Pro in focus
Paul Nicklen
As the celebrated photographer releases his Masters of Photography online course, Niall Hampton finds out more about it – and what led Nicklen to become an educator
Paul Nicklen
Nature photographer
Nicklen is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker and marine biologist who uses his camera to reveal the nature of the changing polar regions due to the effects of a warming planet. He has documented the beauty and plight of our planet for over 20 years as an assignment photographer for National Geographic. Paul is the co-founder (along with his wife, Cristina Mittermeier) of SeaLegacy, an organisation that highlights ocean conservation issues to the global community. https://paulnicklen.com
‘Teen Spirit’, King penguins in South Georgia.
Paul Nicklen
In his long and distinguished career, nature photographer Paul Nicklen has captured images that have been hugely significant in keeping awareness of conservation at the front of people’s minds.
Photography has become far more democratised since Nicklen first picked up his camera, with the technical advances of digital cameras and the internet and social media making it easier than ever for photographers to connect with their viewers.
And it’s this connectivity that Nicklen has turned to for his Masters of Photography online course, which has just launched. Taking place over the course of 50 lessons, budding and established nature photographers alike can learn from one of the top professionals working in the conservation space.
We caught up with Nicklen to discover more about the course, why he decided to participate in it, and what his prospective students will learn.
“After doing more than 500 public lectures around the world, I’ve met thousands of photographers who want to make a difference to help our dying planet but they needed guidance. I realised that the power of visual storytelling is needed now more than ever,” he says.
‘Parenthood’, Emperor Penguins photographed in Antarctica.
Paul Nicklen
"We need people out there shooting powerful, impactful and meaningful photos
“After shifting my focus from National Geographic to SeaLegacy, I’m more inspired than ever to galvanise a movement of environmental warriors with their cameras. We need people to shoot powerful, impactful and meaningful photos with the goal of telling important stories. With the Masters of Photography course, I get to do a tell-all to thousands of people. I hope it inspires them.”
Storytelling not pictures
Telling stories is the key component in achieving ‘conservation wins’, as Nicklen describes them. Citing a recent example, he mentions sending a story-based email from SeaLegacy that inspired 6,000 people to write to Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister. The following day, 104 species of shark were given protected status. Many organisations were involved, but “you need powerful visuals to start those conversations,” says Nicklen.