The Wild Photographer

• 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 importance of mastering technical skills.She also shares practical advice for aspiring photographers, touching on gear recommendations, field techniques, and the art of curating cohesive bodies of work.Expect to Learn:How Giulia blends art and science in her photography.Tips for mastering your gear and creative process.The role of storytelling in creating impactful conservation photography.Strategies for building a cohesive photographic style and body of work.Insights into post-processing, gear selection, and fieldwork preparation.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:01:01] – Early Beginnings: Giulia recalls her first experiences with photography as a child and the influence of her background in biology and education.[00:03:37] – Art vs. Documentation: Giulia shares how she balances documenting subjects with creating artistic, emotionally evocative images.[00:09:25] – Hands-On Photo Instruction: Lessons from her fieldwork, including techniques for teaching photography in immersive environments.[00:21:29] – Defining Style: Giulia reflects on the evolution of her photographic style and how it reflects her personal growth and environment.[00:32:40] – Conservation Photography: Using images to inspire connection and action, and the importance of human-centric storytelling.[00:39:07] – Post-Processing: Her approach to editing, curating cohesive work, and creating timeless images.[00:45:37] – Gear Talk: Giulia discusses her favorite lenses, her new Canon R5 Mark II, and tips for traveling light with essential equipment.[00:56:20] – Final Thoughts: Giulia shares her excitement for upcoming projects and where listeners can connect with her online.This episode is kindly sponsored by:LensRentals.com. Use WildPhotographer15 promo code for 15% off.My Full Camera Kit:Canon R5 BodyCanon R5 Mark II 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] Giulia Ciampini on Socials:Website: https://www.giuliaciampini.com/Website: https://www.giuliaciampiniphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giuliaciampiniphoto/ 

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• 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 flexibility. The episode is packed with practical tips and insights for photographers of all levels.Takeaways:Camera settings can seem complicated but are essential to master.The five key settings are drive motor, exposure compensation, autofocus zone, autofocus type, and white balance.Setting your drive motor correctly is crucial for capturing action shots.Exposure compensation allows for quick adjustments to lighting in your photos.Autofocus zones should be set to the center for better focus control.Continuous autofocus is beneficial for fast-moving subjects.Shooting in RAW provides more editing flexibility than JPEG.Memory storage for RAW files is relatively inexpensive now.Experimenting with white balance can dramatically change photo colors.Listener questions are encouraged for future episodes. Connect with Court:Instagram: @court_whelan & @the.wild.photographerFB: https://www.facebook.com/wildphotographer.podcast/Website: https://www.courtwhelan.com/Email: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@courtwhelanThis episode is kindly sponsored by: LensRentals.com.  Use WildPhotographer15 promo code for 15% discount.  

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• How to Photograph 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.Court discusses essential techniques, including camera settings, composition tips, and even how to use your phone for breathtaking shots. He also explores the science behind the Aurora Borealis and how to pick the perfect time and location for your next photography adventure. Packed with practical advice, this episode is your ultimate guide to capturing nature's most dazzling light show.Expect to Learn:The challenges and joys of photographing the Northern LightsHow to select and use the right gear for Aurora photographyTips for composing stunning shots with dynamic foregroundsThe science behind the Aurora Borealis and choosing optimal locationsUsing camera settings and time-lapse techniques to capture the AuroraHow to shoot great Northern Lights photos with your smartphoneEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00:47] – Introduction: Court introduces the episode and the magic of Northern Lights photography.[00:07:05] – Choosing the Right Gear: Insights into cameras, lenses, and tripods for the best results.[00:15:11] – Timing Matters: Understanding the 11-year Aurora cycle and best months for viewing.[00:24:00] – Composing Your Shots: Importance of foreground elements and techniques for framing.[00:29:48] – Mastering Focus: Tips for achieving sharp focus in challenging conditions.[00:39:17] – Phone Photography: Capturing the Aurora using smartphones.[00:41:05] – Court’s Gear Picks: Recommendations for cameras, lenses, and accessories.[00:45:45] – Closing Thoughts: Court wraps up with tips and listener Q&A about multi-purpose lenses.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]

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• 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 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]

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• 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 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/ 

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