The Wild Photographer
Court Whelan
Learn techniques, tips, and tricks for improving your wildlife, travel, landscape, and general nature photography with Court Whelan. Whether you consider yourself a beginner, serious hobbyist, or advanced professional, this is the way to rapidly understand and implement new skills to elevate your photography to new heights.
Five Techniques to Inject Creative Vision into your Photography
Send us a textIn 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.TakeawaysInject creative vision into your photography on any camera.Exaggerate composition to break traditional rules.Intentional
Apr 11, • 30:34
Mastering Wildlife Photography: Insights from Pro Photo Guide Mike Hillman
Send us a textIn 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 techniques that harness the psychology of the eye, and the logistics behind planning
Mar 20, • 54:49
All about Tripods (and other stabilization) and My Recommendations
Send us a textIn 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 recommendations for top brands. Finally, Court shares tips for achieving silky water photography, e
Mar 2, • 40:15
How Pro Photographers Get Super Sharp Images Every Time
Send us a textEpisode 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 Denoise to get crystal-clear shots.Key Takeaways:📍 Shutter Speed & Movement: The f
Feb 13, • 42:40
National Geographic Photo Instructor, Giulia Ciampini, on the way to blend Art, Science and Storytelling in Nature Photography
Send us a textIn 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.Giulia provides important points on the intersection of art and conservation, discussing her philosophy of storytelling through photography, her creative process, and the i
Jan 30, • 57:00
5 Key Camera Settings for Nature and Wildlife Photography - What They Are and How to Use Them
Send us a textSummary:In this episode of the Wild Photographer podcast, Court Whelan discusses the five most important camera settings that every photographer should master to enhance their photography skills. He explains the significance of the drive motor, exposure compensation, autofocus zones, autofocus types, and white balance. Additionally, he addresses a listener question about the differences between RAW and JPEG formats, emphasizing the advantages of shooting in RAW for better editing f
Jan 16, • 37:29
Techniques for Photographing the Northern Lights, from Beginner to Advanced
Send us a textOn 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 photography skills.-------------------------------------------Want to turn your passion for ph
Jan 2, • 45:43
Techniques and Settings for Birds-in-Flight Photography
Send us a textBirds 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 no easy feat.I share three key techniques to take your bird-in-flight photography to
Dec 25, 2024 • 27:23
Social Media Strategies for Photographers to Amplify Conservation Efforts with Dana Cama
Send us a textIn 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.Dana provides a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, discussing how she captures compelling stories through her lens and uses her platform to raise awa
Dec 12, 2024 • 1:05:05
Behind the Scenes: My Complete Workflow for Downloading, Processing, and Storing my Digital Photos
Send us a textIn 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, Court emphasizes the power of photography in connecting people to the natural world.Liste
Nov 28, 2024 • 1:05:50
The Hidden Secrets of Pre-Production for Stunning Wildlife Films with Jake Willers
Send us a textIn 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 difference between a good shot and a great one.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding
Nov 14, 2024 • 1:12:17
How to Capture Perfect Silky Water Photos Using Slow Shutter with Court Whelan
Send us a textIn 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 achieve the best results.Listeners will learn essential camera settings, composition tips, a
Oct 31, 2024 • 27:23
Wildlife Photography Essentials & Effective Planning with Eddy Savage
Send us a textIn 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 photographer to a full-time professional is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep connection
Sep 26, 2024 • 1:03:23
Do Photographers Still Need Filters? Maybe not the ones you think.
