Corey McDonald: The Art of Wildlife
What happens when you move beyond photographic documentation and into creation?
In The Art of Wildlife, Corey McDonald invites you to re-imagine your wildlife images as raw material for artistic expression. This program explores how to transform traditional photographs into painterly, emotionally driven works of art using Photoshop and custom-made brushes.
Corey will walk through his creative process—from selecting the right base image to building depth, texture, and atmosphere through digital techniques. You’ll gain insight into how he blends photography with fine art influences, using light, color, and brushwork to evoke mood and tell a deeper story.
This session is all about permission to use post production as an art form.
Attendees will leave inspired to:
-See their wildlife images as a starting point, not a final product
-Develop a more artistic, interpretive editing style
-Experiment with custom brushes and creative Photoshop techniques
-Push beyond realism to create imagery that feels expressive and unique
Whether you’re a photographer looking to expand your creative voice or an artist curious about incorporating photographic elements into your work, this program will challenge you to think beyond the lens—and into the realm of art.
About Corey
Corey McDonald is a photographer and digital artist based in Alabama whose work bridges the gap between photography and fine art. While his foundation is rooted in capturing the natural world, Corey is best known for what happens after the shutter clicks—transforming his images into richly textured, painterly compositions that feel more like illustrations than traditional photographs.
Drawing inspiration from both nature and classical art, Corey has developed a distinctive style that blends realism with imagination. His work often emphasizes mood, storytelling, and artistic interpretation, inviting viewers to experience wildlife in a more emotional and immersive way.
Beyond creating his own artwork, Corey is passionate about sharing his process and encouraging other photographers to explore their creative potential. Through teaching and speaking, he challenges artists to move beyond conventional boundaries, embrace experimentation, and develop a personal style that reflects their unique vision. His approach is a powerful reminder that photography doesn’t end with the capture—it begins there.
Corey is an Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery through AIM; Certified Professional Photographer, Master Photographer, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman through PPA. He is a 2026 World Photographic Cup Team USA member who's image won "Best of Nation" for the USA.