Paul Nicklen is one of the leading nature and conservation photographers in the world. Over decades, he has created a brand of documentary photography that informs and creates an emotional connection with wild subjects in extreme conditions. Combining a career as an assignment photographer for National Geographic Magazine and as the co-founder of the conservation society SeaLegacy, his work is purposeful and one he hopes will inspire change. He brings his stunning imagery to more than 5.3 million followers on Instagram @paulnicklen.

Nicklen switched to the Sony mirrorless system because “I have become deeply impressed with the rapid evolution of a powerful photography system.”

His photos take his audience to an underwater realm they otherwise wouldn’t have discovered, and they’ve earned him a number of high achievements in the industry – including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and World Press Photo Awards for photojournalism.

Photo by Paul Nicklen Sony α7R III.

Nicklen switched to the Sony mirrorless system because “I have become deeply impressed with the rapid evolution of a powerful photography system.” Using Sony cameras and lenses above and below the water, Nicklen’s current main bodies and lenses are the α9, α7R III, 12-24mm f/4 G, 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master and the super telephoto 400mm f/2.8 G Master which he sometimes uses with a teleconverter to extend its reach to 800mm.

In addition to his photography, he’s also an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author and conservationist. “I have given lectures to influential people and organizations that include Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, Madeleine Albright, the president of Iceland, Richard Branson, Google, Fortune 500 Green and countless other events.”