Pie Aerts is a Dutch documentary and wildlife photographer with a sincere interest in human/wildlife coexistence stories. Through his lens, he examines the intricate relationship between animals, humans and nature and, as we become increasingly distant from each other and ourselves, he uses photography as a medium to search for the cause of this disconnect. Pie is an official Canon EMEA Ambassador and Founder of Prints for Wildlife, a fundraising platform that supports African wildlife & communities badly hit by Covid-19. Since its inception in 2020 more than $2.1 million dollars has been raised by uniting 230+ wildlife photographers from around the world. Pie’s first best-selling book 'Tales from the Roads less Traveled' was published by teNeues in 2019 and sold 8,000 copies worldwide.
After more than 10 years of fieldwork all across the African continent and beyond, as a photographer as well as an activist, Pie has developed an intricate understanding of, connection with and passion for documenting the last wild corners of our planet.

An avid tropical fish hobbyist since the age of five and a reptile and amphibian enthusiast for nearly as long, Hussain Aga Khan developed a keen interest in conservation at a young age and began scuba diving at 14. He started travelling to the tropics frequently after secondary school and began taking photographs of fauna and flora on a trip to the Brazilian Amazon in 1996.Multiple photographic expeditions, often organized jointly with scientists or professional photographers, have led him to constitute extraordinary archives, covering various geographical areas and types of habitats as well as a large number of marine and terrestrial species.His books and exhibitions, shown internationally, aim to raise awareness, inspire admiration for wildlife and therefore the desire to protect it. His new book, The Living Sea, was released in May 2022.

Taylor Thomas Albright is a photographer and creative director whose work primarily focuses on wildlife, the outdoors, nature, adventure and the active lifestyle. Working to capture some of nature's most intimate moments have taken Taylor across the globe. A constant pursuit that keeps him traveling year-round.

Cultivating stories from moments rarely witnessed in the wild, he works to inspire others to experience the outdoors for themselves. Invoking positive conversation about how closely connected earth's biological diversity is and the important role wildlife plays in that balance.

Based in the Canadian Rockies, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile — no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres — from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! 

When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day.

Hanan is an emergency physician and serves as associate director and core clinical faculty at a large level 1 trauma center in Florida. An avid SCUBA diver and under water photographer, Hanan dedicates all his images to ocean conservation organizations and initiatives. Hanan is an expedition physician with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions and serves as medical director for Beneath the Waves, a US-based ocean conservation organization.

Jono is an Australian underwater photographer, freedive instructor, environmental scientist, marine megafauna guide and filmmaker dedicated to capturing powerful visuals to catalyse meaningful change for our oceans.

His work is driven by one motivation: to inspire positive action by facilitating meaningful connections with wildlife. He has gained extensive in field experience working with both terrestrial and marine megafauna across the world and the vibrant reefs of his ocean home in Australia.

Jono's life took an unexpected turn when he helped rescued an entangled whale shark in the Maldives together with a local friend and diver Lonu. Shortly afterwards he co-founded the Fuvahmulah Marine Foundation to help address plastic pollution and wildlife entanglement on the island and has since also become the Media Director of the Miyaru Programme.

With a deep love for non-intrusive forms of research and expeditions, he is both a passionate freedive instructor and scuba diver.

Rachel Brooks is an internationally acclaimed Wildlife Artist and Scientific Illustrator based in the Scottish Highland town of Oban. She specialises in marine wildlife, capturing high levels of intricate detail using ink. Drawing from her extensive background in Zoology, Marine Biology, and the Scuba Industry, she has immersed herself in the field, spending years amidst her fascinating subjects. Living in world renowned marine environments such as the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef, the Lembeh Strait and the Coral Triangle. Rachel has gathered inspiration from across the globe which is reflected in the diversity of wildlife found within her work. Rachel now resides in the Scottish Highlands and has spent three years working in the Sea of the Hebrides Marine Protected Area with basking sharks. She is an advocate for celebrating the often overlooked marine life found in the UK, and for shark conservation. Rachel's mission as an artist is to convey her passion for conserving biodiversity by celebrating its beauty and sharing it with the world.

Jean-Simon Bégin is a professional painter and wildlife photographer from Quebec City. Active in these two disciplines for more than 15 years, he has participated in some sixty solo or group exhibitions and has received more than fifty awards in Canada and internationally.

In 2022, he was named Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year by Canadian Geographic.

To date, over 1250 paintings and photographs bearing his signature have been acquired from collectors. Jean-Simon reaches tens of millions of subscribers annually through his various platforms.

He acts as a content creator and shares all of his adventures free of charge to the greatest number of people.With his work, he tries to raise awareness and educate the population about the fragility of biodiversity and the importance of saving it.

Considered to be a leading artist amongst her contemporaries, Rachel Bigsby is a 26-year-old self taught wildlife photographer carving an awe-inspiring career with her passion for seabirds, her flare for capturing natural artistry and as a winner in five of the world's most prestigious competitions including Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Bird Photographer of the Year. 

What sets Rachel apart from most wildlife photographers is her deep connection to seabirds and her intricate understanding of their lives which guides Rachel to create powerful art from a personal mission to shed light such overlooked and underappreciated species, connecting global audiences to their lives and beauty with her camera in the hope that new-found appreciations can be discovered. 

Meet Jason Bradley, a nature and underwater photographer, author, and publisher who is passionate about using visual arts to inspire change in our community and culture. Jason proudly owns Bradley Print Services and Photographic Center, located in the heart of Pacific Grove, California, on the Monterey Peninsula. This center serves as a photography education hub and a fully functional fine-art print lab. Additionally, Jason is the publisher of Wild Eye Magazine, set to launch in the third quarter of 2024. The magazine will feature leading conservation photographers and nature photography artists.

Jason is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience. He leads workshops and expeditions worldwide, both underwater and on land, sharing his insights and passion. He also hosts a free monthly webinar titled "Lightroom Live" on the first Tuesday of every month, open to the photographic community. 

Tim is an Australian Firefighter and aerial photographer with a passion for the ocean.

His work aims to showcase the unique textures of our earth that often go missed at ground level. 

Taylor is a freelance photographer who specializes in adventure travel work with a sharp focus on landscape imagery. He creates impactful images that ignite a passion in the viewer to get outside, travel and gain a better understanding of the natural world around them.

Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.

Kori Burkhardt is a marine ecologist, underwater photographer, and ocean expedition leader based in French Polynesia. With a methodology of researching and documenting sharks by completely immersing with them, her mission is to show sharks in a beautiful, yet still powerful, perspective. As co-founder of conservation and research organization Mao Mana Foundation, her mission is committed to protecting sharks and furthering research initiatives designed with cultural inclusivity. As an ocean wildlife expedition leader, her mission is to immerse others into the marine ecosystem in a sustainable, ethical, and awe inspiring way that promotes stewardship of our oceans. Her work has been featured on various documentary specials across major media platforms such as National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and more. 

Lewis Burnett is a wildlife photographer and guide based out of Western Australia. Since 2015 he has been pursuing his passion, spending time immersed in nature and exploring some of the wildest locations on planet earth. He has worked as a wildlife tour guide in multiple different regions across the Australian continent over the past 5 years and now runs bespoke wildlife and landscape photography workshops all over the world. Lewis believes that people have lost touch with the natural world and hopes that by bringing the beauty of our planet into peoples living rooms, he can inspire them to make the necessary changes enabling our wildlife to not just survive, but thrive.

Lucas Bustamante has been bitten by countless snakes, dived with whale sharks, lived with Amazonian indigenous tribes, and chased by elephants. Since childhood, he grew up around the Ecuadorian outdoors and later became a passionate biologist and an environmental photojournalist.

