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

-  Niall Hampton

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. "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