Journal of Wildlife Photography Magazine - Winter 2025
Here’s a sneak peek into this issue:
Mastering Light: The Four Pillars Every Wildlife Photographer Should Know
by Lee Hoy
Understanding and controlling light is the key to creating impactful wildlife images, and Lee Hoy breaks this down into four essential pillars: light quantity, quality, direction, and color. He examines how different lighting conditions—from golden hour’s warm glow to the cool tones of blue hour—affect mood, contrast, and composition.
The article details practical techniques for using front, side, and backlighting effectively, while also cautioning against the challenges of harsh midday light. By learning to read and manipulate light, photographers can transform ordinary wildlife subjects into visually stunning and emotionally engaging images.
Illuminated Perspectives: Why Bright Backgrounds Deserve Your Attention
by Jennifer Leigh Warner
Most wildlife photographers are taught to keep the sun behind them for even lighting, but Jennifer Leigh Warner challenges this norm by exploring the artistic potential of backlighting. She explains how using silhouettes, high-key photography, rim lighting, and even breathlighting in cold conditions can transform wildlife images into compelling works of art.
With detailed technical recommendations—including optimal aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings—Warner encourages photographers to embrace light itself as a subject, rather than just a tool. By strategically planning for sun angles and environmental conditions, photographers can elevate their images beyond simple documentation and into the realm of fine art.
Beyond the Lens: How Focus Periods Can Elevate Your Wildlife Photography
by Jaymi Heimbuch
Many photographers struggle to find dedicated time for their craft, often overwhelmed by daily responsibilities and distractions. Jaymi Heimbuch introduces the concept of “focus periods”—structured, distraction-free time blocks that allow photographers to shoot, edit, and refine their skills with intention.
Drawing from personal experience, Heimbuch explains how setting specific goals, eliminating interruptions, and building momentum through short, concentrated efforts can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and productivity. Whether it’s setting aside time for portfolio updates, practicing new techniques, or planning a photo shoot, focus periods offer a simple yet powerful way to ensure continuous growth in wildlife photography.
Beneath the Oceans: Your Next Photographic Frontier
by Barry Hicks
While many wildlife photographers focus on landscapes, forests, or open plains, Barry Hicks argues that the most uncharted and awe-inspiring photography opportunities lie beneath the ocean’s surface. He provides an in-depth guide to the essential gear required for underwater photography, from dive equipment to specialized camera housings and strobes.
Hicks explains the challenges of buoyancy control, the necessity of external lighting to counteract color loss, and the unique behaviors of marine life that make for extraordinary images. Beyond the technical aspects, he emphasizes the urgency of marine conservation, urging photographers to document and protect these fragile underwater ecosystems while there is still time.
Beneath the Lily Pads: A Tadpole's Tale
by Shane Gross
Award-winning photographer Shane Gross takes readers on a journey beneath the lily pads of a mountain lake, where he captured his now-famous image of migrating western toad tadpoles. Gross details his patient approach to photographing this rarely seen natural spectacle, explaining how careful movements and an understanding of light helped him achieve an immersive, storytelling image.
Beyond the technical execution, he reflects on the importance of photographing overlooked species and environments, encouraging photographers to seek unique perspectives rather than chasing conventional wildlife subjects. His story is a reminder that some of the most powerful images come from curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to explore the unknown.
October 2024 - December 2024 Photo Contest Winners
The final three contests of 2024 showcased the incredible talent within the Journal of Wildlife Photography community. October’s “Water and Wildlife” theme highlighted the powerful connection between animals and aquatic environments, with winning images capturing dramatic action, serene reflections, and breathtaking underwater moments. In November, “Silhouettes” pushed photographers to use light and shadow creatively, resulting in striking, high-contrast compositions that transformed ordinary subjects into works of art. December’s “My Best Shot of 2024” served as the grand finale, awarding $2,000 per skill level to the most outstanding images of the year.
From rare wildlife encounters to masterfully composed artistic shots, these winners represent the very best of nature photography, closing out the year on a high note.
LIFETIME
- Lifetime access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Lifetime access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Lifetime access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Lifetime access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 15% OFF all future full-price purchases
Annual (Save 18%) | Monthly | ||
ANNUAL +
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- 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.
MONTHLY
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- 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.
LIFETIME
- 10 free contest entries per month included for life.
- Lifetime access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Lifetime access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Lifetime access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Lifetime access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 15% OFF all future full-price purchases
ANNUAL PLUS+
- 5 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- 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.
MONTHLY
Cancel Anytime
- 1 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- 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.