Lucas co-founded Tropical Herping and Savia Fund, a nature travel company and an Ecuadorian Nonprofit that works in the legal defense of nature, environmental and cultural conservation, and visual storytelling. Lucas's primary objective is to use photography to promote environmental and wildlife conservation, so he manages different projects throughout South America, Africa, and Asia. He is an author of some books, like "Reptiles of the Galapagos," and has described 13 newspeciesfor science. His photographic work has been featured in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, GEO, Smithsonian, Audubon, and many other magazines, books, photo exhibitions, and articles. Lucas is a Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature's Best Windland Smith Rice prizewinner. He is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), and Nature Picture Library represents his images.

Lucas spends time diving and playing soccer when taking a break from work.

Chris Byrne is a photographer, educator, writer and adventurer living in Portland, Oregon. Since 2015 he has been working as a full time nature photographer selling his work, teaching the craft of photography and providing clients with memorable experiences all over the globe through his company. Growing up in Florida, Chris has a profound love for our oceans and how integral they are in our daily lives. Known for creating crisp, clean and colorful images, his portfolio includes landscapes, seascapes, aerial and wildlife images.

His work from Iceland has been recognized by the International Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition as a 2-time winner of the Aerial Photograph of the Year. 

I am a professional wildlife photographer, videographer and co founder of conservation movement Protect What You Love. I am based on the Word Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, in remote Western Australia. I currently work full time as an underwater photographer on the Ningaloo and spend most of my time capturing images of marine megafauna such as Whale Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Manta Rays and Humpback Whales. Growing up I had always dreamed of having my photography recognised on the international stage and most recently I was fortunate enough to have one of my images featured in the National Geographic July 2022 edition. I would love to use this opportunity to encourage anyone who has aspirations to protect our planet to use their courage and find voice in their local communities.

Jason Charles Hill is a landscape & travel photographer based in Queensland, Australia. With a dedication to meaningful storytelling, Jason’s work has lead him to explore many off beat destinations including all 7 continents. From the rugged peaks of Southern New Zealand to the remote isolation of the Arctic & Antarctic his imagery aims to document and immerse the viewer in the wild & unknown parts of our world.

Jimmy Chin is a professional mountain athlete, National Geographic photographer, Academy Award-winning film director, and New York Times Best Selling author. His dual career as a world-class adventure athlete and artist is without precedent - he's equally respected for groundbreaking climbing and skiing achievements in the mountains as he is for his stunning photography and filmmaking. His travels have taken him to all seven continents and he has led cutting edge expeditions around the world. As a photographer, Jimmy's work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Outside Magazine and others. His first book of photography, There and Back, became a New York Times Best Seller in 2021. Jimmy lives in Jackson, Wyoming, with his wife, filmmaker Chai Vasarhelyi, their daughter, Marina, and son, James.

Jodi Cobb’s trailblazing career spans four decades as a National
Geographic staff field photographer, the only woman to have held that position
in its history. She has traveled to one hundred countries, breaking gender and cultural
barriers to document cultures in some of the world’s
most impenetrable environments.

Cobb was one of the
first photographers to cross China when it reopened to the outside world, the first given permission by the king to
photograph the women of Saudi Arabia, and the first to be welcomed inside the secret world of Japan’s geisha her book Geisha: the Lives, the Voices, the Art. In a landmark National Geographic story, 21st Century Slaves, she exposed the brutal reality of global human trafficking in twelve countries. She has photographed royalty and rock stars, leopards and terrorists, and was claimed
as a wife by a desert Bedouin.

Cobb was the first woman named White House Photographer of the Year, has won many World Press and National Press Photographers Association Pictures of the Year awards, was named a “Nikon Legend” and a U.S. Presidential Delegate to
the Olympics in Nagano, Japan. She received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the
American Society of Media Photographers and National Geographic’s Photo Society, an honorary doctorate, and one of journalism’s most prestigious
honors, the University of Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in
Journalism. A popular speaker for the National Geographic Live global series, her photographs have been widely exhibited worldwide—and one is on the Voyager spacecraft out in the universe forever.

Claudio has dedicated the last 30 years to bring awareness to the public of the importance of nature and conservation related themes both in Mexico and abroad in magazines such as National Geographic Latin America and Spain, BBC Wildlife, Nature's Best Magazine and Audubon and Terre Sauvage. His images have been published and exposed both on a National and International level, he has also worked as a picture editor for conservation related books, and has received numerous awards for his photography in the World's most prestigious nature related competitions like the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Nature's Best, Asferico, Por el Planeta and Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year. For his work he has received Full Fellowship in the prestigious International League of Conservation Photographers. He is a founding member of the Mexican Conservation Photography Aliance. He is committed to the protection of all living forms, big and small. Claudio works together with several scientists and organizations with the aims of helping projects dedicated to the conservation of our natural heritage.

Karen Cooper is an award winning, internationally recognized photographer whose dramatic landscape images showcase the beauty of British Columbia.
Based in Vancouver, Karen's journey into photography began in 200 after a car accident. Encouraged by friends and family to share the photos she was taking on her rehabilitative walks, she created a blog called ""My Boots 'n Me"".
 
"The work people see now was not the goal but rather part of the journey" she says."Nature photography became a passion developed through the healing process."
 
After opening her own gallery on Granville Island in 2010, she is now a leader in luxury fine art photography. Karen has united her beautiful images with cutting edge digital technology to create unique and visually striking artwork.

I'm a marine biologist, wildlife photographer and expedition guide. For the last 20 years I have been photographing and studying our worlds marine life. I spend around 100 days a year exploring the ocean wildernesses and am passionate about bringing the beauty of our oceans to a wider audience, hoping to inspire change and even the slightest sense of care to a part of our world that is mostly unseen and rarely thought of.

I am a professional safari guide & wildlife photographer. I travel all over the world either by myself or with my safari guests, looking for beautiful natural destinations and the animals therein. I have an immense love for photography, showing wild places to people and also for teaching. I am an ambassador for Sony Alpha camera systems and you'll find useful videos within my library. I am also a Friend of Panerai, Holdfast Gear, Swarovksi Optik and Freedom of Movement.

I specialize in photographing bears and other wildlife of the North. I live in the Pacific Northwest but spend much of my time in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. As a photographer for over 25 years I am passionate about capturing moments and creating images that tell a story. My objective is to help people connect with the environment by understanding the stories and history behind my work. I believe that together through knowledge and awareness we can help to protect and save our world and the incredible wildlife that we share it with.

Chris Fallows is a Emmy nominated and multi award winning Fine Art Wildlife photographer whose work has appeared in over 500 global publications. 
Since being the first person to discover and document breaching Great white sharks at Seal Island in South Africa in 1996 Chris’s images have brought this spectacular and unique behavior to the world’s attention.
Chris has also hosted or appeared in over 80 major wildlife documentaries such as The BBC’s Planet Earth, Life, Africa and was the primary host of Discovery Channel's iconic 20 year long Shark Week Franchise, Air Jaws. This series showcases the famous and magnificent breaching Great White Sharks that have captivated the world.
Chris’s intimate photography is best known for showcasing the world’s most iconic wildlife species both on land and in the ocean.
His style of getting extremely close to predators and other mega fauna lends a very personal and intimate feeling to his imagery.
Chris and his wife Monique are heavily involved in conservation and research projects in Africa and funds raised through the sale of Chris’s fine art works go directly towards buying land for habitat and biodiversity preservation. 

Donna Feledichuk is an international award-winning wildlife photographer residing in the small town of Lac La Biche in Northern Alberta, Canada. Donna’s photography is a heartfelt narrative that brings the untamed beauty of the Boreal Forest to life.
Donna is passionate about conservation and uses her photographs to educate others about the importance of preserving the Boreal Forest, one of the last great forests on Earth. Her works reflect the struggles and triumphs of the wildlife as they navigate the harsh extremes of the changing Canadian seasons. Through her powerful imagery, Donna gives a voice to the often overlooked and voiceless inhabitants of the northern forest, highlighting their vulnerability to inspire meaningful change.
Donna's work has gained international recognition being exhibited globally and featured in publications like BBC Wildlife and Canadian Geographic. She is a photography team member of the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective and Donna trains and mentors individuals starting on the wildlife photography journey. 

