National Geographic Photographer Steve Winter on Capturing Big Cats and Creating Impact

National Geographic photographer Steve Winter shares insights from his decades-long career capturing stunning images of big cats and other wildlife. He discusses the passion and reality behind his work, the challenges he faces on assignments, and the impact his stories have had on wildlife conservation. Winter also highlights the importance of persistence, aligning incentives for wildlife conservation, and the complexities of photographing predators in their natural habitat.

Expect to learn about the process of getting unique wildlife shots, the role of tourism in wildlife conservation, and how to navigate bureaucratic challenges in the field.

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Official website: http://www.stevewinterphoto.com

National Geographic profile/articles: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/steve-winter-wildlife-photography-camera-traps-big-cats

The Photo Society member page: https://thephotosociety.org/member/steve-winter/

Biography and interview overview: https://www.changemakertalent.com/speakers/steve-winter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewinterphoto/ (@stevewinterphoto)

Twitter (X): https://x.com/swfoto (@swfoto)

00:00 Introduction: The Drive Behind Wildlife Photography

01:18 Challenges in Wildlife Assignments

03:56 Impactful Stories and Legal Battles

04:51 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

06:18 The Reality of Captive Big Cats

14:51 Early Life and Career Beginnings

19:40 The Importance of Mentorship

24:15 Balancing Passion and Business

29:39 The Future of Wildlife Photography

34:40 Mentoring the Next Generation

01:04:05 Maintaining Connection in the Field

01:06:16 The Impact of Remote Work on Personal Life

01:07:32 Changing Perceptions Through Photography

01:09:04 Tourism and Wildlife Conservation

01:11:11 Challenges and Solutions in Wildlife Conservation

01:14:06 The Role of Science in Wildlife Management

01:26:17 The Importance of Predators in Ecosystems

01:34:27 The Art and Challenges of Wildlife Photography

01:38:47 The Hollywood Cougar Story

01:51:27 The Future of Wildlife Conservation

01:56:21 Final Thoughts and Advice