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How Pro Photographers Capture Perfect Wildlife Portraits
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

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
2 days ago3 min read


How to Make your Wildlife Photography More Captivating and Creative
An amazing moment from my recent Tanzania trip - definitely using these tips! If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “field-guide shot” zone,...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Oct 56 min read


Mastering the Golden Triangle of Photography: Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO Explained
In a world filled with feature-packed cameras and endless customization, photography can easily feel overwhelming—especially for...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Sep 145 min read


Gear-up for Greatness: 24–70mm vs. 24–105mm...Which Lens is Right for You?
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...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Aug 193 min read


Wildlife Photography 101: The Basics (and Cornerstones) for Creating Your Best Wildlife Photos
Hi friends, I'm coming back with a new podcast episode, specifically on the cornerstones of great wildlife photography. This article...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Aug 125 min read


Quick & Dirty Macro: Stunning Close-Ups Without a Macro Lens
Let’s talk about a surprisingly powerful trick up your photography sleeve—macro photography without the macro lens. As a biologist and...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Jul 263 min read


Beyond the Lens: Life Lessons from Chris Burkard on Art, Adventure & Authenticity
If you know anything about the world of outdoor photography, chances are the name Chris Burkard rings a bell. But in my conversation on...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Jul 63 min read


Into the Night: Tips for Night Wildlife Photography
Ah, night. That mysterious, moody veil that transforms jungles into echo chambers, safaris into stage sets, and everyday creatures into...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Jun 224 min read


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

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Jun 192 min read


From Brush Strokes to Bear Behavior: What Lessons from Painting Can Teach Us About Polar Photography
In my most recent podcast on The Wild Photographer , I sat down with Marlo Shaw, and incredible artist, combining paining with...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Jun 154 min read


How to Photograph Birds in Flight
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...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
May 312 min read


How Pros Travel (and prep for travel) with Camera Gear: Camera Prep for the Field
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...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
May 84 min read


My Complete Photography Kit
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...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Apr 223 min read


NEW: Examples in Editing Video Tutorials
It's no secret that photo editing, aka post-processing, is cornerstone to beautiful and meaningful photography. However, it's become its...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Mar 291 min read


Mastering Wildlife Photography: Key Insights from Pro Photo Guide Mike Hillman
When it comes to wildlife photography, few people have the breadth of experience and storytelling ability as Mike Hillman. As a...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Mar 224 min read


Why I am in Awe
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...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Mar 162 min read


Monarch Butterfly Numbers Double (and fresh photos of the 2025 migration)!
It's official, the 2024/2025 monarch colonies have nearly doubled and it feels oh-so-good. I was guiding photo expeditions and...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Mar 82 min read


A Guide to Tripods and Stabilization: Key Takeaways from The Wild Photographer Podcast
If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need a tripod or what kind of stabilization gear is best for your photography style, this...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Mar 23 min read


How to Ensure Tack-Sharp Images Each and Every Time
Achieving razor-sharp images is the holy grail for photographers, whether you're capturing sprawling landscapes or elusive wildlife. In...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Feb 153 min read


Mastering Five Game-Changing Camera Settings for Photographers
Hey there, wild photographers! Let’s face it, navigating the seemingly endless labyrinth of camera settings can be daunting. Even...

Court Whelan, Ph.D.
Jan 193 min read
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