Born in Germany, Sascha now calls Dubai home and has traveled to some of the world’s most remote places to photograph wildlife. He specializes in high resolution camera traps and is particularly drawn to big cats.

His work has won multiple international awards, including the 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year. His photographs are featured by major media outlets such as the BBC, CNN, People Magazine, GEO, Nature, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Times, and in recent conservation book projects, including The
New Big 5, Remembering Leopards, and Remembering Tigers.

Sascha is proud to collaborate with wildlife conservation
organizations such as WWF UK, Snow Leopard Trust, and The Amur Tiger Center through image donations and joint projects. He is dedicated to inspiring a
deeper appreciation for wildlife and habitat protection through his photography.

I was born in the mexican caribbean and was introduced to the ocean by my father since i was a baby.

Scuba diving being the family business i quickly developed a passion for all marine creatures.

First through scuba diving and fishing, later through freediving and photography, i began exploring and documenting other waters around Mexico: Baja península, the pacific coast, the gulf etc.

 Through my images i hope to call attention towards the beautiful marine ecosystems, the threat they are in and the urge we shall all show to protect them.

Elizabeth Gadd is an artist/photographer hailing from the mountains of western Canada. She feels most at home surrounded by mountains, forests, fields and ocean...all of which are heavily incorporated into her photography. She combines self portraiture with real landscapes, often spending days at a time in the wilderness while creating ethereal images that evoke peaceful solitude and portray the beauty of matching one's heartbeat with the beat of nature.

Giancarlo is a nature photographer, videographer and educator from Italy. Drawn to cold places from a young age, he has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of the Arctic, Antarctica and other high-latitude regions since 2017. With his work, he strives to instil awe of the natural world and to inspire people to take action to preserve it.

Throughout his career, Giancarlo has taken on a variety of roles, ranging from photographer, expedition guide and educator on board vessels in the polar regions, to content creator for nature conservation organisations, to cinematographer and drone operator on nature documentaries, to photography workshop leader.

With a background in biology, and with nature conservation being his primary focus, Giancarlo is also an accomplished visual effects artist with extensive experience in the film industry. His portfolio includes titles such as the National Geographic docu series "Hostile Planet", MCU films, and more.

You may have seen him on CBC’s “The National”, heard his voice on CBC Radio One, or seen his work in publications such Canadian Geographic magazine, Audubon Magazine, The Guardian, GEO magazine, and others. Liron Gertsman has been observing and photographing the natural world continuously since he first got his hands on a borrowed point-and-shoot camera at the age of five. His work has been experienced by millions in some of the largest museums across the world, including the Natural History Museum in London and the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

Liron uses his photography and tours to educate on the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world for the continued health and existence of all who live on our planet. As a naturalist and photographer, he feels it is his duty to show people the essence of Earth, by thinking outside the box to create eye-catching images and unique experiences that connect people with nature. Liron’s work has been widely recognized and awarded, sweeping the professional category of the 2022 Audubon Photography Awards, winning the grand prize of the 2023 Audubon Photography Awards, and earning a highly commended designation in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Liron has a biology degree from the University of British Columbia, which he uses to enhance his passion for art and visual storytelling, providing a scientific background to inform his understanding of the natural world.

Daisy Gilardini is a conservation photographer who specializes in the Polar Regions, with a particular emphasis on Antarctic wildlife and North American bears. She is from Switzerland originally, and is now based in Vancouver, Canada. She has devoted most of her time to photographing the Polar Regions. She has joined more than 90 expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic, and she has skied the final degree to the North Pole. She is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and the SeaLegacy Collective, a fellow of the New York-based Explorers Club, and member of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Daisy’s images have been published internationally in leading magazines such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Canadian Geographic, Nature’s Best and Outdoor Photography. Her images have also been used by high-profile NGOs such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund, among others.Since 2018, she has been a photographer in residence with Canadian Geographic and she is has been nominated Greenpeace Antarctic Ambassador.Her childhood passion for the natural world has evolved into a lifelong commitment to spread the message of conservation and the need to preserve what's left of the world’s remaining wild places.

Producer Fredrik Granath works with film and photography in the Arctic, documenting its nature and wildlife. The focus is on the life of the polar bear and its role in a changing climate. Fredrik is a leading expert on field work and production in the polar regions. He has assembled a unique expertise of working under the most extreme conditions and is specialised in polar bears. Since 2001 Fredrik has been working around the Arctic on his own projects, and also as a producer for other film- and photographic projects. He has been published by the New York Times, GEO, Vanity Fair and many others, and co-authored the award winning book "Polar Tales" with Melissa Schäfer. Together, with their Motherbear Productions, they also organise expeditions in the Arctic.

Bertie Gregory is a wildlife filmmaker, National Geographic Photographer and former Nat Geo Young Explorer. A childhood obsession with nature led to winning Youth Outdoor Photographer of the Year. Bertie graduated in Zoology with First Class Honors from the University of Bristol and the next day, boarded a plane to begin assisting legendary photographer, Steve Winter, on assignment for National Geographic. This was the beginning of a 10-year career with National Geographic, where he’s produced and hosted 8 television projects. In 2020, he became BAFTA’s youngest cinematography winner for his work with Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Planet Earth series. Today, Bertie is the host of Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory now streaming on Disney+. In this Emmy Award-nominated nature series, Bertie has uniquely combined adventure with the very best wildlife behavior. Bertie is also working on a worldwide penguin story for National Geographic Magazie and a television series for Disney+.

Laura Lyn Gregory is a wildlife
photographer and visual storyteller based in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her work
primarily focuses on Alaskan wildlife and polar regions, specializing in bears.
Laura strives to spark emotion and conversation with her images through the
eyes of the wildlife she encounters.

Some of her favorite moments
include spending 100 Days in Denali National Park while working on a project to
help celebrate the park’s Centennial. Traveling through Canada’s frozen tundra
in search of polar bear cubs emerging from their dens. And spending time with
brown bears in some of the most remote parts of Alaska for over a decade.

After years of hard work and
building relationships with the Alaska communities. Her images can now be seen
throughout Alaska in almost every city, airport, and gift shop.

I'm a conservation photographer, writer, and educator striving to highlight the beauty, intelligence, and necessity of wildlife, from common to rare species. I love to capture the stories of wild lives as they unfold, from the squirrels in my backyard, to pumas in Chile, to snowy owls in Alaska. I'm a Sony Artisan of Imagery, an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, and photography consultant to the National Audubon Society. 

Shane Gross is a Canadian marine conservation photojournalist based on Vancouver Island and he lived in The Bahamas for a decade resulting in his book Bahamas Underwater. He is a multiple winner in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Underwater Photographer of the Year, Master of Underwater Photography among many others. He has shot assignments for Greenpeace, The Nature Conservancy, WildAid, iLCP, Save Our Seas Foundation and more.

Morgan (Mo) Heim is a conservation photographer and filmmakerdriven by the beauty, humor and perseverance in wildlife conservation stories, and how those relationships shape our lives. As a Senior Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and a National Geographic Explorer, she brings curiosity and a background in zoology and journalism to her storytelling. 

Her favorite places are amongst the seabirds and reindeer or with whatever species push us to examine big questions about our place on Earth. She has been recognized in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Big Picture Natural World and Siena photo competitions, as well as film festivals, including Banff and Telluride Mountain Film. Her work appears in outlets such as Audubon, Smithsonian, National Geographic, Newsweek and The New York Times. She is a big believer in fostering future conservation storytellers and proud mentor for Girls Who Click.  

When not on assignment you can find her in Astoria, Oregon, where the waves are big, the mountains close, and the weather not nearly as bad as everyone thinks it is.

For as long as I can remember, wildlife conservation has been my greatest passion. Growing up at Australia Zoo and traveling the world supporting wildlife preservation causes gave me a huge respect for our natural world. When I was very young, I discovered photography as a way to spread important messages by telling stories of our environment from the frontline. I believe in creating imagery that can help an audience connect with an individual animal, or draw attention to the importance of valuable ecosystems.

