Behind The Print with Joanie Christian Photography
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode, I chat with Joanie Christian, wildlife photographer and owner of Joanie Christian Photography. Joanie shares the story behind her brand, where her lens captures the raw beauty of nature and the emotion of wildlife in their natural habitats.
Founded on a passion for storytelling, conservation, and craftsmanship, Joanie discusses how her dedication to patience, respect, and detail allows her to create images that last far beyond a single moment. This interview explores her journey of building a purpose-driven creative business rooted in authenticity, advocacy, and the timeless power of print.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
10-minute read
“I started making calendars 35 years ago when my kids were little, just simple copies on spiral binding. Now, with PrintingCenterUSA, they’re professional works of art. Vibrant, durable, and gift-ready! Some families tell me my calendars have become their kids’ favorite Christmas gift, and that means the world to me.” Joanie Christian
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Joanie Christian Photography
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is Wildlife Advocate with a Camera: A Life Through the Lens, Telling Stories of the Wild. Blending artistry, adventure, and advocacy to tell the stories of nature’s most powerful moments through her lens. Her photography captures not only the beauty of wildlife but also the importance of preserving their habitats and respecting the world around us. For marketing professionals, small business owners, graphic designers, and print enthusiasts, her story offers a breathtaking example of how print and photography can inspire awareness, emotion, and change.
Zoe Fisher: Introducing Joanie Christian!
Joanie: Thank you, Zoe! I’m so happy to be here.
Zoe: We’re thrilled to have you. You have such a powerful portfolio. Can you start by telling us a little about yourself and what inspired your journey into wildlife photography?
Joanie: Sure! I’ve always been drawn to nature. I grew up surrounded by it, spending hours outside as a kid, just fascinated by animals and landscapes. Photography started as a way for me to document what I saw, and it evolved into a passion for storytelling. I realized that every photo had the potential to move people, to make them care about wildlife and the environment. Once I understood that, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself fully to it.
Zoe: That’s beautiful. Your work really does have a storytelling quality. Every photo feels like it has a heartbeat. What is it about wildlife that speaks to you most?
Joanie: It’s their honesty. Animals are purely themselves, with no filters or agendas. When you’re out there photographing them, you can’t control the situation. You have to adapt, to be patient, and to respect their space. That challenge and unpredictability are what I love most. When you finally capture that perfect moment, it feels like a genuine connection with nature.
Zoe: That’s incredible. I know a lot of photographers focus on human stories, but yours feel like human emotions told through animals. Do you see that connection too?
Joanie: Absolutely. Animals express emotion in ways people often overlook. A mother bear with her cubs, a wolf howling, an eagle mid-flight; those moments carry emotion and power. I try to capture that essence, to remind people that these are living beings sharing this planet with us. It’s not just about beauty; it’s about coexistence.
“Seeing my photography published, from the National Wildlife Federation to nearly ninety local magazine covers, reminds me why I do this. Every feature, every contest, every cover is another way to bring people together through shared stories of nature.” Joanie Christian
Zoe: I love that perspective. What does a typical day look like for you on a shoot in Alaska?
Joanie: Oh, it’s not glamorous! Most days start before sunrise, often in freezing temperatures. I pack my gear, food, and layers of clothing and head to my location. Sometimes that’s a riverbank, sometimes deep in the forest or out on a boat. Then it’s a waiting game. I can sit for hours without moving, just listening and watching. The key is patience and respect. I never interfere or bait animals; I wait for natural behavior. When the moment comes, it’s magic.
Zoe: That’s such dedication. You must have incredible stories from the field.
Joanie: I do! Once, I was photographing bears fishing for salmon, and one walked right past me, so close I could hear it breathe. My heart was racing, but I stayed calm and respectful. Those encounters remind me why I do this. It’s about sharing that closeness with nature in a way that educates and inspires others.
Zoe: Let’s talk about how you share your work. How do you turn those experiences into something tangible that people can connect with?
Joanie: For me, print is everything. There’s nothing like holding a physical image of an animal that you waited hours to photograph. I use print as a storytelling tool. When people see a photo in person, printed large, it stops them. They take a moment to really look. That’s the connection I want to create. Digital is convenient, but print is emotional. It gives the work weight and permanence.
“I love editing because that’s where the magic happens. It’s where I can bring out the details that light and shadow might hide. For me, editing isn’t changing the truth of the photo, it’s revealing it.” Joanie Christian
Zoe: How did you first start integrating print into your photography business?
Joanie: Early on, I started printing locally with a small shop that did spiral-bound stitching for my calendars. They did a great job for a few years, but as my work grew and demand increased, I knew I needed a higher-quality product with more vibrant color and better paper. That’s when I found PrintingCenterUSA. I remember being nervous about the first order, wondering how my images would translate to paper. But when I got that first batch back, I was blown away. The colors and clarity were exactly how I imagined them. The upgrade in quality, binding, and consistency was incredible. That moment cemented my belief that print was the best way to share my photography, and that PrintingCenterUSA was the right partner to help me do it.
Zoe: That’s such a great point. Your calendars are especially stunning.
Joanie: Thank you! My calendars are my bestsellers. They started as a local project, but now they go all over the world—Sweden, Ecuador, even Australia. They’ve become a popular Christmas gift. Each one tells a story through twelve carefully selected images, and people often frame them afterward. That’s the ROI of print—it keeps giving back. A calendar sits in someone’s home all year, reminding them of your brand and the beauty of nature.
Zoe: That’s such a smart business model. You’re not just creating art; you’re building brand awareness through print.
