Wildlife Photographer Jim Stamates

“The study, the observation, and the photograph are second to the well being of the subject”  …Jim Stamates

For more than 30 years Jim Stamates, of Low Impact Wildlife Photography, has been producing stunning images of Natural History, Wildlife, and Landscapes for publication and advertising world wide. A quarter of a million of his photographic prints have been sold through Galleries, Gift Shops and to collectors across the globe.

Jim majored in photography in the late sixties and after a short stint as a commercial photographer in San Francisco where he photographed Janice Joplin, The Jefferson Airplane, and Richie Havens among others, he married and moved to Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by nature in the high Sierra’s he focused his talents on the photography and preservation of wild lives and wild lands.


Because of his “low impact” philosophy, Jim was chosen by the National Wildlife Service to document the nesting of the American White Pelican on Pyramid Lake, NV.  It was the first time that anyone had been allowed to place a blind at the nesting site and stay overnight on Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is closed to the public.  From this unique experience, Jim created an educational audio-visual presentation called “Pelicans of Pyramid” which has been enjoyed by numerous groups, including the Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, and visitors to the Stillwater/Fallon National Wildlife Refuge.  For Jim, respect for wildlife takes precedence over “getting the shot.”  His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects.  Dedicated to the proper and ethical behavior toward nature, Jim champions his “low impact field techniques” through his In The Rhythm™ Adventures and Photography FunShops™ that emphasize the well being of the subject while getting ‘into’ natural rhythms.

Jim has been highly commended by the Natural History Museum, London, England through the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. His award winning images have been published in over 30 countries and in countless magazines, advertisements, and books.. His fine art prints are sought after worldwide and are hanging in homes, offices, and galleries throughout the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Europe.

 Jim guides tours to Alaska, The Rockies, Costa Rica, Africa, and Brazil and gives numerous workshops on wildlife and nature photography as well as marketing for artists and photographers. He lectures on “The Theory of Rhythms” to groups and corporations.