Justin Pitschmann2023
Justin grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where his parents nurtured his passion for wildlife and nature. Family trips to the Rocky Mountains sparked a lifelong fascination with the outdoors and set him on a path toward a career in ecology.
He earned a biology degree with an emphasis in ecology from Sterling College, publishing research on black-tailed prairie dog behavior. He later received a master’s in marine science from Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography in Florida. Summers spent working near Yosemite introduced him to California’s Sierra Nevada, where he eventually became a backcountry and photography guide.
A self-taught photographer, Justin spent eight years shooting 35mm and medium format film to master the fundamentals. He now uses both digital and film equipment and believes in a minimalist approach—carrying just three lenses (wide, midrange and telephoto), a sturdy tripod and one camera body to stay nimble and focused on the scene.
He has traveled to over 30 U.S. states, 20 national parks and eight countries, capturing remote wilderness and wildlife along the way. Now based in Oakhurst, California—just 15 miles from Yosemite—he spends his free time hiking, backpacking and photographing the Sierra.
Justin guides several Nat Hab adventures, including Yellowstone: Ultimate Wolf & Wildlife Safari, Hidden Yellowstone & Grand Teton Safari, Grand Canyon to Zion, Glacier & Waterton, and the Desert Southwest Photo Expedition.
What's in My Camera Bag
Although it is important to make sure you have the appropriate gear for what you intend to shoot, too much gear tends to slow you down. In my opinion, it is better to work the shot with the lens that is on your camera, than to spend time constantly rooting through an over-packed bag while the light on the scene comes and goes. I tend to try to have three lenses with me: wide, mid-range, and an extra-long lens. This way I only ever have two lenses in my bag, with the other on my camera body. Taking time before your trip to consider what you expect to shoot and how you want to shoot it can help pare down gear. Pair all of this with a sturdy, compact tripod, and you have all you need to compose a beautiful photo.
Digital Setup
Canon EOS 90D
18-135mm f/3.5
B+W 67mm circular polarizer
Manifrotto Tripod
Film Setup
Minolta SRT-101
Minolta 28mm f/2.8
Minolta 50mm f/1.4
Minolta 100mm Macro f/3.5
Minolta 135mm f/3.5
Minolta 300mm f/4.5
Manifrotto tripod
What Our Guests Say
Justin was extremely knowledgeable and his enthusiasm was contagious! I never knew I would be so interested in geology and granite, haha. It's easy to see that Justin’s love for Yosemite runs deep, and he was committed to showing us all of the beauty it has to offer.
Justin is a superb guide: knowledgeable, friendly, great personality. He seems to be a natural leader and was able to adjust the schedule due to weather easily and calmly. I knew we were in excellent hands with Justin!
Justin is so knowledgeable about Yosemite and very passionate. He even took us to some of his favorite sites—places that we'd never know to go to on our own!
