Environmental photographers are becoming more integral to the global conversation about climate change and environmental degradation. With the intensification of natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and deforestation, these photographers document the rapidly changing landscape of our planet, making their work not only important but urgent. They are able to showcase the dramatic shifts occurring in our environment, raising awareness and calling for action.
Historically, environmental photography was largely a documentation of nature—focused on capturing pristine landscapes and the untouched beauty of the natural world. However, as the effects of climate change have become increasingly impossible to ignore, these photographers have shifted from purely observational roles to activist ones, engaging with the pressing issues of the day. Many now focus on showing the impact of environmental destruction, while others highlight conservation efforts, sustainability, and initiatives to restore damaged ecosystems.
In this article, we will explore 22 influential environmental photographers whose work is not only changing the way we see the world but is also shaping the dialogue around environmental activism. Their photography offers a raw, unfiltered look at the environmental challenges we face today and provides visual narratives that inspire us to take action.
What Is Environmental Photography?
Environmental photography, as a genre, goes beyond the simple documentation of nature. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans, wildlife, and the environment. Unlike wildlife or traditional nature photography, environmental photography focuses on the broader picture—showing how humans interact with, affect, and are affected by the ecosystems around them. This genre serves as a visual commentary on the human footprint on the Earth.
The ultimate goal of environmental photography is to inform, inspire, and invoke change. These photographers use their images to portray the alarming effects of environmental destruction, such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, while also offering hope through stories of restoration, conservation, and sustainability. Their work is a call to action, compelling us to recognize the critical role we play in shaping the future of our planet.
For those interested in learning more about environmental and wildlife photography, the Wonderful Wildlife eBook offers a comprehensive guide. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or simply want to learn how to use your camera to document the environment, it’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in capturing the beauty and fragility of nature.
22 Influential Environmental Photographers to Follow in 2025
These 22 photographers are the pioneers in environmental photography, using their craft to document the Earth's challenges and inspire action. Their images reveal both the devastation caused by human activity and the incredible beauty that remains. Through their work, they push for a more sustainable future and shine a light on issues that desperately need attention.
1. Sebastiao Salgado
Sebastiao Salgado, one of the most celebrated photographers of our time, has made an indelible mark on the field of environmental photography. His iconic images capture not only the stark beauty of landscapes but also the devastating effects of human activity on these environments. Salgado's work is often associated with Brazil, where his intimate portrayal of the Amazon rainforest and the erosion of indigenous lands serves as a potent reminder of how environmental degradation is pushing our planet to its limits.
Salgado’s images of the Amazon, for example, are not simply photographs; they are visual records of a rapidly disappearing world. His powerful black-and-white photographs highlight the intricate relationship between indigenous communities and their environment, giving voice to those often marginalized in conversations about conservation. His work raises questions about the cost of modernity, the exploitation of natural resources, and the human footprint on fragile ecosystems.
Salgado’s commitment to the environment goes beyond the role of a photographer. In a remarkable turn of events, he and his wife returned to their family’s land in Brazil and revitalized a barren patch of land that had been eroded and destroyed by industrial practices. Over the course of several decades, the land was transformed into a lush, thriving forest, filled with wildlife. This reforestation project, known as “Instituto Terra,” has now become a global symbol of ecological restoration and conservation. Through their efforts, Salgado and his wife have shown that hope is not only possible but also actionable when it comes to reversing environmental damage. Their work is an inspiration for environmental photographers and activists around the world.
Sebastiao Salgado’s legacy is defined not only by the stunning beauty of his photographs but also by his personal commitment to environmental activism. His profound ability to capture the relationship between humans and the environment continues to inspire generations of photographers and environmentalists alike. The restoration of his own land speaks volumes about the power of dedicated, compassionate work to bring about real environmental change.
2. Paul Nicklen
Paul Nicklen is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist whose work has garnered worldwide acclaim for its breathtaking depiction of marine life and underwater ecosystems. Working as an assignment photographer for National Geographic, Nicklen’s work provides a unique perspective on ocean conservation, wildlife protection, and the delicate balance that sustains marine ecosystems. His photographs not only showcase the magnificence of ocean life but also underscore the profound impact of climate change on marine biodiversity.
