Bhutan was likely the final chance for me to photograph for my upcoming book on international spirituality and religion, Acts of Faith. I photographed the Tshechu Buddhist Festival and the Dance of the Black Hats many years ago, and it was incredible to go back there with the latest technology and my widest of wide angle lenses to ensure I could capture the colorful dancers front and center while also getting down low to capture the ancient architecture of the Rinpung Dzong monastery.
The Dance of the Black Hats is one of many dances that take place during this annual festival. In many cases, dancers wear terrifying masks to ward off evil spirits. The people here are incredibly friendly, as they are part of a national culture that embraces mindfulness and harmony within their community.
Enjoy the photos – and join me on my next adventure. There are still a couple spaces left to join us in Vietnam at the end of May!
Happy 55th Earth Day, 2025. It’s also National Parks week, and while there has definitely been a lot going on politically as it pertains to the parks, they are still here for you to visit – all 400-plus of them! Find the parks nearest you, and if you have kids check out National Junior Ranger Day. If you’re looking to contribute at a time when it’s definitely needed, there are opportunities to do so as well.
If you’re looking for additional ways to celebrate Earth day, our national parks, and contribute to the well-being of our critical natural environment here are a few ideas:
1. Walk to a park and hang out with your tree friends. It can be easy to forget just how soothing and therapeutic a simple walk among nature can be. In an era of social media, incessant electronic notifications, and exhausting news cycles a trip to a park and remembering what truly matters can greatly improve mental health.
2. Plant native perennials and trees for pollinators! Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and more are an important part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Consider them when planting this spring and plan accordingly to ensure healthy populations.
3. Conserve water. This one is pretty straight forward, but even beyond watching your usage, ensuring you’re properly watering your yards and gardens can also maximize the health of your plants, yielding more vegetables and more opportunities to entice those pollinators. Look up how to specifically water many of your plants, as improper watering techniques can do as much harm as good. Consider a water barrel if you live in an area with regular rainfall.
4. Hand-in-hand with those vegetable yields – eat more veggies! Not only do vegetables cost less carbon footprint than raising herds of animals, you’re also helping that water issue by ensuring less vegetables go to waste.
5. Reduce, reuse, recycle. If you are an avid garner, purchase things like topsoil and mulch in bulk versus several smaller bags that create more plastic waste. Many pots and trays are biodegradable these days and can be planted directly into the dirt.
6. Pick up trash when you see it.
“To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.”– Bill Nye
7. Support our national parks “America’s Best Idea” by joining the National Parks Conservation Association https://www.npca.org/
10. Join an Art Wolfe workshop! Not only do may of my workshops get you out into the very nature we are striving to protect, it also helps bring valuable commerce into our parks and the surrounding areas, while also supporting the businesses that sustain healthy tourism in these areas.
Some cool news from our neighbors to the north in Canada – Photographer Sandra Nelson has won the Royal Ontario Museum’s Wildlife photo contest with an image she took with us on a tour in Katmai, Alaska! Her photograph, titled The One That Got Away is a beautifully sharp image freezing the moment as two grizzly bears engage in a spat over a tasty salmon. On top of winning the contest, her image is currently on display at ROM.
A HUGE congratulations to Sandra from Art Wolfe and our staff here. These kinds of stories make all the work that goes into arranging trips that much more worth-while. Sandra has other great shots from this trip, so we will include a couple more. We are returning to Katmai this August, yet only one space remains – come make your own memories in this incredible location!
Today is National Pet Day! Traveling as often as I do makes it impossible to be a traditional pet owner, but over the years I’ve had my share of company!
Living along side a preserved greenbelt we get lots of visitors in the Wolfe garden, including these troublemakers. They are cute, they are playful, and they love to uproot the various vegetation in my garden. I’ve taken to using humane water jet devices to keep them from pawing around my ponds.
The delicate trees in my yard make excellent nesting grounds for smaller birds, like this Anna’s Hummingbird. It’s always an uplifting moment to discover their intricately assembled nests housing tiny eggs when I’m working in the garden.
Lastly, the koi. Sad to say that I’ve had koi numerous times over the years. However, much like those traditional pets they end up being a lot of work – and also very hard to protect in the pacific northwest, where fish are a favorite snack of many a predator. I had fish in my pond up until this past Christmas eve. As I was away on a trip, my security cameras caught a large river otter having himself a holiday feast, and then had the audacity to take a post-meal nap. Frustrating, but that is the circle of life!
So – happy National Pet Day to everyone who has furry, scaled or feathered friends, even if i like me your “pets” are free to roam!
There’s a lot to see here in the Pacific Northwest, and there are still spaces available to join me at Mount Rainier and on the Olympic peninsula – or if you’re open to other locations in the western US join me in Colorado or on the California Coast!
Greenland has been in the news lately, but we will leave current events there and instead look back at this gorgeous territory of Denmark from previous trips here. Offering some of the most dramatic and untouched natural beauty on Earth, the scenery is both wild and serene. The soft, diffused light of the Arctic sun casts a magical glow over the landscape. Those in the ‘flat earth’ camp might be discouraged to hear that there are weeks when the sun never sets!
Wildlife in Greenland is equally captivating, with an array of species adapted to its Arctic environment. The icy waters are home to whales, seals, and walruses, while the skies are often dotted with migratory birds like puffins, guillemots, and arctic terns. Capturing these creatures in their natural habitat can be both challenging and rewarding. Using a long lens and maintaining a respectful distance is key to getting those perfect wildlife shots while preserving the integrity of the creatures’ natural environment.
