Photography tutorial - The Wildlife Photography Apprentice

February 28, 2024May 5, 2024

Exploring Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and The Bolivar Peninsula: A Wildlife Photography Adventure in Texas

Every year, my wife goes above and beyond to make my birthday special, and her gift-giving prowess reaches its peak when she gives me a trip tailored to my passion for wildlife photography. This year, I was delighted to explore the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas. The experience was heightened by our stay in a charming beachfront Airbnb, where the soothing sounds of the ocean served as the backdrop to our adventures. The local seafood cuisine was a highlight, treating our taste buds to an array of flavors. However, the true essence of the trip lay in the captivating wildlife photography opportunities that unfolded before my lens. From colorful birds to elusive marshland creatures, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge provided a canvas for me to capture the beauty of nature. The Bolivar Peninsula, with its scenic landscapes, added another layer of excitement to our photographic journey. This annual tradition not only celebrates another year of life but also deepens my connection to the wonders of the natural world.

These areas boast diverse ecosystems, teeming with a wide variety of bird and animal life.

February 2, 2024February 10, 2025

The Art and Science of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography, Hide and Seek in the Natural World

Childhood memories of playing hide and seek often evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation. In the natural world, this childhood game takes on a new dimension through the lens of wildlife photographers. Hiding from wildlife can be difficult, but doing it well can improve your chances of getting some truly amazing photos. Camouflage, the art of blending into one’s surroundings, becomes an essential tool for photographers seeking to capture elusive moments in the animal kingdom. The debate about the effectiveness of camouflage for wildlife photography seems to vary from what you read to who you talk to. Some will argue that it has little to no effect at all. That seems funny to me because the camouflage clothing industry thrives within the hunting community who have seemingly accepted its effectiveness for years. I’ve personally experienced the effectiveness of camouflage use in my wildlife photography and don’t need much convincing. From earth-toned clothing to specifically designed camouflage gear and innovative hides, photographers can employ a variety of techniques to become invisible observers. I know that camouflage won’t make you a better photographer but if used properly it will improve your opportunities.

The concept of camouflage in wildlife photography begins with the simplest form, earth-toned clothing.

January 18, 2024May 5, 2024

Wildlife Photography Locations: Rattlesnake Springs New Mexico, a migrant bird trap.

Rattlesnake Springs is a beautiful and unique location situated in southeastern New Mexico, United States. Rattlesnake Springs is located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The spring has its origins in the extensive underground water system of the Guadalupe Mountains. The water emerges at the surface as Rattlesnake Springs, providing a source of freshwater in the desert environment. It is a protected area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birding and birding photography enthusiasts.

Rattlesnake Springs is a beautiful and unique location located in southeastern New Mexico

December 8, 2023May 6, 2024

Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks for Stunning Avian Portraits

Birds are fascinating creatures, captivating our attention with their vibrant colors, graceful movements, and melodious songs. As a photographer, capturing their beauty through stunning avian portraits can be a rewarding and challenging endeavor. Birds are found in almost every location and environment around the world. As such they are a readily available subject for wildlife photographers no matter where you are. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned professional, here are some tips and tricks to help you create breathtaking bird photographs.

November 16, 2023May 6, 2024

Beyond the Lens, Essential Non-Photographic Skills for Wildlife Photographers

As a wildlife photographer, venturing into the great outdoors is a thrilling and rewarding experience. To make the most of your wildlife photography adventures, it’s crucial to possess essential outdoor skills that ensure your safety, comfort, and success in remote locations. In this blog post, let’s go through some important outdoor skills necessary for wildlife photographers. From navigation and survival techniques to weather preparedness and safety considerations, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the wild safely and capture breathtaking wildlife images while you’re at it.

Mastering navigation skills can be vital for wildlife photographers

November 1, 2023June 16, 2024

Monahans Sandhills State Park: Wildlife photography and landscapes too.

If you’re looking for a distinctive environment to photograph desert wildlife and at the same time grab some great landscapes too, then you’re in luck. Monahans Sandhills State Park offers a stunning landscape that provides excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography. The park’s dunes, grasslands, and sky create an ever-changing canvas of color and texture that can be captured in a variety of ways. In this article, we will take a closer look at the photography opportunities at Monahans Sandhills State Park

One of the most iconic features of Monahans Sandhills State Park is its dunes.

October 1, 2023June 16, 2024

Getting Started in Wildlife Photography: Tips for Beginners

Are you captivated by the beauty of the natural world and eager to capture stunning images of wildlife? Embarking on a journey into wildlife photography can be both thrilling and rewarding, allowing you to document the wonders of nature while honing your photography skills. If you’re a beginner with no prior experience in wildlife photography, this blog post is here to guide you through the essential tips and techniques that will set you on the path to becoming a successful wildlife photographer.

**Wildlife photography can be both thrilling and rewarding**

September 15, 2023June 16, 2024

Capturing an Elusive Ghost: A Guide to Photographing Bobcats in West Texas

Bobcats are one of the most common wildcats in North America, including the West Texas region. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about bobcats in West Texas, including where and how to find them, their habits, habitat, food preferences, and tips on how to photograph them.

September 1, 2023June 16, 2024

Mastering the Art of Sharp Wildlife Photography, A Beginners Guide

Wildlife photography is a thrilling pursuit that allows us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature and capture mesmerizing moments of creatures in their natural habitat. One crucial aspect of wildlife photography is achieving sharpness in our images. Blurry or out-of-focus shots can be disappointing, but fear not! In this blog, we will explore essential tips and techniques to help you capture the sharpest wildlife photos that will leave viewers in awe.

**A Northern Cardinal in Brilliant Detail**

August 10, 2023June 18, 2024

The Wildlife Photographer’s Holy Grail: Mastering Exposure is Essential for Captivating Wildlife Shots

“Learning never exhausts the mind.”
― Leonardo da Vinci

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”
― Abigail Adams

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— Benjamin Franklin

To be a photographer in general and wildlife photographer in particular, there are things you should know and things you must know. Because of the challenging lighting conditions, unpredictable subjects, and variable environments wildlife photographers deal with, knowing how to get the correct exposure supersedes everything else. Correct exposure is the cornerstone of all photography. Grasp exposure and your journey into wildlife photography will be rich and enjoyable. Fail to understand exposure and the journey will be miserable. So let’s learn something about exposure.