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Harsh midday highlights, blinding backlight, gloomy overcast, barely-there dawn… and full-on darkness. In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court breaks down five common lighting scenarios that routinely present challenges for even experienced shooters—and gives you practical, field-tested fixes for each.

From when to lean into the shadows, to when to under-expose, to the advantages of black-and-white photography, you’ll get settings, positioning tips, and creative pivots you can use on your very next outing.

What you’ll learn

• How to tame harsh midday light with even lighting, B&W conversions, fast shutters, and deep depth of field (hello, f/22 starbursts).
• Smart ways to handle backlighting: underexpose to protect highlights, pivot your position to remove sky, or embrace high-key silhouettes.
• Low-light playbook for golden hour: fast glass vs. slower zooms, workable shutter rules with IBIS, intentional motion blur, and when to “shoot dark.”
• Why flat, cloudy light is secretly great—and how to add shape and depth with composition, shallow DOF, and selective post work.
• A simple, repeatable night wildlife recipe (spot metering + auto ISO + shallow aperture + slight underexposure) that actually works.

Chapter markers

• 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup: Five “tricky light” scenarios you’ll face in the field.
• 02:05 – Sponsors & Resources: Art Storefronts overview + Lensrentals promo; YouTube & blog pointers.
• 06:30 – Harsh Midday Light: Seek even light; when to go black & white; leverage F11–F22 and ultra-fast shutters; birds-in-flight at noon.
• 14:55 – Backlighting: Why highlights are hard to recover; underexpose a touch, use spot metering, minimize sky by changing your angle/elevation; creative high-key looks.
• 23:40 – Low Light / Golden Hour: Start at widest aperture; practical shutter targets with/without IBIS; widen out if needed; intentional motion blur & panning; purposefully underexpose for mood.
• 34:10 – Flat, Cloudy Light: Even light advantages; watch for edge-of-cloud transitions; add depth via background distance and shallow DOF; post tweaks (contrast, clarity, dehaze).
• 42:45 – Night Wildlife: The simple settings stack; why spot metering + underexposure isolates the subject and keeps the scene clean.
• 49:30 – Wrap-Up & Next Steps: Recap, podcast reviews, where to find Court’s portfolio and videos.

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)

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Ever wonder what makes a professional wildlife portrait pop? In this fan-favorite episode, Court breaks down the secrets behind tack-sharp eyes, buttery-smooth backgrounds, and that magical “pro photo” look.

You’ll learn how aperture, telephoto compression, and background distance all work together to make your shots stand out.

From choosing your f-stop to post-processing blur and sharpening tricks, this episode is a masterclass in getting your wildlife portraits to wow.

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)

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In need of a creative jolt for your wildlife photography and get better, more captivating images (and memories)?

In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court shares a dozen practical ways to make wildlife images truly captivating. We cover when to crank your drive mode for expressive behavior, how getting low and shooting at eye level transforms background separation, and the simple distance ratio that creates creamy blur even at f/8. You’ll learn to choose your background (not accept it), frame with natural elements, and zoom in on intriguing details for a story-driven series.

Court also demos creative exposure tools—spot metering for dramatic light, in-camera white balance shifts for mood—and several motion techniques, from slow-shutter pans to zoom/rotate effects. Finally, we break composition “rules” on purpose, using exaggerated negative space and dead-center symmetry when the scene calls for it. If you’re ready to move from documentation to impact, this one’s for you.

Chapter Markers

00:00 Introduction to Captivating Wildlife Photography
00:44 Thanks to Sponsors
04:20 Introduction
04:59 Understanding Drive Motor for Wildlife Photography
08:23 Get Low (and on eye level)
10:27 Utilizing Shallow Depth of Field
15:09 Zooming in on Animal Details
18:16 Framing your Shots
20:02 The Allure of Spot Metering
23:28 Matching (or playing with) White Balance
26:23 Intentional Motion Blur Techniques
28:35 Other Uses of Slow Shutter
31:03 Composition Techniques
34:08 Choosing the Your Background
37:28 Conclusion

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)

Send us a text

What does it mean to slow down, be intentional, and truly see before pressing the shutter? In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court sits down with renowned guide and photographer Colby Brokvist for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, simplicity, and storytelling in photography. From the ethereal landscapes of Antarctica to the discipline of putting your camera down and being present, Colby shares wisdom on cultivating intentionality, developing a personal style, and guiding others to find their own voice as photographers. Along the way, they explore the balance between technical skill and creative vision, the evolving role of conservation photography, and the realities of leading photo trips around the world.