Karim Iliya is a photographer, filmmaker, space explorer, and whale swimming guide based in Iceland and Maui, Hawaii. He documents our planet’s threatened species and delicate ecosystems. Driven by a desire to protect our planet, he’s worked in more than 45 countries. Growing up in the Middle East, Hawaii, and Asia, Karim developed a curiosity for the natural world and a keen eye for capturing our planet’s natural wonders.

A tireless explorer underwater, on solid ground, and in the air, Karim will soon set his sights beyond the depths of our oceans to humanity’s furthest reaches as one of the first civilians to fly around the moon. In 2022, he cofounded Kogia, a non-profit library and production company accessible to non-profits, marine scientists, activists, and artists working tirelessly to protect our oceans. Kogia is a studio of storytellers who feel compelled to protect life beneath the ocean’s shimmering surface.

I am an underwater photographer. I was born in New Zealand and have been living and working on the Ningaloo reef, Western Australia since 2011. I have been fascinated by the ocean and all of its creatures for as long as I can remember and started taking photos as a hobby and way to hold onto special encounters. Since 2011 I have been working on the WhaleShark boats and in 2015 I started as an underwater photographer, taking photos for people to take home from their experience out with the WhaleSharks, Humpback Whales and this year starting with Sperm Whales. I am still blown away every day by the beauty that lives under water and seeing people light up after special underwater encounters is the best! I love traveling and getting to experience different cultures and photograph different animals all over the world. I hope that with my photos I can help other people fall in love with and appreciate the Ocean, the animals and all the beauty in the world and want to look after it. My proudest achievement was being awarded Ocean Photographer of the year 2021 with Oceanographic Magazine.

I am originally from Brazil, based on Vancouver Island, BC. I've been exploring and documenting the underwater world for over a decade now. Inspired by the the smallest marine organisms and incredibly passionate for nocturnal behaviour. My work has been featured on Netflix and ADEX video of the year 2019.

Raised in the jungles of South India, Shaaz Jung is a professional wildlife photographer and an ambassador for Nikon and Manfrotto. Shaaz’s work in the world of wildlife and conservation has gained international recognition and his photographs have been widely published. He specialises in documenting big cats, primarily melanistic leopards and was the 'Director of Photography' for a National Geographic feature film called The Real Black Panther. 

Shaaz’s artistic vision creates a unique blend of photography interwoven with art, a style he calls ‘Environmental Surrealism’. 

A conservationist at heart, Shaaz runs eco-friendly wildlife lodges in India and utilises eco-tourism as a tool for conservation. He’s also the founder of a non-profit Trust that aims to provide vocational training and education to indigenous people that live in and around forested areas in South India. 

Marina Cano is a Spanish wildlife photographer, with more than 25 years of photographic experience and international prestige, of which 20 have been dedicated to nature photography, where she has got extraordinary recognition in this field.

Marina is graduated in music, and she has been named Doctor Honoris Causa in 2023 in Bogota, Colombia, for her photographic work in conservation.

She has published 4 wildlife books. Her work has been in the cover of renowned National Geographic. In two occasions Marina has won awards in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Member of the World Photographic Cup Spanish Team for 3 years. Awarded 2 times in the Siena International Photo Award.

Marina is also a European Canon Ambassador, Banana Republic Wildlife Ambassador and Global Skylum Ambassador. Has been Cotton Carrier and Western Digital collaborator.

Her unique style together with a sensitive and intimate approach to wildlife make her work admired by almost 1 million followers on social media.

She leads safaris in Africa, member of the jury in international competitions, Marina Cano runs tours, workshops and have done exhibitions around the world.

In love with the African continent and committed to its conservation, Marina collaborates with associations as Vital Impacts, Remembering Wildlife, ForRangers, DSWT, Prints for Wildlife, among others, which protect and preserve threatened species.

Beverly is a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. She has specialised in African photography for nearly 35 years, with images in a dozen or more National Geographic Magazines, in more than 12 books, and thousands of articles around the world. Together with her husband Dereck Joubert, their mission is the conservation and understanding of the large predators and other key wildlife species that determine the course of all conservation in Africa.

Natascha is a skilled and passionate media designer and nature photographer from Germany. With a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the polar regions and a love for arctic outdoor adventures, she frequently travels throughout northern Europe in her self-converted van, capturing stunning imagery of her journeys. Her photographs have a magical, cinematic quality, with a particular focus on capturing the nuances of light and dark. Natascha's eagle eye for detail and her expertise in retouching and composition make her a true artist in her field.

Dmitry Kokh is an IT entrepreneur and an award- winning wildlife photographer specialising in large marine animals.It all started with a serendipitous underwater shot in 2017, since then his travels have taken him to Antarctica, Norway, the Red Sea, Cuba, Africa, South and Southeast Asia as well as remote corners of Russia (Kamchatka, the Solovetsky Islands, Baikal, Chukotka). His passion started in childhood, but it was scuba diving that opened up a whole new curious world, which he continues to explore through his work. The goal is to capture images that reflect energy and full immersion, focusing on storytelling and bringing awareness of our planet’s natural heritage.Dmitry’s work has been published in The Guardian, BBC, Euronews, Newsweek, The Boston Globe, The Telegraph and many more. He was recently awarded the title of Nature Photography of the Year, and is the recipient and finalist of awards like: Wildlife Photographer of the Year, National Geographic, Ocean Geographic and Siena Drone Awards. He is a regular participant of the Golden Turtle, Wild Underwater World, and Moscow Dive Show exhibitions. Dmitry has gained global recognition for his photographs of polar bears on Kolyuchin Island, which have taken the news and social media by storm.

Steven Kovacs was born in Canada and has had a fascination for the underwater world from a very young age. He started diving in the cold, rich waters surrounding Vancouver Island in 1999, and bought his first camera and underwater housing in 2001. A couple of years later he moved to Florida to pursue his passion in a more tropical setting. From there he quickly developed a passion for macro photography, with a special emphasis on underwater behaviors. Recently he has become an avid enthusiast of blackwater photography which entails drifting near the surface at night in very deep water to photograph rarely seen pelagic and deep water species that migrate to the surface under the cover of darkness.

Keith Ladzinski is a National Geographic Photographer and Emmy nominated director. His work primarily focuses on natural history, climate change, extreme sports, fine art and advertising campaigns, sending him to the furthest reaches of the 7 continents multiple times over on photo and film assignments. Keith is the co-founder of Triage Creative, a founding member of the Sea Legacy Collective and has worked for clients globally including Apple, Disney, Google, Nike, Toyota, Adidas, Oprah Network, Canon, Discovery, Subaru, Red Bull, The North Face, OPPO, The New York Times, and National Geographic TV.

Known for his intimate and aesthetically aerial compositions, Ledoux's distinctive fine art photography is born out of his passion for the wilderness and its preservation, specifically of the Arctic. His cameras are the portals through which he communicates with the world. Florian’s artworks celebrate the beauty of the frozen continents, the incredible wildlife inhabiting the ice edge, powerful but yet so fragile, and the enormous importance they bear for the survival of our entire planet and all living species, by continually producing exceptional immersive visuals that draw the viewer into his sustainable development journey. The Arctic is more than a passion in Florian's heart. It's a commitment in its own right, a lifestyle choice that has become a polar obsession. Florian documents the polar region as a photographer and cameraman spending most of his winter out on the ice. He has been filming aerial images for several natural history documentaries including “Frozen Planet II – BBC”,“Polar Bear – Disney+” and BBC Series, "Mammals" in which, he filmed the introduction of the cold episode (bears hunting reindeer).

Magnus Lundgren is a conservation photographer and videographer from Sweden who has explored the World's oceans for more than thirty years. "The ocean is my inspiration and teacher, and she still surprise my curiosity every time we meet."

Magnus inspire conservation to a wide audience through his visual workl, and he is known be one of the most influental ocean story tellers and award winning photographers of his time. His endless conservation efforts have resulted in co-founding projects such as Wild Wonders of Europe and Wild Wonders of China. Starting up the Wild Wonders Foundation is a milestone effort to promote rewilding and co-existence through visual inspirational and eye-opening stories. It is my goal to shine light on the ocean world and to spotlight the need for much more marine nature conservation.

