Saturday, December 12, 2026

From Pretty Pictures to Conservation Impact: My Wildlife Photography Journey

Name: From Pretty Pictures to Conservation Impact: My Wildlife Photography Journey
Start: 2026-12-12T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-12-12T11:00:00-05:00
Location: Tulpehaking Nature Center

Featuring Melissa Groo, Conservation Photographer

Join acclaimed wildlife and conservation photographer Melissa Groo as she shares her journey from passionate hobbyist to professional conservation photographer.

Through stunning images and compelling stories from her assignments for Audubon and Smithsonian magazines, Melissa will explore the power of photography to inspire appreciation, empathy, and action for wildlife. She will discuss the importance of ethical wildlife photography and how photographers of all skill levels can help protect wild animals and the habitats they depend on.

Discover how photography can become more than creating beautiful images—it can become a powerful voice for conservation.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Melissa Groo

Melissa Groo is an award-winning wildlife and conservation photographer, writer, and educator whose work combines extraordinary imagery with a deep commitment to protecting wildlife and the natural world.

A Sony Artisan of Imagery and Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, Melissa is a contributing editor to Audubon magazine and has photographed conservation stories for Smithsonian, National Geographic, and other leading publications.

Recognized as a leading advocate for ethical wildlife photography, she helped develop Audubon's Guide to Ethical Bird Photography and advises organizations on responsible photography practices. Her honors include the 2015 Audubon Photography Awards Grand Prize and the 2023 Jay N. Ding Darling Memorial Award for Wildlife Stewardship Through Art.

Melissa believes photography can do more than capture beauty—it can tell meaningful stories, foster empathy for wild animals, and inspire people to protect the habitats they call home.

Visit Melissa Groo's website

Explore the photographer’s gallery