Send us a textIn 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're a seasoned pro or a photography enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights
Sep 5, 2024 • 24:23
My Thoughts on the 70-200mm Class of Lenses
Send us a textIf 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 lenses for nature photography, but also acknowledge some of their downsides.If you'd li
Jun 19, 2024 • 17:44
Talking with Chris Burkard: Ultra-wide Landscapes, Adaptability, and Why Visualizing the Outcome is Essential for the Best Photography
Send us a textChris 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 outdoor photography.In this episode we talk about so many things in the photography wor
May 7, 2024 • 55:12
The Way Pro Photographers Get Extraordinary Landscape Shots
Send us a textWhen you see a professional landscape photo, usually in a gallery, a magazine cover or photobook, there is just something different...it's jumps out to you as "pro level." In today's episode, I do a deep dive into how you can achieve this same look and vibe in your own photography. Spoiler alert, there is no shortcut. But, I do have a roadmap.It involves a lot of the "classic" photo ingredients like timing and aperture, but the list goes well beyond
Apr 6, 2024 • 38:01
Talking with Richard de Gouveia: Safari Photography, Favorite Lenses, Storytelling and Inspiration
Send us a textToday we're talking with Rich--a phenomenal photographer, African safari guide, and just great person all-around. Having had a long, yet still ascending guiding career, he's got a lot of sage advice for seasoned photographers and budding photographers alike.We go over a lot, and there is so much to take away from this conversation. We get some excellent thoughts on storytelling in photography, discuss his ambassadorship with Sony, his favorite lenses for various photo s
Mar 8, 2024 • 56:35
A Beginner's Guide to Picking a Wide Angle Lens
Send us a textThe wide angle lens is a thing of beauty--it's probably the most crucial piece of any photographer's gear bag. They're a must for landscape photography, but also really excellent at travel and cultural photography, and even wildlife photography if you get the right one. Plus, they give you a lot of bang for your buck and are often a beginner photographer's first entry into high quality lenses due to relative affordability. In this episode I dive into everythin
Feb 13, 2024 • 24:25
Talking with Arthur Lefo: His Approach and Techniques for Capturing the Best Wildlife Photos Possible
Send us a textThis episode is full of so many gems! Today I talk with Arthur Lefo, an extraordinary wildlife photographer out of Denver (and Jackson Hole) whose meteoric rise with photography has been nothing short of inspirational.In this episode, we talk a lot about his strategy, thoughts, and workflow when setting up, taking the photo, and processing the result. We talk about positioning with wildlife, following the light, and his intuitive way to edit photos using mostly gradients and brus
Jan 6, 2024 • 1:07:26
Never Get Another Blurry Wildlife Photo Ever Again
Send us a textIt's shocking, demoralizing and just wrong...you nail the shot but then you go back later and look at your "prized" photos and they all have a slight blur to them. Or worse, they're really blurry! Either way, I have the explanation and solution for you. It this episode, I do a deep dive into all the reasons this happens, and specific guidance on how to avoid this in the future. I talk a good bit about shutter speed, but also explain how ISO, aperture, focusin
Oct 29, 2023 • 38:09
Choosing the Right Telephoto Lens for Wildlife
Send us a textZoom Telephoto lenses are the workhorses of wildlife photography. However, there are many attributes that differ between each "class" of zoom telephoto. Whether you're deciding which telephoto to bring on your next trip or are just wanting to know what to look for in your next purchase, this covers it all.In this episode, we dive into the various components that you should consider when picking out a lens for wildlife photography, including max telephoto length, rang
Jul 28, 2023 • 21:39
Capturing Magical Moments During the Blue Hour
Send us a textThe blue hour is a fantastic time of day for creating unique scenes out of the ordinary. That time just after sunset and prior to pure darkness has a special hue to the sky. Not only is it great to photograph during this time of day, but it's a logical "transition" from sunset photography.Listen for a full digest on how to set up and capture brilliant photography during the blue hour.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon 24-105mm f/4Canon 100-500
Jun 9, 2023 • 17:58
Pro Tips on Photographing Bears
Send us a textBear photography is one of the most spectacular forms of wildlife photography on planet earth. It's also one of the most popular, with summertime Brown Bear photography in places like Alaska and Yellowstone National Park being a yearly ritual for many wildlife photographers.In this episode, I dive into the many strategies and pro tips for bear photography to ensure you get the absolute best photos during your bear photography adventure. While most of my examples speak about
May 17, 2023 • 26:22
A Deep Dive into My Own Camera Gear
Send us a textIn this episode I go through all of my camera gear discussing what I have and why I have each piece, whether its a lens, a tripod, an accessory, etc. I've always found this to be a super useful tool in broadening ones horizons with photography and learning from others. In addition to the things I do have, I mention certain things I do not in order to break out what I view as essential, nice-to-have, and can-do-without. Although I call out specific brands and models, this defi
Apr 21, 2023 • 45:23
Elements of the Perfect Camera Bag
Send us a textWhen you're a traveling nature photographer, having a great camera bag is a must. In this snapshot episode I talk about the components of a great camera bag and give recommendations for my favorite styles for each type of photo adventure.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon 24-105mm f/4Canon 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon 100mm f/2.8Manfrotto Carbon Fiber TripodManfrotto Pistol Grip Ballhead
Mar 18, 2023 • 19:29
All About African Safari Photography
Send us a textExtraordinary wildlife, stunning scenery, and a travel vibe that is just plain awesome--African safaris are the best! Today we dive deep into all things African safari photography including gear advice, trip planning advice, as well as specific photo strategies for wildlife, sunrise, blue hour, and landscape photography (and more) in Africa.I continue with a detailed overview of safari regions, discussing the merits and specifics of East Africa and Southern Africa photo safaris,
Feb 23, 2023 • 42:27
My Go-To Camera Settings and Modes for Wildlife and Landscape Photography
Send us a textToday's digital cameras have SO many settings and modes! This can be overwhelming, but it's actually a good thing once you understand the perfect settings for your photography. In this episode you'll hear my go-to settings for every time I'm out in our wild world taking wildlife and landscape photos. If you match my settings I have no doubt you can master your camera and use these perfect (and easy) settings to capture the best photos each and every time.My F
Jan 31, 2023 • 26:13
The Way Pro Photographers get Perfect Wildlife Portraits
Send us a textWhen we see a pro photographer's wildlife portraiture, there is just something special about its look. It just "looks so professional." Want to know how this is consistently possible?In this episode, we dive into how pro photographers use their tools and techniques to their advantage to get amazing portraiture of animals and emphasize that sensational contrast of blurred background with tack-sharp focus on the animal subject. My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 1
Apr 3, 2022 • 16:50
What is "Bracketing" and when should you use it?
Send us a textPhotography certainly has its fair share of fancy terms and complicated menu systems. This is even more true in this digital age. However, bracketing is actually one of the more ancestral options within a camera menu, with roots stretching firmly back to film days.Do you need bracketing? What is it? Tune in to learn all about it, the various applications, how to use it, and what are the best scenes to actually use it.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon 24-10
Mar 12, 2022 • 24:01
Secrets to Amazing Sunset and Sunrise Photography
Send us a textIt's one of the more frequent opportunities we have as nature photographers...to capture an awesome sunset or sunrise. However, there is a big difference between just documenting it and capturing something extraordinary. And for those times where these solar displays are just mind-blowing, we tend to get lost in the moment and forget the artistry involved.I've honed these techniques and tips for years and years of photographing sunsets (and sunrises!) from all over the
Apr 16, 2021 • 19:34
Getting Away from Auto - The Journey to Program, Aperture and Manual Modes
Send us a textIf you are ready to take the leap and move away from using the full auto setting on your camera, I commend you. And you will be happy you did so, because your photos, and your general creativity, will shine! In this episode I walk you through the various "next steps" if you are ready to move toward greater creative control. The best part of this is that you do NOT have to immediately jump to Aperture or Manual modes to take the first step. For instance, P or Program m
Mar 5, 2021 • 22:33
Photo Jargon: 10 Definitions to help you Talk the Talk
Send us a textGosh I wish this existed when I was learning photography! Today I go over 10 different "photo jargon" terms that will help you understand photography better. This isn't only designed to help you talk the talk, but also to help you better learn from tutorials, photo guides, and fellow photographers that might use these terms around you. This one is straight to the point--learning definitions can be fun, right?My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon
Feb 12, 2021 • 22:51
Talking with Drew Hamilton - Photographing Bears and Charismatic Megafauna
Send us a textDrew is on an endless quest to photograph the world's "charismatic megafauna," as he calls it. But while his portfolio is filled with some of the best bear photography we've ever seen...sparring polar bears in the Canadian Arctic and brown (grizzly) bears fishing for salmon in Alaska are just a couple examples, it doesn't always come easy.Today we host the great Drew Hamilton himself and talk about a variety of nature photography topics, including his late
Jan 26, 2021 • 50:25
All About Composition
Send us a textComposition is king. It is absolutely critical that your final photo (after editing and whatnot) has great composition or else it's a big miss. It will miss the opportunity to make a powerful first imrpression--the WOW factor--and also miss on the lasting power of great art.Fortunately, composition is something that can be mastered both in-camera as well as when processing and editing your photos. Join me in this episode to get the full download on composition...what to thi
Jan 1, 2021 • 24:01
Travel and Nature Photography with Colby Brokvist
Send us a textOur first interview is with none other than the Colby Brokvist. He wears a lot of hats, including premier Expedition Leader in polar regions of the world, conservation biologist, all around outdoorsman and backcountry aficionado. But what he quickly says what he identifies with perhaps what he enjoys most is being a Travel Photographer.Tune in here and get a glimpse into the brain of one of the greats and learn about his favorite animal to photography, that time he was 30 feet ab
Nov 7, 2020 • 39:42
Key Camera Gear for African Photo Safaris
Send us a textThere's nothing bigger, more exciting, or more monumental than a photo safari to Africa. Get the low down from Court on key pieces of gear that you may or may not be thinking of to ensure it's the photographic adventure of a lifetime.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon 24-105mm f/4Canon 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon 100mm f/2.8Manfrotto Carbon Fiber TripodManfrotto Pistol Grip Ballhead
Sep 30, 2020 • 20:54
3 Key Camera Settings for Wildlife Photography
Send us a textWildlife photography is my jam! It's one of the most exciting kinds of photography out there. Just being amongst the world's greatest animals is thrilling...capturing them in the camera for a lifetime of memories is even better.As we all strive toward better photos, understanding your camera settings for each type of photography is becoming more and more important. I've distilled this down into the three most important settings (in my opinion) as they pertain to wil
Aug 31, 2020 • 15:08
A Deep Dive into the Balance between Aperture and Shutter Speed