An award-winning photographer, Jody MacDonald is no stranger to adventure and exploration in the last untamed corners of the planet. Having spent her formative years in Saudi Arabia before sailing around the world twice over the span of a decade on a kiteboarding, sailing, surfing and paragliding expedition onboard a 60ft catamaran, she has traveled to over 100 countries in search of the unknown. From train hopping in the Sahara to paragliding in the Himalayas at 17,000 ft, she is passionate about stepping off the beaten path in pursuit of documenting issues that blend insightful storytelling, big adventure expeditions, and social change inspiration in the hopes of promoting the preservation of wild places.

Nitin's love of photography blossomed while backpacking in Bhutan with a Minolta camera borrowed from his mother during a college summer break. After graduate school, he worked in the Afghan refugee camps outside Peshawar, Pakistan, armed with a manual Nikon FM2 camera and several dozen rolls of Kodachrome-64 in a Ziploc
bag. He soon learned that Nitin's camera helped me create relationships.

As a humanitarian worker, he has been on the front lines of many conflicts and has
seen the ugly side of human behavior. He has been rocketed, assaulted, held
hostage, and was the sole survivor in an attack in the aftermath of the Rwandan
genocide — losing his leg to nine bullets. Over the past three decades, he has
worked in many war-torn countries struggling to recover from conflict. Nitin's
camera became his tool to create levity in otherwise tense situations and
conversely has offered him the opportunity to document the beauty in nature
that the world offers.

During the pandemic, he was fortunate to spend time in the Serengeti where he made the
shift from photographing people to wildlife. In response to Nitin's social media posts, he began to sell prints and donated profits to conservation organizations. Given the stress and strife in his professional life, the
tranquility of the natural world brings him peace.

He lives in Washington, DC and travels as much as he can. His photography has been featured by Men's Health, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller UK and Maptia and in campaigns such as Prints for Wildlife and 100 for the Ocean.

Andy Mann, cofounder of SeaLegacy is an experienced climber, diver, arctic explorer and award-winning filmmaker whose imagery is helping tell the story of our rapidly changing planet. Having documented expeditions on all seven continents for National Geographic Magazine, SeaLegacy and more. His imagery is remarkably memorable, reminding us how the emotion of an image can touch our spirit.

Ocean lover and underwater photographer for over 10 years.

Jon McCormack is a conservation and natural history photographer based in Northern California. His work spans the globe and is widely used by leading conservation organizations. Jon’s hope is that his images convince humans that nature is worth fighting for.

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic figures in contemporary photography for more than three decades. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McCurry studied cinematography at Pennsylvania State University and has gone on to create unforgettable images over six continents and numerous countries. His body of work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike - yet always retains the human element that made his celebrated image of the Afghan Girl such a powerful image.McCurry has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards including the Robert Capa Gold Medal. He has published nineteen books, and his works have been exhibited around the world including the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Modern of Contemporary Art in Rome, the CerModern in Ankara, Turkey, and the Rubin Museum in New York amongst dozens of others.

Shayne’s heart has a dedication to all wildlife and wild things Besides running small photographic tours In Alaska, Svalbard, and Africa she also works as a naturalist/photographer on expedition ships at both poles, Arctic and Antarctic.

The most important thing she wants to help people understand, is to not only to show them how to photograph wildlife, but how to respect it as well.

One of her passions is, helping elephant and rhino orphanages in Africa that care for babies left motherless from poaching. She hopes her photography can show the climate is changing rapidly and document some of what we are losing. Maybe then, the power of the photographic image, can make people aware of what is happening. And one of the most precious things we are losing, is our ocean, and within the water, all animals and plants that depend on it. Her favorite quote is “if at 1st you don’t succeed, try doing what your guide told you do in the first place”.

Sarah Mckendry is an internationally recognized oil painter, art educator, and published author who has spent the last 15 years pouring her heart and soul into her craft, while also being a stay at home mom to her two young boys.  Sarah is passionate about conservation, advocacy, and capturing the endless beauty of the natural world with her paintbrushes.  She has been featured in multiple International publications, teaches thousands of students around the globe, and her paintings can be found in the homes and private collections of wonderful clients both near and far. Sarah currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her young family where she paints out of her cozy little home-based studio.

Mitch McPherson is an avid outdoorsman across the board. If it involves being outside, then count him in! In 2020, amidst mental struggles due to the pandemic, he committed heavily to wildlife photography and videography by selling all of his possessions and starting life on the road! He is widely known for his closeup vibrant head-on images of animals of all kinds. His travels have taken him to beautiful places all over the United States and Canada to show the beautiful wildlife diversity that North America has to offer, and hopefully create a better appreciation for these creatures and their habitat. Each year he follows animal activity North to South, and back North again documenting everything from migratory birds in the midwest to ungulates and bears in the Western US, Yukon, and Alaska.

Recently he has had made it his goal to bridge the gap between wildlife lovers and hunters. It is his belief that both play a large role in conservation, and that we need to get back to the basics of growing, catching, hunting, and gathering our food in order to combat the immense waste and degradation from the commercial food industry. He has begun hunting/fishing and gathering for much of his food to do his part to lessen the dependency that we all have on commercialized food. His vision for the future includes one where we all locally source our food, and cut out the need for commercial food entirely. While there are many differences between how wildlife lovers and hunters think, he believes there is a common ground that we can come to that will benefit both humans and the environment at the same time!

Laura Merz is an award-winning photographer and conservationist, focused on telling the stories where conservation and cultures connect. After living on four continents, Laura finds that time in nature is the most grounding, unifying aspect of life around the globe, but that so often people don't value the wildlife and natural resources in their own backyard.

Laura uses her fine art and wildlife stories to bridge the gap between what people think conservation is (across the world) and what they can do to make a difference in their local communities. She especially enjoys inspiring children to learn more about our natural world - nearly all of her photography is captured with her own two kids in tow.

Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier, "Mitty", is hailed as one of the most influential conservation photographers of our time, she has dedicated her entire life to protecting the World's oceans - inspiring millions of people to do the same.

In 2005 Mittermeier founded the prestigious International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) to provide a platform for photographers working on environmental issues and coined the phrase "conservation photography".

​In 2014 she co-founded SeaLegacy, a non-profit organization using strategic communications at the intersection of art, science, and conservation to protect and rewild the ocean for the benefit of biodiversity, humanity, and climate within our lifetimes. 

My name is Zandile Ndhlovu, a Freediving Instructor, conservationist, author and Ocean explorer based in Cape Town South Africa. My main focus is to bridge the gap in the world - morph the idea of separation between humanity, wildlife and our oceans, and in the process, build connection to the ocean enough that people begin to care, enough to use their voices for the protection of our oceans. My work is primarily captured through Freediving, which helps me become present in each moment. It's an incredible privilege to witness wildlife in the wild, to hold my camera in each moment is to document where we are right now, in hope that we tell a story one day, of how we did better, for the generations to come. 

Paul Nicklen is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist who has documented the beauty and the plight of our planet for over twenty years.

In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Nicklen is a sought-after speaker, author, and National Geographic Fellow, who has shared stories from his adventures in several TED Talks. In the past two decades, Paul has collaborated with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists and explorers to create awareness and inspire action for global issues like climate change.

As a co-founder of the non-profit, SeaLegacy, Paul Nicklen is opening a fresh, progressive chapter in the story of ocean conservation through visual storytelling.

Lianna Nixon is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker, wildlife guide, and climate science educator. She is a Research Associate at CIRES Education and Outreach at the University of Colorado, Boulder supporting scientists in communicating their knowledge through public outreach and in the classroom. Lianna works in conservation photography as a contractor for storytellers all over the globe, including GEO Germany, GEO France, PM, and Stern. Her storytelling works explore the relationships of the natural world, wildlife, technology, and identity development as agents for change. She aspires to bring people closer to nature through powerful storytelling narratives and create deeper connections with our planet and people.

