Issue 2024.01

Photography as Conservation

Photo of an orca and a school of fish
© Paul Nicklen  Orca Ballet. An orca corrals a school of herring underneath the surface of an icy fjord off the coast of Northern Norway.

Paul Nicklen on Keeping the Wild in Wildlife Photography

Words by Cynthia Haynes, Images by Paul Nicklen

For over 30 years, Paul Nicklen, award-winning National Geographic and fine art photographer, marine biologist, conservationist, and co-founder of SeaLegacy, has dedicated his life—and his photographs—to protecting wildlife and their habitats. Since setting out in 1988 to make his first underwater shot with a brand-new Nikonos V that promptly flooded, he’s worked tirelessly to raise awareness to effect change through the power of photography. “It’s our job as photographers to tell stories, but we have to put the health and well-being of the animals first,” he says. So, in pursuing good photographs, how do you make photographs that do good?

Issue 2024.01

Outdoor Photography Magazine Download

Get the first issue of Wild Eye magazine for free and read stories featuring stunning images and inspiring ideas from photographers Paul Nicklen, Erin Babnik, Ted Orland, Reuben Wu, Amy Gulick, David duChemin and more. Open Wild Eye and explore the very best in nature, wildlife, and underwater photography.

Wild Eye 2024.01 Issue Magazine Cover with drop shadow featuring Paul Nicklen on Photography as Conservation, Ted Orland Looks at Landscapes, Reuben Wu Explores iPhone Photography, Developing Style with Erin Babnik

Inside Wild Eye Magazine

Photographer Features

The world’s best known photographers share their tips, techniques and personal stories on how to capture great images.

Photo Showcases

Get the inside scoop on how some of the most iconic images in outdoor photography were made.

Wild Lands

Exploring the wilderness for the best places to capture stunning images.

Field Notes

Photographers share the technical and creative decisions behind a striking photo.

Gear Up

Reviews, roundups and recommendations on the best photo gear for outdoor photography.

Parting Shot

Amusing nature and wildlife images, with commentary from the photographer.

Exclusive Web-Only Content

Go beyond the page with Wild Eye’s exclusive web-only content. Register for free to unlock premium online articles and workshops crafted for those who seek to capture the untamed beauty of the outdoors.