August is a month I always look forward to. The days are long and filled with golden light and the vibrancy of life. Meadows are in bloom, wildlife is restless and active, and summer storms can roll in to paint the skies with drama and intensity. When I head out in the early mornings or linger into the late evenings, I’m rewarded with soft pastel hues and gentle shadows. It can make for difficult shooting during the mid-day hours when the sun is high, bright, and casting harsh shadows but I simply see this as a time for experimentation and focusing on the details.
I’ve been fortunate to explore the month of August in many corners of the globe, each offering its own unique palette. In Washington state, wildflowers transform the alpine meadows into a painter’s canvas. In the Omo River Valley of Ethiopia or the vibrant cultures of Tanzania, festivals and daily life pulse with color and movement. In places like Botswana and South Africa, wildlife thrives around scarce waterholes, providing thrilling opportunities to witness animal interactions. Meanwhile, the Arctic light in Greenland or Svalbard creates otherworldly landscapes that feel both fragile and timeless.
Whether it’s the whales off the coast of Tonga, the bears of Katmai, or the desert tones of Namibia, I try to capture the energy and transitions happening all around. I’m currently down in South America – stay tuned as I hope to be back with something new and unique to share on the blog.
Leave a comment below if you have any secrets, insights or stories about shooting in August with both it’s fantastic qualities as well as it’s challenges!
One of the most powerful tools a photographer has isn’t just the camera—it’s the choice of lens. Focal length not only determines how much of the scene you capture, but it also shapes how subjects relate to each other in scale and space. By deliberately choosing different lenses, you can either magnify a subject or minimize it, creating vastly different stories within the same world.
In Ladakh, India, while tracking the elusive snow leopard, I turned my attention to other subjects while waiting out the evasive cats. Using a 1200mm lens with a 1.4x extender, the moon filled my frame—crisp, detailed, and dominant.
Compare this to my image of the moon over Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy, shot with a 17-40mm wide-angle lens. Here, the moon shrinks to a tiny accent while the towering spires command attention. Same moon, two worlds apart—thanks to lens choice.
The same principle applies when photographing the sun. At the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, I used a 500mm lens to place the sun in near-equal prominence to the silhouetted subject, creating a striking balance.
In Goa, India, I photographed two girls’ ponytails with the sun in the background, using a 70-200mm lens at 165mm. The sun becomes a smaller, softer presence—still important, but secondary.
At the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, a 70mm lens rendered the sun as a tiny orb in a vast, dusty expanse, emphasizing the human pilgrimage over the celestial backdrop.
Longer lenses not only magnify distant objects—they compress space, making background elements appear closer to the foreground. Wide angles, on the other hand, exaggerate depth, pushing background elements farther away. Mastering this interplay between focal length, subject size, and background compression will give you the ability to control the viewer’s perception and craft stronger, more intentional images.
In 2026, I’ll be leading a small number of photography workshops to some of the most inspiring places on Earth, and I’d love for you to join me. These journeys are designed for photographers who are passionate about wildlife, nature, and expanding both their technical skills and creative vision. I’ve spent decades in the field, and it’s a privilege to share what I’ve learned with others who are eager to grow. We keep the groups manageable to ensure everyone gets personalized attention, and we’ve taken care to choose comfortable accommodations and smooth logistics so you can stay focused on photography. If you’re looking for an experience that blends learning, adventure, and unforgettable imagery, I hope you’ll consider traveling with us. Spots are limited, and I’d be honored to have you along!
Step into the heart of the Serengeti. Capture dramatic scenes of wildebeest families in motion, apex predators on the hunt, and the untamed rhythms of African wildlife in its natural habitat.
Photograph playful snow macaques in steaming hot springs west of Tokyo, then head north to Hokkaido to capture ethereal Japanese cranes, elusive foxes, and the awe-inspiring stellar sea eagles.
Witness the raw intensity of Alaskan brown bears fishing for salmon in wild rivers—a front-row seat to one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles on Earth.
Explore surreal desert landscapes in Swakopmund, rugged wildlife regions in Damaraland and Etosha, and the cultural richness of Windhoek while photographing Namibia’s striking contrasts.
Venture deep into lush rainforests to photograph orangutans, proboscis monkeys, exotic birds, and rare jungle flora in one of the planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems.
Why Travel with Us?
