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In Nat Hab’s 10 Tips to Improve Your Wildlife & Nature Photography webinar, pro photographer and Expedition Leader Charlie Reinertsen shares his tips for capturing stellar shots of even the most fleeting animal encounters.

Here are some of Charlie’s tips for camera settings and composition techniques, photo gear and ways to improve your wildlife photography while enjoying your time in nature. Charlie’s always asking:

“How do I capture animals’ personalities? How do I make images that inspire people to conserve and protect them and their habitats?”

His photo tips provide a roadmap for photographers:

Nat Hab Expedition Leader Charlie Reinertsen using wildlife scope on our Mexico Monarch adventure.

1. Know Your Wildlife Ecology

Charlie’s first tip is to study up on the wildlife you hope to spot. He says:

“If you’re hoping to get photos of animals, you have to know them, know their habitats, and know their behaviors so you can set yourself up for the best possible position.”

Then, you match the time of year and your day to their behavior; follow their prey. Questions to ask include: When and where do they have young? Are there researchers or guides tracking the wildlife you’re hoping to photograph?

Understanding animal behavior is crucial for wildlife photography. Knowing when and where animals are most active, such as wolves and snow leopards being crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), helps position you for the best shots.

Use local resources to determine what the animal will be doing at the time of year and day. For example, on wolf-watching photo expeditions in Yellowstone, knowledge of wolves’ seasonal behavior near dens helps photographers capture special moments.

Watching prey species like bison for signs of wolf presence also illustrates how understanding the ecosystem can guide your photography. The more you immerse yourself in the animals’ habits and environments, the better you’ll anticipate opportunities for extraordinary photos.

Botswana Safari © David Luck

Tips and Questions for Wildlife Photography Preparation:

• Does your camera perform well in the conditions (low light, for example)?
• Will you need a tripod to stabilize your camera?
• Telephoto Lens—fast lens, wide aperture; the longer the lens, the better
• Connect with the wildlife community online. Local trackers and experts can be fantastic resources.

General rules of thumb for a crisp image: Double the length of your lens compared to your shutterspeed. Cameras vary—test how high you can push your ISO without getting too much grain in the image. Some cameras will have much less noise.

Key takeaway: Use as many resources as you can to get information about where animals will be in the landscape and what they will be doing at particular times of the day and year.

Photographing coastal brown bears at Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp © Brad Josephs

2. Use Depth of Field to Your Advantage

Sometimes, you’ll be pushed to the limits of what your camera can do in low light—the shutter will be as slow as it can go, the aperture will be as wide as it can be, and you may be as close to the animal as you can get safely without disturbing him or her. You’ll have limited variables to adjust.

Other times, you’ll have the opportunity to play with what and how much is in focus. The question to ask then is: What story do you want to tell? The answer can shape your decisions about depth of field.

Sometimes, a single leaf tells a fascinating scientific, cultural or conservation story. Then you can use a wide open aperture and shallow depth of field, so very few elements in your photo are in focus, just the leaf itself.

Why would you want that? To tell a detailed or small-scale story, like the story of photosynthesis through a furry leaf in an arid climate.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Nat Hab Staff Dana Cama

On the other hand, with an aperture of f9 (tiny), for example, a lot will be in focus. Use depth of field as one of the tools in your kit, just like you would a piece of gear. Charlie encourages:

“Always be thinking: Do I want really shallow depth of field, or do I want everything in focus? Stretch your thinking on how you’re using that tool.”

Manipulating the depth of field allows for creative expression and focus on your subject. Shallow depth of field emphasizes a singular subject, blurring out distractions, as seen in a macro shot of a leaf where the camera focuses solely on the leaf’s texture. Alternatively, a deeper depth of field keeps an entire landscape in focus. Knowing when to employ each method can transform your photography.

How near or far you are to your subject also shapes this decision. If you are close to the subject, the background will go out of focus with a wide-open aperture.

Try this depth-of-field photo tip: Learn about your camera’s depth of field by finding a leaf you’d like to photograph. Keep all the settings the same as you move further and closer away from your subject. You might find you like the soft background, bokeh, that comes from a blurred background, or you might prefer more detail in the background.

Photographing snow leopards © Ralph Lee Hopkins

3. Know When to Use and Ditch the Tripod

Reinertsen confesses to a constant conundrum: Should I bring it, or should I leave it when it comes to gear? With regard to his tripod, he says:

“I often leave it behind; the moment can be so fast, the tripod’s just in the way. Using the landscape—a rock, tree, or laying on the ground—can be helpful.”

When are tripods really useful, and when are they too heavy or cumbersome to carry in the backcountry? When can you get away without one? Here’s how Reinertsen explains:

Tripods stabilize shots in low light or long exposures, but they can be cumbersome in fast-moving situations. In most wildlife scenarios, a tripod can be a hindrance. Instead, he uses natural props, like leaning against a tree or lying down, to steady the camera.

“Sometimes you have to grab your camera really quickly and lay down—there’s no time for a tripod—even if it’s with you. You have to be ready to adjust your settings for the conditions, and that may be all you have time for.”

When do tripods help? A tripod is indispensable when you have time. For example, when you find something like an active nest and have time to set up and shoot for a while, you can also switch over to video.

Night sky photography is another time when you’ll want a tripod. One of the things you can do if you bump up your ISO, you can take multiple exposures, stack them in post producton, and that helps remove the noise.

