Because nothing says “once-in-a-lifetime moment” like realizing you brought the wrong lens. A wildlife photo safari can be the pinnacle of a photographer’s year — maybe even their career. And I’m not just talking about the classic African safari (though… yes, that counts). I’m talking about everything from brown bears in Alaska to tigers in India to wolves in Yellowstone and polar bears in the Arctic. These trips are epic. They’re also wildly demanding on your gear. You’re of

I had an absolute blast recording my latest podcast episode because it tackles something every photographer secretly craves… a foundational understanding of photo "rules." This is not a rigid rulebook that squashes creativity, but a set of starting points that give you intentionality . Once you know the common starting points, aka rules, you can intentionally break “rules” unleashing further creativity (although the traditional rules definitely do not fly in the face of cre

Strong silhouettes, high key super bright photos that actually look great --these are the things that spot metering enables. Usually, spot metering is treated like a last-ditch effort tool for photographing wildlife in bushes or dimly lit scenarios. However, if you start using it, and practicing with it, you'll find that it can be a one-stop-shop to amazingly creative photography. Let's dive into how... Quick refresher: what spot metering does Most of us shoot in evaluative/m

Ever wonder why some wildlife photos just hit differently ? You know the ones — crisp, glowing with life, and that dreamy background blur that makes you want to print it and hang it on your wall. There’s a certain magic to professional wildlife portraits, but here’s the secret: it’s not magic at all. It’s a series of deliberate choices, a little technical know-how, and a lot of creative intent. In this article, I'm going to unpack how the pros consistently create those jaw-dr

An amazing moment from my recent Tanzania trip - definitely using these tips! If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “field-guide shot” zone,...

In a world filled with feature-packed cameras and endless customization, photography can easily feel overwhelming—especially for...

Few lens debates stir up as much discussion as the 24–70mm f/2.8  versus the 24–105mm f/4 (or 24–120mm in some brands) . Both are...

Hi friends, I'm coming back with a new podcast episode, specifically on the cornerstones of great wildlife photography. This article...

Let’s talk about a surprisingly powerful trick up your photography sleeve—macro photography without the macro lens. As a biologist and...

If you know anything about the world of outdoor photography, chances are the name Chris Burkard  rings a bell. But in my conversation on...

Ah, night. That mysterious, moody veil that transforms jungles into echo chambers, safaris into stage sets, and everyday creatures into...

I've been pondering on an extraordinary idea lately, credited to the great Harvard professor and originator of the idea of mindfulness ,...

In my most recent podcast on The Wild Photographer , I sat down with Marlo Shaw, and incredible artist, combining paining with...

I'm in the field right now, photographing in Borneo, and just had to share some fresh images...the photos I've captured over the past two...

Ah, the joy and stress of traveling with camera gear. It’s a yin and yang sort of deal. On one hand, you’ve got the thrill of planning...

To get incredible shots, it helps to have top notch gear. I'm often asked about the lenses, cameras, and accessories I bring with me on...

It's no secret that photo editing, aka post-processing, is cornerstone to beautiful and meaningful photography. However, it's become its...

When it comes to wildlife photography, few people have the breadth of experience and storytelling ability as Mike Hillman. As a...

an example of awe--nature and the intricacies of beauty all around us I have recently been learning about the science of “Awe” via two...

It's official, the 2024/2025 monarch colonies have nearly doubled and it feels oh-so-good. I was guiding photo expeditions and...