Natural Photographer Blog

  • Learn by Example

    Shot Settings: Sally Lightfoot in the Sunset Surf

    Nov 5, 2025 · Mike Hillman

    One of my photographic mantras is “Common is your classroom.” In the Galapagos, where Blue-footed Boobies dive-bomb from the sky and Galapagos Tortoises plow through the brush like ancient tanks,…

  • Learn by Example

    How I Got this Shot- Platypus Close-Up in Tasmania

    Oct 7, 2025 · Mike Hillman

    Let’s start with the obvious: photographing a platypus is a ridiculous pursuit. You’re chasing a creature that looks like it was designed by a committee of drunk zoologists; duck bill,…

  • Learn by Example

    How to Get This Shot – Starry Night in Bryce Canyon

    Aug 15, 2024 · Court Whelan

    Astrophotography is so rewarding when everything goes right. The challenge, though, is that there are a number of things that need to go right simultaneously, and any error can botch…

  • Learn by Example

    Shot Settings – Bears at Brooks Falls

    Jun 21, 2024 · Court Whelan

    This is the dream trip for just about every wildlife photographer on the planet–to have an extraordinary day (or days!) at the famous Brooks Falls platform in Katmai National Park,…

  • Learn by Example

    How to Get this Shot – Brown Bear Portrait

    Aug 7, 2023 · Court Whelan

    Alaska is the global epicenter of brown bear photography. Sure, you can get great grizzly photos elsewhere, but the volume and proximity of brown bears in Alaska, particularly in the…

  • Learn by Example

    How to Get This Shot – Aurora over the Boreal Forest

    Jul 17, 2023 · Court Whelan

    If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again—photographing the northern lights is one of the most thrilling things any photographer can experience. It’s a combination of intense beauty, and…

  • Learn by Example

    How To Get This Shot: Alaska Bear Camp Shoreline

    Mar 9, 2023 · Court Whelan

    Anyone who says they have “enough” bear photos just haven’t been around the right bears—or in the right place for extraordinary bear photography. Fortunately, there are outfitters that safely and…

  • Learn by Example

    Shot Settings – Giant Shot of Giant Panda

    Jun 17, 2020 · Court Whelan

    In this Shot Settings article, we’ll be taking a look at one of the most iconic “big wildlife” species on the planet–the Giant Panda of China. Shot Settings: f/3.2, 1/640, ISO…

  • Learn by Example

    Shot Settings – Sunset in the Galapagos Islands

    Apr 30, 2020 · Court Whelan

    Here at Natural Photographer, due to popular demand, we’re starting a new category of article. Shot Settings will be a new way for you to browse through photos quickly and…

  • Learn by Example

    Shot Settings – Polar Bear in Churchill

    Apr 5, 2020 · Court Whelan

    Here at The Natural Photographer, due to popular demand, we have a new category of article. Shot Settings will be a new way for you to browse through photos quickly…

  • Learn by Example

    NEW Shot Settings – Wild Dog in Africa

    Mar 23, 2020 · Court Whelan

    Here at The Natural Photographer, due to popular demand, we’re starting a new category of article. Shot Settings will be a new way for you to browse through photos quickly…

  • Learn by Example

    How to get this shot – Arctic Fox Trot

    Jan 23, 2020 · Court Whelan

    The arctic is a truly magical part of our planet. It’s home to sensational wildlife and has been the focus of centuries of ardent exploration, yielding grand stories, and even…