Marsel van Oosten is a professional nature photographer from The Netherlands with a background in advertising and graphic design. Marsel is a nature lover with a deep concern for the natural world. Successful conservation starts with awareness, and he hopes that his images will make people aware that Mother Earth needs our protection and inspire them to take action.

In his work, he tries to simplify, to eliminate the extraneous: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

His images, which have garnered global recognition, have won numerous prestigious awards. Notably, he is the world’s only photographer to have won the Grand Slam: the grand titles Wildlife Photographer of the Year, International Nature Photographer of the Year, and Travel Photographer of the Year.

Marsel’s images are featured in galleries and museums and used worldwide in advertising and design. He is a regular contributor to National Geographic, a Nikon brand ambassador, a death metal connoisseur, and a recovering Nutella addict. His latest book is MOTHER — A Tribute To Mother Earth.

Marsel currently lives in South Africa with producer Daniella Sibbing. Together, they run specialized nature photography tours for small international groups of all experience levels to spectacular destinations worldwide.

Craig is a Sony ambassador and has worked with National Geographic as a photographer on documentaries such as "Limitless with Chris Hemsworth" and "Secrets of the Octopus" with James Cameron.

Growing up in Byron Bay along the coastline of Northern NSW, Australia, it was his parent's gift of a disposable water proof camera at five years old that set him on the path to his passion. While most kids his age were reading comics, Craig was immersing himself in early editions of National Geographic and when he turned 13 years old he spent all his savings on a 35mm SLR – a move that ultimately set the course for Craig's future. Entirely self-taught, Craig worked hard at his craft before making a life-changing decision and becoming a full-time professional photographer in 2004 – a defining moment in Craig's life. Today, he leverages photography to advocate for environmental conservation, especially preserving the world's oceans for future generations.

Francis Pérez, born in Tenerife, Canary Islands, he is a professional underwater photographer, conservationist and economics degree from La Laguna University, Canary Islands, specialized in regional development economy. He began diving in 1994 and underwater photography in 2001. Ocean lover and enthusiastic diver, he focuses the underwater world with a unique style.Regular contributor of National Geographic Spain in biodiversity issues in the marine environment of the Canary Islands.Member of the SeaLegacy Collective 2019.Member of the steering committee of Whale Heritage Site 202 (Tenerife). He is a Member of the international steering committee of Tenerife- La Gomera World Biological CorridorFounding member of Pelagic Life Canarias 2017. World Press Photo 2017, First prize in nature category, Wildlife Phototgrapher of the Year 2020 from the Natural History Museum, London. and "Highly Commended" in the Nature Photojournalism Category.

After growing up in a small market town in South England, a yearn for adventure lead Jack Plant to British Columbia, Canada. The Great Bear Rainforest is where he found his true passion - photography. Jack has spent the last 9 years exploring the ecosystems of this incredible place, specifically, the territory of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais. It is here where he has learned from the elders and chiefs how to be around wildlife like bears, whales and wolves.

Scott Portelli is an international award-winning wildlife, nature and underwater photographer and film maker. Scott is based in Sydney, Australia, and has spent thousands of hours in remote locations across the globe filming and photographing wildlife, the natural environment, and wild places with a focus on conservation, education, and awareness. He has been highly awarded, including Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2021, Wildlife Photographer of the Year in London in 2016 and 202, National winner of the Sony World Photography awards 2016 and GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2021. Working in extreme conditions, Scott’s practices take a high quality, low impact, approach to filming wildlife in their natural environment in a non-invasive way to capture natural behaviour. His continued work to highlight the environmental issues in these regions and document the ongoing plight of climate change and human impacts on inhabitants of these regions is a key aspect of his work and various accolades.

Matt Porteous is an accomplished environmental portrait photographer born and raised in Jersey, UK. With a passion for storytelling and capturing the beauty of our planet, Matt has made a name for himself as a talented photographer who uses his work to bring attention to important issues and inspire change. Matt is a private photographer to the Prince and Princess of Wales and is also the founder of Ocean Culture Life, an organisation dedicated to capturing stories of positive change both above and below the surface. Through his work, Matt shares the story of those making a difference in the world, including those working towards shark conservation, sustainable fishing, mental health awareness, waste management, and combating child labour and human trafficking.

Virgil grew up in a small French town between Lyon and the Swiss border.

In June 2011, Virgil left his home country of France with a backpack on his back and embarked on a journey that took him to over 65 countries and all continents in the span of 12 years. Virgil is an experienced expedition leader and photography leader with a specialization in the captivating regions of Svalbard and East Greenland. His expertise lies in guiding adventurous souls through the icy landscapes of the Arctic, capturing stunning moments through his lens along the way. With a passion for exploration and a keen eye for detail, Virgil brings a unique blend of adventure and artistry to every journey he leads.

He possesses a wide range of skills and serves as a naturalist guide, lecturer, zodiac driver, and polar bear monitor including firearm handling. Virgil also guides snowmobile tours, sea kayaking adventures, and white water rafting trips.

Virgil is specialized in Polar Landscape and Aurora Photography. ''With AI invading our world, I want to distinguish myself with images that will mark the viewer. The process, the struggle, and the determination that takes place to be able to capture the image I seek will never, ever be replaced by AI.''

The photos showcased in his gallery are the result of countless hours spent braving snowstorms, enduring strong winds, enduring extreme temperatures, and patiently waiting for nature to present that precise, extraordinary moment. These images stand as a testament to Virgil's dedication and the immense amount of effort he invests in his craft.

Joel Reyero is a diver, photographer, drone pilot, climber and mountaineer. Since 2014 he has been dedicated to generating content about nature and conservation. Starting from night photography, he toured Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina giving workshops, to later settle in Ushuaia, where he decided to make the end of the world his home. The combination between the Andes mountain range and the Beagle Channel provides many opportunities for those who are passionate about the mountains and the ocean at the same time. He currently participates in different communication and awareness projects for the preservation of the environment and also makes documentary content for scientific research projects. His main interest is to share powerful images that generate empathy in people to motivate community actions for environmental resilience.

Jaime Rojo is a photographer and National Geographic Explorer that specializes in environmental stories about wilderness and wildlife. A strong advocate for
conservation, he hopes his images can ultimately become a tool for protecting nature.

His most recent project is Saving the Monarchs, a cover story
for National Geographic Magazine about the migration of the Monarch Butterflies: from the natural history and the threats they face to the people
working to protect them.

He frequently works a communications advisor with
environmental organizations, corporate clients, educational institutions, and government agencies all over the world.

Jaime is an International League of Conservation Photographers Senior Fellow, a trustee of the WILD Foundation, and
the recipient of honors in competitions such as the World Press Photo, Wildlife
Photographer of the Year and Picture of the Year International.

Jesse Roos is a photographer and content creator based in Portland, Oregon. He specializes in outdoor sports, lifestyle, landscape, conservation, travel imagery, and adventure storytelling. Jesse’s creative approach is fueled by a passion for bold exploration and an unwavering dedication to his craft. Whether it’s through excursions across the globe or simply off the beaten path, Jesse strives to capture authentic moments and glimpses of the intrepid human spirit.

International award-winning photographer Dave Sandford’s viral waves paved the way for a lifelong dream, a meaningful career in conservation & wildlife photography. Sandford, a native of London, Ontario, Canada studied photography at Toronto Metropolitan University - early on channeling himself into professional sports photography. Sandford’s storied career in professional sports brought him international recognition, establishing Sandford early on as an industry leader. Still involved with pro sports, these days you are more likely to find Dave face to face with a polar bear on frozen tundra or, dancing with whales under the sea. Canadian to the core, and similarly to his spirit animal, the polar bear - Sandford is right at home when the mercury dips well below the freezing mark.