Nicklen is perhaps best known for his stunning underwater shots of polar bears, narwhals, and other Arctic creatures, often captured in remote and challenging conditions. His work is defined by an unparalleled ability to capture the essence of these animals, focusing on their vulnerability in a rapidly changing world. These images convey a sense of urgency and a call to protect the delicate Arctic environment, which is increasingly threatened by global warming and industrial exploitation. Through his lens, Nicklen has shown the dire consequences of human activity, such as melting ice caps and the endangerment of species that rely on ice-covered waters for survival.
In addition to his photography, Nicklen is the co-founder of SeaLegacy, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about ocean conservation and inspiring a global movement to protect marine ecosystems. Through SeaLegacy, Nicklen and his partner, Cristina Mittermeier, aim to shift the narrative around the oceans and foster emotional connections between people and the marine life that calls these ecosystems home. This initiative highlights the power of visual storytelling in the fight for environmental protection and demonstrates how photography can create lasting change.
Paul Nicklen’s legacy as a conservationist and environmental photographer is a testament to the power of art to raise awareness about the plight of our oceans. Through his vivid, emotionally charged images, Nicklen has brought the beauty and fragility of the marine world into the global spotlight, prompting people to think critically about their relationship with the planet and the need to act before it’s too late.
3. Stuart Palley
Stuart Palley is a California-based environmental photographer whose work focuses on the dramatic and devastating effects of wildfires on the state’s landscape. Palley’s images of wildfires, particularly those taken at night, capture the raw power of these natural disasters and the challenges they present to both the environment and human communities. His photographs often juxtapose the fiery chaos of wildfires with the calm beauty of the natural landscape, creating a powerful visual narrative about the destructive forces of nature and the ongoing effects of climate change.
What sets Palley’s work apart is his ability to capture the emotional weight of a disaster in real time. His photographs of California’s wildfires at night are nothing short of haunting, with glowing flames illuminating the dark sky. The images evoke both a sense of awe and terror, highlighting the destructive forces of nature while also shedding light on the broader environmental issues at play. Through these powerful photographs, Palley not only documents the immediate impact of wildfires but also raises awareness about the increasing frequency and intensity of such fires in the context of global warming.
Beyond his work as a fire photographer, Palley is also passionate about astrophotography. He frequently combines his love for nature with his interest in capturing the night sky, producing stunning images of the California desert under a canopy of stars. This blending of environmental photography with astrophotography offers a unique perspective on the natural world, showing how interconnected all aspects of nature are, from the land we live on to the stars above.
Palley’s work serves as a reminder that the environmental challenges we face today, from wildfires to drought, are part of a larger, interconnected issue that is being exacerbated by climate change. His stunning images of the California wildfires and his commitment to documenting these disasters have made him one of the most important environmental photographers working today.
4. Steve McCurry
Steve McCurry is a world-renowned photographer whose iconic images, such as the famous "Afghan Girl" portrait, have captured the human condition in all its complexity. While McCurry is best known for his photojournalism and portrait work, his focus on environmental themes has become an important part of his portfolio. McCurry’s environmental photography often explores the relationship between people and their surroundings, emphasizing the profound connection that humans have to the land they inhabit.
In his environmental portraits, McCurry often showcases the deep ties that people have to the land, whether in rural villages or urban spaces. These images tell powerful stories about how human cultures are shaped by their environments and how environmental changes can impact these communities. McCurry’s ability to capture the interplay between humans and nature offers a poignant reminder of the importance of land preservation and environmental protection.
Through his lens, McCurry brings attention to the cultural and environmental challenges faced by communities around the world, illustrating how environmental degradation can have a direct impact on the people who depend on these ecosystems for survival. His environmental portraits provide a human face to the issues of deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change, helping to foster empathy and understanding.
Steve McCurry’s work is a testament to the power of photography to document not only the beauty of the world but also the struggles faced by those who live within it. His environmental portraits serve as a call to action, urging us to recognize our shared responsibility in protecting the planet and the cultures that depend on it.
