About Me:

Hi, my name is Rich Leighton and I’m a full-time, professional commercial/nature photographer and master naturalist who spends my working hours (and a way too much of my free time) photographing the incredible nature and wildlife all over the United States and Canada. My original photographs have appeared in books, magazines, newspapers, and educational exhibits all over the world. You can see some of my work on permanent display in person at several of our National Wildlife Refuges and State Parks.

My Background

I was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida living in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas – and have lived all over Florida, a decade in the Pacific Northwest and another decade in Nova Scotia, Canada, and am a firm advocate in saving what is left of our beautiful and incredible natural world. I’ve been a professional full-time photographer for the past 20 years.

My Approach & Philosophy

My number one rule: Do no harm. Respect the wildlife, nature and and the ecosystems and habitats where they live and try to leave nature as pristine and wild as it was first found.

Professional Associations

  • Vice President of the International Landscape Photographer’s Association (ILPA) since 2016
  • Member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) since 2009.


My Art Installation at the  J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Pin It on Pinterest