Thank you and Farewell to 2024!

As we wrap up the 2024 season, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.

Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us, for trusting us with your wildlife holidays, and for joining us in exploring the wild and wondrous places this planet has to offer.

This year has been nothing short of magical. From the breathtaking landscapes we visited to the awe-inspiring wildlife we encountered, every moment has been a reminder of how precious and deserving of protection these wild places and animals are.

It has been our privilege to share their stories with you, to show you their beauty, and to shine a light on why they are worth fighting for.

Through these journeys, we have been dedicated to showing people this incredible world without fences, one story at a time…where nature knows no boundaries and its wonders can be truly experienced.

Our mission has always been to connect people with nature in a meaningful way—to foster an appreciation for these animals and inspire a sense of stewardship for the planet we all call home.

Thank you for being part of this journey, for watching our videos, reading our blogs, and commenting on our images. Your support means the world to us.

From all of us at SDM, thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

As this season comes to a close, I’m looking forward to spending some quality time at home with my family and friends.

It’s time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy the holiday season with loved ones.

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Image by Graeme Purdy

To all of you, I send love and light this holiday season. May your days be filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with those you hold dear.

Thank you for being part of our adventure. I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for all of us.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season and an incredible new year ahead!

Love and light,

SDM Crew.

2024 GROUP PHOTOS: A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in 2024. Thank you for the amazing moments and memories we shared together. Love you guys!

SO WILD… The Final Adventures of the Year.

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As I prepare to wrap up the 2024 season, I am on the boat, motoring out to Tiger Beach as I write this.

The familiar sight of the open ocean and the anticipation of seeing my old friends (the tigers), fills me with excitement and gratitude.

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to the incredible people I’ve shared these adventures with… 2024 has been a season to remember.

I’m deeply grateful for the moments that made it so special—the wildlife, the people, and the experiences that stay with you long after the trips are over.

These final two trips are my chance to soak in every last bit of the magic this year has to offer.

I’m looking forward to sharing what we see out here with all of you—I love bringing a little piece of the wild back to everyone following along.

While I’m excited about the possibilities of a new year and all the adventures to come, right now, I’m focused on savoring these last moments of the season.

Here’s to making the most of 2024’s final days, and to saying goodbye to an unforgettable year.

Stay tuned for updates from the field, and thank you for being part of this journey!

Happy Thanksgiving (Or Just a Happy Family Day!)

I wanted to take a moment to reach out to all of you and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you may be in the world. I know that not everyone celebrates this holiday—many countries don’t have a Thanksgiving tradition, and even here in the United States, there are ongoing discussions about its historical significance and the complexities tied to its origins.

I completely understand and respect those perspectives.

For me, however, Thanksgiving represents something simpler and more universal: an opportunity to gather with loved ones. It’s a day to pause, share time with family and friends, and appreciate the connections we have in our lives.

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It also gives me a chance to share some of my favorite wild turkey images! I know not everyone appreciates these birds the way I do, but I think they are amazingly cool.

Their bold feathers, quirky personalities, and place in our ecosystems make them so much more than a holiday symbol.

So, whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take this moment to wish you a beautiful day filled with love, gratitude, and togetherness.

Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, I hope your day is full of joy, connection, and peace.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us—it means more than you know.

Happy Thanksgiving, or simply, Happy Family Day!

A Fresh Start: Returning to My YouTube Channel

I started my YouTube channel back in 2011, inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: to share this incredible world without fences.

I wanted to bring people closer to the wild, to showcase the beauty and magic of this world that I love, and tell stories that matter.

But somewhere along the way, I got away from it all.

The truth is, I just wasn’t consistent with it. Recording video, editing footage, writing, crafting stories, and editing images—it’s a lot to take on, especially when you’re doing it all yourself.

It became overwhelming, and my focus shifted elsewhere.

Yet, despite stepping back—the love for sharing these wild places and incredible moments—never left me.

Now, I’m ready to return to the channel, to reconnect with what made me start this journey in the first place. Telling fun stories about the wildlife we encounter.

Of course my videos are not about perfection—it’s about sharing. Sharing raw, unfiltered moments, the challenges, the triumphs, and the beauty of the world I’m so lucky to explore.

I’ve realized that even if it’s not always polished, it’s worth it to share these stories. Because for every tiger sighting, every ibex photo, every encounter with a polar bear, there’s something deeper—a connection to nature that I hope inspires others to explore, protect, and cherish the wild.