5. Keith Ladzinski
Keith Ladzinski is an Emmy-nominated director and National Geographic contributing photographer known for his stunning environmental photography. His work spans a wide range of topics, including natural history, extreme sports, and climate change, but it is his dedication to environmental storytelling that has earned him global recognition. Ladzinski’s photography focuses on the dynamic and often challenging landscapes of our planet, from vast deserts to towering mountains, capturing both the beauty and the dangers that come with environmental degradation.
One of Ladzinski’s primary focuses has been climate change, and he has used his photography to document the rapidly changing landscapes of our planet. His striking images of melting glaciers, forest fires, and arid deserts tell the story of a world that is being altered by human activity. Through his lens, Ladzinski captures not only the devastation caused by climate change but also the resilience of nature and the need for immediate action.
Ladzinski’s work is not limited to environmental destruction; he also highlights conservation efforts and the beauty that remains. His photography offers hope, showing that with dedication and effort, we can protect and restore the natural world. Ladzinski’s ability to combine visual storytelling with environmental activism has made him one of the most influential photographers in the field today.
Through his stunning images and his work with National Geographic, Ladzinski continues to raise awareness about the environmental challenges we face, inspiring action and advocacy for a sustainable future.
6. Cristina Mittermeier
Cristina Mittermeier is a world-renowned photographer and marine biologist, whose work has focused extensively on environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and the relationship between humans and nature. As a co-founder of SeaLegacy with Paul Nicklen, Mittermeier has dedicated her career to documenting the impact of human activity on the planet's most vulnerable ecosystems. Her photography spans the globe, with a particular focus on indigenous communities and the way they interact with and depend on their natural surroundings.
Mittermeier's environmental photography captures not only the beauty of nature but also its fragility. Her portraits of indigenous people and their relationships with the environment reveal a deep respect for natural resources, highlighting the importance of sustainability in preserving our planet. Through her images, she tells the stories of communities that live in harmony with nature, offering an antidote to the destructive exploitation that often characterizes modern society. By documenting the challenges these communities face due to environmental degradation, Mittermeier hopes to inspire a broader global movement for conservation.
In addition to her compelling visual storytelling, Mittermeier has been instrumental in raising awareness about pressing environmental issues. Her advocacy efforts extend beyond photography, as she works to amplify the voices of those whose livelihoods are threatened by climate change and environmental degradation. Through her work, she continues to shine a light on the importance of protecting both the environment and the cultures that rely on it. Cristina Mittermeier’s photography is a powerful reminder that nature is not separate from humanity but intertwined with our existence, and we must do everything we can to preserve it.
7. Ami Vitale
Ami Vitale is an accomplished National Geographic photographer whose extensive career spans over 100 countries. Vitale’s focus has always been on environmental issues, wildlife conservation, and social justice, using her camera to tell powerful stories that bring awareness to some of the most pressing concerns of our time. Her work includes stunning images of endangered species, such as the northern white rhino, and the individuals dedicated to preserving them.
Through her vivid photography, Vitale has raised global awareness about the urgent need to protect wildlife, focusing particularly on species at risk of extinction. One of her most well-known projects involved documenting the last northern white rhino in Kenya, a poignant reminder of how close some species are to disappearing forever. Her images not only depict the tragedy of extinction but also celebrate the hope and effort that goes into wildlife conservation. Vitale’s storytelling goes beyond the photographic frame, as she has worked to highlight the ways in which individuals and organizations are making a difference in the fight for wildlife preservation.
In addition to documenting conservation efforts, Vitale’s work also focuses on the human side of environmental stories. She highlights the struggles of communities that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods, showing how environmental changes affect their way of life. Vitale’s photography serves as both a call to action and a tribute to the resilience of those working to protect the Earth’s most precious creatures. Through her work, Vitale continues to inspire others to take part in global conservation efforts and to recognize the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
8. Sean Gallagher
Sean Gallagher, a British photographer and filmmaker, has dedicated his career to documenting the impacts of climate change and environmental destruction, particularly in Asia. With a background in zoology, Gallagher brings a scientific understanding of ecosystems to his photographic work, focusing on the biodiversity crisis and the threats faced by fragile ecosystems around the world. His photography sheds light on the pressing environmental issues that often go underreported, from the loss of biodiversity to the devastating effects of deforestation.
