Journal of Wildlife Photography Magazine - Spring 2025
Here’s a sneak peek into this issue:
Wildlife Portraits That Speak: Capturing Emotion Through Your Lens
by Gerry Van Der Walt
What separates a good wildlife photo from one that stops a viewer in their tracks? In “Wildlife Portraits That Speak: Capturing Emotion Through Your Lens,” photographer and expedition guide Gerry Van Der Walt reveals the key to creating images that go beyond documentation. Through a blend of technical mastery and deep understanding of animal behavior, Van Der Walt shows how to craft portraits that connect viewers to the subject’s emotional world—from the piercing gaze of a lion to the quiet strength of a silverback gorilla.
This isn’t about lucky moments—it’s about learning to anticipate them. The article dives into how perspective, composition, and timing influence the emotional impact of a portrait, and why recognizing subtle cues in posture and movement can transform an image from static to storytelling. Whether you’re shooting in your backyard or on safari, this guide offers practical insights to elevate your wildlife portraits into images that resonate, advocate, and endure.
Beyond the Frame: Mastering Wide-Angle Wildlife Photography
by Tamara Blazquez Haik
In “Beyond the Frame: Mastering Wide-Angle Wildlife Photography,” conservation photographer Tamara Blazquez Haik invites readers to step back—literally—and explore a perspective that’s transforming the way wildlife stories are told. Rather than isolating animals with long lenses, wide-angle photography captures both the subject and its environment, revealing the powerful relationship between species and habitat. The result? Immersive, storytelling-rich images that stand out in contests and publications.
Tamara breaks down the tools, techniques, and field strategies needed to succeed with this approach—even if all you have is a kit lens. From wide macro setups that showcase tiny creatures in vast landscapes to dynamic compositions of large mammals in their ecosystems, this guide is a roadmap for photographers ready to challenge their creativity and deepen their visual storytelling. If you’ve ever wanted your wildlife images to do more than just impress—to make people feel, think, and connect—this article is your starting point.
The Ultimate Mammal Photography Calendar
by Russell A. Graves
In “The Ultimate Mammal Photography Calendar,” veteran photographer Russell Graves delivers a month-by-month guide to dramatically improving your chances of photographing mammals in the wild. Drawing from decades of fieldwork and a personal archive of over 200,000 images, Graves uncovers the seasonal patterns and behaviors that make animals more visible—and more photogenic—at specific times of the year.
From capturing coyotes and bobcats during their active winter hunts to photographing black bears emerging with cubs in spring and bull elk clashing antlers during the fall rut, this article equips wildlife photographers with the knowledge to plan their shoots with purpose. Whether you’re exploring your local woods or traveling across the country, Graves’ practical tips and time-tested strategies will help you make every month in the field more productive, more intentional, and far more rewarding.
Conquering the Peaks: Mountain Mammal Photography
by Cristiano Garola
In “Conquering the Peaks: Mountain Mammal Photography,” photographer Cristiano Garola takes readers to the rugged heights of the Italian Alps to reveal the challenges and rewards of capturing wildlife in alpine environments. From the elusive ibex to the swift chamois and stealthy foxes, Garola shows how photographing mountain mammals demands more than just technical skill—it requires endurance, preparation, and a deep respect for the environment.
With a focus on ethical fieldcraft and creative composition, this article offers practical guidance on navigating harsh weather, managing snow-covered exposures, and approaching subjects without causing stress. Whether you’re scaling rocky trails for a perfect perspective or battling shifting light and biting cold, Conquering the Peaks provides the tools and inspiration to elevate your mountain photography into something truly breathtaking and meaningful.
January 2025 - March 2025 Photo Contest Winners
The Winter 2025 contest winners showcase powerful storytelling across all levels. Highlights include:
- “Safely, Securely Resting with Mum” by Donald Chin (Intermediate) – A tender image of a grebe with her chicks nestled on her back, captured with patience and perfect alignment.
- “Hey, Wait for Me!” by Rick Beldegreen (Advanced) – A humorous, fast-paced shot of a Rockhopper penguin sprinting across a white sand beach after its group.
- “In Plain Sight” by Nicholas Pino (Beginner) – A subtle, golden-toned portrait of a yellowthroat hidden in plain view, framed by glowing brush.
- “Mumma and Me” by Louie Owen (Beginner) – A heartfelt kangaroo-and-joey portrait achieved through quiet observation and perfect timing.
- “Up Through A Jellyfish Universe” by Carol May (Intermediate) – A surreal underwater scene showing the photographer rising through a glowing cloud of jellyfish in Palau.
Each image combines technical excellence with emotional resonance, reflecting the photographers’ dedication, creativity, and unique perspectives on the natural world.
January 2025 - March 2025 Photo Contest Judges
The Journal of Wildlife Photography contest is judged by a seasoned panel of wildlife and bird photography experts:
- Isaac Grant – A global bird photography coach and workshop leader with 15+ years of experience.
- Marina Scarr – Award-winning avian photographer and Florida Master Naturalist with work published in major nature magazines.
- Dan Cadieux – Canadian wildlife photographer known for clean, habitat-rich compositions and expertise with Canon mirrorless systems.
- Dr. Gail Bisson – Head judge and acclaimed bird photographer with multiple international awards and years of judging experience.
Together, they bring technical skill, artistic insight, and a strong commitment to ethical wildlife photography.
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- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 1 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
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- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.