The person behind the photographs.
About John Wiseman
The patience behind the photograph.
For more than 25 years, John has travelled across six continents, watching how animals move, react and reveal their character. The camera matters—but patience, judgement and respect are what make the photograph.
25+ years
Photographic practice
Six continents
Wildlife photographed globally
Award-winning
Australian and international recognition
Educator & judge
Sharing practical field experience
A practical career gave way to an enduring obsession.
From finance to the field
A different kind of return on patience.
John built a successful career in finance before photography became impossible to treat as a side interest. The qualities that served him in business—discipline, preparation and close attention—followed him into the field.
What changed was the measure of success. It was no longer a result on paper, but the rare moment when preparation, animal behaviour and instinct aligned. His 2017 exhibition at Ken Duncan Galleries traced that transition from finance to full-time wildlife photography.
“Searching for that special moment in time that gives us such a rich and enduring memory is a wonderful reward. Some would say I am obsessed.”
Photographic philosophy
Respectfully intruding.
John describes photography as a respectful intrusion into a moment in time. The phrase is not simply an exhibition title; it explains how he works. The subject comes first, and the photograph must be earned.
Observe before reacting
Understanding behaviour creates stronger photographs than simply chasing action.
Character over spectacle
The strongest frame often reveals personality, tension or stillness rather than drama.
Respect the encounter
The photograph should never matter more than the welfare or natural behaviour of the subject.
Selected milestones
Recognition that marks the journey.
The complete archive appears below. These are the moments that most clearly show the development of John’s professional practice.
NSW & ACT Emerging Photographer of the Year
Professional award
Winner · Science & Nature, International Loupe Awards
International award
Respectfully Intruding · Maud Street Photo Gallery
Solo exhibition
John Wiseman on Safari · Ken Duncan Galleries
Exhibition
Flight of the Hummingbird · Embassy of Ecuador
Exhibition
Honourable Mention and eight finalists · Black & White Spider Awards
International recognition
Professional practice
The complete record, without the wall of text.
Open each section to explore John’s exhibitions, awards, press coverage and recent judging appointments.
Exhibitions
Splash
M2 Gallery, Surry Hills · 22–25 November 2024.
Respectfully Intruding II
M16 Art Space, Canberra · 5–22 November 2020.
Flight of the Hummingbird in Ecuador
Residence of the Embassy of Ecuador, Canberra · 5 August 2019.
John Wiseman on Safari
Ken Duncan Galleries, Erina Heights · 1–10 September 2017.
Respectfully Intruding
Maud Street Photo Gallery, Brisbane · August–September 2014.
Awards
2024
- Honourable Mention, Sport, Black & White Spider Awards — Aa.
- Finalists in Nature — Deadvlei, Majestic Dunes Namibia and Sand & Rock Dunes. Awards source
- Finalists in Sport — Into the Sunrise and Trouble Ahead. Awards source
- Finalists in Wildlife — Indian Elephant, Tough in the Pan and Zebra Crossing. View official gallery
2021
- Sixth place finalist, Wildlife, Australian Mono Awards.
2019
- Finalist, Nature, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards.
- Two Silver Awards, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards.
- One Silver with Distinction, AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards.
- Two Silver with Distinction, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards.
2018
- One Silver, AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards.
- Four Silver, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards.
2017
- Silver with Distinction, AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards — Science, Wildlife & Wildplaces.
- Three Silver Awards, AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards — Science, Wildlife & Wildplaces.
- Three Silver, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards — Science, Wildlife & Wildplaces.
2016
- Finalist, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards — Science, Wildlife & Wildplaces.
- One Silver with Distinction and two Silver Awards, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards.
2015
- Gold Award, National Australian Institute of Professional Photography Awards — Album.
- Finalist, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards — Science, Wildlife & Wildplaces.
- One Gold and three Silver, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards — Science, Wildlife & Wildplaces.
- One Gold and three Silver, NSW AIPP Epson Professional Photography Awards — Travel.
2014
- Winner, Science & Nature, International Loupe Awards.
- One Gold, six Silver and three Bronze, International Loupe Awards — Science & Nature.
- Three Silver, Australian Institute of Professional Photographers Awards.
- One Silver, NSW & ACT Australian Institute of Professional Photographers Awards.
2013
- Two Gold, one Silver and one Bronze, International Loupe Awards.
- One Gold and two Silver, NSW & ACT Australian Institute of Professional Photographers Awards.
- Three Silver, Australian Institute of Professional Photographers Awards.
- NSW & ACT Emerging Photographer of the Year.
2012–13
- Two finalists, Macquarie Photography Prize — Science & Nature.
- Three Silver and three Bronze, International Loupe Awards — Science & Nature.
Press
Recent judging appointments
John Wiseman with his camera at home in Balgownie. Picture: Sylvia Liber.
The story continues on the wall.
Collect John’s work
Meet the artist. Then choose the photograph.
Explore John’s signed wildlife and nature prints, compare scale and framing, or contact the studio for straightforward guidance before choosing.