Gallagher’s work emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, capturing the profound effects that environmental degradation has on both wildlife and human communities. His images are not only visually striking but also serve as powerful visual calls for action. Gallagher’s photography often reveals the human cost of environmental destruction, whether it’s communities displaced by rising seas or species pushed to the brink of extinction by habitat loss. Through his lens, Gallagher challenges viewers to recognize the role we all play in these environmental issues and the need for collective action to ensure a sustainable future.
In addition to his photography, Gallagher is deeply involved in environmental advocacy, using his platform to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss. His work continues to inspire people to think critically about their own environmental footprint and to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and ecologically conscious future.
9. George Steinmetz
George Steinmetz is an American photographer renowned for his aerial photography of remote and vulnerable landscapes. Using a motorized paraglider, Steinmetz has captured breathtaking images of deserts, forests, and other fragile ecosystems, providing a unique perspective on the impact of human activity and climate change. His aerial images reveal the scale of environmental changes, from deforestation to desertification, allowing viewers to see firsthand the destructive forces reshaping the planet.
Steinmetz’s work often focuses on landscapes that are not easily accessible, providing rare and detailed views of ecosystems that are otherwise difficult to document. His long-term photo essays have been featured in prestigious publications like National Geographic and The New York Times, where they serve as powerful visual evidence of climate change. Through his aerial photography, Steinmetz has highlighted not only the devastation caused by human activity but also the beauty that still remains in these vulnerable landscapes. His work encourages viewers to consider the urgent need for conservation and the protection of these precious environments.
Steinmetz’s ability to capture remote landscapes from the air has provided a new perspective on environmental photography, offering insights into the global effects of climate change and human exploitation of natural resources. His images push the boundaries of how we perceive our planet, emphasizing the importance of understanding and protecting the Earth’s most delicate ecosystems.
10. Tim Laman
Tim Laman is a wildlife photojournalist and biologist whose work has centered on documenting endangered species and their habitats. Laman’s expertise in biology, particularly his research on Borneo’s rainforest canopy, has given him a unique insight into the ecosystems he captures through his lens. His photography often focuses on species like orangutans and birds of paradise, using these animals as symbols of the biodiversity crisis facing our planet.
Laman’s work is deeply rooted in the belief that preserving biodiversity is crucial for the health of the planet. His stunning images of endangered species aim to highlight the beauty of these creatures while emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts. Through his photography, Laman has brought global attention to the plight of species at risk of extinction, showing that their survival is inextricably linked to the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. His stories have been featured in National Geographic, as well as in Netflix and BBC documentaries, furthering the global conversation on wildlife conservation.
In addition to his stunning photography, Laman has worked with scientists, conservationists, and organizations to document the work being done to protect these vulnerable species. His storytelling highlights the intersection of science, conservation, and visual art, demonstrating how photography can play a key role in raising awareness and inspiring action to preserve the planet’s biodiversity.
11. Brian Skerry
Brian Skerry is a marine photojournalist whose work has become a powerful voice for ocean conservation. Specializing in underwater photography, Skerry’s images document the diverse marine life of our oceans while also shining a spotlight on the challenges these ecosystems face. He is particularly focused on the environmental issues affecting oceans, such as pollution, overfishing, and the devastating impacts of climate change. Skerry’s work for National Geographic has made him a leading figure in environmental photography, with numerous prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional skill in capturing underwater wildlife.
Skerry's photographs are not just beautiful—they also tell the story of a world that is increasingly at risk. His underwater images offer intimate glimpses into the lives of sea creatures, from the majestic movements of whales to the delicate behaviors of coral reefs. Through his photography, Skerry brings attention to the impact of human activity on these vulnerable ecosystems. He highlights the environmental damage caused by unsustainable fishing practices, plastic pollution, and climate-induced coral bleaching, all of which threaten marine biodiversity.
