The Eagle Hunters of western Mongolia are a proud and hearty people that have an immense sense of culture. They also practice a particular form of falconry in which they hunt with eagles. My goals for photographing them within the context of their environment were three-fold: convey the expansive landscape of the region, feature the power of the eagle, and highlight the traditional dress that is ever fading in the historical cultures of the world today.
1.) This first photo establishes where are, and our starting point. A pair of eagle hunters traverse the open landscape bordering western Mongolia and Kazakhstan with their avian assistant with horse in tow. While it does show the landscape, there is little drama and the other goals are not present.
2.) Here you can see I move in close to my subjects; I’m using a 16-35 wide angle lens which allows me to keep the three subjects in prominence while also capturing a dramatic background. The lighting looks a bit flat in this shot, but up close I am able to find better results. We keep the horse out of the shot – we don’t want competition for our focus – the men and their eagle.
3.) In my third image, which is at a right angle to the direction of the sun, I have attached a polarizer to my wide angle. You can see how much more dramatic the light appears. This image also highlights the problems of working with dramatic light – very harsh shadows were cast every time the eagle moved its wings.
4.) The wing of the eagle is now down, but the man that’s controlling the eagle is casting a shadow on his assistant. As my goal is to bring this culture into the light and share it, it’s not an ideal result to have half of my subjects in shadow.
5.) I decided to get lower and shoot upwards to bring in some of the openness of the sky in hopes of creating more of a story than in the previous shots. Always keep experimenting within your photographic goals!
6.) The result is that I don’t have nearly the problems of the previous images with the shadows. This is a very satisfying image to me and meets the goals I set for myself in terms of capturing the men, animal, and landscape. This is where some may stop, thinking they’ve captured the shot they are looking for. In an effort to see what else is achievable, I begin working the scene a bit more.
7.) I’m standing at eye level again with the hunters, but the problem with this shot is that the man closet to me is staring straight at me. I like to maintain anonymity when I am taking pictures, and would prefer that the subject is not staring straight into my camera.
8.) I ask him to look straight ahead, but now with movement of doing so, it’s the eagle mugging for the camera. This isn’t necessarily a bad composition, but I would prefer the eagle in a different position.
9.) I move a little bit further around and discover I love the way the light is falling across the main eagle hunter and his beautiful fox fur hat. However, as you can see, I have moved in too close to get all three subjects in the frame.
10.) I decide to back off a little bit, and now I am getting what I am looking for. I love the fact that the man in the middle is kind of looking my way without staring straight into the camera, the assistant is looking off to his left, and the eagle is conversely looking off in the opposite direction. There is a nice balance to this image, with no shadows on their faces. In addition, the eagle has nice light on his eye. This to me is a winner.
11.) I also like this last photo because it has a nice sense to it; the eagle is looking further opposite now, and is even more absorbed in what is going on in the landscape, rather than in what the photographer is busy trying to achieve. Both of these final two images are very strong photos for me, and I am very happy with the results.
A good balance of composition, dramatic light, openness of the land, traditional wardrobes – it all comes together in a very nice way in these last two images!
If Mongolia has long called to you, I invite you to join me in July 2027 for an unforgettable photographic journey through this extraordinary country. Together we’ll explore the sweeping landscapes and rich traditions that make Mongolia so compelling, from photographing Kazakh eagle hunters on horseback in the mountains of the west to experiencing the excitement of the Naadam Games, photographing wild horses on the steppe, and visiting with local shamans. This intimate trip is designed to give you exceptional photographic opportunities while allowing us to put these field techniques into practice in a truly remarkable setting.
Madagascar is a place of extraordinary contrasts, where richly layered cultures, everyday life, and some of the world’s most distinctive wildlife exist side by side. These photographs offer a glimpse into the rhythms of the island—from its people, communities, and landscapes to the remarkable animals found nowhere else on Earth. At the heart of the collection are Madagascar’s many species of lemurs, each uniquely adapted to the island’s forests and ecosystems, alongside other wildlife that reflects its exceptional biodiversity. Together, the images form a portrait of a country defined by natural wonder, cultural depth, and an enduring connection between people and place.
Join Art in the Field for Creative Photography Tours and Workshops
There is nothing quite like being in the field with a camera in hand, surrounded by light, texture, wildlife, landscape, and a group of people who are just as eager to see the world in a more creative way. In the coming year, I’ll be leading a series of photography tours and workshops designed to help you slow down, look deeper, and come away with images that feel personal, expressive, and alive.
