Ronen Tivony | Wildlife Photojournalist and Workshop Leader
Wildlife Photojournalist & Workshop Leader, Ronen Tivony
AS PUBLISHED IN
National Geographic - The New York Times - The Guardian - BBC - CNN - TIME - Smithsonian - Discovery
Hi, I am wildlife photojournalist & workshop leader Ronen Tivony.
I worked thirty years as a news photojournalist, and my images have run in some of the most respected publications in the world. Today I put that experience to work in small group and private wildlife photography workshops across Florida and beyond.
This page walks you through my background, my published work, the awards I have received, and what you can expect when you join me in the field.
Published Work in Global Media
My wildlife and news images have appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Good Morning America, NBC, ABC, BBC, HBO, TIME, CNN, Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, The Guardian and many more.
From News Photojournalism to Wildlife Photojournalism
For thirty years I worked as a news photojournalist, covering breaking stories and historic events on deadline. That taught me to read light fast and to see the decisive moment.
I use those same skills with wildlife. You have to learn the animal first: its behavior, where it feeds, how it moves before it takes off, all while staying aware of the light and anticipating the peak action.
Leadership
Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles
Former Board Member and Vice President, PPAGLA
During my news career I served as a board member and Vice President of the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles (PPAGLA). In that role I advocated for high standards in visual journalism and supported photographers at every stage of their careers.
Fellowship
Royal Photographic Society
In 2020 the Royal Photographic Society awarded me a . It is one of the highest distinctions in international photography, and it recognizes both technical excellence and a strong personal vision.
Awards & Honors
Recognized by the organizations that set the standard
My work has been recognized by major photography organizations and international competitions, including:
- National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
- Press Photographers Association of Greater LA
- International Photography Awards (IPA)
- Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3)
- Siena International Photo Awards
- Royal Photographic Society Fellowship
- Tokyo International Foto Awards
- Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
- American Photography
The Florida Master Naturalist advantage
As a University of Florida Certified Florida Master Naturalist, I read habitats the way I read light. Knowing where a species feeds, when it nests, and how it behaves means we get into position before the moment happens, not after. On a workshop that is the difference between hoping a bird cooperates and knowing what it is about to do next.
Join Certified Florida Master Naturalist Ronen Tivony for wildlife photography tours and workshops across Florida’s unique natural habitats.
What you learn on a workshop with a working photojournalist
When you book with me, you are in the field with a working wildlife photojournalist rather than a classroom instructor. Every session is built around where you are as a photographer right now, so beginners and experienced shooters both get something out of the day.
01
Camera settings for wildlife
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for fast-moving subjects in changing light conditions.
02
Behavior and anticipation
Reading the scene before the action happens.
03
Composition and story
Building images with a narrative, not just a subject.
04
Decisive moment
Learning to anticipate and capture peak action.
05
Image review
Personal feedback on your shots from the day.
Where We Shoot
Workshop locations across Florida and beyond
I run regular workshops across some of the most productive wildlife locations in the United States and beyond. Every location is picked for predictable activity, varied species, and real photographic opportunity.
Florida
Nesting herons & spoonbills
Wading birds & gators
Rookery action
Shorebirds & terns
Burrowing owls
Wildlife drive
Alligator Farm rookery
Refuge birding
American Southwest
Cranes & snow geese, NM
Hummingbirds in flight
Pelicans & sea lions
International
Toucans, frogs & vipers
Endemic wildlife, Ecuador
Why learn from a photojournalist
When you book with wildlife photojournalist Ronen Tivony, every technique you learn has been tested on assignment. None of it comes from a textbook or a video tutorial.
What I bring to a workshop is more than technical knowledge. It is an editorial eye. I am always asking one question: what is the story in this frame?
That question changes everything. It moves your attention away from gear and settings and toward behavior, context, and moment. It is the difference between a sharp photo of a bird and a photograph that makes someone stop scrolling.
Life beyond the camera
When I am not photographing or teaching, you will usually find me on the water in a kayak. I explore new habitats, scout locations, and plan the next trip. Time outdoors keeps my eye sharp and keeps fresh ideas coming for both workshops and long term documentary projects.
Join a Workshop with Wildlife Photojournalist Ronen Tivony
If you are ready to grow as a photographer alongside a working professional, let’s get you out shooting. I teach one on one and in small groups, never more than six people, so you get real attention and immediate feedback.
Every location is picked for a reason, and every session is built around one goal: helping you go home with images you are proud of.