Sandford has also taken his photographic skills into the world’s oceans, swimming alongside natures gentle giants (whales) or finding himself face to face with another of Sandford’s favourite subject’s, the great white shark. Claws, paws or jaws, wide open spaces or tiny places, Sandford enjoys showcasing the beauty of our natural world, blended with exciting and insightful storytelling from his adventures both near and far. It is Sandford’s hope that by sharing what he loves, others will share in that love - promoting positive change in the preservation of our wild spaces and those wonderful creatures who inhabit them.

Melissa Schäfer, a wildlife and nature photographer who started as a creative portrait photographer until she found her calling in documenting the changing Arctic and the polar bears of Svalbard. In 2020, Melissa and her partner Fredrik Granath published their book "Polar Tales." Melissa founded the nonprofit 'Mother' magazine, channeling the power of female photographers and storytellers worldwide. Her work has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, GEO, and many others. Melissa organises expeditions in the Arctic with Fredrik and their Motherbear Productions

Ashleigh Scully is an accomplished young nature photographer with a keen interest in bringing awareness to wildlife conservation. A college senior at TCU, also in their Division 1 athletic program, Ashleigh will stay one more year to finish her Master’s degree in English literature. She studies oceanic sovereignty in the North Pacific and Arctic oceans. Her master's thesis is centered on the impact of the whaling industry on the early American economy (beginning of 19th century) surrounding trade, market and economics around Nantucket and efforts made to discover the Northwest Passage.
Ashleigh donates many of her images to several notable nature and wildlife preservation
groups, and has given presentations on a variety of conservation topics. Ashleigh’s photography focus is to produce images which give a glimpse into the emotions of our country’s native fauna, exposing individual and family wildlife behaviors that we wouldn’t otherwise have the
opportunity to see.

Her favorite subjects include red fox, grizzly bear, and all species of North American owls. She hopes that her images will give the viewer a sense of empathy and respect for all creatures.
Ashleigh has been recognized by the top international photography competitions in the world, including the London Museum of Natural History’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year,
National Geographic’s Por el Planeta and Nature’s Best Photography Magazine’s Youth
Wildlife Photographer of the Year. She is also a two-time winner of the Yellowstone Forever Youth Wildlife Photography competition, celebrating the best of Yellowstone National Park’s
landscape and wildlife imagery. Her images have been exhibited in London’s Natural History Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. and in other top galleries and museums in more than 70 countries.

Douglas Seifert learned to swim in the ocean off Singer Island, Florida, USA when he was two and a half years old and has been in the ocean ever since.  He progressed to snorkeling a few years later and was instantly, irrevocably enchanted by the water world of fish, invertebrates, corals and big animals of the sea. This ocean obsession led to scuba diving and more and more time underwater.

The unexpected gift of a Nikonos underwater camera and a few rolls of Kodak film began a lifelong odyssey to use wildlife photography as an indispensable tool to focus on and to study the ocean environment and all the myriad creatures living within.  His photography, in conjunction with extensively researched, experience-derived, in-depth, long-form natural history writing for magazine publication, has enabled him a career of three decades and taken him and his cameras, his curiosity, his passion and his drive to explore everywhere there is living ocean and animals to encounter. 

His photography has appeared in The New York Times, Australian Geographic, Reader’s Digest, Forbes FYI, National Geographic Traveler, Esquire, Outside, Sports Afield, BBC Wildlife, National Wildlife, Nature’s Best, Terre Sauvage, Oceans Illustrated, Dive International, and Ocean Realm, as well as in books and newspapers around the world.

He lives in Vancouver and the Caribbean with his lovely wife when not on adventures and photographic expeditions, and has a limitless enthusiasm for nature in all its forms.

His first book: “Wild Mustique” is being published this month.  Features on the Mustique coral restoration project are in the current issues of DAN Alert Diver and DIVE Magazine.

Andrew Semark is a born and bred South West Australian Photographer who’s focus is Landscape, Travel and Ocean Art Photography. Growing up in the south west region, his photography has been moulded by the amazing beaches and coastline the south west has to offer. Sharing this life with his wife and two children, his drive is to encourage them to have an open, creative mind and a sense of adventure through his Photography style. Andrew aims to capture the ocean in its true and natural form and without the need for heavy post-processing. He uses his deep knowledge of Oceanography and wave patterns along with his seasoned knowledge of camera techniques, the right ocean conditions and ideal natural lighting to simultaneously showcase the ferocity, unpredictability and calming purity of the ocean.

Brooke Shaden is a fine art photographer and artist specializing in conceptual imagery and self-portraiture. Over the past decade she has helped shape the fine art industry. Represented by five galleries and with work collected by museums, her work has made an indelible mark and has inspired hundreds of thousands of up-and-coming photographers. With sponsorship from companies like Sony and Microsoft, Brooke has made it her mission to share inspiration far and wide. Brooke has been named in the top 10 most influential photographers, photographer of the year, winner of Ron Howard's Project Imagination, and received the distinguished alumni award from her high school in 2019. Brooke co-founded The Light Space, a photography program for those vulnerable to human trafficking, and was a foster parent for four years to six kids.

Chris Schmid is an accomplished Swiss freelance producer-director, Director of Photography, and photographer with over a decade of experience specializing in natural history. As a Sony Ambassador and National Geographic Explorer, Chris is known for his ability to create stunning visuals and compelling
stories that combine cinematic aesthetics with a documentary style. He is particularly skilled at working in some of the most challenging environments on
earth, particularly when it comes to filming big cats. Chris is driven by a deep passion for nature and a desire to raise awareness about the fragility of our planet.
As a director Chris produced Frozen Warriors (2018), highlighting the plight of the mighty musk ox, which won best short documentary at Green Screen and was an official selection at the National Geographic Short Film. He also produced and directed Okavango (2020) which won best short documentary at the International
Nature Image Festival (FIIN). Chris' impressive client list
includes major industry players such as Disney Nature,
BBC, National Geographic, Sony, Terra Mater, Arte, WildAid, and WWF.
Through his love of natural history and technical
expertise, Chris strives to create engaging and educational content that emphasizes conservation and wildlife protection.

Harry Skeggs is a multiple award winning wildlife photographer, considered one of the leading fine artists in the world. Represented by top galleries internationally, his fine art pieces are sought after across the globe and have been described as “some of the most iconic of the 21st century”. The key principle of Harry’s work is his ethos of Wild and Free - every subject in his work is in its natural habitat showing natural behaviour, being strongly against any form of human impact. His Harry is determined that his work should be more “for wildlife than it is of wildlife” and for that reason conservation is the lifeblood of his work. A founder and board member of GenerationTusk, as well as a host of other charities, Harry works closely with efforts to protect wildlife across the globe. 

Pete Souza is a freelance photographer based in Madison, Wisconsin. He is best known for his work as Chief Official White House Photographer for President Barack Obama. His book "Obama: An Intimate Portrait" debuted as #1 on the New York Times best seller list, and is one of the best selling photography books of all time. A 2020 documentary film on Souza, "The Way I See It," was nominated for an Emmy. Prior to his tenure in the White House, Souza worked on assignment for National Geographic and Life Magazines, and served as the Washington-based photojournalist for the Chicago Tribune, in which he covered stories around the world including the war in Afghanistan, the refugee crisis in Kosovo, and national politics. Souza was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame in 2021.

Emmett Sparling is a photographer and director based out of Vancouver Canada. His photography work covers a wide range of subjects from Landscapes, Wildlife, Underwater, Portraits, and the travel adventure content he shares every day on instagram. 

Emmett has been travelling full time around the globe since 2016, capturing the beauty of our planet and telling the stories within the landscapes he explores. 

With an audience of almost 1million people on social media, Emmett uses his influence for positive impact storytelling as well as teaching photography.

At 28 years old, Ryan Tidman is one of Canada's most awarded conservation photographers. Armed with his knowledge and a camera, Tidman eagerly seizes every opportunity to document Canada's most iconic animals and awe-inspiring landscapes. His lens became a powerful tool in showcasing the beauty and fragility of the natural world, emphasizing the need for conservation. In every frame he captures and every film he creates, Tidman weaves together the artistry of photography with the power of storytelling, inspiring audiences worldwide to appreciate, preserve, and protect our planet's precious ecosystems. Through his lens, he captures moments and sparks a profound connection between humanity and the natural world, reminding us of our shared responsibility to be custodians of the earth's wonders.