Explore Coastlines, Wildlife, Autumn Landscapes, and Abstract Photography
These upcoming experiences range from the abstract possibilities of the California and Oregon coasts to the vast open landscapes and cultural traditions of Mongolia. We’ll also explore the creative potential of nature close to home in the Seattle area, chase autumn color through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and photograph the golden aspens and mountain air of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Each workshop has its own rhythm, but the goal is always the same: to help you strengthen your eye, refine your technique, and discover new ways of translating the world into art.
Reserve Your Spot Before June 30 to Save!
Whether you are an experienced photographer or simply ready to reconnect with your creative side, these trips offer the chance to learn in inspiring locations with thoughtful instruction, field sessions, critiques, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. I hope you’ll consider joining me for one of these journeys. The early bird specials are only available through June 30, so now is the time to reserve your spot and save a bit of cash before prices go up.
Sign up before June 30 to take advantage of early bird savings on select upcoming photography tours and workshops!
This spring, our Olympic Peninsula Photography Retreat brought us into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most lush and visually expressive landscapes in one of our nation’s many beautiful national parks. From dense rain forests and cascading water to coastal forms, textures, flora, fauna, and shifting light, the region offered endless opportunities to slow down, look more carefully, and create with intention. Having been here so often, you might think the appeal would wane. Instead, I managed to capture some of my personal favorite abstract images of the year thus far!
For me, this retreat is about more than simply visiting beautiful locations. It is about helping photographers refine the way they see, both in the field and later during the editing process. The images featured here reflect that process: creative exploration, and the inspiration that happens when we spend focused time immersed in nature.
We’ll be heading back to the Peninsula this October, when fall color and autumn weather can transform this location into a completely different yet equally stunning experience. Space is still available, so sign up and reserve your spot!
There is something different about seeing a photograph as a finished print.
On a screen, an image can be beautiful. In print, it becomes an object. Texture, tone, color, contrast, detail, and paper quality all come together in a way that gives the photograph a stronger sense of presence. That final step is often where an image stops feeling like a file and starts feeling like a piece of art.
For participants joining one of Art Wolfe’s upcoming Pacific Northwest photography workshops, we are adding a special bonus to the experience: each participant will receive a complimentary 16×20 fine-art print.
Participants may choose between two options:
The first is a print of a specially selected Art Wolfe image from a very limited edition, Featured above. It is a rare opportunity to take home a finished piece connected to Art’s decades of work in the field and his work photographing the beautiful corners of the earth.
The second option is more personal: participants may choose to have one of their own images from the workshop professionally prepared and printed. Art’s team will edit, refine, and profile the selected image to the participant’s specifications, helping transform a photograph made during the workshop into a finished print suitable for display.
That means the workshop does not have to end when the final critique is over. You can leave with new skills, new ideas, new images, and a tangible finished piece from the experience itself.
This special print opportunity is available to participants in all five of Art’s upcoming Pacific Northwest workshops:
Abstract Columbia River Gorge Workshop 2026
August 1–4
Based in Hood River, this workshop focuses on discovering expressive abstract imagery among waterfalls, mossy forests, basalt cliffs, color, texture, and hidden natural details.
Abstract Astoria Photography Retreat 2026
October 7–11 — Two Spaces Left
A creative retreat combining access to the Oregon Coast, compelling abstract locations, and intensive field and critique sessions designed to sharpen your eye.
A photography workshop is about learning to see differently. It is about slowing down, paying attention, recognizing structure, and making stronger creative decisions in the field.
Whether you choose the limited-edition Art Wolfe image or a professionally prepared print of your own workshop photograph, you will receive something lasting: a finished piece of artwork tied directly to the experience.
It is a chance to experience the full arc of image-making: from seeing, to capturing, to refining, to holding the finished print in your hands.
Space is limited across these workshops, and the Abstract Astoria Photography Retreat currently has only two spaces remaining. View the upcoming Pacific Northwest workshops and reserve your place before these opportunities are gone!
