In my last post, I compiled a list of my favourite portrait photographers to help you up your photography game for the next time you’re photographing people. This time, I’m breaking down a list of my favourite non-portrait photographers from landscape and wildlife, to sports photography.
- Andrew Studer – Landscape & Wildlife
All I can really say about Andrew Studer is that this guy is incredible. There’s a reason his work has been featured in projects for National Geographic. His photography is seriously out of this world (and yet completely in it). The way Studer sees the earth is almost magical. His work showcases some of Earth’s most beautiful places, from the enormity of the Grand Canyon to the intricate patterning of a single tree’s bark.
Over the last few years, Studer has been working on his passion project, a series he calls Space to Roam. The photos depict a person in an astronaut suit, wandering around what Studer calls “the ‘otherworldly’ here on planet earth.” He anticipates that the collection will be available for purchase in book form by 2025, and I, for one, can’t wait to have a copy on my coffee table.
What I love most about his work is that it reminds me that beauty can be found anywhere, and anything can be art. Check out his website for some inspiration of your own, or follow his Instagram for photos from his latest adventures.
- Daniel Casson – Landscape
I’ve been following Daniel for over five years now. His photography simultaneously gives me wanderlust and makes me want to curl up with a cup of tea and a blanket. Most of his photos are taken in the UK, where he lives, but his travel photos are always something I look forward to seeing on my feed as well.
Casson’s landscapes are always gorgeous, but my favourite of his photos are the snapshots of quaint historic homes in the Peak District and throughout the UK. If you love old stone cottages at sunrise and lush green hillsides full of grazing livestock, Casson’s Instagram page is definitely worth a follow.
- Nevin Johnson – Landscape
Nevin Johnson is known for his incredible golden hour photography. He almost exclusively shoots on film (a skill I have yet to master), and always manages to capture the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, no matter where he’s shooting.
Some of my favourite photos of Johnson’s are those taken along the east coast of the United States. His beachside shots from Cape Cod and the Outer Banks look almost too perfect and serene to be real.
The way he’s able to capture that fleeting early morning and late evening light (almost) makes me want to pick up my dad’s old camera and give film photography a shot, but I’ll stick to my trusty Nikon DSLR for now, and keep chasing sunsets with the gear I’ve got.
- Mark Blinch – Sports
Mark Blinch is one of my all-time favourite photographers, and not just because he’s from Toronto. His work single-handedly drove my interest in sports (yes, photography made me like sports). Blinch is a photographer for the Toronto Raptors, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Blue Jays, and Team Canada. He has won several awards, including the 2019 World Press Photo in the Sports Singles category for this photo of Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning shot in a 2019 NBA playoff series.
I’ve always been impressed by Blinch’s ability to capture both the action and intense emotion of sporting events so vividly and at the perfect moment. His behind-the-scenes demonstrations of his gear and setups on his Instagram stories will make you appreciate just how much work (and perfect timing) goes into capturing those iconic moments in sports history.
- Brad Deel – Sports
Brad Deel’s work may technically be considered portraiture, but really, his sports photography is so much more than just your team’s average photo day portraits. His shots are always action-packed and perfectly executed, making everyday high school athletes look like they’re gearing up for a Nike endorsement.
Deel’s creative use of propping, lighting, and vantage points make his shoots compelling and exciting, and he manages to maintain high image quality even when shooting at such high shutter speeds.
Additionally, Deel’s Instagram page is a great resource for anyone interested in a look behind the scenes of a styled sports photoshoot. He frequently posts reels that demonstrate exactly how he achieves each shot, so that you can try it out for yourself.
Now, I’m not saying you should switch careers if you’ve been doing weddings or family shoots until now. That would be crazy. But it’s certainly tempting to try out some of the types of shoots these amazingly talented photographers are producing. And, if you’re interested in how Nevin Johnson was able to capture that beautiful night sky photo, check back here soon for a post about some of my favourite creative photography techniques!