Hello!
I'm Derek
After 20 years behind the lens, my journey to capture, share—and ultimately help preserve—the fragile beauty of our planet has taken me to more than two dozen countries and every continent.
Hello!
I'm Derek
After 20 years behind the lens, my journey to capture, share—and ultimately help preserve—the fragile beauty of our planet has taken me to more than two dozen countries and every continent.
About Me
My photographs don’t just inspire, they connect—linking audiences and resources all over the world to wildlife, landscapes, and people in desperate need of assistance, from Rwanda’s endangered silverback gorillas to the overfished waters of Antarctica.
A native of Chicago, I carry a friendly midwest smile, eager for a conversation with strangers. If you see me in the field or out at events, don’t hesitate to ask any questions or just start a conversation about wildlife, conservation, and of course, photography.
To me, photography is all about exploration. Exploration of our natural world, other cultures, and ourselves. My time spent traveling the world has taught me countless valuable lessons. It has made me aware of the challenges we face ahead and how we all play a role in the survival of this planet. Photographers have a much larger role these days in conservation. We must bring deeper stories to the world than just pretty pictures. We must trigger emotions to encourage others to change or get involved.
I first started out on my journey as a bright-eyed twenty-something with a lust for travel and the hope a few nice images might be taken along the way. Then, I began fine-tuning my craft. Now, after seeing with my own eyes how incredibly beautiful this planet is across all 7 continents, I am devoting my life to helping save it. After visiting a few locations and realizing just how severe the environmental problems were from deforestation and climate change, I couldn’t turn my back on the people and wildlife who depend on nature for their existence.
Do I See Myself As A Conservationist?
I am not sure I am worthy enough of that title yet. I do, though want to live my life as an example of someone passionately in love with this planet. Someone willing to make the small sacrifices geared toward a sustainable future. We face an uncertain future that often seems overwhelming, but we can make a difference with enough small steps. Many of my daily choices take into consideration the impact they will have on the environment. This is something we should all do in our daily lives. It is not the big impact an individual can make but the accumulation of many small acts that will make the biggest difference. It starts with one thing.I want my work to decorate the walls of all those who love nature. Those who are excited by travel and the unknown.
“IF I’M AN ADVOCATE FOR ANYTHING, IT’S TO MOVE. AS FAR AS YOU CAN, AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. ACROSS THE OCEAN, OR SIMPLY ACROSS THE RIVER. WALK IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES OR AT LEAST EAT THEIR FOOD. IT’S A PLUS FOR EVERYBODY”
– ANTHONY BOURDAIN.
Featured Projects
First moved to contribute to global conservation efforts while photographing the ominous splendor of Iceland’s Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a haunting manifestation of climate change. I provide a portion of the proceeds from each sale using sustainably framed and matted works to on-the-ground, local conservation efforts, including The Conservation Alliance and Borneo’s The Borneo Project. Check out some of my favorite memories!
Hello! I'm Derek.
DEREK NIELSEN PHOTOGRAPHY RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT THE GLOBAL NEED FOR CONSERVATION THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY AND DONATES UP TO 15% OF ALL SALES BACK TO ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.