Joanie: Exactly. Print is tangible marketing. It’s art people live with. Over time, I’ve learned how to balance creativity with business. I treat my photography as both a passion and a profession. Consistency, presentation, and professionalism all matter. And print reflects that; it’s the final expression of my work. When I think about ROI in photography, it’s not just about profit margins, it’s about the longevity of the impact. A digital post might last a few hours online, but a print or calendar hangs for twelve months or more. It keeps your work in front of people and often brings in new clients through word of mouth. For photographers, that kind of sustained visibility is invaluable. And when it comes to profitability, bulk printing is essential. Ordering larger quantities lowers the per-unit cost dramatically, which increases your margin while still allowing you to price fairly for customers. It’s one of the smartest ways to scale without sacrificing quality.
“I’ve noticed more women stepping behind the lens in recent years, and it’s changing the industry. Many bring a different kind of intimacy to their images; a gentler, more connected perspective. It’s not about gender; it’s about how we see and share the world.” Joanie Christian
Zoe: You’ve also built an educational and conservation-focused platform. Can you tell me more about how your photography supports those causes?
Joanie: Definitely. I believe art and advocacy go hand in hand. I donate part of my proceeds to wildlife conservation groups and use my platform to educate about coexistence. Sometimes that means posting a photo with information about the animal or the environment. Other times it’s giving talks or collaborating with nonprofits. One of my goals is to help people see animals as individuals worth protecting.
Zoe: You’ve photographed so many iconic animals. Which one has impacted you most?
Joanie: Grizzly 399. She was a famous bear in the Tetons, known for raising multiple litters of cubs right near the roadside. She became a global ambassador for her species because she showed that humans and wildlife could coexist. Losing her last year was devastating. But through my photos, I feel like her spirit lives on. She inspired thousands of people to care about conservation, and that’s the power of storytelling through photography.
Zoe: You’ve shared so many fascinating wildlife facts. What drives that curiosity?
Joanie: I love animal trivia! When I started, I’d research everything I photographed. Did you know woodpeckers’ tongues wrap around their brains to absorb shock? Or that ospreys turn their fish midair so they fly more smoothly? Even young owls glow under black light their first year so parents can find them at night. When people learn these things, they connect more deeply. Education builds empathy.
“I’ll be doing this for as long as I can hold a camera. Photography came to me later in life, but it’s become who I am. I’m self-taught, still learning every day, and I tell young photographers the same thing; shoot a lot. Out of a hundred frames, maybe two will truly move you, and that’s the beauty of it.” Joanie Christian
Zoe: If a young photographer wanted to get into wildlife photography, what would you tell them?
Joanie: Start with passion, not perfection. Learn your camera, respect your subjects, and be patient. Always prioritize ethics. Long lenses help you keep a respectful distance, and never use calls or bait to lure animals; it can endanger them. Over time, upgrade your equipment, but remember the best camera is the one you know how to use. The photograph never comes before the animal’s welfare. And I always shoot in RAW. That format captures the most detail, gives you more flexibility in editing, and ensures your prints look as close to real life as possible. RAW files are like digital negatives; they preserve all the information your camera sees, which is essential for producing professional-quality prints.
Zoe: Beautifully said. What are some of the milestones in your career that stand out?
Joanie: I’ve been fortunate to be featured by the National Wildlife Federation, Crikey Magazine, and the National Forest Foundation. My work has appeared in exhibits, on magazine covers, almost ninety of them, and even at the Queensland Museum in Australia. One of my proudest moments was when a young girl wrote to me saying one of my prints inspired her to become a wildlife biologist. That meant everything.
Zoe: That’s such an incredible legacy. What software and tools do you use to ensure your prints look perfect?
Joanie: I use Adobe Lightroom for cataloging and color correction, and Photoshop for fine-tuning. I also rely on monitor calibration tools to ensure what I see on screen matches the print. Consistency is key when producing professional-grade calendars or gallery prints. I always test small runs before final printing to make sure the colors are spot-on. PrintingCenterUSA has been wonderful for maintaining that standard. Their turnaround is quick, the color accuracy is excellent, and their customer service is top-notch. I recommend them to any photographer looking for reliable, professional printing.
“The more calendars I print, the better the profit margin; it’s simple math. But I keep my price at twenty dollars because I want my work to stay accessible. Each calendar has twelve frameable images, and for many in my community, that’s an affordable way to own art.” Joanie Christian
Zoe: You’ve built a powerful model that combines art, ethics, and business. What’s next for you?
Joanie: I want to keep growing, keep exploring new places, and continue teaching others. Photography is always evolving, but print will always be part of it for me. Whether it’s a fine art print or a calendar, print is how my stories live on. An interactive informational book for my audience, young and old, is in the works for me! So stay tuned!
Zoe: That’s inspiring. How can our listeners connect with you and see your work?
Joanie: The best place is my website, JoanieChristianPhotography.com, and I’m also on Instagram under Joanie Christian Photography and Facebook under Joanie Christian. I post regularly and love engaging with people who share a passion for wildlife and art.
Zoe: Thank you, Joanie, for sharing your time and insight with us today.
Joanie: Thank you, Zoe. This was wonderful. I’m grateful for the chance to share my story and my love of nature.
Zoe: And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in to another episode of Behind The Print Podcast. Remember, every image, design, and print has the power to tell a story and inspire connection. Until next time, keep creating, keep exploring, and keep discovering the world behind the print.
Where Nature Meets Narrative
Through Joanie Christian’s lens, we see how art, compassion, and storytelling can converge to inspire change. Her dedication to wildlife and her love for print remind us that creativity is more than a visual pursuit, it’s a bridge between people and the planet. Every photograph she takes captures both beauty and purpose, transforming fleeting encounters into timeless works of art. Whether you are a small business owner crafting your visual identity, a designer searching for authentic inspiration, or an artist exploring print as a storytelling tool, Joanie’s work proves that passion paired with print can leave a lasting mark on hearts and minds.
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