What Makes A Great Portrait and Environmental Image

Most wildlife photographers hit a wall. The photos are sharp, well-lit, and technically solid—but they lack emotion. They don’t feel like much.

In this powerful training, Andrew Parkinson, award-winning UK-based wildlife photographer and Nikon Europe Ambassador, shows how to break out of that rut. With more than 80 major awards—including Wildlife Photographer of the Year—Andrew teaches how to combine patience, ethics, light, and restraint to create images that truly connect.

If you missed it live, this member-exclusive replay is now available inside the Journal of Wildlife Photography. Here’s what you’ll learn.

What You’ll Learn in the Training

This training focuses on how to move beyond technical perfection and craft meaningful, authentic wildlife images.

How to Build Trust With Your Subjects

• Ethical photography starts with patience and compassion
• Don’t chase wildlife—let the subject come to you
• Observe behavior closely and respond with respect
• Your time investment earns moments others never see

“I don’t make the photograph. The subject gives it to me—if I’ve earned it.” – Andrew Parkinson

Mastering the Use of Light

• Don’t just expose—sculpt with light
• Use side light for drama, backlight for mood, shadows for mystery
• Understand how light shifts across seasons and locations
• Plan your outings based on weather and sun angles, not convenience

“Light isn’t just technical—it’s emotional.”

Rethinking Composition

• Learn what not to include in the frame
• Break common rules like the rule of thirds when needed
• Use negative space and strong lines to guide the viewer’s attention
• Focus on storytelling through subtle choices

“A good composition doesn’t show everything—it shows the right things.”

Preparing for the Shot (Without Taking It)

• Become an expert in your local environment
• Visit the same places over months or years
• Understand the patterns of your subjects—feeding, nesting, moving
• Don’t rely on gear—rely on field knowledge and timing

Behind the Scenes of Judging WPY

• Andrew gave rare insights into the Wildlife Photographer of the Year judging process
• What judges actually look for: emotion, originality, and ethics
• Why many technically perfect images don’t make the cut
• Tips for standing out in competitive contests

Who This Training Is For

If you’ve ever looked at your photo and thought, “It’s fine, but it doesn’t move me,” this training is for you.

• Intermediate and advanced photographers looking for creative depth
• Anyone entering wildlife photo contests
• Nature photographers who value ethics and emotion over gear
• Shooters frustrated with getting close to wildlife
• Visual storytellers who want their work to feel personal and unique

Real Feedback From Attendees

“Congratulations on the most inspiring talk I’ve ever seen on JoWP.”
— Cat Antoniuk

“Not just a nice photo slide show, but an educational, inspirational experience.”
— Daniel Columbus

“Your dedication and effort is second to none. Thank you.”
— Jean-Louis Rousselle

“Such an incredible, inspiring presentation!”
— Pamela Oldham

“That last image will never leave my mind.”
— Amy Brenneman

About the Presenter

Andrew Parkinson is a full-time professional wildlife photographer based in the UK. A Nikon Europe Ambassador, he has earned more than 80 awards, including honors in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Bird Photographer of the Year, and British Wildlife Photography Awards.

His work regularly appears in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Audubon, and The New York Times, and he is widely respected for his fieldcraft, storytelling, and ethical approach to photography.

You can explore more of Andrew’s work and workshops at:
https://www.andrewparkinson.com