The Wild Photographer

Modern cameras can feel like mini computers with endless settings, but at the core of every great photograph lies just three: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.  In this episode of The Wild Photographer , Court unpacks the “Golden Triangle” of photography and explains how these three elements work together to shape exposure, creativity, and artistic intent. Through clear analogies and practical exa...

These lenses are no doubt your workhorses in any sort of photography. However, it can be a little complex deciding which one to invest in and have as part of your trusty camera kit. In this episode, I go into detail on what makes each lens great, and why you might want to choose one over the other depending on your style and needs. Takeaways The 24-70mm lens is a favorite among professionals for i...

This episode is dedicated to the fundamentals—the essential building blocks of great wildlife photography. Whether you’re just stepping into the world of nature photography or you’ve spent years in the field, revisiting the core principles can sharpen your eye and elevate your work. In this episode, we break down what I consider the six cornerstones of wildlife photography: composition, aperture,...

Hey friends, welcome back to The Wild Photographer ! Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite rabbit holes in photography—macro. And not just any macro… I’m talking about a quick and dirty (but oh-so-aesthetic) technique that lets you capture stunning macro shots without even bringing a macro lens. Yep, you heard that right. As a biologist and entomologist turned travel photographer, I’ve alway...

In this conversation, Alex Bogaard shares his journey into photography, discussing the balance between commercial work and personal passion. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, building a portfolio, and developing a personal style. Alex also highlights the significance of storytelling in photography and how it can be used for conservation efforts. He provides insights on engaging...

In this episode, the host discusses the technique of 'shooting to crop' in photography, particularly in wildlife photography. The conversation covers the importance of camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to ensure high-quality images that can withstand cropping. The host also emphasizes the significance of editing techniques and the role of camera gear in achieving t...

Photographing wildlife at night is tough, but there's a formula I've found that works incredibly well. It produces high quality, even low ISO, inspiring images of rarely seen animals we may encounter on wildlife photo adventures. In this episode I also go over the tools and specific camera settings, along with lessons and techniques from over 20 years on this topic for how to capture stu...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Marlo Shaw, a talented artist and photographer, shares her insights on the intersection of art and photography, emphasizing the importance of color theory, composition, and the creative process. She discusses her experiences with art shows, the techniques she employs in polar photography, and her strategies for capturing wildlife, particularly polar bears. Ma...

Summary In this episode, Court Whelan shares his insights on traveling with camera gear, focusing on the joys and challenges of preparation, lens selection, and the importance of accessories. He discusses strategies for packing, flying with gear, and maintaining equipment while traveling, emphasizing the need for careful planning to ensure a successful photography trip. All Gear Mentioned in List...

In this episode, Court discusses five techniques to inject creative vision into photography, emphasizing the importance of breaking traditional rules and experimenting with different perspectives and methods. From composition to intentional motion blur, each technique is designed to enhance creativity and encourage photographers to think outside the box. T akeaways Inject creative vision into your...

In this episode, host Court Whelan sits down with professional photo guide and Director of Photo Expeditions at Natural Habitat Adventures, Mike Hillman. Mike shares invaluable insights on wildlife photography, from mastering perfect pawsture in bear photography to the art of bird photography and finding your personal photographic style. We also dive into intentional camera movement (ICM), editing...

In this episode of The Wild Photographer, host Court Whelan dives deep into the world of tripods and stabilization techniques essential for photographers. He discusses the importance of tripods, the differences between cheap and expensive options, and the various types of tripod heads. The episode also covers travel tripods, monopods, and alternative stabilization methods, along with recommendatio...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Wild Photographer , Court Whelan breaks down the essential techniques for getting sharp images in both landscape and wildlife photography. He shares insider tips on shutter speed, aperture, and focusing techniques, plus the real impact of ISO on sharpness. You’ll also learn how to leverage image stabilization, drive mode, and post-processing tools like Topaz...

In this episode of The Wild Photographer , host Court Whelan discusses the art and science of photography with the talented Giulia Ciampini. As a photographer, educator, and conservationist, Giulia shares her journey from her first childhood photos to her current work in wildlife photography and photo instruction. ------------------------------------------- Want to turn your passion for photograph...

Summary: Want to turn your passion for photography into profit? Download the FREE guide now and kickstart selling your stock photography journey today. https://bit.ly/guide-to-selling-stockphotography ------------------------------------------- In this episode of the Wild Photographer podcast, Court Whelan discusses the five most important camera settings that every photographer should master to e...

On this episode of The Wild Photographer Court Whelan takes you on an exciting journey into the art of Northern Lights photography. From the gear you need to choosing the best locations, Court shares his expertise and years of experience in capturing this natural wonder. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this episode offers valuable insights to elevate your Aurora photogra...

Birds in flight are some of the most captivating and challenging subjects in wildlife photography. In this episode, I dive into the art (and a little science) of capturing those perfect airborne shots. Whether it’s a puffin soaring over Alaskan cliffs or a spoonbill gliding over Florida’s wetlands, photographing birds in motion allows you to capture their behavior, beauty, and raw essence—but it’s...

In this episode of The Wild Photographer , host Court Whelan delves into the fascinating world of conservation photography with Dana Cama. A passionate storyteller and dedicated conservationist, Dana shares her journey of blending art with advocacy to inspire change and connect audiences with nature’s beauty and challenges. ------------------------------------------- Want to turn your passion for...

In this enlightening episode of The Wild Photographer , Court Whelan, a seasoned wildlife photographer and conservationist, takes listeners on a journey into the heart of nature photography. Sharing his personal experiences and expertise, Court unravels the secrets behind capturing stunning wildlife moments. From understanding animal behavior to mastering the art of storytelling through images, Co...

In this episode of The Wild Photographer , host Court Whelan dives into the art and skill of wildlife photography. Jake Willers shares valuable insights into capturing animals in their natural habitat, discussing techniques to approach wildlife ethically and effectively. He emphasizes the importance of patience, respect for the environment, and understanding animal behavior, which can make the dif...

In this episode of The Wild Photographer , host Court Whelan gets into the art of capturing the silky water effect in nature photography. Court explains how to create that soft, flowing look with waterfalls, rivers, and oceans, a technique often seen in professional landscape photography. He shares practical advice on selecting the right equipment, from tripods to neutral density filters, to achie...

In this episode of The Wild Photographer , host Court Whelan sits down with renowned wildlife photographer and nature guide, Eddy Savage . With over a decade of experience guiding in remote locations like the Great Bear Rainforest and the Arctic, Eddy has honed his skills in capturing stunning images of wildlife, from grizzly bears to the ethereal Northern Lights. His journey from a casual photogr...

In this episode of The Wild Photographer , host Court Whelan explores the evolving role of physical filters in the age of digital photography. While many photographers rely heavily on post-processing software like Photoshop and Lightroom, Court argues that there are still certain filters that remain essential for achieving specific effects that digital tools can't replicate. Whether you'...

If you know you know...these are highly revered and often photographers' go-to lenses.  But how do they stack up for wildlife, landscape, travel, and general nature photography? Well, I just returned from a Borneo Photo Expedition and found that I had this on my camera about 80% of the time.  Yep, they're that good. In this episode I go over all the reasons why these are exceptional lens...

Chris is one of the most accomplished and talented photographers in today's day and age, known for everything from extraordinary aerial landscape photography, to surf photography, to epic storytelling in the nature and adventure space.  He's authored multiple books, has directed and produced sensational films, and has a business acumen that has made him a household name in the world of o...