About Kevin Novak — Travel, Wildlife & Storytelling Photographer
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I picked up my first camera at age 12 — an old Kodak reflex using 620 film — and built a darkroom in my parents’ basement. Watching an image slowly appear in the developer tray was pure magic. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for capturing real stories, authentic emotion, and fleeting moments that never repeat themselves.
Before photography became a full-time creative pursuit, I spent 31 years in law enforcement, rising through the ranks and ultimately serving as a SWAT Team Commander. That career instilled discipline, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure — skills that directly influence how I approach photography today. Timing, composition, anticipation, and decisive action matter just as much behind a camera as they do in the field.
Like many photographers, my professional journey started close to home — on sidelines, courts, fields, and gym floors — capturing my own children’s sporting events. Those images quickly gained attention, leading to paid assignments, editorial work, and photography published in weekly and daily newspapers, wire services, and national magazines.
My work has appeared in outlets such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The New York Post, and numerous industry publications.
Today, I’m based in Florida, but my lens travels far beyond it.
Alongside photography, my wife Laura and I own and operate a successful travel advisory business, specializing in cruises, adventure travel, and immersive global experiences. That role has taken us across Europe, Scandinavia, the British Isles, Iceland, the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Central America, and even Antarctica — often returning to destinations multiple times, in different seasons, and from different perspectives.
That depth of travel experience matters. I don’t photograph places as a casual visitor — I understand how destinations work, how light changes by region and time of year, where moments unfold naturally, and how culture, landscape, and people intersect. Whether I’m photographing a quiet European street at sunrise, wildlife in motion, dramatic coastlines, or life aboard a ship at sea, I approach each scene with both artistic intent and logistical awareness.
My photography portfolio spans travel photography, wildlife photography, sports and action, landscapes, real estate, editorial work, and portraits — always focused on storytelling and authenticity over posed perfection.
In 2026, I’ll be expanding that work even further with an African safari to Tanzania, photographing wildlife, landscapes, and daily life in one of the most visually powerful destinations on Earth. It’s the kind of journey that combines patience, preparation, and respect for the environment — values that have shaped both my careers.
Photography isn’t just something I do — it’s how I see the world.
I invite you to explore the galleries, follow along as new destinations unfold, and reach out if you’re interested in collaborating or commissioning work. From local assignments to international travel and wildlife photography, I’m always chasing the next meaningful moment.
— Kevin Novak