Sean Owens
ABOUT ME
My journey to becoming a professional wildlife photography is as captivating as the wildlife I photograph. Originally, I pursued a career in veterinary medicine, graduating from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine with a profound love for animals and nature. For 14 years, I shared my knowledge as a professor at the UC Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine, delving deep into the animal kingdom and setting the stage for my transition to wildlife photography.
In 2020, I retired from veterinary medicine to dedicate myself fully to wildlife photography, fueled by my passion and reverence for nature. For me, photography is not just about capturing moments; it's about sharing stories and celebrating the marvels of the wild.
Now residing in both Ashland Oregon and Pullman Washington, I draw inspiration from photography travels around the world. Equipped with Nikon Z9 mirrorless and Nikon D850 DSLR cameras, I aim to translate the beauty of nature into stunning prints.
Beyond photography, I am deeply committed to wildlife conservation. I donate 100% of my limited-edition print sale profits to conservation agencies in Africa, reflecting my commitment to preserving the subjects I capture.
Photography, for me, is a spiritual journey—a chance to witness nature's magic and share it with others. My goal is to transport viewers into the heart of the wild, capturing its essence in every frame.
Join me on my journey through my lens, and experience the thrill of the wild while contributing to the conservation of our planet's wildlife, one print at a time.
FAQs
The answers to your questions
How did you get into Wildlife Photography?
My journey into wildlife photography began unexpectedly during my first year of college when I enrolled in a black and white photography course. Armed with a Pentax K1000 – remember that this was in 1983 and photography was film back then - I discovered the magic of capturing moments in monochrome. As my passion for photography blossomed, I transformed my humble dorm room into a makeshift darkroom, immersing myself in the art of developing film and printing photographs. Everywhere I went I smelled of dark room chemicals.
However, it wasn't until later, when I pursued my dream of becoming a veterinarian, that my love for animals intersected with my passion for photography. Throughout my veterinary studies, I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world, fueling my desire to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Driven by this passion, I embarked on a journey to combine my love for animals with my newfound skills in photography. I realized that through the lens of my camera, I could not only capture the essence of wildlife but also raise awareness about the importance of conservation.
Today, as a wildlife photographer, I am dedicated to using my art to support conservation efforts. With each click of my shutter, I strive to amplify the voices of the creatures I photograph and advocate for their protection. My ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to marvel at the majesty of elephants, lions, and other iconic species in their natural habitats.
Through photography, I hope to inspire others to join me in the fight to preserve our planet's precious wildlife. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to roam the Earth for generations to come.
What equipment do you use?
In my wildlife photo shoots I rely on a versatile array of gear. For my camera bodies, I love the state-of-the-art Nikon Z9 mirrorless body as my primary camera, but my Nikon D850 DSLR body is still a great workhorse with a great autofocus system and it gets used quite frequently in the field. I typically set up each body with a different lens to cover a wide range of shooting scenarios.
While every photographer has their favorite brand, I trust in Nikon lenses, and own: the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens, Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens.
In addition to my camera gear, I rely on top-of-the-line accessories to enhance my shooting experience. My primary go-to camera bag is the Kiboko 30L Camera Backpack, crafted by Gura Gear® (https://guragear.com), as it provides the perfect blend of durability and functionality, ensuring that my gear stays safe and organized on every adventure – this bag works great in a safari vehicle. And when it comes to carrying my equipment in the field, I swear by my Cotton Carrier® CCS G3 Grey Harness-1 (https://cottoncarrier.com) camera carrying chest harness, offering unmatched comfort and convenience for long days of shooting with both big and small lenses.
In full disclosure, all of the products mentioned above were purchased by me and I neither received product or compensation from these companies. However, if the opportunity arose, I would be a proud ambassador for all three companies as I very much believe in their products and customer service.
What are some of your favorite locations for wildlife photography shoots?
While my wife would tell you that my favorite location is the one that I haven’t been to yet, one of my favorite destinations is the iconic Maasai Mara in Kenya, where the sweeping savannahs teem with life and the skies are incredible and seem to go on forever.
In addition to the Maasai Mara, I find inspiration in the rugged beauty of Amboseli and Samburu in Kenya, where the dramatic landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. From the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the winding rivers of Samburu, these Kenyan gems never fail to captivate.
I also love shooting in the national parks of the United States and Canada and was fortunate enough to photograph mountain gorillas in the awe-inspiring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Here, amidst the dense foliage and misty mountains, I was privileged to witness moments of profound intimacy and connection between these gentle giants.
And finally, no list of favorite photo shoot locations (in the United States at least) would be complete without mention of the Florida Everglades, a vast and untamed wilderness teeming with wildlife.
I am going on Safari for the first time - what kind of camera and gear should I bring?
This is a complicated question and the answer varies from person-to-person and photographer to photographer. However, if you would like to click the contact button here on my site, I would be happy to arrange a call with you to share my thoughts and insight.
How can I buy prints of your work and do you have Limited Editions for sale?
You can buy your favorite images right here on my site, but if you feel more comfortable, please send me an e-mail through my Contact Me section of my website and I will get back to you to help with your purchase. Or, please just give me a call and I can help you purchase your favorite image.
Follow me on Instagram @seanowenswildlifephotography
“To the complaint, there are no people in these photographs, I respond, there are always two people: the photographer and the viewer”
– Ansel Adams