My Most Popular Episode (Re-Release): How Pro Photographers Get Perfect Wildlife Portraits
Send us a textEver wonder what makes a professional wildlife portrait pop? In this fan-favorite episode, Court breaks down the secrets behind tack-sharp eyes, buttery-smooth backgrounds, and that magical “pro photo” look. You’ll learn how aperture, telephoto compression, and background distance all work together to make your shots stand out. From choosing your f-stop to post-processing blur and sharpening tricks, this episode is a masterclass in getting your wildlife portraits to wow.Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes:LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% offShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% offArthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)
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How to Make your Wildlife Photography More Captivating and Creative
Send us a textIn need of a creative jolt for your wildlife photography and get better, more captivating images (and memories)? In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court shares a dozen practical ways to make wildlife images truly captivating. We cover when to crank your drive mode for expressive behavior, how getting low and shooting at eye level transforms background separation, and the simple distance ratio that creates creamy blur even at f/8. You’ll learn to choose your background (not accept it), frame with natural elements, and zoom in on intriguing details for a story-driven series. Court also demos creative exposure tools—spot metering for dramatic light, in-camera white balance shifts for mood—and several motion techniques, from slow-shutter pans to zoom/rotate effects. Finally, we break composition “rules” on purpose, using exaggerated negative space and dead-center symmetry when the scene calls for it. If you’re ready to move from documentation to impact, this one’s for you.Chapter Markers00:00 Introduction to Captivating Wildlife Photography00:44 Thanks to Sponsors04:20 Introduction04:59 Understanding Drive Motor for Wildlife Photography08:23 Get Low (and on eye level)10:27 Utilizing Shallow Depth of Field15:09 Zooming in on Animal Details18:16 Framing your Shots20:02 The Allure of Spot Metering23:28 Matching (or playing with) White Balance26:23 Intentional Motion Blur Techniques28:35 Other Uses of Slow Shutter31:03 Composition Techniques34:08 Choosing the Your Background37:28 ConclusionCourt's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes:LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% offShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% offArthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)
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Talking with Colby Brokvist: Mountain Photography, Intentionality When Setting Up the Shot, Defining Style, and How to Get into Photo Guiding
Send us a textWhat does it mean to slow down, be intentional, and truly see before pressing the shutter? In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court sits down with renowned guide and photographer Colby Brokvist for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, simplicity, and storytelling in photography. From the ethereal landscapes of Antarctica to the discipline of putting your camera down and being present, Colby shares wisdom on cultivating intentionality, developing a personal style, and guiding others to find their own voice as photographers. Along the way, they explore the balance between technical skill and creative vision, the evolving role of conservation photography, and the realities of leading photo trips around the world.Main Takeaways:How to get into guiding photo trips and teaching photographySimplicity is the answer (why and how to keep it simple)Thoughts from Colby on Photographing AntarcticaColby’s Go-To Settings and why he’s always prepared for fast actionColby’s advice for honing your style (but not to be put in a box) and thoughts on a timeless styleColby's Tips on Mountain PhotographyWhy image searches on google can elevate your photography for your upcoming tripWhy Colby always recommends traveling with a lightweight kitPlus, Colby's favorite x-factor lensLinks Discussed and to Share:Colby's Guide-Training Academy: Waypoint Guide Academy WebsiteAnd IG Account: Waypoint InstagramColby's Personal IG: Colbyoutdoors InstagramColby's Guide-Training Book: The Professional Guide's HandbookColby's Photo Website: Colby Outdoors PhotographyThe Creative Act by Rick RubinWill Patino's YouTube (Colby's favorite YouTube Photographer)Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes:LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% offShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% offArthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)
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The Golden Triangle Explained: Understand it and Master Photography Settings Forever
Send us a textModern 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 examples, you’ll learn how to balance depth of field, motion, and light to capture the scene in front of you exactly as you envision it. Whether you’re exploring landscapes, photographing wildlife, or diving deeper into your craft, this episode provides a straightforward guide to mastering the fundamentals that matter most in mastering photography.Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes:LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% offShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% offArthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)
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My Thoughts on the 24-70mm vs. 24-105mm Class of Lenses
Send us a textThese 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.TakeawaysThe 24-70mm lens is a favorite among professionals for its sharpness and low-light capabilities.F2.8 aperture is excellent for portrait and low-light photography.The 24-105mm lens offers more versatility with its extended range.Weight and size are significant factors for travel photographers (feather in the cap for 24-105mm).The 24-70mm lens has better resale value due to its popularity.Consider your primary photography style when choosing a lens--do you need f/2.8?The 24-105mm is more affordable and lighter, making it a great option for many.Image stabilization can influence the choice between the two lenses.Ultimately, the best lens is the one that fits your needs and is with you when you need it. If you don't need f/2.8 for your landscape/walking-around lens, save the money, size, and weight and go for the 24-105mm.Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes:LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% offShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% offArthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)
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.
South Africa