Jim Wilson

A Passion for Photography

For me, the making of a photographic image is, at its core, a human endeavor, one that involves creativity and personal involvement by the maker. In so doing, a part of oneself is expressed in the work.

Over the last fifty years, my images have blended my knowledge and love of science with my passion for photography. I have a history of making and using images to help others see and appreciate their surroundings. The images I value the most, are those that help us to explore the world and ourselves as a reflection within our surroundings.

My Photography
As a professional photographer, biologist, ecologist, teacher and speaker, I enjoy contrasting simplicity with complexity and work to focus my images on life's themes and its many connections. I love environmental photography, documentary, still-life, street, portrait, interpretive, and scientific photography, and hope you will consider my photographic work as fine art.  Photography is one of my passions, since I was a child with my first camera; the fun I had and stories I could tell.

Photography and Science, Together
I believe in sharing and learning from others, and continue to look for photographic opportunities and experiences to learn more. Over the years while working as a biologist, I participated in formal artistic and photographic training and classes. As a result, I have earned formal degrees in Photography, Applied Art & Design, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Earth and Biological Sciences. In addition to formal classes, I have participated in photography workshops and special events in Sacramento, San Francisco, online and other field locations in California. I have been awarded honors in photography and environmental conservation. Most recently in 2018, I was presented the “Best of Photography” Award at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

Giving Back to the Earth
Throughout the past I have contributed photographic artwork and support to many environmental, educational, medical and other community-based organizations that work to benefit our planet for all its living residents. Utilizing my knowledge and experiences in photography, ecology, graphic arts, teaching and computer technology, I have participated in local events sponsored by the Sierra College Natural History Museum, California Community Colleges Classified Senate, Sierra College Photography Department, California Native Plant Society, MacWorld, Pacific Crest Trail Association, American Society for Microbiology, Polar Bears International, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, South Yuba River Citizens League, and other local environmental organizations.

Get Out - See More
I have traveled extensively throughout Western North America and in more recent years and to a more limited degree to Svalbard (Arctic Norway), European Countries, New Zealand, Scotland, Mexico and Canada. While working at Sierra College in California, I had the honor to team-teach a uniquely combined photography and ecology field classes with Rebecca Gregg, that provided students with a full-immersive photography and ecology learning experience. I have been invited to be a guest speaker or workshop facilitator on photography, science, ecology, education, personal development and leadership training in the past and recently. Currently, I volunteer as a docent at Viewpoint Photographic Art Gallery in Sacramento, California. As a proud founding member of Viewpoint, I advocate for the importance of photography, art and science in our communities.

Whenever possible, I love to escape and travel outdoors, with camera in hand, looking and searching for new images to make and share, and importantly, just have fun seeing the world.