I believe photography is more than pressing a shutter; it is about slowing down, learning, and listening to the natural world. My work is guided by the principle that nature must always come first. I strive to tell the hidden stories of wildlife, moments of beauty, resilience, and connection that often go unnoticed. My hope is that my images inspire others to see the wonder around them, and to recognize the responsibility we share in protecting it.
Jo-Anne Oucharek is an award-winning wildlife photographer with a passion for capturing the raw beauty and hidden stories of nature.
It was the birds that first inspired Nature in My Backyard, sparking a deep appreciation for the wildlife that thrives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. While most of her adventures are close to home, Jo-Anne’s backyard has grown in recent years to include other provinces, the U.S., and even Africa.
For Jo-Anne, photography is about more than images, it’s about connection. She shares her work through both photos and the stories that bring them to life, hoping to inspire others to see the beauty, resilience, and importance of the creatures she is privileged to witness in their natural world.
Her collection of photographic work includes museum canvas and matte metal framed prints, prints, cards, calendars and fine art pieces.
Her work has been recognized by the World Photographic Cup, Journal of Wildlife Photography, Calgary Stampede, Wild Art and featured in The Local and The Post.
To Jo-Anne, every encounter with wildlife is a gift through her lens she invites you to explore the art and heart of her wildlife adventures.
