Our Story

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Mike Hillman2018

Mike's skills as a guide and his passion for photography culminated in his position as the Photo Expeditions Director at Nat Hab.
Mike grew up in the North Woods of Michigan and spent his early years learning all he could about the natural world. As an Eagle Scout, he led local groups on nature walks, identifying plants and animals along the way. While earning a degree in zoology from Michigan State University, Mike discovered his greatest passions: capturing the beauty of wildlife through his lens and imparting his knowledge of the natural world to others. His professional path began as a zookeeper and presenter, leading him to roles in various zoos, aquariums and nature-focused institutions. His dedication eventually saw him working with tour companies, notably Nat Hab.

Mike has had a special interest in photography since childhood. His first digital camera was a Nikon D50, and he has been capturing moments through his camera ever since. Driven by his innate fascination with nature, his photographic endeavors primarily spotlight wildlife and landscapes. This passion culminated in his position as the Photo Expeditions Director at Nat Hab.

Mike's interest in birding was ignited by an ornithology professor during his college years. His expertise took him on birding expeditions globally, even earning him first place in his division at the Great Texas Birding Classic. When not in the office, Mike is most at home in the great outdoors, whether he's birding, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, camping, snorkeling or scuba diving. Today, he calls Tucson, Arizona home, where he lives with his wife, Jessica, a fellow Expedition Leader at Nat Hab.
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Brown bear cub, Nat Hab
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Brown bear cub, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Echidna, Tasmania.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Echidna, Tasmania.
Bear coast, Katmai National Park, Alaska.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Bear coast, Katmai National Park, Alaska.
Galapagos penguin, Punta Vicente Roca, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Galapagos penguin, Punta Vicente Roca, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Kangaroo, Australia.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Kangaroo, Australia.
Brown bear, Nat Hab
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Brown bear, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Kangaroo Island, Australia.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Kangaroo Island, Australia.
Galapagos sea lions, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Galapagos sea lions, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.
Brown bear with cubs, Nat Hab
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Brown bear with cubs, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Marine iguana, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Marine iguana, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Land iguanas, Santa Fe Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Land iguanas, Santa Fe Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
Wallaby, Australia.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Wallaby, Australia.
Wallaby, Australia.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Wallaby, Australia.
Koala, Kangaroo Island, Australia.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Koala, Kangaroo Island, Australia.
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Australia.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Australia.
Marine iguanas, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Marine iguanas, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Sally Lightfoot crabs, Fernandina Island, Galapagos, Ecuado
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Mike Hillman
Sally Lightfoot crabs, Fernandina Island, Galapagos, Ecuado
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What's in My Camera Bag

My Packing Philosophy
I like to keep my camera bag light, often only traveling with just 2 lenses; a large zoom and a wide angle. This keeps my bag small to easily fit in the overhead of planes, so not to risk gate checking expensive equipment.
Camera
Sony A1

Lenses
Sony 200-600mm f/5.6
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8
Sony 1.4x Teleconverter

Other
160GB Memory cards
Charger + Extra Batteries
Samsung T7 SSD
Cleaning Kit
Swarovski 10x42 Binoculars
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What Our Guests Say

Mike was an excellent guide with extensive knowledge of the Yellowstone ecosystem. He made an effort to know each of his fellow travelers and to provide information about our passions. Being a novice birder, I was interested in finding a golden eagle, which he was able to spot on our last day together. We had an amazing trip and saw all the apex predators. As a zoologist, Mike was able to go into great detail about the wildlife that we saw. He also takes great photographs!
K. Mickam
Mike’s enthusiasm for his job makes him an excellent guide. He also happens to have a wealth of knowledge, which made him an excellent Expedition Leader. I cannot praise him high enough.
M. Heads
Mike was very attentive to all the members of our group. I loved how he gave very helpful photography tips to travelers on our trip. He was also extremely knowledgeable about Churchill wildlife and demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for the environment we explored. Mike is an excellent Expedition Leader, and we would love to take another trip with him. He’s that good.
R. Fredrick
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Videos & Travel Stories

VIDEO | Alaska Bear Photography in Lake Clark National Park

VIDEO | Alaska Bear Photography in Lake Clark National Park

Learn how to photograph wild bears in Alaska with nature photographer Mike Hillman.
WEBINAR | Lost and Found: Rediscovering ‘Extinct’ Species

WEBINAR | Lost and Found: Rediscovering ‘Extinct’ Species

Originally presented November 9, 2020
Expedition Leader Mike Hillman explores fascinating stories of species once thought extinct but later rediscovered. Animals like the black-footed ferret and Puerto Rican crested toad defied expectations, surviving in hidden refuges despite being presumed gone. Join Mike to learn about their incredible reappearances, the chance encounters that led to their rediscovery, and the efforts to prevent their extinction once more.
WEBINAR | Mother Nature's Rule Breakers: Part 3

WEBINAR | Mother Nature's Rule Breakers: Part 3

Originally presented December 23, 2020
Remember learning science rules about animals and plants? Reality is often more complex. Join Expedition Leader Mike Hillman as he reveals fascinating species that defy scientific norms. Explore the weird and wonderful world of nature’s rule-breakers in this intriguing journey!
Previsualization – The Art of Picturing your Pictures

Previsualization – The Art of Picturing your Pictures

Unlock the secrets to exceptional wildlife photography. Discover how visualizing your shots before capturing them can transform your images. Learn to plan compositions, anticipate animal behavior, and optimize lighting to elevate your photography skills and achieve stunning, creative results.
How To Get This Shot – Silky Waterfall

How To Get This Shot – Silky Waterfall

Get the secrets to capturing the perfect silky waterfall shot with our expert naturalist guide and photographer Mike Hillman. Learn techniques for achieving the smooth, ethereal effect in your photos by mastering long exposure, composition, and lighting.
How To Get This Shot – Alaskan Backlit Bear

How To Get This Shot – Alaskan Backlit Bear

Dive into the art of capturing dramatic wildlife photos and learn how get the shot of an Alaskan backlit bear. Learn techniques for mastering backlighting to create stunning, silhouette-rich images. Discover tips on timing, composition, and settings to achieve this striking effect and enhance your wildlife photography skills.
What’s in My Camera Bag: Australia

What’s in My Camera Bag: Australia

See what's in a wildlife photographer's camera bag for an Australia trip. Guide and photographer Mike Hillman gives insights into essential gear and tools used to capture stunning wildlife and landscapes.

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