Colleen Gara is a lawyer, wildlife advocate, and nature photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. Focusing on Canadian wildlife, she is passionate about photographing animals in their natural surroundings, from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies. Her hope is to foster a connection between the viewer and subject and raise awareness to protect both the animals and their natural habitats. Colleen is an instructor for Canon Canada and a leader and contributor for OFFBEAT Photography. Her images have been featured in publications worldwide, including Audubon, BBC Wildlife, Canadian Geographic, Wild Planet Photo and Nature’s Best. Colleen strongly believes in ethical photography practices and all of her images are of wild animals only - nothing captive, called-in, or baited.
Leader/Educator/ Writer
- Instructor for Canon Canada - Canon’s Online Classes - An online photography program with the goal of inspiring individuals to explore the world around them, take beautiful pictures of the things they love, and learn technical skills that will last a lifetime.
- Contributor and Leader for OFFBEAT - A cutting-edge photography community providing meaningful online interaction, web-based resources and workshops.
- Workshop leader for Canadian Wildlife Photography Tours.
- Creative Content Provider for Travel Alberta.
Published & Awards
- Nature’s Best Photography International Awards 2020 (African Wildlife Highly Honored)
- 2016 Audubon Photography Awards (Honourable Mention & Top 100)
- Alberta Wilderness Association, Wildlands Advocate Journal, Cover Image, Spring 2022
- Canadian Geographic Kids Magazine, Canada’s Cutest Animals, March 2022
- National Audubon Society, Annual Report 2020
- Photo Life Magazine, June/July 2020
- BBC Wildlife Magazine, Discover Wildlife, December 2019
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Annual Report, 2018/19
- Wild Planet Photo Magazine, Feb 2018, May 2017, November 2015 & September 2015
- Nature’s Best Photography, Fall/Winter 2016
- Audubon Magazine, May/June 2016
- The Calgary Herald, April 2016
- Canadian Geographic Magazine, June & April 2016
- Canadian Geographic Magazine Pets Photography 2015 (Special Collector’s Edition)
- Canadian Geographic Magazine Birds Photography 2015 (Special Collector’s Edition)
- 2015 Canadian Geographic Magazine Pets Photography Contest (Honourable Mention).
Profile photo by Dave Brosha.
