Derek Nielsen Photography

Derek Nielsen Photography I help people become better photographers through my masterclass, Focus and Flourish.
(367)

My love for nature and wildlife photography has taken me to all seven continents, turning my own skills as a photographer and storyteller into an agent for change.

06/02/2026

Sunrise is hard to get up for but they are so worth it.

Good morning Chicago! The city is looking beautiful today!
05/30/2026

Good morning Chicago! The city is looking beautiful today!

05/29/2026

I can't get over how beautiful Chicago is in summer.

Gorgeous fireworks over Chicago last night. The Wednesday and Saturday fireworks have begun!
05/28/2026

Gorgeous fireworks over Chicago last night. The Wednesday and Saturday fireworks have begun!

One of the best parts of being in Costa Rica is the incredible amount of hummingbirds zipping around the forest flowers ...
05/27/2026

One of the best parts of being in Costa Rica is the incredible amount of hummingbirds zipping around the forest flowers in the morning.

Each day after spending some time looking for wildlife in the dawn hours I would sit patiently with a cup of fresh coffee and my camera waiting for hummingbirds to come to the flowers right of my deck.

They are fast and frustrating to try to photograph, but when you get one, it's a thing of beauty.

NEW PRINT RELEASE! "Costa Rica Blue" - There are moments viewed from above that feel less like landscapes and more like ...
05/27/2026

NEW PRINT RELEASE! "Costa Rica Blue" - There are moments viewed from above that feel less like landscapes and more like paintings created by the earth itself.

Captured along the coastline of Costa Rica, Costa Rican Blue reveals the meeting point between land, river, and sea as layers of turquoise, deep cobalt, and soft currents intertwine across the shoreline.

There is something about the turquoise blue waters of the ocean that helps us unwind. The Caribbean gets a lot of attention for its glowing blue waters. However, on a trip to Costa Rica, I was taking a small 4-person plane along the coast from San Jose to Drake Bay. I could not get over how gorgeous the blue waters were near where rivers emptied into the Pacific.

These rivers carry sediment from the volcanic earth from far upstream and enrich the ocean. Basically, while hanging out the plane window, I snapped this. Something about the scene really spoke to me.

This newly released fine art piece celebrates the beauty of natural patterns and the quiet power of our planet’s landscapes. The shifting blues and organic forms create a sense of calm while also reminding us of the dynamic forces continuously shaping the world around us. Designed to bring both energy and serenity into a space, Costa Rican Blue is an invitation to pause, explore, and reconnect with the wonder found in nature. Copyright Derek Nielsen Photography.

On the first evening in the Corcovado jungle, we were treated to a spectacular sunset with a rainbow. It was one of thos...
05/26/2026

On the first evening in the Corcovado jungle, we were treated to a spectacular sunset with a rainbow. It was one of those sunsets where you didn't know where to point the camera; everything around you was so beautiful.

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. It is estimated to hold 2.5% of the planet's total biodiversity. Corcovado National Park covers half of the peninsula, making it Costa Rica's largest protected ecosystem.

To reach this portion of the park, Sirena Ranger Station, visitors have to take a boat from either Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez. Every visitor must be accompanied by a guide. The guides are essential for keeping the park and its visitors safe, and they also help you spot all the wonderful wildlife.

05/24/2026

Absolutely incredible weather in Chicago this weekend.

05/23/2026

Some moments as a nature and wildlife photographer just hit harder than others. We sat quietly on the black sand along the waterway patiently hoping the tapir would come our way. And it did.

They have such a sweet innocence behind their eyes. Making take connection is a memory I'll never forget.

Shot on:
Camera
R5

Lens
Canon 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Tripod
Versa-34

Address

Chicago, IL
60605

Telephone

+13125668564

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Derek Nielsen Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Derek Nielsen Photography:

Shortcuts

Share

Category