The Next Generation

Reaching 25 years of publication is certainly a milestone that we’re proud of at OP, but the magazine has always been about looking forward, not dwelling on the past. We’ve been fortunate to have collaborated with giants in the field—people like David Muench, Galen Rowell, Frans Lanting, William Neill, George Lepp, Art Wolfe, Philip Hyde and too many others to name.

In this article, we’re looking at four photographers we expect to see more of in the next 25 years. These are names that you might not be as familiar with, but their work is already becoming known. Jimmy Chin’s work has been featured in National Geographic several times. He’s an adventurer with an eye for dramatic vistas and expedition imagery. Fergus Gill is a young photographer from Scotland who has won several major competitions, including the Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year—Young Overall Winner in 2009 for his photograph “Clash Of The Yellowhammers.” Jason Bradley is based on the West Coast of the U.S. His emphasis is on coastal habitats and ecosystems, which he shoots both above and below the surface of the water. Christian Ziegler is a founding fellow of the International League Of Conservation Photographers, and his images have appeared in National Geographic, Smithsonian and others. A dedicated conservationist, Ziegler has published a book on the ecology of the tropical rain forest (A Magic Web: The Forest of Barro Colorado Island).

These are just some of the photographers we look forward to profiling in the magazine as we move past our 25th anniversary. Between remarkable new photography equipment and the unlimited potential of new media to display and share images, the future for nature photography and for OP looks particularly bright.

JASON BRADLEY

JASON BRADLEY
In nature photography today, one needs to carve out a niche and be the best at it. Jason Bradley, although still relatively new to the professional ranks, works primarily in coastal areas with an emphasis on conservation and showing the changing nature of these fragile ecosystems. The two images we’ve shown in this article were made in California near Bradley’s Monterey home. You can see more of his photos at www.bradleyphotographic.com.

FERGUS GILL
In 2009 Fergus Gill was named Young Wildlife Photographer Of The Year for the third time. He’s been honored in Nature’s Best and he’s a Fritz Pölking Junior Award winner. His wildlife photography shows the patience of a much more mature photographer. You can see more of his photos at www.scottishnaturephotography.com.

CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER

CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER
Highly regarded National Geographic photographer Christian Ziegler is by no means new to nature photography. As a naturalist and extraordinarily talented artist, Ziegler is equipped to continue doing great things in nature photography. His specialty is tropical ecosystems. You can see more of his photos at www.naturphoto.de.

JIMMY CHIN

JIMMY CHIN
A true adventurer and photographer, Jimmy Chin has been to the far reaches of the globe photographing the cultures and landscapes for National Geographic and other magazines. He was part of the National Geographic Emerging Explorers Grant Program and the first winner of the Galen Rowell Memorial Photography Award. You can see more of his photos at www.jimmychin.com.