The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic Indigenous Peoples and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
The Arctic Council will launch the second edition of its biennial magazine, ‘Pathways: The Arctic Council Magazine’, at the 14th Arctic Council meeting in Spring 2025. In connection with the launch, the Arctic Council hosted a photography contest, inviting people to share what the Arctic looks like through their lens. Submissions for the following categories: Pathways, Landscapes, People of the Arctic and Plants and Animals were judged by the Arctic Council Secretariat in cooperation with the Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council.
My photograph, 'The Arctic Maw' was selected as the first-place winner in the 'Pathways' category. As a first-place winner, my photo will be featured in ‘Pathways: The Arctic Council Magazine’ this spring.
Megan Brief (@meglbrief) is a conservation photographer who has turned her love for animals into a life mission. Growing up with autism, Megan found a deep connection with the natural world, where she could "engage in conversations" with animals through her camera. Photography became her way to connect, communicate, and compassionately capture the wild and wondrous voices of the animal kingdom.
For anyone stepping into wildlife photography, Megan's advice is simple but profound: "Learn animal behavior. Don't just observe your surroundings; fully immerse yourself in the environment. Study their migration patterns, mating rituals, sleep schedules, and social interactions. Pay attention to their cues and microexpressions; remember, we are visitors in their habitats."
Through her work with an ecotourism company's "Women in the Wild" program, Megan empowers women to connect with nature and return home as advocates for conservation. She shares that her advice for younger creators is don't be afraid to ask for help. "You don't have to figure everything out on your own. There are so many resources out there. Reach out to your role models and learn from their experiences. Shadow them if you can," she says.
For anyone stepping into wildlife photography, Megan's advice is simple but profound: "Learn animal behavior. Don't just observe your surroundings; fully immerse yourself in the environment. Study their migration patterns, mating rituals, sleep schedules, and social interactions. Pay attention to their cues and microexpressions; remember, we are visitors in their habitats."
Through her work with an ecotourism company's "Women in the Wild" program, Megan empowers women to connect with nature and return home as advocates for conservation. She shares that her advice for younger creators is don't be afraid to ask for help. "You don't have to figure everything out on your own. There are so many resources out there. Reach out to your role models and learn from their experiences. Shadow them if you can," she says.