I’m excited to get back into the rhythm of creating, even if it’s not always easy. Sharing these moments with you is what makes it worthwhile.

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel, hit the notification bell, and join me on this journey.

Your support means everything. It helps grow this community of wildlife and adventure enthusiasts, and it fuels my motivation to keep going, even on the tough days.

A Heartfelt Thank You

For those who’ve been here since the beginning, like my buddy Steve Crawford, who is always encouraging me to share more stories… thank you! and to everyone who has been a part of this journey, thank you for sticking with me.

And for anyone just joining—welcome.

This is a new chapter, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you.

Let’s explore this world without fences, one story at a time.

The Double-Edged Sword of Ecotourism... Are We Loving Wildlife to Death?

Over the past decade, social media has transformed the way we connect with wildlife.

Stunning photos and videos of humpback whales breaching, polar bears roaming the tundra, or tigers stalking through the forest inspire millions to explore these wild places.

This surge in interest has fueled a massive growth in ecotourism, bringing much-needed attention and funding to local communities and conservation efforts.

But as more people flock to wildlife hotspots, it raises an important question:

Can we love an animal to death?

Grey Whale watching off Magdalena Bay, Mexico.

There’s no denying the power of witnessing wildlife up close.

These experiences foster deep connections and inspire a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.

Ecotourism provides vital economic support for local communities, often funding anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and education programs.

In my opinion, ecotourism is the key to the survival of many species.

The sad reality is that governments often don’t care about wildlife unless there’s money involved. They collect revenue either from ecotourism operators or from industries like fishing or hunting—and they don’t care which one it is… as long as the money flows their way.

This means that when wildlife has economic value tied to tourism, it’s more likely to be protected.

Ecotourism not only funds conservation efforts but also creates incentives for governments and communities to prioritize wildlife over exploitation.

Yet, there’s a darker side.

Increased human presence can disrupt natural behaviors. Animals may become stressed, altering their feeding, migration, or mating patterns. Some even become habituated to humans, which can put them at risk of harm or conflict.

The truth is, most animals don’t want us there.

Whether it’s a whale avoid boats, a fox fleeing at the sight of humans, or a bird scared off its nest, these are clear signs that our presence isn’t always welcome.

And I’m the first to admit—I’ve been guilty of this. I’ve wanted to see an animal and capture their beauty through a lens, even when they’ve shown signs of wanting to be left alone.

What I’ve learned over time, however, is that the true magic of wildlife encounters happens when an animal chooses to be in our presence… or tolerates it.

Grey whale asking for a face rub.

Through patience and respect, these moments are far more rewarding and meaningful. Watching an orca glide alongside our boat without fear or seeing a bear go about its life undisturbed—that’s when you truly feel a connection to the wild.

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Despite the challenges, I firmly believe ecotourism is the only way to save wildlife.

It gives animals an economic value tied to their survival, creating incentives for protection rather than exploitation.

With respect and care, we can still visit our favorite wild places and create positive experiences for both people and wildlife.

As travelers, we hold the power to ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact:

• Choose responsible operators who prioritize animal welfare and conservation.

• Be respectful with wildlife, avoiding behaviors that may stress or scare them.

• Use social media thoughtfully—avoid tagging/sharing fragile locations to prevent overcrowding.

By treading lightly and embracing responsible tourism, we can preserve the species we love while fostering deep connections that inspire conservation.

Ecotourism has the potential to be a powerful force for good… but only if it’s done right.

With patience, respect, and a focus on responsible travel, we can continue to explore the wild places we love while ensuring wildlife thrives for generations to come.

Thank you for reading.

Capturing my dream shot!!!

Image by Daniel De Granville

There are moments in life that stick with you. For me, it was the first time I saw an image of a diver next to a massive anaconda by my friend Daniel De Granville. It is such a great photo—its power, the sheer size of the snake, and the surreal contrast of this ancient predator alongside a human. It sparked something in me. From that moment on, I knew I had to experience this dive for myself.

I had to capture an image like that!

This September was my seventh expedition to photograph these iconic snakes in Brazil. Over the years, I’ve captured many images of anacondas that I’m incredibly proud of—photos I love and hold dear.

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But that shot by Daniel—of a diver next to a massive anaconda—was different. It was the photo I had been visualizing in my mind’s eye for so long. I couldn’t let that photo go.

On September 6, our final day of the expedition… the stars finally aligned.

