Ryan Wilkes

East Africa Genesis  |  View on OpenSea

East Africa is a collection of 15 1/1 wildlife photography artworks created during an adventure through Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

This collection embodies the spirit of East Africa through the diversity and majesty of some of the regions most spectacular species of wildlife. Although I already had an interest in conservation before my African odyssey, this trip solidified the importance of the concept in my mind. Without conservation efforts, I may have never witnessed the true essence of the continent. I left Africa with a newfound purpose – to share stories about the natural world, the creatures that inhabit our planet, and the people who advocate for the protection of the earth’s ecosystems.

By becoming a collector, you are investing into conservation and natural history storytelling by supporting me in my photography and filmmaking journey.

View more information about the collection here

"Mountain Parrot" 1/1  |  View on Foundation

A memorable encounter with a kea, the world's only alpine parrot, is a rite of passage in the New Zealand backcountry. During my four years in New Zealand and dozens of trips into the mountains, I learned that kea have an insatiable & contagious curiosity for the world around them.

As I set up my tent on a ridge overlooking New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, a circus of four kea approached me. The exhaustion that I felt from hours of hiking seemed to instantly disappear. I grabbed my camera, as I knew from many previous encounters that they would likely move in closer to inspect my camping gear, maybe attempt to steal a shoelace, or something shiny.

I captured this photo of a juvenile just as it jumped and spread its wings to get a closer look at my setup, revealing gorgeous red plumage that is usually hidden under the wing. It is a once in a lifetime image that reflects the admirable spirit of the kea – curious, cunning, bold and beautiful.