Court Whelan 2014
Court’s background in wildlife and conservation biology led him to pursue a joint PhD in ecotourism and entomology, while simultaneously coordinating and guiding small-group wildlife expeditions and ecotourism adventures around the world. From leading nature safaris to such far-flung places as Papua New Guinea and Madagascar, to locales closer to home such as Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico, Court says his guiding experiences allow him to “help people travel to and learn about extraordinary natural areas that make meaningful lifelong impressions for everyone involved.”
In addition to a passion for discovery, teaching and adventure, Court is a professional nature and wildlife photographer, always eager to share his knowledge and creative guidance with his guests. Whether it’s macro photography of poison arrow frogs in Costa Rica, the vast desert landscapes of Namibia, or charismatic polar bears on the frozen tundra of Canada, no subject is off limits when it comes to Court’s enthusiasm for photography and sharing tips with his guests.
Court’s self-described photographic style is considerably varied, with wildlife photography taking center stage. However, he is equally intrigued with featuring the landscape and habitat of wildlife in a creative, captivating way that shows off both the setting and the animal subject. Capturing animal behavior and expressions (the more unique the better!) is equally important to Court, and he tends to opt for dramatic, bold colors that make a big instant impression. In addition to his select portfolio below, check out Court's recently published book on monarch butterfly photography. You can also view his photography tutorials on The Natural Photographer and follow his latest portfolio additions on Instagram at @court_whelan.
When he isn’t planning and leading nature safaris, you’ll find Court hiking and trail running in the Colorado backcountry, or more likely working on post-processing his photos from a recent expedition.
What's in My Camera Bag
I try to balance between having everything I need and covering the full range of focal lengths (plus a fun x-factor lens) but also not having too much. I usually keep my bag to no more than 3 or 4 lenses total with 1 body.
Camera
Canon R5
Lenses
15-35mm f/2.8
24-105mm f/4
70-200mm f/2.8
100-500mm f/4.5-7.1
50mm f/1.8 (x factor)
100mm f/2.8 macro (x factor)
Other
Peak Design Carbon Travel Tripod
Peak Design 45L Camera Bag
Peak Design Tech Pouch with necessary cables
4 memory cards totaling about 1TB of storage
Freewell Magnetic Filter Kit (Polarizer, NDs, UV)
Polar Pro magnetic Polarizing Filter
4 batteries in total with dual charger
Cleaning supplies
Peak Design Capture Clip Camera Holder
ProGrade Memory card reader
Peak Design Camera Strap
What Our Guests Say
Court was very informative and tailored his comments to the level of understanding of the participants, which in this case was very high. He has a wealth of knowledge, and his help with photography was terrific. I have traveled on several photo trips with other companies, and Nat Hab puts them to shame. I have never received so much information from a guide.
Court is an exceptional Expedition Leader and is really in a league of his own. He is very well-organized and was on top of every aspect of our trip. He is the only man I know that can multitask! Humble yet extremely knowledgeable, he eagerly shared what he knew about Winnipeg, Churchill, photography, the wildlife and geology of the areas we traveled through, and everything we needed or wanted to know about the Aurora Borealis. His enthusiasm matched ours and he was very helpful to all of us with photography tips and adjusting the settings on each of our cameras to best photograph the northern lights.
Court was amazing! He knew EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING: wildlife, environment, culture, history, photography, etc. He had a great sense of humor and remained cool and organized throughout the trip. We didn't have to do anything except show up. He paid attention to every detail including getting a birthday cake for one our participants! I leaned a lot about photography, which was the biggest reason I wanted to go. He was truly an amazing guide.
Upcoming Adventures with Court Whelan
Monarch Butterfly Photo Expedition
Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the fir forests of Mexico's Central Highlands—stand among them for exquisite photography opportunities as you listen to the air hum with the vibration of their wings!
Northern Lights Photo Expedition
You'll find no better location for aurora photography than Churchill—and no better approach than this one, led by expert photographer guides, featuring remote and atmospheric private settings for stunning images.
Ultimate Iceland Photo Expedition
Go longer, farther and deeper into the most remote corners of Iceland in pursuit of stunning landscape shots and native wildlife—with private flightseeing and boat tours for every possible perspective.
Madagascar Wildlife Photo Expedition
From rainforest to spiny desert, discover a wild wonderland filled with unique subjects, including lemurs large and tiny, the turquoise Parson's chameleon, and other rare and unusual species found nowhere else.
Borneo Wildlife Photo Expedition
With just nine travelers, seek coveted shots of Borneo's diverse array of unique and endangered rainforest wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, flying lemurs, and more than 300 bird species.
Northern Lights & Arctic Exploration
Churchill, Manitoba is arguably the best place on Earth to view the aurora borealis—see it in comfort from secluded, private viewing locations, including our exclusive glass Aurora Pod with a 360° view on the sky.
Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice
An immersive journey into the rugged grandeur of a land sculpted by intense geological forces. Make a full loop around Iceland on the most comprehensive nature adventure this compact country has to offer.
Iceland & Greenland: A Nordic Discovery
Discover less-traveled sides of these two Nordic countries on a unique itinerary that combines the geologic drama of Iceland’s rarely visited highlands with Greenland’s mighty glaciers, fjords and Inuit culture.