Main Takeaways:

• How to get into guiding photo trips and teaching photography
• Simplicity is the answer (why and how to keep it simple)
• Thoughts from Colby on Photographing Antarctica
• Colby’s Go-To Settings and why he’s always prepared for fast action
• Colby’s advice for honing your style (but not to be put in a box) and thoughts on a timeless style
• Colby's Tips on Mountain Photography
• Why image searches on google can elevate your photography for your upcoming trip
• Why Colby always recommends traveling with a lightweight kit
• Plus, Colby's favorite x-factor lens

Links Discussed and to Share:

Colby's Guide-Training Academy: Waypoint Guide Academy Website

And IG Account: Waypoint Instagram

Colby's Personal IG: Colbyoutdoors Instagram

Colby's Guide-Training Book: The Professional Guide's Handbook

Colby's Photo Website: Colby Outdoors Photography

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Will Patino's YouTube (Colby's favorite YouTube Photographer)

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - WILD for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)

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Modern cameras can feel like mini computers with endless settings, but at the core of every great photograph lies just three: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court unpacks the “Golden Triangle” of photography and explains how these three elements work together to shape exposure, creativity, and artistic intent. Through clear analogies and practical examples, you’ll learn how to balance depth of field, motion, and light to capture the scene in front of you exactly as you envision it.

Whether you’re exploring landscapes, photographing wildlife, or diving deeper into your craft, this episode provides a straightforward guide to mastering the fundamentals that matter most in mastering photography.

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - WILD for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)

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These lenses are no doubt your workhorses in any sort of photography. However, it can be a little complex deciding which one to invest in and have as part of your trusty camera kit.

In this episode, I go into detail on what makes each lens great, and why you might want to choose one over the other depending on your style and needs.

Takeaways

• The 24-70mm lens is a favorite among professionals for its sharpness and low-light capabilities.
• F2.8 aperture is excellent for portrait and low-light photography.
• The 24-105mm lens offers more versatility with its extended range.
• Weight and size are significant factors for travel photographers (feather in the cap for 24-105mm).
• The 24-70mm lens has better resale value due to its popularity.
• Consider your primary photography style when choosing a lens--do you need f/2.8?
• The 24-105mm is more affordable and lighter, making it a great option for many.
• Image stabilization can influence the choice between the two lenses.
• Ultimately, the best lens is the one that fits your needs and is with you when you need it.
• If you don't need f/2.8 for your landscape/walking-around lens, save the money, size, and weight and go for the 24-105mm.

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - WILD for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)

Send us a text

This episode is dedicated to the fundamentals—the essential building blocks of great wildlife photography. Whether you’re just stepping into the world of nature photography or you’ve spent years in the field, revisiting the core principles can sharpen your eye and elevate your work.

In this episode, we break down what I consider the six cornerstones of wildlife photography: composition, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, and editing. These aren’t just technical settings—they’re the tools that shape your ability to tell compelling stories through your images.

We begin with composition, exploring everything from the classic rule of thirds to more nuanced tools like the phi grid and exaggerated framing. We’ll also touch on strategies for capturing wildlife in its broader landscape, and how to approach moments of behavior with both creativity and technical precision. From there, we move through the vital exposure triangle—understanding how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together—and close with a look at editing as the final, intentional step in the process.

This is a practical guide to grounding your photography in strong technique, while allowing space for creative decision-making and artistic growth.

Special thanks to our sponsor, ArtHelper.ai, whose AI-powered platform helps photographers transform finished images into powerful content. Use promo code WILD for six months free.

Let’s get started—this is Wildlife Photography 101.

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - WILD for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)

Send us a text

Hey friends, welcome back to The Wild Photographer! Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite rabbit holes in photography—macro. And not just any macro… I’m talking about a quick and dirty (but oh-so-aesthetic) technique that lets you capture stunning macro shots without even bringing a macro lens. Yep, you heard that right.

As a biologist and entomologist turned travel photographer, I’ve always had a deep love for the miniature world—those textures, patterns, and critters that usually go unnoticed. But let’s be real: when you're packing for a trip, you can't always justify hauling a full macro setup. That’s why I’ve dialed in a portable, practical method using your everyday lenses—think 24–105mm or a basic kit lens—and I’m breaking it all down for you in this episode.

Whether it’s a dew-drenched wildflower or the intricate veins of a rainforest leaf, I’ll walk you through the physical setup, manual focus tricks, camera settings with and without flash, and the creative flair that turns good shots into great ones. I even cover editing tips to make those textures pop and that drama sing.

So if you’ve ever wanted to make small things look big (and beautiful), grab your gear—or even just your backyard—and let’s explore how to bring the tiny into focus in a bold new way.

Let’s get wild. Let’s get macro.

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:
LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
Arthelper.Ai - WILD for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

AG1 - Daily (and Travel) Nutrition (use link for free travel packs and other goodies)