Although I’m primarily known for wildlife, the culture of the places we visit are just as important and the two are intrinsically linked. Greenland is a blend of indigenous Inuit heritage and Danish influences. The Inuit have lived in Greenland for thousands of years, and their traditions, language, and craftsmanship continue to play an essential role in the country’s identity. Visitors can explore colorful villages, where the vibrant homes contrast beautifully against the snowy surroundings, and witness the art of traditional kayak building.
Leave a comment below if Greenland is on your bucket list – perhaps we will plan a tour!
It’s become almost a given that I’ll be starting a new year off with a trip to Japan, and 2025 was no different. Beyond the photography, the setting and culture are perpetually welcoming and the experience we have here has always been welcoming and and accommodating.
Of course, the photography is why we are here! Over the years I’ve photographed in Hokkaido and the surrounding areas a plethora of times. The challenge then becomes finding new unique ways to capture the snow macaques, cranes, and other wildlife.
In this instance, I tried to capture my familiar primate friends when they were engaged with one and other in interesting spontaneous interactions, unique familial routines, or navigating a less-traveled path in the areas surrounding the hot springs they bathe in.
If I can come away with even a few fresh takes while introducing new photographers to these areas, I’m a happy man. Check out all of my upcoming tours and start making your own life-long memories!
Among the many topics I cover in my Pathways to Creativity web series, one that I’ve been most passionate about in recent years is the idea of discovering the abstract images in places that otherwise might go unnoticed. These images may not get the ‘likes’ on a travel blog or Instagram account that the the typical vistas might, yet they are infinitely more valuable in training your eye to recognize when the elements of design are coming together to create something metaphoric and unique. They also make interesting conversation pieces when taken entirely out of the context from which they were captured.
At the end of April I’ll be leading a workshop on the Olympic peninsula in the Lake Quinault area with the primary focus of finding Abstract inspirations in nature. If you’ve already signed up or are thinking about signing up for that trip, check out the free full Pathways episode on embracing the abstract and you’ll be ahead of the game when we get out into the field!
One of the final trips for my upcoming book on international spirituality and religion Acts of Faith was to India to photograph this year’s massively attended Kumbh Mela. This year’s Kumbh was a massive festival, with an estimated 650 million people visiting Prayagraj. The Kumbh coincides with the revolution of the planet Jupiter, and certain conjunctions between the planet, our moon and the sun. A ritual dip in the Ganges river marks the individual’s culmination of the festival.
While in India, we also visited Bandhavgarh National Park to capture the diverse wildlife. Tigers, Gaur (large bovines), langurs, numerous birds and more were on display – enjoy the photos!
I have one last upcoming trip on the calendar to shoot for Acts of Faith, and there are two spots left to join me as I travel to Bhutan to photograph the various festivals here. This trip kicks off in just a few weeks, so if you’d like to go on an adventure with me to a country that values “Gross National Happiness” over economic boons there is no time like the present!
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom nestled between China and India, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The country was unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist lama who established Bhutan’s unique identity and governance. In 1907, the country transitioned into a hereditary monarchy under King Ugyen Wangchuck. Bhutan’s government evolved further in 2008 when it adopted a democratic constitutional monarchy, ensuring that the king serves as both a unifying figure and a guardian of Bhutanese culture.
Despite modernization, the Bhutanese people continue to embrace their traditions, fostering a strong sense of national unity. It’s this enduring culture and spirituality that we will aim to capture on this epic photo journey!
Buddhism is at the heart of Bhutanese life, influencing daily routines for all of its citizens. The dominant Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism shapes Bhutan’s national philosophy, emphasizing compassion, mindfulness, and harmony with nature. The government famously prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over economic growth, promoting well-being, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Bhutanese people uphold values such as respect for all living beings, communal harmony, and spiritual practice. Monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens (stupas) are visible throughout the country, reflecting a deeply spiritual way of life. Annual religious festivals, or Tshechus, bring communities together in celebration, featuring sacred mask dances, prayers, and rituals that reinforce Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage. From previous experience, it’s a lot to take in – which is more than you could ask for as a photographer.
From said photographic perspective, Bhutan offers breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture that capture the essence of this mystical kingdom. Towering snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and winding rivers provide a dramatic natural backdrop. Fortress-monasteries with intricate woodwork and whitewashed walls dot the landscape, offering a blend of history and spirituality. This combination of natural grandeur and cultural unity provide the perfect backdrop for photographing the various festivals and celebrations on our journey here.
We are on the verge of several workshops taking place on or around the West Coast! If you haven’t been shooting much over the winter this is the perfect opportunity to get out your gear and join me for a relaxing and productive opportunity.
Along with the gorgeous landscapes that the Pacific Coast has to offer from Washington down to California, we will also spend time finding unique abstract photographs. Aimed at expanding your visual vocabulary, such shots will also push your personal portfolio in a one-of-a-kind artistic direction.
When fall arrives and the leaves begin to turn to warm autumnal hues and temperatures are mild, the west coast becomes a beautiful tapestry of colors. The trees that do turn compliment the evergreens that do not, greatly increasing the number of interesting natural compositions.
I look forward to the fantastic company, sharing meals together, and exploring the west coast on a workshop with you!
OREGON COAST
Small-group Photography Retreat
March 15 – 18
