Jim Irwin

As a veterinarian, and a lifelong observer of human nature, I have noticed that most human beings carry deep within them a special feeling about animals and a longing for a connection with them.

It is my hope that I can capture and produce an image that is not only beautiful in an aesthetic sense, but one that can also lift the spirit, and provide a soothing reminder of our own deeper connection with the animal kingdom.

I received my veterinary degree from Purdue University and studied commercial art at Indiana University.

I started doing wildlife photography nearly 40+ years ago. I made ten trips to Kauai and Maui to photograph humpback whales. I’m a licensed veterinarian by trade for the past 45 years, I also served as a contracted photographer for the St. Louis Zoo and continue to photograph animals on multiple safari trips to Africa including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa.

My photography skills were mostly self-taught and have evolved over the years. Merging my interest in animal wellbeing with my interest in fine photography has afforded me an opportunity to promote public awareness of the beauty and value of preserving these beautiful creatures that are threatened with extinction by mankind’s thoughtless ways.

Other Art-Related Activities:
Past President of the Greater St. Louis Art Association (GSLAA) for 3 years and currently a member of its board of directors
In 2010 selected as the winner by a juried panel of photographers including National Geographic in the International "In The Wild" contest held in Junction City, Vermont
Represented by various art galleries in Missouri and New York
Juried artist for the GSLAA and Best of Missouri Hands
Co-owner of Clayton Fine Art Gallery for 5 years