Joe Riis | Photographer

"Look deep into my images and make change"

South Dakota native Joe Riis is a full-time professional nature photojournalist dedicated to working on endangered species and ecosystems. Born in 1984, he was raised on the Great Plains along the breaks of the Missouri River in Pierre, South Dakota. With degrees in Wildlife Biology and Environment & Natural Resources from the University of Wyoming, Joe connects sound science with nature photography. Joe is widely recognized for his photographic work on the Missouri River. He has published work in many local and national publications and has had solo-exhibitions showcased throughout the U.S. including the U.S. Dept of Interior Museum in Washington D.C. He photographs entirely in the wild, not in captive situations or "game farms," his photographs are also presented in their true form without computer manipulation. Joe looks for full stories to tell, he uses both photography and writing to tell the full story.

"I feel the duty to protect the places I love, for my future generations, for the entire planet; through the lens of a camera I believe I can accomplish this feat. Photography can be used to change societal thought and action by combining captivating images along with credible science. I want to use my knowledge in Wildlife Biology and Environment & Natural Resources and combine it with my passion for nature photography. With my photography, I believe I can link the public to credible science with photographs through popular publications, exhibitions, and presentations. I believe that I can change the ideas and actions of everyone from the general public, to religious leaders, to our policy makers with my images. In the end, if I can help protect the natural environment and its processes through my photography, I will essentially be protecting the health and future of the human species."

"I like rivers. The Missouri River is where I come from, all of my experiences and thoughts today are based upon my early encounters with the river. The ebb and flow is my foundation, and the river is the line that I follow."

"I am forever indebted to my parents. My photography would be nonexistent without their love and support."

Joe and his father on a photo expedition in Alaska during Joe's high school years.
(photo by Victor Van Ballenberghe)

At 5 years old, Joe (left) and lifelong friend Joseph Kean (right) examine a shovelnose sturgeon. "It seems like I have always been intriqued with sturgeon, now their populations worldwide are in decline and people need to be aware of this."