James Little, a Boise-based photographer, has dedicated over 30 years to capturing the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. Known for his work across diverse genres—landscape, macro, night sky, flora, and fauna—Little’s portfolio offers a window into the western United States’ vast wilderness, where he captures scenes that highlight both the region’s beauty and its ecological challenges. His work, primarily shot on Nikon cameras and lenses, emphasizes the fragility of the environment while underscoring the urgent need for conservation.
Little’s journey into photography began as a simple fascination with nature. Over time, it became a deeper passion, as he began to see photography as a means to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. His work serves as both documentation and call to action, conveying messages on topics he feels are critical for the public to understand—such as biodiversity loss and climate change. Through his images, Little hopes to bridge the gap between admiration for nature’s beauty and the motivation to protect it. “Loss of wildlife species diversity and climate change are examples of areas where nature photographers can help document the realities we face and help increase awareness of these issues,” he says, stressing that photography can be a powerful educational tool.
Living in Idaho, Little has a front-row seat to the changing landscape and climate in the American West. He recently photographed a smoky sunrise over Boise’s foothills on a day when the air quality index (AQI) reached a concerning 151—an “unhealthy” rating. The smoke, carried over from intense wildfires burning in Idaho and neighboring states, casts a hazy red light over the landscape in his image, reminding viewers of the high cost of wildfires on both the environment and human health. The 2024 wildfire season saw a near doubling of the 20-year average in burned acres, a testament to the increased frequency and intensity of these fires due to climate change.
Little’s work is available online through his website, Nature Photo Northwest, and can also be found on platforms like Alamy and Great American Art. By offering his images on these platforms, Little hopes to broaden the reach of his conservation message, using his photographs as both art and advocacy.
Nature photography is, by nature, a blend of patience, timing, and intuition—qualities that Little has honed over decades in the field. His landscapes often capture the majestic terrain of places like Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, and his macro shots reveal the delicate details of wildflowers, insects, and other small wonders. Little’s night photography, another staple of his portfolio, takes viewers into a world of dark skies filled with stars, capturing the essence of remoteness and the beauty of places largely untouched by artificial light. These images serve as a reminder of the untouched beauty that still exists in certain regions of the U.S., even as these places face increasing threats.
Little is an ardent supporter of conservation and sees his role as a photographer as one with purpose. The natural world is changing quickly, he points out, and with these shifts come both environmental and social costs. Through his lens, he documents not only the visual splendor of nature but also the impact of human activity on it. Whether it’s through capturing the fine detail of a flower’s petal or the sweeping scope of a starry night, his images encourage viewers to see the world differently, to appreciate the fleeting beauty, and to reflect on the steps necessary to preserve it.
One of the areas Little is particularly passionate about is raising awareness of species diversity loss. His images of Idaho’s flora and fauna provide viewers with an intimate look at species that many may not encounter daily. This focus on local biodiversity has a dual purpose: to celebrate the unique ecosystems of the western U.S. and to remind viewers that these ecosystems are both fragile and interdependent. Species that once thrived in these areas are now facing pressures from habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. By documenting these species and their habitats, Little offers a visual archive of what’s at stake, inviting his audience to ponder what these landscapes and wildlife populations may look like for future generations.
Little’s approach to photography is refreshingly straightforward, grounded in a love for nature and a commitment to capturing it in its truest form. He doesn’t use heavy post-processing or artificial techniques; instead, he relies on natural light and careful timing to bring out the beauty of his subjects. His method is rooted in the belief that authenticity is key to building a connection with viewers, especially when the goal is to inspire real change.
While his work is grounded in the present, Little is also thinking about the future. He hopes that his images will encourage others to think critically about conservation, climate change, and the responsibility we all have toward preserving the environment. For him, photography is more than a creative outlet—it’s a means to inspire awareness and action.
James Little’s photos do more than capture a moment; they tell a story of a world in flux. Through his work, he aims to spark curiosity, concern, and a deeper connection to the natural world. His images serve as a testament to both the beauty and the fragility of the landscapes and wildlife that surround us, urging viewers to appreciate and protect the world that we share.
