About Little Lightning Nature
Little Lightning Nature features the photography of Julia Cook. Growing up in Cody, Wyoming less than an hour from Yellowstone National Park, Julia developed a love for nature at an early age, which eventually led her to pick up wildlife photography. Julia spends most of her time in Yellowstone photographing various species of wildlife, though grizzly bears are a favorite. A recent graduate from the University of Wyoming, Julia holds a B.S. in Environment and Natural Resources and a B.A. in History; she is now pursuing wildlife and outdoor photography full time. When not photographing, Julia also enjoys hiking, fishing, drawing, writing, camping, and spending time with her lab Sylvan, who accompanies her on all her adventures. Loosely based in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Julia’s overall goal in photography is to capture impactful images of native wildlife that highlights the wildness of the American West while inspiring others to spend meaningful time in nature. Julia is also dedicated to ethical wildlife photography in order to keep wildlife wild and allow them to behave naturally without interference. The inspiration for the name Little Lightning Nature comes from a childhood nickname.
Features and More
Draper Natural History Museum Lunchtime Lecture Speaker
Julia was the March speaker at the Draper Natural History Museum’s Lunchtime Lecture series. In her lecture, Julia Cook uses a variety of her images to discuss a range of ideas relating to wildlife photography, as well as her background. She covers her recent photojournalism project, “This is Grizzly Bear Country: Human Grizzly Interactions in the Yellowstone Ecosystem” which highlights the complex ways humans and bears interact within a shared landscape, with images showing the possibility of coexistence. Wildlife photography and viewing ethics are also discussed.
The Photographer Mindset Podcast
Julia appeared as a guest on an episode of Seth Macey and Aaron Manis’s The Photographer Mindset. A weekly listener of the show, Julia talks about her start in photography, wildlife techniques, and general experiences in Yellowstone.
Alaska Magazine Cover
Julia’s photo “Puffin Portrait” appeared on the cover of Alaska Magazine’s April 2023 edition. While in Alaska in the summer of 2022, Julia went kayaking on Kachemak Bay to photograph marine animals and seabirds. After kayaking to a rocky island, Julia was able to photograph a pair of horned puffins perched on a low rock. The image is a highlight of her time in Alaska.
Wolf Connection Podcast
Julia appeared as a guest on an episode of The Wolf Connection Podcast to discuss all things wildlife and wolves. Listen to the episode to hear the story behind three of Julia’s wolf images, and to hear some thoughts on conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Outdoor Photographer
Julia was featured on the cover of Outdoor Photographer’s April 2023 edition alongside an article she wrote. Her article gives tips for wildlife photography, and also emphasizes the importance of ethical wildlife photography. Though the magazine is no longer being printed, you can read Julia’s article through the link below.
Creative Collaborators
Julia often collaborates both in and out of the field with Tanner Haver, a wildlife cinematographer and filmmaker primarily focused on the wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. With their shared passion for wildlife and storytelling, Julia and Tanner each use their unique expertise to further promote conservation efforts alongside their overall goal of sharing wildlife with a wide audience. To view Tanner’s work, visit roaringmountainmedia.com