Earlier this month I traveled to Patagonia with some dear friends. We had several leisurely days touring and photographing Torres del Paine. Unfortunately, the puma had left the area we were in, but no matter. The mountain scenery more than made up for not seeing the cats. There were herds of guanacos camouflaged in the grassland steppe, as well as foxes, and the Andean condors were out in full force. Their size is remarkable, they absolutely dwarf the flocks of crested caracaras.
Moving on to Argentina, autumn color was on full swing in Los Glaciares National Park. One morning at the crack of dawn we hiked in two miles to see Perito Moreno glacier. Once a stable glacier, it has entered a phase of rapid retreat and thinning. Back in 2013 I photographed the glacier (with much less success due to the sun low on the horizon) from nearly the same spot. The trip was capped off by visiting the traditional neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and tango lessons—not really, but it is everywhere!
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina 2013Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina 2026
We’ve been fortunate to publish some truly extraordinary, award-winning books with Mandala / Earth Aware, including Earth Is My Witness, Trees, Human Canvas, Wild Lives, and more.
Coming this October isActs of Faith, a stunning and uplifting portrait of global rituals, festivals, and other faith-based traditions from around the world.
I’m especially excited about this book,ACTS of FAITH: The Beauty of Belief. I pour my heart and soul into projects like this, and seeing them make their way through the long, careful publishing process is always incredibly rewarding.
Preorder your copy today and you’ll also receive a beautiful bonus print, suitable for framing.
We’ve experienced three very different photo journeys already this year.
It started off with a terrific safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti, where we were lucky to be in a less-visited area of the park. It was lush and green and full of wildlife. In February, we returned to Japan to see the playful snow monkeys, then headed north to Hokkaido, one of my favorite places on the planet. And last, in March, we led a workshop in Morocco, a stunning country of rugged mountains, undulating Saharan dunes, and colorful cities.
I recorded a podcast with fellow photographer Mitch Stringer about Morocco. Have a listen here!
Since I spend so much time traveling to lead photo tours and workshops, I’m asked this question often: When is the best time to book flights?
It is a fair question, and the honest answer is that there is no single rule that works every time. Airfare has become increasingly unpredictable, and today there can be real advantages and disadvantages to both booking early and waiting a bit longer. Add in global instability, shifting fuel costs, and economic uncertainty, and the picture becomes even less straightforward.
That said, here is the general guidance my staff and I have found most useful:
Advantages of Booking Early
Booking earlier can offer a few clear benefits. First, there is the peace of mind that comes from having your flights secured and one more detail checked off your list. In some cases, booking early may also mean a better fare, particularly if prices continue to rise due to broader political or economic pressures. It also usually gives you the best selection of flight times, seat choices, and more efficient routing.
Disadvantages of Booking Early
At the same time, booking too far in advance is not always the best strategy. Data often shows that the lowest fares appear within a “golden window,” rather than many months ahead, so purchasing six or more months early can sometimes mean paying more than necessary.
There is also the possibility that prices will drop after you purchase, leaving you to track fare changes and negotiate with the airline for a credit or reimbursement. Early booking can also reduce flexibility if your plans shift, or if the airline changes its schedule. Flight times can move, aircraft can be swapped out, seating can change, and partner-airline connections may be affected, sometimes resulting in longer or less convenient itineraries.
The General “Sweet Spot”
As a rule of thumb, the timing that tends to work best is:
Domestic flights: about 1–3 months in advance
International flights: about 2–5 months in advance
The biggest exception is peak travel periods. If you are traveling during holidays, majo
r vacation seasons, or other especially busy times, it is usually wise to book well ahead.
Our Practical Take
Even with all the data, booking flights can still feel a bit like a gamble. Over the past year and a half, my team and I have spent so much time adjusting flights, or dealing with airline schedule changes, that any savings from booking very early have often been offset by the inconvenience.
Because of that, we have become more cautious about locking in flights too far ahead. These days, we often find ourselves booking in that 1–3 month window, depending on the destination and time of year.
In the end, there is no perfect formula, but a thoughtful balance of timing, flexibility, and tolerance for risk usually leads to the best outcome.
In December 2025 a good friend and I ventured into the waters around Papua New Guinea and also took a foray inland to photograph colorful tribes.
In places like Stetin Bay, the water is remarkably clear, revealing steep reef walls, sponges, and schools of barracuda cruising past. The biodiversity is staggering. Coral gardens here are largely untouched, bursting with healthy hard corals and clouds of small fish.
