Stephen W. Oachs is an Aperture Academy instructor specializing in Landscape and Wildlife Photography. Stephen is an award-winning nature photographer, and the featured artist at the Aperture Academy gallery. Browse through a sample of his work below and read more about him to the right. You can follow his work through the links below his bio.


You can purchase Stephen's photographic prints here.

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.

Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.

Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.

In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.

Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

You will be learning from only the best!

• Brian Rueb
• Mike Wardynski
• DeAnna Roberts
• Mary Cheung
• Kevin Schofield
• Ellie Stone
• Stephen Oachs