Paul Nicklen Masterclass

Meet your Master: Paul Nicklen is one of the most followed photographers in the world, as well as a conservationist and marine biologist, who was worked on assignment for National Geographic for over 20 years. Paul’s work embodies the intersection between art and science and translates environmental and conservational issues into captivating and compelling photographs of wildlife, landscapes & more.

Paul recounts his early life in a remote and icy Inuit town in northern Canada where, in the absence of telephones, television & radio, he formed a deep and irrevocable connection with nature and developed survival skills that would later go on to inspire and enable his photography.

The best photographers know the rules and when to break them. Paul explains his ’20-60-20′ philosophy of when to play it safe and when to get experimental in order to push your photography to the edge and grow as an artist while still creating a viable body of work.

Come aboard with Paul as he photographs a black bear. Learn to adjust your positioning and camera settings and observe the patience, knowledge and consideration required to create captivating wildlife photographs while respecting the animals and their environment.

Overcome your problems, don’t let them overcome you! Paul outlines his strategies to setting goals and finding solutions to your problems to help you overcome any roadblocks to achieving your dreams in photography and beyond.

Paul explains his approach to photographing the elusive sea wolves of Vancouver Island on assignment for National Geographic. Learn how he uses composition and focal length to capture the animals’ sense of place in wider landscapes as well as more intimate shots.

Whatever camera, lenses & accessories you use, the best photographers treat their gear like an extension of their own body. Learn with Paul to develop muscle memory with your devices so that your creative process is unhindered.

Paul recounts his first time getting noticed by National Geographic, shooting the Aurora Borealis. Learn how to get your first break as a new photographer on the scene.

As a photographer and a biologist, Paul is both an artist and a scientist. Let him teach you when to use the analytical side of your brain and when to let the creative side take charge.

There are no rules, only suggestions! Learn to build a foundation for approaching the composition of your images and learn when to get creative and stray from this approach so you can discover patterns and a sense of place in your photo stories.

Paul offers his technical tips & tricks from his prosperous career in conservation photography. Discover how to make use of focus, silent mode, camera stability and the most important resource of all: resilience.

Join Paul as he recounts the most iconic story of his entire career: his first encounter with one of the most vicious (or most misunderstood) animals of the Antarctic.