✔ Learn directly from a world-renowned photographer and fine art educator ✔ Develop both technical expertise and artistic vision ✔ Enjoy curated accommodations and seamless logistics ✔ Manageable group sizes ensure hands-on instruction and mentorship
Spaces are limited to preserve a high-quality experience. Secure your spot now and elevate your photography in some of the most spectacular destinations on Earth!
This past April, May, and June offered a vibrant window for photography. In April Bhutan was brimming with cultural activity. Traditional festivals featuring masked and the famous black-hat dancers were taking place in colorfully curtained monastery courtyards. While it was too misty to see the high Himalayas at this time of year, the fog wafted through evergreen forests in the early mornings.
Later in May we photographed terraced rice paddies in northern Vietnam; it was a landscape rich in color and design. It was also an area great for abstract photography; a humid atmosphere combined with layer upon layer of paint and decaying posters creates wondrous photographic opportunities if you allow your imagination to run wild.
Between workshops I was able to fly off to Hawaii to witness Episode 25 of the Kilauea eruption—check out the video if you missed it! In June I conducted two workshops: a very wet experience in southern Oregon and then headed off to the wide open spaces of Wyoming. It was too sunny in Grand Teton National Park, but we were able to make it work, photographing stunning scenics at the margins of the day.
Whether you seek vibrant culture, sacred landscapes, or pristine wilderness, these months form a golden arc of opportunity for photographers across these four vivid, varied locations!
As a lifelong photographer, mountaineer and naturalist, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the wild. “Wild About Wildlife” month is a celebration of everything that makes our natural world so compelling—whether it’s the majesty of a snow leopard in the norther reaches of India or the bond between a mother and her cub up in Katmai. My latest book, Wild Lives, is a culmination of decades of travel and photography, showcasing the vibrant personalities of the animals I’ve encountered and the environments they call home.
This book is more than just a collection of images I’ve collected on my travels over the years; it’s an invitation to understand the emotional complexity of animals and the importance of preserving their habitats. As part of “Wild About Wildlife” month, I’m reminded of the urgent need for awareness and appreciation for our natural places and the denizens that call them home.
Enjoy Wild About Wildlife month! If you’re in the U.S. or happen to be visiting, get out and enjoy our National Parks and let the powers-that-be know what truly makes America beautiful. It certainly is not reducing the scientists who have dedicated their lives to the research and protection of our natural habitats to cleaning toilets, something I think we can agree on no matter the state of our politics. These folks have important jobs to do, from identifying biological trends, measuring the impact of a changing climate, curbing the spread of invasive species and much more!
This fall, I’m inviting you to join me at one of three unforgettable locations across the U.S.—I’d love for you to be part of the adventure! These workshops are designed for photographers at every level who are eager to capture stunning landscapes, receive expert guidance, and connect with like-minded creatives. We’ll share not only powerful photography experiences, but also meaningful critique sessions and some truly memorable meals.
Each location offers its own unique magic. In Colorado, we’ll chase golden light through alpine passes as the aspen groves turn to fire. On the Olympic Peninsula, we’ll immerse ourselves in ancient moss-draped forests, waterfalls, and the misty moodiness that makes the Pacific Northwest so special. And in Arizona, you’ll photograph the striking contrast of autumn cottonwoods glowing against the sculpted red rock desert.
These are my only U.S. workshops until mid-2026, so if you’ve ever dreamed of learning directly from me, this is your chance. Whether it’s the crisp mountain air, the deep greens of Washington, or the bold desert tones of Arizona that call to you, I promise an inspiring and transformative experience.
In July, I usually head north to places like Iceland, Svalbard, and Alaska. The days are long, the light is beautiful, and the wildlife is busy feeding before winter. It’s the perfect time to be out in nature with my camera.
I also enjoy traveling to the Southern Hemisphere, where it’s winter this time of year. Countries like Chile, Argentina, and South Africa have cooler, drier weather that makes for great wildlife and landscape photography. The low sun and clear air give everything a crisp, clean look.
Even in tropical places like Brazil’s Pantanal and the Amazon, there’s always something exciting to shoot in July. The seasons may not change as much, but the animals and landscapes are always full of life. No matter where I go, the changing light and weather make July one of the best months to photograph the natural world.
Enjoy the photos inspired by July! Next year at this time I’ll be in Mongolia to revisit the Eagle Hunters, Naadam games, Shaman and more – sign up today and join me on an adventure!
