Nature has stories to tell.
Tales of love and loss.
Tales of belonging and individuality.
Tales of whimsey and badassery.
I'm here to capture them all.
Learn about my background & unique take on wildlife photography.
I’m Johnny Hayward, a Canadian national photojournalist with more than 25 years of experience. My approach to wildlife photography is similar to how I cover major news or sporting events—I watch for the subtle moments that tell the story behind the story.
I travel to the farthest reaches of North America and beyond to bring you up close and personal with creatures that reveal the humanity in nature, and the nature of our humanity—a polar bear mom “scolding” her young cub, a defiant bear’s will to survive against all odds, the impact of human encroachment and climate change on the wild. My aim is simply to bear witness and bring you nature’s most captivating stories as they unfold.
Besides photographing wildlife I focus my camera on professional sports such as, NHL, CFL, MLS, Olympics, as well as national and international news stories for Canada’s wire service as one of 8 national staff photographers. Other photographic pursuits include photographing professional towed watersports around the globe. When I don't have my camera in hand as a avid water skier, you can find me gliding across the waters of British Columbia, searching for fresh powder to ski in the winter or racing through the old growth rainforest on my mountain bike. Love hanging out with my wife, daughter, and dogs while enjoying all that North Vancouver has to offer.
Follow along on my next adventure...
Work With Me
If you are a hospitality or design professional who would like to learn about my wholesale and volume purchase solutions for your next project, I’d love to hear from you.
You can hire me to photograph your personal project which extents far beyond wildlife photography. I have been a nationally and internationally celebrated news and sports photographer for over a quarter century. If you have a news or sporting event that you would like covered please reach out.
If you are interested in licensing my work to be featured in a publication or on a product, contact me to inquire about images available for editorial and licensing sales.
Many photographers can take a pretty picture, but few can capture an entire story in one frame.
“When choosing art for my client projects I look for beautifully composed statement pieces that add soul to a room and I seek to partner with a passionate artist whose work embodies something special that resonates. Johnny Hayward and his compelling wildlife photography meet all of those criteria.” — Lori Steeves, Creative Director, Simply Home Decorating, North Vancouver, British Columbia
“Every image from Johnny Hayward’s polar bear collection takes my breath away, but when I saw this image of a momma bear and her two cubs, I knew it was meant for my mom...The composition and colour are simply spectacular, but ultimately it was the strong image of the momma bear guiding her cubs through the expansive landscape that resonated with my sister and I. Our mom is our guide and strength, and she knew immediately when she opened it on Christmas morning what it symbolized.” — Tiffany Edgecombe, Edmonton, Alberta
"Our family was given a large framed Johnny Hayward grizzly bear print. It has been a lovely addition to our home. If it’s a gift for yourself or someone else, look no further than Hayward’s striking nature photos." — Sean Kilpatrick, National Photographer, The Canadian Press, Ottawa, Ont
"I had a wonderful time with Johnny Hayward Photo in Churchill. We saw around 20 bears and several foxes, the photographic experience was amazing. Thank you Johnny for your constant good mood, your endless help in all situations and photographic matters. Johnny is always at the right position at the right moment with the perfect angle! All was very well organized , comfortable and spacious truck, nice and cosy B&B with amazing food (thanks to Jennafor and Gerald from BlueSky Bed & Sled). Hope to come back one day for a new unforgettable experience!" Sophie Rapp, Morocco (Nov 2022)
“Johnny beautifully captures touching and powerful photographs of polar bears highlighting the urgency to protect these majestic creatures and their diminishing natural habitats. I purchased two spectacular photos for my sister who is an ecologist and she adores them.” — Veronica Delgiudice, North Vancouver, British Columbia
“One of the most important attributes of a good wildlife photographer is patience. As a National News photographer I expected Johnny to display none of that. I was pleasantly surprised when he was perfectly content simply working with what circumstance provided. When the action inevitably picked up Johnny turned into ‘Johnny on the Spot,’ consistently crushing photo ops. Working with Johnny was an absolute privilege and joy. I would be honoured if he joined us again on tour." — Alex de Vries, owner of Discover Churchill
"The photo of the Zen bear is so realistic and printed so well its more like a fine piece of art. Everything I have in my home has some kind of personal attachment so I was honoured to purchase it from Johnny who had done some video work for me at the US Masters water ski tournament. The photo arrived perfectly packaged and in a timely fashion. The Zen bear has been placed above my bed to give off similar vibes." - George Athans, 3 time World Water Ski Champion, Member of the Order of Canada
"I just wanted to thank you again for such a spectacular experience and for your patience, guidance and valuable hints and tips to help us improve our photography. It was so exhilarating and awe-inspiring to be amongst those majestic polar bears, and to capture those images." -Tony Trott, of Calgary, Alberta on his 2022 polar bear trip with Johnny Hayward photo.