Skerry’s advocacy extends beyond the lens. His photographs aim to foster a deeper emotional connection between the public and the oceans, encouraging viewers to take action in protecting these precious ecosystems. By showcasing the beauty and fragility of marine life, Skerry hopes to inspire a global movement toward sustainable ocean management. His work serves as a call to action, urging governments, industries, and individuals to reconsider how we interact with our oceans. Brian Skerry's legacy lies in his ability to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the deep sea while also conveying the urgent need for marine conservation.
12. Aaron Huey
Aaron Huey is an award-winning National Geographic photographer whose work has been instrumental in raising awareness about environmental and social justice issues. Known for his powerful storytelling and visual advocacy, Huey has created numerous photo essays that document the environmental challenges faced by marginalized communities. His work often delves into the intersection of environmental destruction and the rights of indigenous people, highlighting how climate change and natural resource exploitation disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Huey’s environmental photography spans various themes, including climate change in Alaska, where melting ice caps are threatening local communities and wildlife, and the environmental challenges faced by Native American tribes in the American West. His photo essays bring attention to the interconnectedness of environmental issues, showing that the impacts of climate change are not confined to remote locations but are felt by communities around the world.
Through his nonprofit work with organizations like Amplifier, which he founded, Huey continues to use photography as a tool for advocacy. The campaigns he has initiated, including “We the People” and “We The Future,” use visual art to amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental destruction. These movements have helped mobilize communities to advocate for policy changes that address climate change and protect the rights of indigenous people. Huey’s work serves as both a mirror to the struggles of these communities and a rallying cry for action in the face of environmental collapse.
Aaron Huey’s unique approach to environmental photography combines visual storytelling with social activism, demonstrating the profound role that photography can play in fostering social and environmental change. His ability to highlight the humanity behind environmental issues has made him a leader in both the environmental and photojournalism fields.
13. Beverly Joubert
Beverly Joubert is a renowned wildlife photographer and filmmaker, best known for her work in African wildlife conservation. Together with her husband, Derek Joubert, she co-founded the Big Cats Initiative, a project dedicated to the protection of big cats in Africa, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Jouberts have also established Project Ranger, a nonprofit organization that fights against poaching and supports the conservation of endangered wildlife across the African continent. Through their work, the Jouberts have become pioneers in using photography as a tool for wildlife preservation.
Beverly Joubert’s photographs capture the majesty of Africa’s wildlife in intimate and often breathtaking detail. Her images showcase not only the beauty of animals like elephants and big cats but also their vulnerability in the face of poaching, habitat loss, and human encroachment. Through her lens, Joubert reveals the delicate balance between humans and wildlife, showing the necessity of conservation efforts to ensure that future generations can experience these animals in their natural habitats.
Beyond her stunning images, Joubert’s conservation work is deeply rooted in her belief that the survival of these animals is intricately linked to the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. By focusing on big cats and other threatened species, she is able to raise awareness about the broader environmental challenges facing Africa. Her powerful storytelling highlights the urgency of protecting these animals from extinction and the need for immediate action to preserve their habitats. Through her photography and advocacy, Beverly Joubert continues to inspire both conservationists and wildlife photographers alike.
14. Daisy Gilardini
Daisy Gilardini is a conservation photographer with a particular focus on polar regions and wildlife preservation. Specializing in Antarctica and North American bears, Gilardini’s photography aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing the fragile ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic. Her work, which includes over 80 expeditions to Antarctica, has brought global attention to the effects of climate change on polar wildlife and their habitats.
Gilardini’s images showcase the stunning beauty of the polar regions, but they also serve as a stark reminder of the environmental threats these areas face. In the Antarctic, rising temperatures and the melting of ice shelves are endangering species like penguins and seals. Meanwhile, in the Arctic, polar bears are losing their habitats as sea ice melts at an alarming rate. Through her photography, Gilardini not only documents the effects of climate change but also advocates for the urgent need to protect these pristine ecosystems before they are irrevocably altered.
