, he is known for capturing the stunning biodiversity of rainforests.
His initial spark for these environments came from a trip to Thailand at 19. Ziegler has since become a key voice in documenting rainforest ecosystems.
He lives in Panama and is currently working at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. His captivating images regularly appear in National Geographic and other scientific and photographic journals.
Rainforests of Central and South America are central to Ziegler’s work. He strives to raise awareness of the threats facing these delicate areas. Ziegler often immerses his viewers in the dense vegetation and vibrant life.
Joel Sartore
Joel is another champion of wildlife conservation who uses photography to connect people with those majestic animals. His journey began in Nebraska, and his childhood fascination with his mother’s books sparked his ambition for wildlife photography.
Before becoming a professional photographer, he pursued photojournalism in college and honed his skills at a newspaper for six years. This experience laid the groundwork for his long-term collaboration with National Geographic. Sartore’s distinctive style shines through in his portrait-like animal images. The faces and expressions in these stunning images forge emotional bonds with viewers.
His most famous and ambitious project is “Photo Ark.” Joel Sartore aims to photograph every species in zoos, sanctuaries, and the wild.
Started in Nebraska with a naked mole rat, the Photo Ark has grown exponentially. As of 2020, it has documented almost 10,000 animals across 60 countries. Sartore’s dedication continues to drive this project, which is estimated to span 25 years.
Wrapping Up
These acclaimed wildlife photographers demonstrate the profound impact of combining technical skills with a deep love for nature. We encourage you to take inspiration from their work. Grab your camera, explore your surroundings, and discover the wonders of nature that await. Maybe you’ll share your own story with the world one day.