Chase Teron is Canadian conservation photographer, wildlife guide and educator specializing in the Polar regions of our planet. Chase works with the leading conservation media organizations in the world to help drive change. Chase is also the co-founder of 100 for the Ocean with Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier. Chase is a digital marketing specialist for photographers and conservation organizations.

Jenni is a photographer, artist, and environmentalist. She has traveled the world telling stories of conservation and animal rights advocacy. Jenni photographs scenes above and below the surface. Her favourite moments have been swimming with Orcas in the Norwegian Arctic, swimming blue whales in the Indian Ocean or spending time helping farm animal sanctuaries on Vancouver Island. Jenni is the co-founder of Artica Studios which is an organization that works with conservation groups including SeaLegacy, Prints for Wildlife and beyond.

I'm an ocean photographer based in Tahiti. Originally from the south of France, my passion for the ocean and watersports took me around the world and introduced me to Tahiti 15 years ago.I fell in love with the place right away, because of the people, the culture, the waves and the amazing waters surrounding the island. After shooting surfing for many years, I decided to explore different things in photography.I started a body of work on the waves and the underwater world beneath the waves. I discovered an amazing new world down there that inspires me everyday. I published 2 books Surface and Turbulences and I'm happy to be part of this campaign alongside inspiring photographers .

Michelle is an award-winning photographer whose quest to capture the beautiful and unique on camera has taken her to all corners of the world. She is particularly celebrated for her passion and work in Canada’s Arctic.

Michelle was honoured to be appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022. She is a Nikon Ambassador and her images appear on magazine covers, in numerous publications, exhibitions and embassies worldwide. Her iconic images appear on a Royal Canadian Mint coin and Canada Post stamps. Michelle received the Louise Kamookak Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographic Society in 2019, she won the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers in 2021 and was the wildlife category gold medalist at the World Photographic Cup in Rome 2022.

Besides her achievements as a photographer and entrepreneur, Valberg is a tireless philanthropist and community leader and has published four books. Michelle is a Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence and an International Fellow of the Explorer's Club in New York City.

Thomas Vijayan, an architect by profession hailing from Kerala, India, famously known
as God’s Own Country, has traversed all seven continents in pursuit of his passion for photography. While photography may not be his primary vocation, it undeniably holds a special place in his heart.

Among the myriad subjects he captures, the big cats hold a special fascination for him.
For Thomas, each click of the shutter is not merely about achieving perfection but about experiencing the moment and continuously learning. Quality reigns supreme over quantity in his approach.

Nature serves as both his muse and sanctuary. With an unwavering love for the
outdoors, Thomas finds solace and inspiration in the natural world. Photography, to him, is a harmonious blend of his affection for nature, his penchant for travel, relentless practice, patience, unbridled passion,
camaraderie, and the right equipment. Above all, it is a divine gift, allowing
him to witness and immortalize nature's fleeting moments.

Thomas's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, including the
prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award from the Natural History Museum, along with the honor of being appointed as a Brand Ambassador for Nikon in the Middle East & Africa since 2015.

Drawing from his extensive experiences, Thomas advocates for a deeper connection with
nature. He believes that spending time amidst the wonders of the natural world fosters a profound understanding of life's intricate cycles. Through his lens,
he endeavors to unveil the hidden beauty of wildlife, inspiring others to develop a reverence for nature and to become stewards of the environment. For Thomas, photography is not just a passion; it's a powerful tool for fostering appreciation and respect for Mother Nature, urging humanity to cease its
exploitation and instead embrace preservation.

Multiply award winning Sony Imaging Ambassador with a passion for birds, mammals and really wild places. A National Geographic Explorer, decribed as ”One of the World’s most influential nature photographers” by Outdoor Photography mag. A frequent expedition leader.

Mark Williams works as a captain and wildlife guide, taking him worldwide, including Antarctica and the Canadian High Arctic. As an avid conservationist, he shares his passion and knowledge for the ocean with his local and global community, inspiring others to love and protect it. 

Through sharing the images from his expeditions, Mark learnt that photography can be a powerful tool. He shares his photos to inspire and educate his audience and encourage social change around how humans engage with the natural world.

Through his work, Mark wants people to realize that individual choice could lead to collective change that will move humanity closer to a more sustainable and symbiotic relationship with ecosystems. “I feel grateful to be able to spend time in these wild and remote regions of our planet and I realize they are not accessible to everyone. Through my images, I invite you all on a journey to not only enjoy the beauty of wildlife but also hopefully create a connection with and become closer to nature.”

Steve Woods is a world-renowned adventure and wildlife photographer who has travelled the globe capturing the beauty of the natural environment and underwater world.

Steve does not just visually capture the animal. He reveals their movements, stillness, strength, and their vulnerability. He connects us to their experience.
He helps us relate to the natural world by making visible the awe-inspiring beauty of the ecosystem, and the creatures within.

“When you see them, you understand them. When you understand them, you are more compelled to protect them.”

Steve’s expertise has a solid foundation of education and experience. He began his career in the UK as a press and sports photographer. He paired this experience with a master’s degree in photography from Leicester De Monfort University. Only then did he make the leap toward his true calling – advocating for the natural world through imagery.

Taking his camera under the ocean surface led to living and working among marine life around the world.

While in southeast Asia, he created a foundation dedicated to the rescue, release, and protection of sharks in Lombok Indonesia. While leading aquatic expeditions, he photographed many of the marine giants: the Manta Rays, Sunfish and Sea Turtles experiencing human pressure in this part of the world.

“I am an enthusiastic advocate for the preservation of life within the oceans. Photos are how I give these creatures a voice.”

Steve also works on land with endangered species and indigenous communities photographing them and contributing to conservation and research efforts globally.

He has since taught many photography workshops and led expeditions in numerous continents above and underwater from the equator to the arctic.

Steve now calls Vancouver, Canada home. He recently became a father. Raising his son has intensified his commitment to awakening others to the human impact on our environment.

Steve’s experience behind the lens within remote and challenging environments has made him an asset to several companies in the outdoor and adventure market. Whether shooting for a marketing campaign or leading wildlife photography trips, Steve’s work remains true to his vision: to expose the beauty of our ecosystem and propel more people toward its preservation.

Jens Wikström is a Swedish wildlife photographer, naturalist and expedition leader. Since 2011, he has been working on ships as a sailor, guide and expedition leader, making over 100 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica.

An avid photographer and ornithologist, Jens has travelled extensively around the globe, resulting in a passion for remote wilderness areas and wildlife conservation. In particular, he is deeply acquainted with the Svalbard Archipelago, where he was worked since 2011.

As an expedition leader, Jens' vision is to inspire both ship mates and passengers to get involved in nature photography and wildlife viewing. When not at sea, he exhibits his photographs in an effort to spread interest and awareness about the Polar Regions.

Sony Ambassador Michael Yamashita has shot for National Geographic for more than 40 years, combining his passions of travel and photography with his love of history and culture. An Asian Studies major at Wesleyan University and fluent in Japanese, Michael has followed his roots to become a Far East expert. In addition to his work throughout Asia, which has included intensive concentrations in China, Japan, Korea, and India, his assignments have taken him to six continents. Michael’s specialty has been in retracing the journeys of iconic explorers, such as Marco Polo and the Chinese admiral Zheng He, along their historic routes to illuminate the legacy of the Silk Road and to help us understand China’s sweeping The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Michael has won a host of industry awards, and his exhibits include installations in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Germany, and closer to home, at The Carter Center, LACMA, and the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Along with two documentary feature films, Yamashita has published 16 books in multiple languages, including his latest, the Silk Road Journey.When not speaking or on assignment, Michael can be found with his family at his home and photography studio in rural New Jersey, where he is an active volunteer fireman.