Everyone knows harbor seals and elephant seals. But the ocean has over 30 species of true seals — and some of the most photogenic ones are the hardest to find.

Here are 5 that belong on every wildlife photographer's bucket list:

1. Ribbon Seal — Found in the North Pacific, these seals have striking black-and-white banding that looks almost painted on. They spend most of their lives on pack ice, making them incredibly elusive.

2. Ross Seal — Antarctica's rarest seal. They have massive eyes and a distinctive singing call. Fewer wildlife photographers have shot a Ross seal than have summited Everest.

3. Mediterranean Monk Seal — One of the most endangered marine mammals on Earth. Fewer than 700 remain. Photographing one in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

4. Hooded Seal — The males inflate a bright red nasal balloon during mating displays. It's one of the most bizarre and photogenic behaviors in the animal kingdom.

5. Baikal Seal — The only exclusively freshwater seal, found in Siberia's Lake Baikal. Their enormous dark eyes make them look like something from a Studio Ghibli film.

If you're into seals, wildlife photography, or ocean conservation — I'm building something for you. Every week I break down a different corner of the seal world with photos, science, and stories from the field.