What do you think?
Rate this book
Paul Nicklen: A Photography Masterclass
Join Paul Nicklen – renowned conservationist, wildlife and art photographer – for a rare, tell-all masterclass in photography. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, including 20 years of shooting for National Geographic, Nicklen distils his craft into 20 key lessons, each with a clear and simple takeaway.
Whether you’re a beginner picking up a camera for the first time or an experienced photographer wanting to refine your practice, this is the essential handbook for all photographers interested in the natural world.
In this book you Learn essential practices to spark creativity and develop your own style, from “sketching with a camera” to Nicklen’s 20-60-20 philosophy for experimentation. Gain confidence and build your profile through techniques for silencing self-doubt, setting achievable goals and embracing failure as part of growth. Read the stories behind Nicklen’s iconic wildlife images, including photographing emperor penguins in Antarctica and grizzly bears in the Canadian Arctic. Discover how to use your photography ethically and powerfully, capturing images that respect nature while telling stories that inspire change. Try out projects you can start close to home – from studying animal behaviour in your backyard to building a compelling photo essay – and apply them wherever your camera takes you.
Illustrated throughout with Nicklen’s award-winning images, this is your invitation from the master of art and wildlife photography to see the natural world differently, using your camera as a tool for art, joy, and impact.
Whether you’re a beginner picking up a camera for the first time or an experienced photographer wanting to refine your practice, this is the essential handbook for all photographers interested in the natural world.
In this book you Learn essential practices to spark creativity and develop your own style, from “sketching with a camera” to Nicklen’s 20-60-20 philosophy for experimentation. Gain confidence and build your profile through techniques for silencing self-doubt, setting achievable goals and embracing failure as part of growth. Read the stories behind Nicklen’s iconic wildlife images, including photographing emperor penguins in Antarctica and grizzly bears in the Canadian Arctic. Discover how to use your photography ethically and powerfully, capturing images that respect nature while telling stories that inspire change. Try out projects you can start close to home – from studying animal behaviour in your backyard to building a compelling photo essay – and apply them wherever your camera takes you.
Illustrated throughout with Nicklen’s award-winning images, this is your invitation from the master of art and wildlife photography to see the natural world differently, using your camera as a tool for art, joy, and impact.
192 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Paul Nicklen
12 books33 followersPaul Nicklen is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist who has documented the beauty and the plight of our planet for over twenty years. As an assignment photographer for National Geographic magazine, Nicklen captures the imagination of a global audience.
Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for National Geographic Magazine and founder of his own conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine with 20 completed stories to date. He has garnered more than 30 of the highest awards given to any photographer in his field, including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year and the prestigious World Press Photo for photojournalism. Paul has written several books including Seasons of the Arctic, Bear, Spirit of the Wild, Polar Obsession and his newest monograph, Born to Ice.
Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for National Geographic Magazine and founder of his own conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine with 20 completed stories to date. He has garnered more than 30 of the highest awards given to any photographer in his field, including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year and the prestigious World Press Photo for photojournalism. Paul has written several books including Seasons of the Arctic, Bear, Spirit of the Wild, Polar Obsession and his newest monograph, Born to Ice.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Outstanding!
"Masterclass" is such an understated part of the name and descriptor for Paul Nicklen's upcoming photo tutorial here.
I haven't highlighted or noted so many lines or sections in any book in quite a long time.
170? pages of thought-provoking nuggets.
Not yet knowing of Paul Nicklen or his work specifically, this reader was taken immediately by the title and the super crisp cover and a deep personal interest in photography... and, as a reader, artist, liver of life, perpetual observer and rambler with frequent pauses, this book hooked me and then never let go.
The genuineness and humility that Nicklen displayed only amplified the pull.
The bite-sized chapters reflecting on his lessons learned throughout his career were extremely potent. Balancing technique and style with stories of how he approached things, along with pointing to mentors and influences of his along the way... simply was page after page of fodder for people interested in photography. and/but also, MORE.
Photography and his National Geographic work surely centered the book, but his obvious earnest Seeking, listening, persisting, planning and doing... 'A Photography Masterclass' could have a parenthetical addition of " /Life" nestled right into the middle of the title there... since each chapter brings life-affirming and life-enhancing positing in equal portions.
A palatable writing style made human by a master teacher.. Nicklen goes steps-- leaps-- forward in sharing thought prompts. Adding background, research, and his own compassionate humanity to the foundation propping up his work. Talking through their impetus and front-loaded legwork over the years, he pulls together a lot to absorb and to chase. A lot here in these pages. Yes, even for people who never once thought of becoming a professional artist.
One of those books that you just KNOW is going to be worth the time.. and then have to pace yourself, jot notes down, scribbles linking thoughts to people/artists and future topics and reads for further study. Again, artist or not, such an enjoyable read and reflection here.
Truly inspiring and life-affirming Awesome.
Thank you, Master Nicklen.
(and Edelweiss+ for the DRC opportunity. Cannot wait to see this one released soon!)
"Masterclass" is such an understated part of the name and descriptor for Paul Nicklen's upcoming photo tutorial here.
I haven't highlighted or noted so many lines or sections in any book in quite a long time.
170? pages of thought-provoking nuggets.
Not yet knowing of Paul Nicklen or his work specifically, this reader was taken immediately by the title and the super crisp cover and a deep personal interest in photography... and, as a reader, artist, liver of life, perpetual observer and rambler with frequent pauses, this book hooked me and then never let go.
The genuineness and humility that Nicklen displayed only amplified the pull.
The bite-sized chapters reflecting on his lessons learned throughout his career were extremely potent. Balancing technique and style with stories of how he approached things, along with pointing to mentors and influences of his along the way... simply was page after page of fodder for people interested in photography. and/but also, MORE.
Photography and his National Geographic work surely centered the book, but his obvious earnest Seeking, listening, persisting, planning and doing... 'A Photography Masterclass' could have a parenthetical addition of " /Life" nestled right into the middle of the title there... since each chapter brings life-affirming and life-enhancing positing in equal portions.
A palatable writing style made human by a master teacher.. Nicklen goes steps-- leaps-- forward in sharing thought prompts. Adding background, research, and his own compassionate humanity to the foundation propping up his work. Talking through their impetus and front-loaded legwork over the years, he pulls together a lot to absorb and to chase. A lot here in these pages. Yes, even for people who never once thought of becoming a professional artist.
One of those books that you just KNOW is going to be worth the time.. and then have to pace yourself, jot notes down, scribbles linking thoughts to people/artists and future topics and reads for further study. Again, artist or not, such an enjoyable read and reflection here.
Truly inspiring and life-affirming Awesome.
Thank you, Master Nicklen.
(and Edelweiss+ for the DRC opportunity. Cannot wait to see this one released soon!)
October 19, 2026
This book was very different from many photography books I've read. Instead of getting into the technical details of photography, this book comes at things from a different viewpoint. I definitely enjoyed a different take although much of this was how the author moved from novice to National Geographic photographer. The photographs were stunning. I especially enjoyed the chapters on Creating Images with Impact, and learning from failure.
September 22, 2026
A fantastic booking covering photography, personal development and the importance or protecting nature.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews