The Wild Photographer

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 the next level. From the fundamentals of full-zone and continuous autofocus to the game-changing advancements of modern autofocus tracking, this episode is packed with practical advice for photographers at all levels. I also break down essential camera settings, like how to nail your shutter speed (hint: fast is key), why f/8 is a sweet spot for aperture, and how to let auto ISO handle the rest.You'll also hear tips on zooming out for easier tracking, using high drive motors for action-packed shots, and even leveraging advanced features like eye-tracking autofocus. Plus, a bonus tip on using image stabilization effectively for panning shots!Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer or just starting out, these strategies will help you transform fleeting moments into stunning images. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to bring a little more "wow" to your wildlife photography. Don’t forget to drop me a message with your own questions—I’d love to feature them in future episodes!Expect to Learn: Mastering Autofocus: Full Zone and Continuous ModeLeverage Autofocus Tracking for PrecisionOptimize Camera Settings for Birds in MotionZoom Out to Keep Birds in FrameUse High Drive Motors for Action ShotsThis episode is kindly sponsored by:LensRentals.com.  Use WildPhotographer15 promo code for 15% discount.  Find Me:YouTube: @courtwhelanInstagram: @court_whelan & @the.wild.photographerWebsite: www.courtwhelan.comEmail: [email protected]

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 awareness about critical environmental issues. She emphasizes the power of intentional storytelling and building connections, offering valuable insights for aspiring photographers and conservation enthusiasts alike.Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, an environmental advocate, or simply curious about the intersection of art and activism, this episode will leave you inspired to look at the world through a new lens.Expect to Learn:The role of storytelling in conservation efforts.Tips for crafting impactful narratives through photography.How to build meaningful connections with your audience.The challenges and rewards of balancing art and advocacy.Practical advice for aspiring conservation photographers.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:01:11] – Introduction: Court introduces Dana and sets the stage for the discussion.[00:04:17] – Dana’s Journey: Dana shares her beginnings in conservation photography and her motivations for blending storytelling with environmental advocacy.[00:14:57] – The Power of Storytelling: How Dana uses photography to spark conversations and inspire change.[00:21:39] – Social Media Strategies: Navigating the technical and emotional aspects of conservation work through social media. [00:49:14] – Practical Advice For Beginners : Dana’s recommendations for budding conservation photographers.[01:05:50] – Closing Thoughts:Where can people find Dana on social media? This episode is kindly sponsored by:LensRentals.com.  Use WildPhotographer15 promo code for 15% discount.  My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon EF 16-35mm f/2.8Canon RF 24-105mm f/4Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8Canon EF Macro 100mm f/2.8Canon RF 50mm f/1.8Peak Design Carbon Fiber TripodFollow Court on Socials: Website: https://www.courtwhelan.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtwhelan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/court_whelan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildphotographer.podcast Buzzsprout: https://thewildphotographer.buzzsprout.com/ Email: [email protected] Dana Cama on Socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaCamaPhoto/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danacama/ Website: Dana Cama PhotoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danacama/ 

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.Listeners will discover practical tips and ethical considerations for wildlife photography, as Court highlights the importance of patience, preparation, and respect for the environment. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply curious about the craft, this episode offers an inspiring and educational perspective on how to create impactful images that tell powerful Expect to Learn:How to use patience and observation to capture the perfect wildlife moment.The best equipment and settings for wildlife photography.Techniques for shooting in challenging environments.Ethical considerations for photographing animals in their natural habitats.Tips on storytelling through photography.This episode is kindly sponsored by:LensRentals.com.  Use WildPhotographer15 promo code for 15% discount.  My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon EF 16-35mm f/2.8Canon RF 24-105mm f/4Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8Canon EF Macro 100mm f/2.8Canon RF 50mm

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 of camera settings, lighting, and compositional techniques that bring wildlife photographs to life. Jake also discusses the challenges and rewards of this unique field and offers practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned photographers aiming to refine their wildlife photography skills.Expect to Learn:Essential camera settings for wildlife photographyTechniques to approach animals without disturbing themHow to use natural light effectively in outdoor settingsCompositional tips to capture dynamic wildlife shotsEthical considerations and respect for wildlife in photographyThis episode is kindly sponsored by:LensRentals.com - be sure to use promo code WildPhotographer15 for a 15% discount.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon EF 16-35mm f/2.8Canon RF 24-105mm f/4Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8Canon EF Macro 100mm f/2.8Canon RF 50mm f/1.8Peak Design Carbon Fiber Tripod