Contrary to popular belief, these snakes are not aggressive. In fact, they’re incredibly shy and prefer to stay hidden. Anacondas often burrow in holes they have made along the riverbanks, making them difficult to spot, let alone photograph.

The snakes tend to tuck themselves in tight, so often the only images you capture are of their faces. Still cool, but not an image that gets the imagination going.

I quickly learned that capturing my dream image would take more than just persistence—it would take some luck, too. Because keeping a snake out in the open long enough to capture a shot is difficult, all they want to do is hide.

But then it happened.

We were in the Formoso River, far out into the Brazilian wetlands. After a long day of searching, We found a massive anaconda, calm and relaxed, coiled up underneath the base of a tree. Half of its body was hidden inside its hole, with the other half exposed for all of us to see. Its face was tucked underneath the overhanging tree roots, a perfect hiding spot in the river.

We spent a lot of time with this snake, photographing her from different angles. She was so calm and mellow, allowing us to observe her without any signs of stress.

After capturing various shots, I knew it was time to go for my dream shot. I asked my friend David to position himself near the snake, hoping she would stay relaxed with him so close.

I had been telling my friends who joined me on the trip about my dream shot. So when the moment arrived, they knew exactly what I was hoping to capture.

David leaned in close to the snake, and I patiently waited for the moment when the snake would reveal her face. My camera was ready, my heart racing, as I snapped shot after shot of David and the snake. Each time she peeked out from under the roots, I took another photo, hoping that one of them would turn out right.

I was on fire... my hands gripping my camera tight, maybe too tight. I felt a wave of panic, knowing this was my chance to finally get that shot. I was nervous that the snake would tuck herself tighter in her hole and the moment would be over. But the anaconda remained calm, and I managed to capture the shot I had been chasing for so long.

This was the culmination of years of patience, persistence, and a lot of luck, all coming together at the perfect time. The photo wasn’t exactly like the image I had seen all those years ago… but it was mine. I got my shot. More than that, I had a moment that I shared with my friends that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

My version of the moment where man and the wild met.

Photographing Polar Bears in the Snow!!!

1/2500, f5.6, ISO 400.

Churchill, Canada, is often referred to as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," and for a good reason. The bear activity here is absolutely EPIC!

With its breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for up-close encounters with amazing animals, it’s a dream destination for any wildlife photographer.

I had the privilege of spending the past two winter seasons on the tundra, capturing these iconic animals in their natural, snowy environment.

1/1600, f11, ISO 400.

1/1600, f11, ISO 800.

Churchill’s landscape is like something from another world. Endless stretches of snow and ice create a stunning white canvas, interrupted only by the occasional patch of frozen tundra, and boulders that pepper the landscape.

The light changes throughout the day. Most of the time it is amazing with a lot of sun, other times the cloud cover will darken it all. But those cloud covered days do help soften that harsh afternoon light, which allows us to shoot throughout the day.

Mornings are epic, with the golden hues of dawn casting a magical glow over the snow, creating perfect conditions for photography.

1/1000, f5.6, ISO 1000.

Winter is truly an epic time to be out here. It is beautiful, and romantic, and dramatic, and on and on and on… but damn it is COLD!!!

It can be so cold, that my fingers can only hold the camera for short spurts before I have to cover them up, because they hurt so bad.

Some days the conditions are just perfect, and you can shoot all day outside, but other days, man the air is sharp as daggers, and you have to seek shelter from it, because it hurts.

Being out here, you can’t help but feel a deep respect for the creatures that are so perfectly adapted to thrive in this unforgiving environment.

1/2000, f5.6, ISO 2000.

The real thrill of this adventure is being on the ground, capturing polar bears up close. We used vans that are tough and built for this weather and terrain, allowing us to get close to the bears without compromising our safety or theirs.

There’s something incredibly personal about being at ground level with these iconic predators. You feel their presence, and the sheer wildness of these guys.

They have these massive Tundra Buggies in Churchill, which are cool, but I have never been a fan of shooting from a raised platform or a distance. I prefer ground shooting… just love to get close.

Photographing polar bears from the ground is exhilarating, but it’s not without its risks.

I admit, you are never really safe anywhere you go on the Tundra. The bears keep you wary and always looking over your shoulder. Of course this is why we always have a bear guard with us at all times, when we are out there.

Their presence allowed us to focus on capturing the bears without that added worry of danger.