As a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Gilardini uses her platform to promote environmental conservation and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the world’s polar regions. Her photographs have won numerous awards, including BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and continue to inspire conservation efforts worldwide. Daisy Gilardini’s work is a testament to the power of photography in documenting the beauty and fragility of our planet’s most vulnerable environments.
15. Michael Yamashita
Michael Yamashita is an award-winning photographer known for his exceptional work documenting the landscapes and cultures of Asia, particularly along the historic Silk Road. A National Geographic photographer, Yamashita has spent decades exploring this vast and diverse region, capturing the rich tapestry of history, culture, and environmental change that defines Asia. His images not only highlight the majestic beauty of the land but also reveal the human stories intertwined with these landscapes, showcasing how both the natural environment and human activities have shaped each other over time.
Yamashita’s photographic journey has taken him through remote villages, ancient cities, and challenging terrains, from the deserts of China to the mountain ranges of Central Asia. His work explores the intricate connections between people and the environment, highlighting the ways in which historical trade routes like the Silk Road influenced the movement of cultures, ideas, and goods across continents. His captivating images also underscore the environmental changes that have affected these regions over the centuries, from the effects of climate change on traditional farming practices to the impact of urbanization on local communities.
One of the defining features of Yamashita's photography is his ability to blend historical storytelling with environmental documentation. He captures not only the vibrant cultures that once thrived along the Silk Road but also the environmental challenges they now face. For example, his photographs of the ancient city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan reveal the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to the impacts of modernity, such as shifting agricultural practices and water scarcity.
Throughout his career, Yamashita has used his photography to raise awareness about the importance of cultural and environmental preservation. His work is not merely a celebration of Asia’s natural and cultural beauty; it is a call to action for safeguarding these treasures in the face of rapid globalization and environmental threats. Michael Yamashita’s powerful imagery continues to inspire and educate viewers worldwide, providing a visual record of the changing landscapes of Asia and the challenges they face in the modern age.
16. Jasper Doest
Jasper Doest, a Dutch photographer renowned for his unique approach to environmental photography, specializes in capturing the delicate relationship between humans and wildlife. Doest’s work often focuses on the human-animal connection, exploring how animals adapt to or interact with human-made environments. His photography goes beyond typical wildlife shots, delving into the complexities of urbanization and how it impacts the natural world.
Through his environmental portraits, Doest has highlighted the challenges faced by animals in the modern world, particularly as their habitats are increasingly encroached upon by human development. His work raises essential questions about the role humans play in the alteration of ecosystems, urging viewers to reflect on how our actions shape the landscapes and wildlife around us. Doest’s images often feature animals living in cities, suburban areas, and industrial zones, where they must adapt to survive alongside human activity. These powerful photographs emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation in the context of urban expansion and environmental degradation.
One of Doest’s most notable works involves his exploration of animals in urban settings, where he showcases the resilience of creatures like birds, foxes, and wild boars as they navigate human-built environments. His work often uses a documentary style to capture these creatures in their daily lives, revealing the nuanced and sometimes troubling ways in which wildlife and urbanization intersect. Through his photography, Doest advocates for a more harmonious relationship between wildlife and human development, urging us to reconsider our place within the natural world.
Doest’s unique perspective and thought-provoking imagery have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition from prestigious photography organizations. His work continues to inspire discussions on the ethical and practical challenges of coexisting with wildlife in an increasingly urbanized world.
17. Melissa Groo
Melissa Groo is a highly regarded wildlife photographer and conservationist known for her commitment to ethical wildlife photography. Groo’s work focuses on capturing the natural behaviors of animals while adhering to the highest ethical standards in wildlife photography. Her goal is not only to create stunning images but also to educate the public about the importance of wildlife preservation and the need for responsible photography practices.
As a passionate advocate for ethical storytelling, Groo has worked with several organizations to develop guidelines for wildlife photography that emphasize respect for animals and their habitats. She believes that wildlife photography should serve as a tool for conservation, helping to raise awareness about the challenges faced by endangered species and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Her images often feature species in their natural habitats, capturing intimate moments that reveal the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife.
