Susan McConnell is a Professor of Biology at Stanford University. She has been fascinated with animals and animal behavior ever since she was a little girl. Although her scientific interests ended up shifting into neuroscience and brain development, her passions for wildlife and conservation have deepened through her photography.
Sue’s photos have been awarded prizes, included in exhibitions, and published in magazines, including a cover story on African elephants in Smithsonian magazine. However, she feels that her most important contributions to nature and wildlife have been through teaching undergraduate courses at Stanford and in the field on conservation photography. In these classes, students learn basic digital photography, how to create compelling single images, and how to sequence images into complex visual narratives. The courses also explore strategies for communicating conservation messages to multiple audiences and examine conservation campaigns that address crucial issues like the climate crisis.
To explore Sue’s photography, follow her on Instagram @susankmcconnell or check out her website susankmcconnell.com