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1/600, f5.6, ISO 500.

But I admit I love that feeling of knowing we are out in a raw and wild place where you are never truly safe. There are not many places left in the world that are still truly wild… Churchill is one of those places.

And maybe that’s why this experience means so much to me. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about feeling alive in a place where nature is still in control.

Churchill reminds me that there are places where we’re just visitors, and for me, that’s where the magic happens.

1/1600, f5.6, ISO 400.

Shooting in Churchill’s snowy conditions presented some unique challenges. The bright, white snow can easily fool a camera’s light meter, leading to overexposed images.

Here are the settings I used to get the best results:

1. Exposure Compensation: I found that dialing in +1 to +1.5 exposure compensation helped prevent the camera from underexposing the scene. The snow tends to trick the meter into thinking it’s brighter than it is, so adding some exposure brings back the true detail.

2. ISO: The light was often low, especially during dawn and dusk, so I used an ISO range of 400 to 800 to maintain a fast enough shutter speed while keeping noise at a manageable level.

3. Shutter Speed: To freeze the action of a moving bear, I kept my shutter speed at 1/1000s or faster. When the bears were resting, I could drop it to 1/800s, but with these active animals, faster is generally better.

4. Aperture: I shot with a fairly wide aperture, around f/4 to f/5.6, to create a shallow depth of field that allowed me to separate the bear from the background while keeping enough of the animal in focus.

5. White Balance: I set my white balance manually to "Cloudy" or "Shade" to add warmth to the scene and counteract the blue tones that can dominate snowy environments.

6. Focusing Mode: I used continuous autofocus (AI Servo) to track the bears as they moved. These animals can be unpredictable, and having the camera continuously adjust the focus was essential for getting sharp images.

1/1600, f5.6, ISO 320.

A Month and a half of Adventures... From Anacondas to Right Whales!

We are gearing up for the next month and a half of epic adventures.

We’re about to embark on back-to-back trips that promise incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

It’s going to be so good, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you all.

Week 1: Swimming with Anacondas in Brazil

We kick off our adventure in Brazil diving with anacondas. For the first week, we'll be diving in the clear waters of the Formoso River in the heart of the Brazilian Pantanal.

Here, we'll search for the elusive green anaconda, the largest snake in the world. There's something truly thrilling about being in the water with these massive ancient predators.

It’s an experience that challenges our perceptions of snakes and allows us to see them in a whole new light.

We'll also be on the lookout for other fascinating creatures, like giant anteaters, dwarf caimans, capybaras, and a plethora of bird species that make this region so unique.

Week 2: Jaguars and Maned Wolves in the Northern Pantanal

From the water to the dense, lush forests of the Northern Pantanal, our second week will be all about big cats and other iconic wildlife.

This region is one of the best places in the world to photograph jaguars in their natural habitat, and we’re hoping for some spectacular encounters.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a jaguar stalking through the underbrush or lounging by the riverbanks.

But jaguars aren't the only stars of the show. We’re also on the lookout for giant river otters, caiman, capybaras, tapirs, and the elusive manned wolf, with its long legs and striking red fur.

Week 3 and 4: Exploring the Amazon River with Botos

Our adventures continue as we head deeper into Brazil, this time to the Amazon River. For our third week, we will be immersed in the dense, vibrant rainforests of the Amazon, home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.

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Our primary focus will be the Amazon river dolphins, or botos, known for their playful behavior and distinctive pink color.

We have back-to-back trips planned, which gives us ample opportunity to photograph and interact with these incredible dolphins in their natural environment.

Alongside the botos, the Amazon offers an array of wildlife encounters, from colorful macaws, caiman, curious monkeys that are seen regularly at our eco-lodge.

A big goal for me while in the area is to see and photograph a sloth. There are three different species that can be found in the area we will be visiting. I really dont care what species we find. I just really want to photograph one.

Weeks 5: Right Whales in Argentina

After four weeks in the wilds of Brazil, we are flying to Argentina for one of the highlights of our season: spending time diving with right whales in Patagonia.

This part of the journey is truly a dream come true for me. There's a particular magic in observing these gentle giants up close, watching them breach, slap their tails, and with our special government permits, swimming alongside these gentle giants.

We will be based in the Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where these whales come to breed and give birth. It’s a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in a protected environment, and it always leaves me in awe of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

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Magellanic penguin in Patagonia

These trips are more than just a chance to see incredible wildlife; they’re an opportunity to connect with nature, to learn from it, and to help protect these wild places and the wildlife that inhabits them.