Send us a textThis is the essence of photography--the balance between aperture and shutter speed. This episode does a deep dive into not only this relationship, but examples of when you want to prioritize big vs. small apertures and long vs. short shutter speeds. In addition, Court explains where and how ISO plays a part, plus recommendations for your camera settings if you shoot on aperture or shutter speed priority modes. Finally, Court will share his newest pro tip on manual camera settings t
Aug 14, 2020 • 27:20
Adjusting your Photography for Backlit Wildlife in Trees
Send us a textThere are so many species of animals that spend their days in the trees. Good for them, but this can make photographing them VERY challenging. The difficulty comes in when the animal is high above you, forcing you to photograph against a backlit sky. How are you going to fix this? Are you going to NOT photograph that lemur? No! Follow this tips and techniques for getting the shot even in these challenging conditions.Prefer watching a video? Check out this video I made on this topi
Jul 28, 2020 • 9:12
Smartphone Photography Technique - 5 Tips for this Summer
Send us a textSmartphones can give us mixed feelings at times, but one thing is for sure...they've given us the ability to always have a camera with us for any moment and any scene. I always say that the best camera in the world is the one you have with you, and therefore smartphones are game-changing.While traditional photography rules still apply, these little cameras present novel, creative opportunities, and some rules are more important than ever to follow. In addition, I share some
Jul 9, 2020 • 12:30
JPEG vs. RAW - What is Right for You?
Send us a textA question many of us are faced with at some point in our photographic careers... Whether you are just starting out, or are a many-year veteran and just wondering if you're "doing it right," this is a quick 10 minute "Snapshot" episode on something VERY important to your end-product photo quality in today's digital photography world.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon 24-105mm f/4Canon 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon 100mm f/2.8Manfrotto
Jun 11, 2020 • 10:30
Night Photography 101: Stars, Night Scenes, Aurora, and More
Send us a textNight photography is tough! But it also produces some of the most spectacular photographs out there. Don't hold yourself back...Night Photography is wildly rewarding!!Tune in here to understand everything to get started with Night Photography. In this episode we focus on the necessary gear and key techniques for setting up the shot (focusing, composition, shot settings, etc.). Then we finish up with tips on where to go for the best astrophotography and northern lights on the
May 23, 2020 • 46:46
Photographing Fast-Moving Things
Send us a textIn this episode, Court goes over the steps and techniques for photographing anything that is fast moving. Whether it's wildlife, athletes, or even kids playing your backyard, understanding and implementing these techniques are game-changing for photographing action. Covering proper shutter speeds to focus settings to composition and beyond, this episode is the definitive guide on photographing things that are on the move.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon
May 10, 2020 • 34:50
Preventing your Camera from Fogging in Humid Environments
Send us a textThere's nothing more frustrating than walking out your door and instantly getting fog on your lens that lasts for minutes. What if you miss a shot!? This is all too common in warm, humid places, but is easily preventable--with the right tips, of course! This episode goes over why it fogs in the first place, and a number of ways you can prevent this going forward.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon 24-105mm f/4Canon 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon 100mm f/2.8Ma
Apr 19, 2020 • 14:31
Understanding and Setting your Camera's White Balance
Send us a textWhite balance is important! Let this episode fill you in on how and why to go beyond Auto White Balance and instantly see improvements in your photography. In addition, Court will share his own personal tips on how he uses different white balance settings for different types of photography.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon 16-35mm f/2.8Canon 24-105mm f/4Canon 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon 100mm f/2.8Manfrotto Carbon Fiber TripodManfrotto Pistol Grip Ballhead
Apr 7, 2020 • 14:39
Understanding and Perfecting Camera Focus
Send us a textAchieving perfect focus is one of the most important skills in photography today. Not only does tack-sharp focus make your photos look amazing, and professional, but improper focus is one of the most difficult things to "fix" in photoshop. This podcast is a start to finish explanation of focus...how to best use auto-focus, a discussion on different focusing modes, and how to get perfect focus each and every time, in a variety of situations, from wildlife to people to lan
Mar 29, 2020 • 26:28
