Need some inspiration? Meet Vicki Jauron!

Discovering a new photographer who inspires you makes you see things differently, do things differently and produce fresh creative ideas and images! I first met Vicki Jauron, at my spirit-N-Light workshop, when she had come back from her first safari disappointed with her images. Over the past five to seven years, I have watched her blossom into a top wildlife photographer due to her relentless passion and talent to create stunning images using dramatic light and motion. 

Vicki’s scenario is not unusual. Each year thousands of photographers flock to Africa hoping to bring home iconic images that capture the drama and beauty they have seen in the pages of a magazine and on the internet. Being in the field at the right place at the right time is only half of the equation. Creating unique, powerful images requires one to be well-practiced with their tools and techniques to be able to make lightning-quick decisions while overcoming all the variables and challenges nature brings. 

I am thrilled to know that Vicki has agreed to co-lead an incredibly special safari that will be offered only in 2023 as part of the celebration of ten years of Piper Mackay Photo Safaris, which was delayed a year due to COVID-19. Details are coming this week, so be ready because space is limited, and the special price is only for the 2023 celebration!

Learn more about Vicki in this Q&A.

What pulled you towards photography and the genres of nature and wildlife?

I first started to get into photography in college when I bought an old, second-hand Fuji camera that I took everywhere with me. I was an International Studies major and dreamed of traveling the world as a photojournalist experiencing remote cultures. But instead, I fell into a very stable corporate environment and went on to start a family and photography and travel were mostly banished to the backburner, other than picking up my camera to capture vacations and family occasions. About ten years ago, when my daughter graduated college and I was completely done with the politics of the corporate world, I decided it was time for me to go back to my early dreams, at least to some degree. I picked up a Nikon D90 digital camera and it felt so good to have a camera in hand again. At first, I captured everything I saw, but I quickly started gravitating toward nature and wildlife. My camera opened my eyes to the amazing beauty around us and just made me want to capture it, experience it and share it with others. 

Could you share a little about your recent photography journey over the past five to six years?

As I got more into photography, I decided to focus on wildlife—it’s what made my heart sing. And in 2016, a fellow photographer friend and I decided to travel to Tanzania. I was in heaven! Just being able to experience the wildlife, the landscapes, the people, the primordial feel of being back in time was like nothing I’d experienced before. I was hooked. But my images from that first trip fell completely flat. By analyzing my photos, it became clear to me that I was shooting subjects rather than creating art and I didn’t know how to use light to create interest. I thought I had studied well enough in advance of the trip, but I certainly had so much more to learn. I decided before my next trip the following year, I would change that. That’s what led me to Piper’s Spirit and Light Workshop in 2017. Piper’s work so inspired me and I learned an amazing amount from her in a short period. I also decided to go on my next safari with Federico Veronesi, one of the best wildlife photographers in the world for creating passionate, artistic images. Taking in as much as I can from some of the photographers I admire the most is what I’ve been focusing on the last several years and it’s made such a huge difference in what I’ve been able to achieve.

Many photographers dream of working as a photographer. What do you think was a pivotal moment in your journey that transitioned you into an award-winning photographer and author? 

I think dedication, drive and desire are what have fueled some of my recent successes. There probably wasn’t a single pivot point. It’s been a journey and I’m still on that journey. I still get disappointed a lot looking at my work, but it drives me to continually evaluate and try to correct it. When I have an image that makes me proud, it’s a great feeling, whether it wins an award or not. I think when you move away from being happy with an okay image, and only putting the time into images that have the potential for creating real impact, that’s the pivot point. 

The equipment does not make the photographer, but it is important, especially in wildlife photography. Not what you necessarily own, but could you share what photographic gear you think is important to create award-winning nature and wildlife photographs? 

You’re right—it’s not the equipment that makes a good photographer. Knowing what your equipment can do and how to use it effectively is important. But equipment with more capabilities does give you more opportunities, that is for sure. Cameras with the ability to give more frames per second and fast focusing and tracking ability are important for wildlife. I currently use a Nikon D850 and am generally happy with it. As far as lenses, of course, you want sharpness and as much light as you can from it. A few years ago, I purchased a 400mm 2.8 lens. It cost more than my first car, but it has given me the ability to shoot the way I want to shoot – during near dark conditions in the early morning and late evening. And I love the dreamy bokeh you can get at F2.8! It’s also much sharper and focuses much faster than my 200-500 mm F5.6 lens. That doesn’t mean that I can only get good images with that lens, of course, but I have more shooting opportunities and that’s important.

Have you made the switch to mirrorless?

Not yet. I’ve only had my D850s for a few years. So I figure I’ll give it another year or two before I switch—unless I suddenly feel like I’m missing out—and that certainly could happen. Haha.

Words of inspiration –

Always strive to improve and don’t be satisfied with capturing an image that doesn’t stir emotion or create visual impact. Find the photographers whose work speaks to you personally, study their work and learn from them in person if you can. Some people are natural artists, but luckily I do believe that you can also learn to create more artistic images by studying art, composition, design and light. 

Enjoy the personal peace, wonder and fulfillment you get when being in nature. Enjoy the experience as much as the images you create. But know that as wildlife photographers, we can also share the beauty of our world in a way that opens eyes and wins hearts in the battle to preserve our environment. Creating images to promote conservation and greater respect for nature is a wonderful goal to have.

Read more about Vicki in her bio –

An award winning nature and wildlife photographer, Vicki’s passion is to ignite others to see, experience, and help preserve the beauty of our natural world.  In 2021, she was the Grand Prize Winner in the Share the View Photo Competition, the portfolio winner of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards and she placed in the Top 100 in the National Audubon contest.  She’s also had second place, finalist images and Top 100 in several other international photo competitions.  Vicki is especially proud to have had her images selected to promote leading international conservation efforts such as Remembering Wildlife, The New Big Five Photography Project and Prints for Wildlife.  In order to spark a love of nature in young children, Vicki recently authored two Children’s books now available on amazon.com – “The Magical Bird Beach of Long Island” and “The Magical Bird Beach of Long Island in Winter.”   Her images of African Wildlife, Birds and Landscapes can also be found in a wide range of educational publications, travel brochures, books, magazine articles and advertisements throughout the world.   

Here are a few articles from the archives about mirrorless and gear for safari –

The Huge Advantage of Mirrorless

The Struggle of Choosing the Right Lens

Best Big Lens for a Wildlife Safari