10 Wildlife Photographers to Follow On Instagram

Amaze yourself with the photos of artists fighting to protect our planet

We have brought together 10 wildlife photographers whose work is aimed at inspiring others to care for our natural resources. Many are scientists committed to environmental activism. From big cats and sea mammals to tiny insects and majestic plants, you will find daily inspiration on all their Instagram accounts.

Christina Mittermeier (@mitty)

Photographer, engineer in marine biology, conservationist, and author born in Mexico City, she founded the prestigious League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP). Her work has been published by National Geographic and TIME, and has won numerous prizes, such as the Smithsonian Conservation Photographer of the Year Award.

Paul Nicklen (@paulnicklen)

Paul Nicklen is a marine biologist, conservationist, filmmaker, author, and Canadian photographer with over 20 years of experience. In his work for National Geographic, he captures our planet’s natural beauty, especially in extreme climates. He has won prizes such as the World Press Photo and BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Joel Sartore (@joelsartore)

Speaker, author, conservationist and American photographer, Joel Sartore has won prizes such as the National Geographic Explorer of The Year. He specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes around the world. "If we save the species, we save ourselves," he says.

Michelle Valberg (@michellevalbergphotography)

Canadian photographer with over 30 years of experience in documenting landscapes and wildlife. Her intention is to reflect on humanity by contemplating natural beauty, as well as to inspire others to contribute to conservation locally and globally.

Piotr Naskrecki (@piotr_naskrecki)

Polish entomologist, conservationist, author and photographer, Piotr Naskrecki works at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University, where he helps to catalogue the wildlife of southern Africa. He specializes in the portrayal of small animals, bats, reptiles and insects.

Anuar Patjane (@anuarpatjane)

Mexican social anthropologist, diver and photographer, Anuar Patjane believes in the power of visual storytelling to create awareness of the urgency of conserving wildlife. He is most known for his black and white underwater photos. He has been recognized with awards such as the World Press Photo.

Roberto García Roa (@garcia_roa_photography)

Spanish evolutionary biologist, academic and photographer, Roa studies the history of the environment and animal behavior. His photos, which combine art and science, have earned him international recognition, including several awards from the British Ecological Society and the Royal Society.

Katerina Plotnikova (@_katerinaplotnikova_)

This Russian photographer creates portraits that seem to have come out of a fairy tale, but they are not photomontages. She uses expert trainers to get the animals to pose with people. Her work reflects on how alien we are to animals today.

Jens Cullman (@jens_cullmann)

German photographer, expert in landscape and wildlife, Jens Cullman’s photos portray truly wild moments and show scenes that are often violent, but touching. He knows that it takes passion, patience, nerves of steel and a lot of luck to achieve the perfect shot. He has won international photography awards, such as the International Award of Wildlife and Nature.

Erlend and Orsolya Haarberg (@haarbergphoto)

This pair of writers and National Geographic photographers of Norwegian origin are especially interested in the wildlife and landscapes of Nordic countries, as well as the effects of light so unique to that region. They are members of The Photo Society and have published several books.

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