As much as we are here to enjoy and photograph the wildlife, we also have a responsibility to protect it.

Ecotourism plays a vital role in conservation efforts, providing financial support for the communities and the protection of habitats and wildlife.

My hope is that these adventures inspire you to appreciate the beauty of our planet and to consider how you, too, can contribute to preserving what remains of our wild places.

Stay tuned for a lot of photos, blogs and videos from our adventures, and thank you for reading and joining us on this journey!

A Day with Black Bears in North Carolina’s Alligator River Wildlife Refuge

There’s something truly magical about spending a day looking for black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge. This place has become like a second home to me, where every bend in the dirt road promises a new adventure. I love it out here… the air is fresh, the bears are curious, and every moment feels like a gift.

Morning: The Journey Begins

My day starts early, just as the first light of dawn begins to break. I leave my hotel room, grab a quick breakfast, and head out with my gear. There’s something special about these early mornings; they always feel full of promise, where anything can happen. The drive to the refuge is quiet and quick, and I take in the peacefulness of the landscape waking up around me.

With my camera ready beside me, I hop into my truck and head out along the dirt roads of the refuge. The Alligator River Wildlife Refuge is one of those places that feels like it belongs to another time—wild, untamed, and full of life.

I’ve been coming here for a few years now, and yet, every trip feels like the first.

As I drive slowly, the crunch of the tires on the gravel almost seems too loud in the stillness. I wish I could keep my windows rolled down, but the horse flies here can be brutal sometimes. A small price to pay to find magic in wild places.

I keep my eyes peeled, scanning the sides of the road for any signs of bear activity. And then, there it is—a black bear grazing on tall grasses on the side of the road. My heart skips a beat. These moments are what I live for.

I stop the truck, grab my camera, and step out, staying close to the vehicle just in case. The bears here are used to people, but I never want to take that for granted.

Some of the bears here are shy, but most have become comfortable with our presence. I crouch down to try and get a low-angle shot. The bears back is to me. It stops eating, turns around to look at me. It watches me for a few seconds, then decides it wants nothing to do with me and disappears into the forest.

I drive on. Sorry I disturbed your breakfast buddy.

I drive for a couple hours, the day is heating up and not much is going on, so I decide to break for lunch, but Ill be back in a few hours, when the sun starts getting low. Late afternoons are always good here.

Later That Day.
I spend the afternoon driving through the refuge’s diverse habitats—dense pine forests, open fields dotted with wildflowers, and wetland areas where great blue herons stand perfectly still, like statues. Every corner of this place has its own story, its own secrets waiting to be discovered.

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It’s not just about the bears, although they are certainly the stars of the show. Along the way, I spot a barred owl hunting crayfish in the canals on the side of the road. The owl is completely relaxed around people.

A few cars see me stopped and drive up to see what I am photographing. The wildlife here is abundant and awe-inspiring, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it, even if just for a day.

Continuing down the road, I turn a corner and spot another black bear up ahead, right near one of the many irrigation ditches filled with water. I recognize this bear—one of the regulars. I’ve seen it many times before. I stop the truck and quietly get out to get a better view.

When dealing with predatory animals, I never forget what they are or what I am doing. I have had encounters with this bear for the past three days… She is well-behaved, very well-mannered, and comfortable around people. 

I jumped back in the car and moved ahead of the bear. I know where she is going… it is time for her afternoon bath. 

I stop the truck close to the area where I think she will stop at and get out.

Sure enough, she wades into the ditch, plopping down with a contented huff. For a good twenty minutes, I watch this bear take a bath. This is one of those simple joys that never gets old. It’s funny, almost endearing, to see this powerful animal so at ease, splashing around like a kid on a hot summer day.

There’s a sense of peace in these moments, a feeling that everything is exactly as it should be. I snap a few photos, but mostly, I just watch, soaking it all in. After a while, she finishes up, shakes off the water, glances in my direction for a second, then lumbers back into the forest to find a place to bed down for the night.

As the day begins to wind down, I make my way back to a familiar clearing where I’ve seen bears before. The golden hour light bathes everything in a warm glow, and I know this is my last chance for a sighting today. I park the truck and settle in, feeling that familiar mix of hope and anticipation.

