There’s a lot going on in the world right now, so take a time out with a free episode of my streaming series Pathways to Creativity – Embracing the Abstract! Abstract photography is the perfect way to put your creativity and that fancy camera you’ve got to good use. The one on your phone is likely perfect for capturing abstract mages.
Experimentation can lead to happy accidents, unique techniques and more as you establish a visual language that speaks to you. Whether you’re hunting for visual metaphors, trying to capture a mood, or simply want to decorate with fascinating images that will raise questions and drive conversations, there is something very freeing about bucking convention and pushing the boundaries of what photography can be. Much like a sketchbook it’s less about the final image and heavily about the process.
If you’re feeling especially inspired, there are several opportunities on the upcoming calendar where I’ll be hosting photography retreats in Oregon and Washington, and although only a few such as Astoria, Port Townsend and Lake Quinault specifically mention abstracts in their titles, you can rest assured I’m always looking for such images myself wherever I am. You’re certainly not going to ruffle this artist’s feathers by seeking out MORE creative ways to express yourself through photography.
Two new opportunities are available now with early bird pricing to join me in Oregon in March!
First up is the perennial favorite Abstract Astoria. As the oldest city on the west coast, Astoria is a venerable Scandinavian-inspired burg with an abundance of character and old-school charm. Culinary delights are around every corner, and on those corners you’re bound to find museums, breweries, and even old forts— abandoned, but ripe with photographic opportunity. Not only are the traditional river vistas great opportunities for your standard fare travel photos, but the aging concrete bunkers and rusted logging equipment make for an amazing trifecta of creativity, photography, and hospitality.
The second retreat moves west to Cannon Beach, with its thundering surf and famous sea stacks. Beautiful waterfalls and oceanscapes await your artistic eye, as well as opportunities for unique and intimate landscapes and abstracts. Art will challenge you to explore the nature of creativity and discover ways to bring its power to your images.
Both photo retreats are open to all experience levels and limited to just 6 participants.
Last year ended in Indonesia, where we visited Bunaken National Marine Park for some underwater photography. Though I’ve photographed under water several times over the years, it’s definitely not something I do frequently. The last time happened to be in Indonesia as well, at Wakatobi National Park as I was wrapping up Wild Lives.
Fortunately we had some incredible diving guides that made it very easy for me to focus on the task at hand – photographing the beautiful colors, coral formations, and tropical fish! For many of my shots, I was positioned precariously close to the reef, using a metal rod to carefully touch it without disturbing it’s inhabitants. This also kept me anchored so I could use my free hand to shoot – and of course as an added bonus, kept me at a safer distance from the reef’s possibly poisonous denizens.
This past November we had great company and a plethora of opportunities to photograph a vast array of wildlife in the Pantanal. Unfortunately there was so much going on at the time with my travel, the holidays, the universe, and everything that I didn’t get a chance to really sit down and select my favorites to share with you until recently. This was a highly productive trip, with so many animal species concentrated in one location. Of course, that coupled with the incredible landscapes is the whole reason the Pantanal is such an important destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts and I’m fortunate to have had so many great trips here over the years.
If you’re looking to Photograph exotic wildlife, remote landscapes and much more check out my slate of 2025 and 2026 workshops and photography retreats!
I managed to get to six of the seven continents (sorry, Antarctica). Highlights: Nazca lines in Peru, big cats in Kenya, cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Eid in Delhi, bears in Alaska, desert elephants in Namibia, rare birds in New Zealand, jaguars in Brazil, coral reefs in Indonesia, and more! Enjoy the gallery – and of course browse the blog for a more in-depth look at the year.
I was deeply honored to be the 2024 recipient of the University of Washington’s Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus award.
The Wild Lives experience continued. The collector’s edition was published, and I gave SRO presentations with author Greg Green at Western Washington University and the University of Washington, as well as keynoting the Mid-Atlantic Photo Visions in Manassas. The book was featured internationally in magazines such as Hoerzu Wissen, Objectif Nature et Animaux, Better Photography, Professional Photographer, and Photographie, and numerous podcasts.
Conservation starts at home. Here in West Seattle, I am a supporter the restoration efforts of Schmitz Park Creek Restore and I donated imagery for the hugely successful conservation fundraisers Remembering Tigers and 100 for the Ocean.
With 2024 in the rear view mirror, I look forward to an eventful 2025, which I am starting with a photo journey to India’s Bandhavgarh National Park and Prayagraj for the world’s largest religious gathering, the Maha Kumbh Mela. Happy New Year!
Just before heading out on my current trip, I sat down with Matt Jacobs on The Mood Podcast to talk about. . . well, a little bit of everything! Matt, an esteemed photographer himself is also the host of The Mood Podcast, and asked some fantastic questions. We definitely had some laughs, shared some truths and had a great conversation.
Enjoy the podcast – give Matt a follow and share with your friends! Links below.
Wishing my family of friends and fans the best for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! It’s been a fantastic year of travel and I’ve had such a great time adventuring with new and returning travelers alike. I can’t wait for more adventures in 2025!
On that note, I’m off to parts unknown! Well, okay that’s not true, but it’s a long trip and I’m taking it one stop at a time. Unfortunately this means that if you didn’t have your orders in by today, you’re out of luck for signatures before the new year – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still grab some fantastic gifts in my online store and save 15% – just use code WOLFEGIFT24 at checkout to save on prints and books!
If you don’t need your order by the new year and would like a signature on your print or book while locking in the discounted price, just make a note requesting as much in your order. I’ll be back in town at the end of January. A digital signature is also an option on any prints.
Every year, those of us in the art and design space eagerly await the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year, and that day has FINALLY arrived! Okay, perhaps that is a slight exaggeration, but it’s always interesting to see what’s chosen by the folks at pantone. This year, they’ve stayed in the realm of warm tones (last year we was Peach Fuzz) and chosen Mocha Mousse.
Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.
As I look ahead to the coming year, I can’t help but get excited about this slate of upcoming international trips. Right out of the gate, I’ll be leading a tour in India to photograph Tigers as well as the Kumbh Mela. Unfortunately this trip is already sold out – however if adventure, wildlife, and the experience of a lifetime is something you’re interested in, I’m very excited about our Tanzania photo journey that kicks off March 5th. From the Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater, this tour is sure to be full of opportunities – bring plenty of storage space for those photos!
Check out the complete list of upcoming international tours below. Please note that for trips with a sign-up form that have yet to be finalized, you’re not committed by signing up; however you will be given first opportunity to do so when additional details become available. I’ve listed sold-out tours as well and if you’re interested in one of these trips, contact us so we can keep you in mind in case of any cancelations.
I hope to see you on the road with me in the coming year!
We are celebrating the season with a holiday sale! Now through Christmas, get 15% off my entire library of books and prints. Order in the next couple of weeks to guarantee your order is signed and shipped in time for the holidays. Just use code WOLFEGIFT24 in my online store.
Choose from books like my latest, Wild Lives – or grab instructional volumes like The Art of the Photograph and The New Art of Photographing Nature. Bundle books and save even more! This weekend brings Small Business Saturday. Grab a unique gift at a discounted price, have it signed, and support a small business – win win win!
I’m looking forward to the new year – stay tuned to the blog for my annual year in review!
