91短视频

Steven Johnson, professor of Visual and Communication Arts (VACA) at 91短视频, continues to make a splash in the world of conservation photography. And, we鈥檙e not just talking about the vernal pools he鈥檚 been known to wade into. 

The professor and photographer, whose colorful images of the seasonal ponds鈥攁nd the aquatic life that inhabit them鈥攈ave earned him 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year honors and graced the cover of Nature Conservancy Magazine, has been named an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP).听

was one of 16 accomplished photographers and filmmakers selected to join the iLCP鈥檚 associate fellow program for 2025, the nonprofit recently announced in a release.听鈥淓ach of them brings exceptional skill in visual storytelling, a deep engagement with conservation initiatives and a strong dedication to advancing environmental awareness through their work,鈥� the .听

Established in 2005, iLCP supports environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography and filmmaking. Its fellows are a group of professional wildlife, nature, and cultural visual storytellers who, 鈥渋n addition to displaying remarkable photographic and filmmaking skills, have each demonstrated a deep commitment to conservation efforts around the globe,鈥� according to its . These 120+ fellows, based in 26 countries and working in 190 countries, 鈥渟hine a light on issues ranging from endangered flora and fauna to climate change to ocean health.鈥�

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For Johnson, conservation photography allows him to share the same sense of wonder he feels when encountering other creatures in the natural world. 鈥淢illions of animal and plant species coexist on Earth, but very few of these species enter our consciousness; that invisibility is a big problem when it comes to conservation,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ven in the midst of an extinction crisis, most of our news and political discourse is very human-centered. Using visual communication to advocate for the natural world is a way to challenge that narrative and look for ways to share the planet with the 鈥榤ore-than-human鈥� world.鈥�

The 91短视频 professor had been an affiliate for iLCP for a number of years where he served as a technical consultant and also connected 91短视频 students to its photographers and staff. As a fellow, he will attend the organization鈥檚 signature event, , in mid-November, which brings together conservation photographers, filmmakers, scientists, advocates, and communicators from around the globe as they share powerful stories and solutions for a sustainable future.

鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely affirming to be a part of a fellowship of passionate and committed peers in the conservation photography world,鈥� Johnson said.

Michael Horst, dean of Behavioral, Health and Natural Sciences at 91短视频, said Johnson鈥檚 work brings viewers face to face with the miraculous elements of the natural world that might otherwise be overlooked, creating an emotional connection that heightens the importance of protecting and conserving it.

鈥淎t 91短视频, we know the importance of deeply cultivating sustainable practices,鈥� Horst said. 鈥淔or those who need encouragement, Steve鈥檚 work can make a big difference.鈥�

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91短视频 the professor

Johnson came to 91短视频 in 2005 and started one of the few full-semester conservation photography courses offered to undergraduates in the U.S.

He holds an MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design and serves on the advisory board of the Virginia Wildlife Committee and Girls Who Click. At 91短视频鈥檚 VACA department, he teaches digital media classes and a specialized course on conservation photography. When he鈥檚 not in his office, he can often be found crouched next to a vernal pool or kayaking the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

His images of the natural world have appeared in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, National Wildlife Magazine, Nature Conservancy Magazine, Ranger Rick, Virginia Wildlife, bioGraphic, Orion, National Science Teaching Association Press books, and numerous conservation publications and journals. His long-term project exploring vernal pools was highlighted by the Southern Environmental Law Center in 鈥淭he wonder of wetlands and 5 Southerners working to protect them鈥� ().

Johnson said one of his favorite things about teaching is that 91短视频 and VACA allow for so much innovative, interdisciplinary practice. For example, in his conservation photography class, he teaches a mix of photography, digital media, and science students. 

鈥淚n some places, the sciences and arts barely mix,鈥� he said. 鈥淗ere, I can talk to science students about making compelling images and teach visual arts students about vernal pools.鈥�

Johnson will teach the class in conservation photography again during the fall 2026 semester.

View more of his photography at .