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Just as the sun is dipping below the horizon, I see a few bears walking out of the forest. It is mating season so they approach the open fields cautiously. One of the bears is walking in my direction, making its way through the tall grass. I try not to move too much, not wanting to disturb the moment. The bear stops to eat wild-growing blackberries in front of me. I am on fire, and snap photo after photo.

Another bear decides it does not like the vibe and desides to walk back into the forest. But before it disappears, it walks over to a pine tree on the edge of the forest, stands up and begins scratching its back. I fire away! It is an amazing scene, and I am so appreciative of my luck. I just keep saying to myself, I hope some of these images are in focus.

After a while, I stop shooting and just watch the rest of the evening’s stories unfold. There’s something so pure about watching wild bears being bears. It’s these quiet, intimate moments that stay with me long after I’ve left the refuge.

Reflections at the End of the Day

Back at the hotel, I kick off my shoes and reflect on the day. I have to admit, there’s something comforting about returning to a warm, comfortable room after a day out in the wild. I go through the photos I took, reliving each moment—looking to see if I captured anything special… and I definitely did!

Tracking black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge isn’t just about finding the bears—it’s about being fully present in the moment, feeling the earth under your feet, and understanding that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself. It’s a reminder of the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.

What’s truly remarkable to me is that these wild places still exist, so close to human habitation. They offer a glimpse into a world that is both fragile and resilient… a world we are privileged to share. 

To me it’s a reminder that we need to coexist with these incredible creatures and protect the last of these wild places. They are vital not just for the wildlife that calls them home, but for us as well, as they remind us of what it means to be truly alive. 

Today was a good day. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Photographing Wildlife... Some Tips for Capturing Animals in Action.

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Photographing wildlife has always been one of my greatest passions. There's nothing quite like the thrill of capturing a great image of an animal in its natural habitat, whether it’s a tiger prowling through the forest or an orca, mom and calf swimming through the ocean.

Over the years, I’ve learned that getting the perfect shot is more than just having a good camera; it’s about understanding the behavior of the animals and being prepared to capture those fleeting moments.

Here are some essential tips I’ve gathered from my own adventures in the wild, which I hope will help you capture stunning wildlife photos of your own.

1. Understand Animal Behavior

One of the first things I realized early on is the importance of understanding the animals you’re photographing. Every species has unique behaviors, and being familiar with these can help you anticipate their movements.

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For example, if you’re photographing a fox, knowing that they tend to be more active at dawn and dusk can guide you on the best times to shoot. Similarly, understanding that a perched bird will often defecate right before flight can help you prepare for the perfect shot just as it takes off.

This type of knowledge has helped me capture some of my most cherished photos.

2. Choose the Right Camera Settings

When it comes to wildlife photography, your camera settings can make or break your shot. Fast-moving animals require a faster shutter speed to freeze the action. I typically set my shutter speed to at least 1/2000th of a second for fast-moving subjects like birds or big cats.

If you’re photographing slower animals, such as tortoises or resting deer, you can afford a slower shutter speed.

Aperture settings also play a crucial role. A wider aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) allows for a shallow depth of field, making your subject stand out against a beautifully blurred background. This works wonderfully when photographing animals in dense foliage or when you want to isolate them from a busy environment.

3. Be Patient and Stay Ready

Patience is your best friend in wildlife photography. I’ve spent countless hours sitting quietly, waiting for that perfect moment.

Whether it’s waiting for a bobcat to pop out of the bushes to catch a bird, or for a breaching whale, those moments don’t come on command.

But trust me, the wait is always worth it… so always have your camera ready.

Wildlife is unpredictable, and you never know when an animal will make a sudden move. Keep your camera on and your finger on the shutter. A quick reflex can mean the difference between capturing a fleeting moment, or missing it altogether.

4. Focus on the Eyes

There’s a saying in wildlife photography: “If you can see the eyes, you can see the soul.” I find this to be true.

Focusing on the animal’s eyes can create a powerful connection between the subject and the viewer. It brings life to the photo and can tell a good story.

Whenever possible, try to lock focus on the eyes of the animal.

5. Respect Wildlife and Their Habitat

Last but certainly not least, ALWAYS respect the wildlife and their natural environment. Keeping a safe distance not only protects you but also prevents stress to the animals.

Remember, we are guests in their world.

Wildlife photography is an art that combines technical skill with a deep respect for nature. Every shot is a new adventure, a new story waiting to be told. So grab your camera, do your research, be patient, and above all, enjoy every moment in the wild.

Happy shooting!