Join photojournalist and filmmaker Joanna Lentini as she takes you on a visual journey through the lens of conservation photography. Through captivating stories and stunning images captured from far-flung corners of the globe to the landscapes closer to home, Lentini shares her encounters with imperiled species and ecosystems. From the breathtaking beauty of distant locales to the poignant realities in our own backyards, she underscores the urgent need for more local conservation storytellers. Through her lens, Lentini illuminates the vital role each of us plays in preserving the natural world and inspires action towards coexistence and thriving for all.

JOANNA LENTINI
I am a photographer, writer, and conservationist based in Warwick, New York.

During a six-year stint living overseas I developed a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, but from a young age I always had a passion for conservation. While underwater photography began as a personal endeavor it eventually became what I am most well-known for.

However, with the shutdown of the world for two years my focus shifted to local subjects and stories, such as migrating amphibians, rewilding our outdoor spaces, and the magic in our own backyards.

While I still photograph underwater, I now strive to highlight the biodiversity of our planet both above and beneath the waves, whether that is a backlit meadow down the road from me, or a windswept landscape in the Arctic.

My work tends to focus on the beauty, fragility, and interconnectedness of our natural world; and of course, my own fears, curiosities, and hopes for our planet.

My work has been published in magazines such as Audubon, Smithsonian, and Hakai, as well as by The Orvis Company. It has traveled across the world with the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Elysium exhibitions, and most recently an image I made of a double-crested cormorant hunting for sardines underwater received grand prize at the 2020 Audubon Photography Awards.

Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.

Where are classes held? 
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Philadelphia, PA location (28 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106). 

What should I bring to class? 
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions. 

Will lunch or refreshments be included? 
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted. 

How do I register for a class? 
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information. 

Can I register at the door? 
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes. 

I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list? 
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date. 

My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact? 
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.

Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.