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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson talks with Lara Jackson, a conservation biologist, Nikon Creator and award-winning wildlife photographer. Lara’s passion for protecting wildlife shines through in everything she does, and her work combines science, visual storytelling and advocacy.

We chat about how her journey into photography began by accident during her zoology studies, and how her love for animals turned into a way of raising awareness through images. From researching black rhinos in Kenya to becoming an ambassador for Save the Rhino, Lara uses her photography to tell meaningful stories that inspire action.

Lara also speaks honestly about the pressures of the photography industry, particularly around competition. She believes strongly in lifting others up and working collaboratively to create a more supportive and ethical space, especially within conservation. Her thoughts on balancing ambition with kindness are a welcome reminder of what really matters.

The conservation also touches on the challenges of self-employment, the ups and downs of finding work and how photographers can protect wildlife by being mindful of the impact of tourism. Plus, Lara offers valuable advice on getting noticed, entering competitions and staying true to your vision.

This episode is full of heartfelt reflections and practical guidance. Whether you're interested in wildlife photography, conservation or building a meaningful career, Lara’s story is both inspiring and reassuring.

Takeaways

• Collaboration over competition leads to stronger communities and better opportunities.
• Photography is a powerful tool for raising awareness about wildlife and conservation.
• Ethical considerations matter, especially when documenting animals in their natural environment.
• Building a career takes persistence, and rejection is part of the process.
• Being true to your values helps define your photographic voice and build trust.
• Networking and communication are vital for finding and creating meaningful opportunities.

Connect with Lara
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube

CEWE

This episode is brought to you by CEWE - Europe's leading photo printing company and their hero product, the CEWE Photobook that is the proud recipient of the Which? Best Buy award.

You know those thousands of photos sitting on your phone or hard drive? With a CEWE Photobook, you can turn your memories into a beautiful, high-quality album that you’ll want to show off. Every page is fully customisable and you can pick from a range of sizes, finishes, and layouts, designing every detail with their easy-to-use editor — or let their Smart Assistant help. So if you’re ready to do something real with your photos, head over to cewe.co.uk.

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