Florida’s night skies tell a story all their own: balance, wonder, and connection between people and nature. For conservation photographer Anthony Sleiman, capturing that story is more than an artistic pursuit, it’s a mission to protect one of Florida’s most overlooked natural treasures: the dark night sky.
Anthony Sleiman, Conservation Photographer
Through the Lens of Conservation
Anthony’s work invites viewers to see Florida from a new perspective—one where the stars, landscapes, and wildlife all intertwine in breathtaking harmony. His nightscapes showcase how darkness itself is a vital part of the natural world, reminding us that our skies are just as essential to Florida’s environment as its rivers, forests, and coasts.
He demonstrates how protecting dark skies benefits both people and wildlife such as by allowing sea turtles to safely navigate to the ocean, migratory birds to follow their celestial paths, and communities to reconnect with the sense of wonder that only an unspoiled night sky can offer.
Photo by Anthony Sleiman
By blending science, storytelling, and emotion, Anthony transforms photography into a powerful tool for conservation, inspiring others to look up, slow down, and rediscover the wild beauty of Florida after dark.
Collaboration and Impact
Over the years, Anthony has worked with multiple Florida nonprofits and conservation organizations to raise awareness about the value of dark-sky preservation and environmental stewardship. His images and outreach have inspired countless Floridians to look up and take action to keep our skies wild and full of stars.
“Florida's night skies changed my life. During a difficult time when everything felt dark, the darkness I found in the Everglades showed me that there is always light, and it was coming from the stars. Exploring the Everglades at night taught me not to be afraid but to be curious. It revealed balance, beauty, and patience. I discovered a connection so deep that I knew I had to share the beauty of our night skies and do everything I could to help protect them.”
Humans have always been connected to the night sky. We have used it for navigation, art, inspiration, and to dream. Once the sun sets, the sky transforms into a beautiful storyboard filled with stories, wonder, and voices.
I believe that if people spent more time stargazing and reflecting on those stories, we would live in a better world. Through my work, I hope to show future generations that the stars were never lost. We just stopped looking for them. And maybe, I can inspire them to step outside, look up, and see the universe with their own eyes.”
Video by Anthony Sleiman
The Florida Wildlife Federation is proud to celebrate Anthony not only for his conservation impact but also for his ongoing partnership with FWF. Last year, he served as a judge for our 2024 Photo Contest, lending his eye and expertise to highlight the photographers who best capture Florida’s beauty and spirit. He also joined us as a panelist for our “Conservation through the Arts” livestream, sharing how creativity and storytelling can instill a deeper commitment to protecting our natural world.
He also joined us as a panelist for our “Conservation through the Arts” livestream, sharing how creativity and storytelling can instill a deeper commitment to protecting our natural world.
Over the years, Anthony has inspired more than 300 students through his photography workshops and delivered dozens of public presentations, helping Floridians rediscover the beauty of their night skies and understand why they’re worth protecting.
Photo by Anthony Sleiman
Anthony’s work reminds us that conservation is not just about preserving what we can see—but also what we can still imagine. His passion for the night sky, and his dedication to sharing it with others, exemplify what it means to be a Conservation Champion. Through his photography, Anthony continues to inspire Floridians to look up, slow down, and reconnect with the wild beauty of our state after dark.
To see more of his work or get in touch, visit anthonysleiman.com or follow him on Instagram @anthsleiman.