Groo’s photography has been featured in major publications and exhibitions worldwide, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the world of conservation photography. In addition to her photographic work, Groo has written extensively about the ethics of wildlife photography and has served as an advocate for responsible storytelling in the industry. Through her work, Groo not only highlights the urgency of conservation efforts but also teaches others how to approach wildlife photography with sensitivity and respect.
Her dedication to both the art of photography and the ethics of conservation has made her a leading voice in the field, and her work continues to inspire photographers and conservationists around the world.
18. Peter Essick
Peter Essick is a distinguished environmental photographer whose work focuses on the human impact on the natural world. Essick’s photography documents the consequences of industrial development, climate change, and environmental degradation, and his images often highlight the intersection of human activity and the natural environment. With a career spanning over three decades, Essick has developed a reputation for his ability to capture the environmental issues that shape our world, from pollution to deforestation to the depletion of natural resources.
Essick’s work is known for its depth and visual impact, with photographs that not only document the effects of environmental destruction but also encourage viewers to reflect on their own role in contributing to these issues. His long-standing collaboration with National Geographic has resulted in numerous powerful photo essays that address critical environmental issues such as climate change, freshwater depletion, and the impacts of industrialization on ecosystems. Essick’s photography often focuses on the subtle and overt signs of environmental degradation, from the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities to the deforestation of the Amazon.
Through his work, Essick challenges us to think critically about the way we interact with the environment and the long-term consequences of our actions. His images are a call to action, urging us to consider the impact of industrialization on the natural world and to take responsibility for the future of our planet. Essick’s photography has played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainability.
19. Esther Horvath
Esther Horvath is a Hungarian photographer who specializes in Arctic photography. With a background in science photography, Horvath’s work documents scientific expeditions in polar regions, particularly the Arctic Ocean, where she captures the environmental changes taking place in these delicate ecosystems. Her powerful imagery raises awareness about the effects of climate change on polar wildlife and ecosystems, offering a visual record of the rapid transformations occurring in these fragile environments.
Horvath’s photography plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding. By documenting scientific expeditions and the research conducted in polar regions, Horvath brings the reality of climate change to the forefront, showcasing the urgent need for global action. Her images often feature scientists working in remote locations, collecting data on the effects of climate change, as well as the stark landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Through her work, Horvath has become a leading voice in the effort to document and address the environmental changes occurring in the polar regions. Her photographs serve as a testament to the resilience of these ecosystems and a powerful reminder of the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. Horvath’s work continues to inspire conversations about the future of our planet and the critical importance of preserving the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
20. Nichole Sobecki
Nichole Sobecki is a photographer and filmmaker whose work focuses on the intersection of humanity and the environment. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, her work often addresses the social and environmental challenges faced by vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa. Her project, A Climate for Conflict, explores the links between environmental change and conflict in Somalia.
21. Antonio Busiello
Antonio Busiello is an Italian photographer known for his work documenting the relationship between humans and nature. His photo essays often explore themes of cultural differences and environmental degradation. Busiello’s storytelling has been featured in numerous magazines and exhibitions, and he has received awards for his ability to capture the delicate balance between humankind and the natural world.
22. Matilde Gattoni
Matilde Gattoni is a French-Italian photographer who focuses on environmental, social, and human rights issues. Her work covers topics like mass migrations, climate change, and illegal mining, shedding light on the consequences of human activity on the environment. Gattoni’s photography has been published in over 100 magazines and exhibited globally, and she is a co-founder of the independent storytelling agency, Tandem Reportages.
Conclusion
These 22 environmental photographers are not just capturing the beauty of our planet—they are documenting its fragility and the urgent need for change. Their work serves as a call to action, inspiring people to pay attention to the environmental issues that threaten our world and to advocate for solutions. Whether they are documenting the devastating effects of climate change or showcasing efforts to preserve and restore ecosystems, these photographers are showing us the importance of environmental conservation and the role we all play in shaping the future of our planet.
