In this solo deep dive, I walk you through the exact camera setup I use before every shoot, every trip, and sometimes even check between battery or memory card swaps. These aren’t just preferences—they’re the important, yet often-overlooked settings that can make or break your ability to capture fleeting moments in nature photography.

We get into the philosophy behind shooting in manual with auto ISO, why I prioritize speed and readiness for wildlife over anything else, and how I customize my camera to react as fast as the scene unfolding in front of me. From autofocus strategies and drive modes to white balance and RAW vs. JPEG, this episode is all about removing friction so you can focus on what really matters: making great photographs.

Whether you’ve just unboxed a new camera or you want to fine-tune your current setup, think of this as your field-ready blueprint for getting your gear working for you, not against you.

Not all things do I check and reset daily, but here is a quick guide for those that I do look at near-daily:

• Double-check RAW is still active
• Confirm drive mode it back to high-speed
• Re-check autofocus settings for single point / single shot
• Verify Manual + Auto ISO is set
• Check exposure settings (and go back to an even exposure)
• Image stabilization is turned on, both in-camera and on lenses

Court's Websites

• Check out my photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com
• Sign up for my photo and conservation blog at www.courtwhelan.com
• Follow me on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips
• View my camera kit and recommended camera gear

Sponsors and Promo Codes:

• MPB.com - Buy, Sell, or Trade Camera Gear
• ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design
• BayPhoto.com - 25% off your first order (code: TWP25)
• ArtHelper.com - a photo community to learn, share and be inspired
• Arthelper.Ai - Smart tools to promo and showcase your art.
• LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off

Your smartphone is already the camera you carry everywhere — and in this episode, Court makes the case for why that can make it the best camera in the world. From smarter shooting shortcuts and better composition to long exposures, portrait mode, slow motion, and simple edits, this episode is packed with practical ways to get more out of the camera that’s already in your pocket. Court also shares which phone features he actually uses, which ones he skips, and a few favorite apps for shooting and editing on the go.

What You’ll Learn

• Why your phone can genuinely become your most useful camera
• Quick access tricks that make it easier to capture fleeting moments
• How to improve composition with aspect ratio choices and grid lines
• When night mode, portrait mode, and live-mode long exposures shine
• Why pinching to zoom can reduce photo quality
• How to think about editing for photos that will mostly live on phones
• Which smartphone features are worth using — and which Court mostly ignores

Talked about in the Episode:

Leica LUX App

Lightroom Mobile App

Court's Websites

• Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com
• Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com
• Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips
• View Court's personal and recommended camera gear

Sponsors and Promo Codes:

• MBP.com - Buy, Sell, or Trade Camera Gear
• ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design.
• BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25)
• ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
• ArtHelper Photo Community - a place to learn, share and be inspired
• Arthelper.Ai - Smart tools to promo and showcase your art. Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version
• ...

In this episode I sit down with legendary photographer, guide, and longtime friend Eric Rock for a conversation packed with field-tested wisdom, big-picture perspective, and the kind of insight that only comes from a lifetime spent photographing (and guiding instructional photo tours) in wild places.

We dive into what it really takes to become a stronger nature photographer, from learning to capture a wildlife subject with intention, to building fieldcraft techniques that help you create better images before you ever touch the shutter.

We also get into the nuts and bolts of photography: prime lenses vs. zooms, what focal lengths Eric tends to trust most for wildlife, how he thinks about exposure, and why the histogram is still one of his favorite tools on a digital camera. Eric also discusses his editing philosophy, his evolving visual style, and how photography can be used as a meaningful tool for conservation and education.

This episode is full of practical advice, but it’s also a deeper conversation about patience, purpose, and staying connected to the passion that got you into photography in the first place.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why bears are such powerful teachers for wildlife photographers
• How to approach wildlife photography ethically and effectively
• The importance of guides, awareness, and fieldcraft
• Telephoto choices, zooms vs. primes, and lens versatility
• Setting photography goals for daily practice and long-term growth
• What makes a compelling travel photograph
• How to become successful in nature photography today
• Why the histogram still matters
• Eric’s minimalist editing workflow and evolving creative style
• OM System gear, favorite lenses, and surprisingly useful non-camera gear

Find Eric Rock online:

• Website / portfolio: Eric Rock Photography
• Instagram: @ericsrock
• OM SYSTEM Ambassador profile: official ambassador page and learning resources

Additional Photo Resources: Court's YouTube Channel

New Course! Conservation Communications Course

Court's Websites

• Check out my photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com
• Sign up for my photo and conservation blog at www.courtwhelan.com
• Follow me on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips
• View my camera kit and recommended camera gear

Sponsors and Promo Codes:

• MPB.com - Buy, Sell, or Trade Camera Gear
• ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design
• BayPhoto.com - 25% off your first order (code: TWP25)
• ArtHelper.com - a photo community to learn, share and be inspired
• Arthelper.Ai - Smart tools to promo and showcase your art.
• LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off