I recently had the pleasure of joining Richard Bernabe on his “Beyond the Lens” podcast to talk all things WILD LIVES. We discuss a number of topics, from the how and why of the book creation process to the important factors that my decades in the field have taught me about capturing impactful wildlife images. We covered a little bit of everything with my latest book as the jumping off point, so there’s bound to be something here for everyone.
Enjoy the podcast and be sure to subscribe to hear more of Richard’s interviews with prominent photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, and if you haven’t already order your copy of the standard or Collector’s Edition of WILD LIVES. There are also several WILD-centric tours and events coming up. Check and see if I’ll be near your city, or join me in the field!
HOPE by Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier is an uplifting book project that I urge everyone to support. Mitty is a great communicator and unparalleled photographer. She has done so much for the photographic & conservation community with the founding of SeaLegacy and the International League of Conservation Photographers ILCP. Please join me in supporting Mitty’s crowdfunding campaign for ‘HOPE’ – a book showcasing her most iconic images and inspiring stories from her 30-year journey as a photographer and activist. Part of the proceeds of this book will directly benefit the people, communities and projects featured in these pages!
Earlier this month some good friends and myself visited Kyoto, Japan to photograph the culture and spiritual ceremonies for one of my next book projects, “Act of Faith”. Here, we had the opportunity to photograph Shinto priests and priestesses performing rituals at a sacred Shinto Shrine.
This wasn’t the first time I’ve visited Japan to capture photos for Faith. I was here a few years back to capture the Oto Matsuri purification ceremony. This trip was definitely more harmonious, without the fire and drunken shenanigans!
Shinto is Japan’s native faith, and though Buddhism nearly matches it in terms of practitioners, the way these two religions have managed to not only co-exist, but compliment one and other is just one of the many heartening aspects of world faith that will be highlighted in this upcoming project. Prominent Buddhist figures were assigned Shinto identities, while Shinto Kami, or the divine spirits that inhabit the natural world, strove for Buddhist enlightenment.
I’ve made many trips to Japan over the years, primarily to photograph the Snow macaques, cranes, and other wild life. However, the Japanese culture and reverence for nature has always fascinated me as illustrated in the way I’ve styled my West Seattle home environs as a Japanese Garden. I look forward to seeing this all come together in a celebration of world spirituality, and I highly recommend a visit to Kyoto!
Join legendary photographer Art Wolfe for a special presentation of his latest published masterpiece, WILD LIVES next Friday, April 26th from 6 – 9 pm. WILD LIVES is a celebration of the diverse creatures that inhabit the planet and features photos from virtually every continent. While conservation efforts remain critical to the survival of many species, WILD LIVES highlights the success stories of animals that have learned to coexist with encroaching human influence.
Author Greg Green will be on hand to discuss the shared premise of the project, and Art will present photos along with stories and insights from his observations in the field. With a deep fine art background, he will also highlight the creative decisions he made along the way to truly capture the lives of his furry, scaled, and feathered subjects.
Thanks to the College of the Environment and The Foundation for WWU & Alumni, this event is Free! Books will be available for purchase, with opportunities for signing before and after the presentation. We hope to see you there!
Hey there, nature and photography enthusiasts! I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with Matt Payne on the ‘F-Stop Collaborate and Listen’ podcast. We’ve taken a deep dive into my lifelong journey through the world of photography, discussing everything from the origins of my passion to the recent release of “Wild Lives”—a book that captures the essence of nature’s heartening resilience across the globe.
In our conversation, you’ll hear about the challenges and triumphs of my career, my travels to every corner of the planet, and the meticulous care that goes into each project, including my transformational TV series, ‘Travels to the Edge.’ I share my personal insights into the responsibility of being a source of inspiration while carefully navigating the line between innovation and emulation. Plus, I’m excited to open up about the strategic planning behind my shoots, the evolution of my projects, and the conservation efforts that I’m deeply passionate about.
As we chat about the pressing issues of legacy and environmental consciousness, I hope to ignite a flame in all of you to appreciate the beauty of our world and to remind everyone of the power of photography to tell stories that matter. Be sure to listen to this special episode of the podcast, and let’s continue to strive for a positive impact and a lasting footprint on both the art world and our precious planet. Let’s connect, share, and keep the conversation going on this amazing platform for photographers and listeners alike!
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan on the Islamic calendar, and is significant in that it also marks the end of sun-up to sun-down fasting. “Ramadan” translates to “burning heat” due to this being the hottest month of the year in India.
It’s been a privilege to spend this week here in India and witness this significant Muslim holiday. I came away with some shots I’m very happy with, some which will surely end up in my upcoming book project, Act of Faith.
