Rangefinder magazine has just published a short article on the judges thoughts and notes on the short film Kingdom of the Ice Bear (watch the video) that took out First Place at this years WPPI awards in the Commercial / Illustrative category.
If you are interested in travelling to the high Arctic and photographing Polar Bears, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Reindeer and the incredible landscapes found in the Arctic then there is one place remaining on my expedition to Svalbard this July before it will be sold out. You can register your interest by dropping me an email at info@jholko.com
Category: Media
Media news including interviews, awards, print publications and articles
AIPP Epson Victorian Professional Photography Awards 2017 – Documentary Winner
The AIPP 2017 Epson Victorian Professional Photography Awards were held in Melbourne Victoria this past week. This was the second time in a row I have been unable to attend due to overseas workshop and expedition commitments. I am actually still currently in Svalbard and have just wrapped up seven days of filming on a snow mobile expedition in the Arctic in winter for a new documentary that will be released later this year on polar photography (more on this later – a quick behind the scenes image below). 
This year for the VPPY awards, I split my print entries across the Documentary and Science, Wildlife and Wild Places categories. I was very pleased to receive word a couple of days ago that not only had the majority of my prints been awarded Silver or Silver with Distinction awards, but that I was also the honoured as the overall winner for the EPSON Victorian 2017 Professional Documentary Photographer of the Year as well as being a finalist in the Science, Wildlife and Wild Places category. I have previously won the Science, Wildlife and Wild Places category in 2014 and was also a finalist in 2015 and 2016.
From my previous post on these awards: The AIPP National and State awards are two of the few remaining competitions to actually judge the finished print and they do so using a panel of judges all deemed experts in their respective genres and accredited as Masters of Photography through their years of success in this arena. Prints are judged in a controlled lighting environment and assessed for their content, originality as well as technical craftsmanship. The judging is enthralling to watch and can be quite nerve wracking if you are a first time entrant as the standard of work is incredibly high. 
All of the prints were printed on Moab Somerset Museum Rag. This wonderful paper has continued to remain my all-time favourite stock for fine art photography prints.
Now its time to put the 2017 VPPY Awards behind me and get some much needed rest. In just a few hours time I will be leaving Longyearbyen to embark on my Winter Svalbard Expedition. If you are interested in travelling and photographing in the Arctic in winter and experiencing what this incredible part of the world has to offer then you can read more about this expedition HERE.
Extraordinary Vision Magazine Features Choosing an Antarctic Expedition Part One
Extraordinary Vision Magazine issue #52 has just published Part One of a recent series of Articles I penned on How to Choose an Expedition to Antarctica. Choosing the right expedition will make or break the photographic opportunities you will experience in Antarctica. If you are planning or considering a future photographic expedition to Antarctica I recommend you take a few moments out of your day and check it out. Part Two, Part Three and Part Four will be published in subsequent issues.
Extraordinary Vision magazine is available fortnightly with a kick start free trial. Best of all its only $1.99 to subscribe per month – less than a cup of coffee. Do yourself and your creativity a favour and check it out. Available exclusively though the iTunes App store or Google Play.
Wild Planet Photo Magazine Features Part Three – Curious Characters
Wild Planet Photo Magazine has just published the final part three of the three part series of articles on my Arctic Wildlife photography. The series includes Polar Bears (Bear Instincts) in the November 2016 edition and Arctic Foxes (Snow Survivors) in the January 2017 edition. The new February 2017 edition features a series of Walrus photographs from the Svalbard archipelago region. From the Wild Planet Photo Magazine website: We are showcasing a new feature series from the Global Arctic Photographer of the Year, Joshua Holko, who shares his fascinating experiences with Arctic species. The third instalment of our three-part Arctic Encounter series centres on Walrus. Nature photographer Joshua Holko tells the tale behind these curious characters.
About Wild Planet Photo Magazine: Published every month, WPPM and their accompanying websites have over 256,000 unique visitors in more than 190 countries, making them truly international photography magazines for the digital age. Packed with refreshing content, exciting features and stunning imagery from around the world – all provided by innovative professionals and enthusiasts who share one passion – that of landscape and wildlife photography. Wild Planet Photo Magazine is available via individual issue purchase or subscription.
Finland Kuusamo Newspaper Cover Page and Feature Interview
A few days ago I was interviewed by two journalists from the Kuusamo Newspaper whilst I was out photographing Dippers and Hooper Swans in the far north of Finland (less than 50km from the Russian border). The interview covered my polar photography, thoughts on climate change and global warming as well as what is involved to work full time as a professional Nature photographer. The interview made the front page of todays paper with a full page feature. Just click on the image below to Download the full PDF. Might be time to brush on your Finnish!
www.WILDNATUREPHOTOTRAVEL.com 