This past May, Gavriel Jecan and I led a tour through Vietnam’s northern region where we photographed the beautiful often terraced landscapes, the culture and commerce of daily life, and even found time to grab some abstracts. The people here are incredibly friendly and happy to share their culture with us. Add to this the awesome participants who joined us and this was a fantastic trip, offering a wide range of subjects. Enjoy the photos, and if you missed it, check out my recent story, video and images from a quick excursion to Hawaii to photograph the Kilauea eruption there to see what else I’ve been up to!
Despite a busy schedule, and thanks to my assistant Chris for her efforts to get me there, I was able to visit Hawaii and photograph the spectacular volcanic activity there that’s been going on for months. Despite adverse conditions on first arrival, I came away with some incredible shots that I’m happy with. Enjoy the video and stay tuned for more images from this trip!
Clouds catch the color of the waning light above Alaska’s magnificent Alsek mountains and lake, part of Glacier Bay National Park.
Early in Spring 1992 Ian Kean of the Canadian River League called me out of the clear blue. I had never heard of the River League and he had a proposal for me: he wanted me to join a group of writers and artists as the photographer for a two week float down the Tatshenshini River in western Canada and ending up in Dry Bay, Alaska. The Tatshenshini was being threatened by the proposed development of a huge copper mine, and Ian was intent on galvanizing support to protect this rich wilderness area from permanent environmental damage. Not only would it affect waters and lands on the Canadian side of the border, but the mine drainage would flow downstream into Glacier Bay and affect the rich fisheries and wildlife in the Gulf of Alaska.
Bear tracks on the banks of the Tatshenshini River, Yukon, Canada.
Of course, I jumped at this adventure and it became one of the best journeys of my life. In late July we met at the headwaters of the river on the east side of the coastal ranges in the Yukon. Anyone who’s ever been rafting knows about the incredible amount of gear and preparation that goes into such a venture. We inflated rafts and loaded them with gear and got underway on this grand adventure. Floating through a landscape is unlike any other form of travel. It can be so peaceful, then the river reminds you of its strength and your heart pounds with excitement. We saw moose along the river, and evidence of wolves and bears—their tracks imprinted on sand bars where we bivouacked.
A close-up of the rocks on the shore of the Tashenshini River, Yukon, Canada
Initially we experienced marginal weather, clouds and drizzle as we floated through dense forests and high glaciated mountains. I photographed what I call intimate landscapes, willows growing in sandbars, rushing waters opaque with glacial flour, and wildlife tracks. What I recall most vividly were the breathtaking views as we broke out of the mountains and clouds. The Saint Elias Mountains, Mount Fairweather and then the confluence with the Alsek River and its vast glacial-fed and iceberg-rich Alsek Lake is where everything came together photographically. Icebergs, mountain reflections, uncommonly still waters all combined for what would become the iconic shot. It was truly exhilarating.
Green willow branches push their way through a sandbar, Tatshenshini River, Yukon, Canada
Back in Seattle, the film developed, I provided the River League with the best photos from the journey. One image was looking east at sunset, captured the view of this timeless landscape. It was produced as a poster for fundraising and to send to lawmakers in Ottawa to drive home the epic beauty of this area. This was a wilderness to protect from exploitation forever, which it was in 1993, through no small effort on both sides of the border. The US was vigorously opposed to development, led by Vice President Al Gore. The Tatshenshini-Alsek Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
St. Elias Mountains, Alsek Lake, Alaska. Early morning light illuminates fog and floating icebergs, which combined with the jagged mountains creates a surrealistic view.
This is a great example of how a single salient photo can capture the spirit of a place, touch people on an emotional level and rally support. You look at the photo and cannot but think, “Of course, this must be saved, especially for generations to come.” Over the decades, it has been driven home to me time and time again, that yes, a single photo can be an exceptionally important conservation tool , connecting with people on a visceral level.
White water rafting, Alsek River, Yukon, Canada
As Earth’s land continues to be developed, it is necessary to protect greater and greater swaths of the natural environment, if not for our sanity, then certainly for our survival and the species we share the planet with. The Tatshenshini was protected nearly 25 years ago, and there is no shortage of wild areas that still have yet to be protected. I strongly encourage people to join and support local and international environmental-protection organizations. We only have one planet after all.
—Recycle & utilize sustainable alternatives, whether it’s in your day-to-day activities or camping. Simply using reusable water bottles and shopping bags is an easy thing to do that has great impact. There is great power when a lot of people do very simple things.
Grey wolf tracks in a sand bar, Tatshenshini River, Yukon, Canada
Tanzania – January 2026
Japan – February 2026
Borneo – September 2026
