2016 Presentation: Paul Nicklen

Renowned photographer and marine biologist Paul Nicklen specializes in documenting polar landscapes, an interest that emanates from his upbringing in one of the few non-Inuit families on Baffin Island. His stunning images of leopard seals, emperor penguins, icebergs, beluga whales and polar bears — which have graced magazine covers and best-selling photo books (Polar Obsession) — not only showcase incredible products of nature, but also reveal the effects of human-induced climate change as it eliminates entire ecosystems. “Extreme environments like the high arctic get little coverage, and yet their species need protection due to the dwindling ice,” Nicklen says. “I want people to care about these regions as much as I do, and I hope my images can inspire an audience.” Even though he trained as a scientist, Nicklen was overwhelmed by the need to create memorable images in spite of having no formal photography schooling. “I realized I was more of a right-brain artist than a left-brain scientist,” he explains, adding, “my body of work is the result of learning from mistakes and by experience.” And his experiences include intense physical and mental hardships. “If I find myself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a lot of other photographers, I know I am in the wrong place. If I am cold and miserable and alone under the sea ice, and my assistant hates me for being there, and big animals with large and sharp protruding parts are staring at me, I know I am in the right spot.”