March was a return to two favorite places for US workshops – Moab, Utah and Sedona, Arizona. You’ll find photos of these locations adorning postcards and in establishing shots of any films that might take place in the region. While we are there, participants are encouraged to get these iconic shots. However, our focus is on a process I mention a lot – seeing beyond the obvious. To that end, abstractions in reflections or studies of texture become works of art using your camera as your brush – unique shots most tourists won’t be coming away with!
During this trip we made a stop at a local junkyard where shots of old, rusted vehicles became our subjects. It’s an interesting transition to go from shooting an actual landscape to visualizing an abstracted vista in the rusted side-panel of a dilapidated truck. Unless I have very specific goals in mind for a wildlife trip, or something absolutely dedicated to culture, I try to find the time to shoot abstract images everywhere I go. It’s an exercise akin to keeping a sketchbook as a fine artist – a way to exercise your photographic muscles, and perhaps creating your own inspiration for future projects along the way.
I recently used a shot from this trip to illustrate the importance of using a polarizing filter, so don’t forget to pack yours if you head Southwest! it’s an invaluable tool for any landscapes to ensure colors are vivid, and especially important in a location with clear, sunny skies with so much reflected light.
Photographer Art Wolfe perches on the back of a Sand Orca to capture the migrating pod in action.
Happy #MammalMonday!
One of the most fascinating and unique creatures I’ve photographed over the years is the Sand Orca, a rare species that returns to the desert of Arrakis National Park every year to breed. The dry sands are inhospitable for the natural predators of young orcas, while also providing them with sustenance of their own in the plentiful oryx that dot the landscape.
When the young orcas are old enough to traverse the more rocky sediment between their sandy breeding grounds and the rocky shores, they’ll return to the sea, their dusky and ivory skin hardened by their desert experience. One day, they’ll return to these arid sands to begin a family of their own.
I have to say the Sand Orca is right up there with things like the duck-billed platypus, or perhaps the Short-necked giraffe of Wakanda as far as one of the wierdest creatures I’ve had the pleasrue of capturing. What’s the strangest or most unique animal you’ve ever photographed? Leave a comment below!
Sand Orcas generally migrate from left to right in relation to the frame, making them an ideal subject for western photographers.
The Wild Lives Collector’s Edition is officially published today! For those who have been awaiting their pre-ordered copy of this edition, they are heading their way as soon as my signatures dry! I have my own library of hundreds of photography books. Among those are many limited editions, and I would rank the quality of this special version up there with the best of them – I’m happy happy!
Reviews of Wild Livesfrom respected colleagues have been immensely positive. The collector’s edition is no exception. Limited to just 200 copies, it’s protected in a beautiful blue and silver fabric clamshell case. Included within are a limited edition print and a signed and numbered certificate, ensuring your place among the 200 collectors. This package makes an impressive centerpiece sure to spark a conversation about our planet and all of it’s inhabitants.
Aside from photos that I am obviously quite partial to, the text included by my wonderful friend Gregory A. Green is the perfect compliment to the photos and reinforces the work. He and I have been giving talks around the Pacific Northwest, and I’ll be taking the show on the road with several appearances across the country, presenting a two-hour deep dive into the photos and stories.
The collector’s edition is available exclusively through my office and our online store. Order your copy today as limited quantities are available! I also have several wildlife-themed workshops coming up this year, including trips to Katmai, Alaska where this iconic cover image was photographed. Join me and make your own memories!
One of the most common and frequently-utilized pieces of equipment in my kit is also one of the most commonly overlooked components – A circular polarizer, or “CPL” as you’ll see them sometimes called. Without getting into the weeds on the science, essentially a polarizer controls the amount of reflected light reaching your sensor, resulting in more saturated higher-contrast images. Although filters have largely been replaced by post-processing RAW images, a polarizer is still an essential component of any kit.
There are two kinds of polarizers – make sure you pick the right one. You’ll want a circular (not linear) polarizer with quality glass. No sense in ensuring you have quality gear only to skimp on the glass at the end of your lens! I use the fantastic filters from breakthrough photography. Polarizers also come in warm and neutral tones. A warm polarizer does the obvious – warms up the colors of your shot! It also has the added bonus of helping to cut through haze and atmosphere. A neutral filter will give you something more, well, neutral – making it a great place to start post-processing.
Using a polarizer is fairly simple. There is more to just slapping one on and shooting, however. Polarizing filters have a ring to adjust the amount of the effect. I watch my LCD screen while rotating the filter to see the results happen in real-time. This is useful when shooting water as well. I will dial between capturing a perfect mirrored reflection on the water’s surface, or bypassing the reflections entirely to see into it’s depths. The later helps me immensely when photographing subjects like the salmon-hunting bears in Katmai.
If you’re photographing landscapes a polarizing filter is a must-have. Leave a comment below if you have a polarizer you’d recommend. I also love hearing about the creative ways you’re using them!
