ABOUT

Biography

Ilse Koks is a Dutch wildlife photographer whose work is driven by curiosity, wonder,
and a deep emotional connection with nature.
She graduated from Minerva Art Academy in Graphic Design & Photography, where
she developed a strong visual foundation that is still reflected in her photography.

Her photographs have received recognition in numerous international photography competitions and have been exhibited internationally.
In 2026, she served as a juror for Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY), evaluating more than 27,000 competition entries.
She also shares her work and creative approach through talks and publications.

Through her work, she hopes to inspire people to look beyond the obvious, reconnect
with nature, and see the natural world with curiosity and wonder.

Education

  • National Geographic Photography Masterclass, Sept 2023 – Dec 2023

  • Bachelor’s in Graphic Design & Photography, Minerva Art Academy, Groningen, Sept 2011 – June 2015

  • Exchange Program in Graphic Design & Photography, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand, July 2013 – Dec 2013

Exhibitions

  • Kunst10Daagse, Bergen, The Netherlands (2026)

  • Hungry Eye Fair × Amsterdam Fashion Week, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2026)

  • De Groene Camera, Pixperience Ouddorp, The Netherlands (2026)

  • Festival De L’Oiseau, Le Crotoy, France (2026)

  • Sony X Kiekie, Amersfoort, The Netherlands (2025)

  • Nature Photographer Of The Year (NPOTY), Ede, The Netherlands (2025)

  • Emotion’Ailes, Saint-Aubin Cathedral, Namur, Belgium (2025)

  • The Sands of All Seas Have a Number, Fülle Galería, Argentina (2025)

  • Bird Photographer Of The Year, Astley Hall, Chorley, UK (2025)

  • Bird Photographer Of The Year, Gallery Oldham, Manchester, UK (2025)

  • Bird Photographer Of The Year, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, UK (2025)

  • Bird Photographer Of The Year, The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock, UK (2025)

  • Bird Photographer Of The Year, Nature in Art, Gloucestershire, UK (2024)

  • Wendbaarheid (Agility), BMC Schiphol (2020)

  • Graduation Exhibition, Minerva Art Academy (2015)

  • The Return, Nicolaikerk, Appingedam (2013)

Nominations & Awards

  • Golden Turtle Photo, Finalist (2026)

  • Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year, Weekly Selection (2026)

  • De Groene Camera, Honorable Mention 2x (2026)

  • Glanzichter, Top 20, (2026)

  • Festival De L’Oiseau, Fifth Place (2026)

  • Sony X Kiekie, First Prize (2025)

  • Nature Photographer Of The Year (NPOTY), Highly Commended, (2025)

  • Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY), Shortlisted (2025)

  • JRNY World Travel Photography Awards, Finalist (2025)

  • The Greater Kenya Wildlife Photographer, Shortlisted 3x (2025)

  • Emotion’Ailes, Nominated (2025)

  • World Water Day Photo Contest, Semi-finalist (2025)

  • Life Framer: Animal Kingdom, Editor’s Pick (2025)

  • Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY), Something Beautiful, Shortlisted (2025)

  • Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year, Weekly Selection (2025)

  • Pangolin Photo Challenge, Shortlisted (2025)

  • Bird Photographer of the Year (BirdPOTY), Highly Commended (2024)

  • Pangolin Photo Challenge, Shortlisted (2024)

  • Minerva Art Academy Prize, Nominated (2015)

  • Vrije vogels, First prize (2005)

Talks, Jury Work & Publications

  • Nature Photographer of the Year Festival, Speaker (2026)

  • Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY), Jury Member, 27,000+ entries reviewed (2026)

  • Natuurfotografie Magazine, Panning Wildlife, 6-page feature article, Issue 83 (2026)

  • RTV Gouwestad, Live radio Interview (2026)