Nat Hab guest photographs the wildlife of Brazil’s Pantanal © Expedition Leader Fernando Lessa

4. Bringing (and Leaving behind) the Right Gear

For wildlife and landscape photographers, bringing the right photo gear is a constant struggle. For Reinertsen, ease of movement is a priority. He says:

“I get burned out if I’m carrying everything all the time, so I plan my shots. Am I looking for large mammals moving across the landscape (300 mm) or small inquisitive birds who’ll come nearby if I have a couple of cranberries or peanuts (24 – 70 mm)?”

Charlie’s tip for deciding what camera gear to bring on your next trip is: Choose what you want to focus on. Decide your goal for the day or trip. Then cater your gear to your trip goals and shot list.

“My biggest advice for traveling is to plan to stitch images together in post-production to create a panoramic landscape image with a 50 mm.”

So, when faced with the question of what to bring, the question really is how to maximize the benefit of the gear you choose to bring.

Packing a lighter helps you remain nimble in the field while still being prepared to capture compelling images. This means not always lugging all your lenses but bringing the right one for the job.

Good to know, especially for longer Photo Expeditions: In our Q&A with Nat Hab Photo Expedition Director Mike Hillman, he shared that Nat Hab Photo Expeditions often have increased baggage allowances to help address this photo gear challenge.

Nat Hab Director of Photo Expeditions Mike Hillman at Alaska Bear Camp © Brad Josephs

5. Don’t Get Stuck on Your Usual (or even Favorite) Camera Settings 

How do you break out of your habitual camera settings? Don’t get stuck in a rut. Try to maintain playfulness with your settings. Reinertsen confessed:

For the vast majority of my work, I:

• Set the camera to aperture priority
• Make sure the shutter isn’t too slow
• Protect the highlights (drop exposure down a couple of settings)
• Go into manual mode if needed.

The trouble with relying on the same settings or starting point is: you can get the same types of images over and over again.

Charlie’s advice? Challenge yourself to do things completely differently—even break the rules.

© Nat Hab Expedition Leader Jim Beissel

Use telephoto with wide open aperture and fast shutter speed for mountainous landscapes, for example, or something quite different from what you would normally do.

Switching up your aperture, ISO, or focal length challenges you to see and capture scenes differently, pushing your photography into new territory. Experimentation can unlock more creative shots.

Charlie’s tip: Play with settings and composition no matter how long you’ve been photographing nature and wildlife.

6. Share the Whole Story, Not Just the Hero Shot

The important point in Tip #6 is to tell the whole story. Sometimes luck and time in the field lead to the perfect shot, but there are a lot of other shots to get to tell the whole story of that particular locale.

Wildlife photography isn’t just about getting the perfect close-up. Capturing the broader ecosystem—like landscape shots, habitat details, or animal behaviors—helps tell the complete story of an animal in a place. Instead of solely pursuing one “hero” shot, work toward telling a visual story that encapsulates the environment, behavior, and life of your subject.

Tip: Ask yourself — what’s unexpected about this outing? Follow your curiosity; sometimes, it might lead you in an unplanned direction. Very often, a series of images over time in a day or outing can tell a story; no single image could.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader Court Whelan photographing the nature of Iceland © Andrew Ackerman

7. Practice Makes Perfect

How can you modify one thing, or return to the same place over and over and get different results?

Returning to the same location repeatedly allows you to study the landscape and notice its nuance and changes across seasons.

Try capturing the same scene or subject in summer, fall, and late autumn to showcase seasonal transitions. Constant practice in familiar environments helps you master technical aspects of photography, from composition to light management. Over time, you’ll notice new elements to photograph and refine your approach, allowing for a deeper understanding—and storytelling—of your subject matter and more refined images.

Photography is not one and done. There are always new ways to capture a particular place to inspire conservation in these areas.

Darwin finch, Galapagos Islands © Nat Hab Guest Melodie Smith

8. Sometimes, Put the Camera Down

Sometimes, it’s best to just put the camera down. It’s important to step back and observe the landscape or wildlife without the camera to connect more deeply with the environment.

This often leads to new insights or compositions that you might have missed. Some moments are better appreciated through direct experience, which can, in turn, inspire more thoughtful photography.

Nat Hab Guest in Greenland © Expedition Leader Marlo Shaw

9. Every Edit Counts

Key things take photos from good to great. Post-production is a critical part of elevating a good photo to a great one.

Key Takeaway: Editing is an integral part of the photographic process. Paying attention to small adjustments, from straightening the horizon to fine-tuning the color balance, can make a difference in the quality of the final photograph.

Australia Safari © Matt Meyer

10. Learn from the Pros

Charlie recommends seeking out professional photographers specializing in the places, genres and types of photography you love because their work can inspire new ideas and perspectives. Ask:

“Who do you look up to? How can you learn from their best work? What is it about their work that you are really drawn to?”

Studying the work of accomplished photographers can provide new techniques and inspiration. Charlie suggests following professionals like Jaime Rojo, whose work with monarch butterflies offers a fresh perspective on capturing wildlife.

Analyzing how other photographers use light, composition, and settings can help you think differently about your own work. Whether through books, exhibitions, or online portfolios, learning from others can spark ideas for your next photographic adventure.

These ten tips from professional photographer and Nat Hab Expedition Leader Charlie Reinertsen provide a strong foundation for wildlife and nature photography, blending practical advice with the creative aspects of visual storytelling. Whether you’re capturing the intricate details of a leaf or the grandeur of a distant mountain range, these techniques and considerations can help you take great photos on your next trip or in service of conservation goals important to you.

© Nat Hab Expedition Leader Jim Beissel

Audience questions:

I’m pretty new to photography; how should I prepare before heading out on a Nat Hab trip?

Charlie recommends: Practice in your backyard. Use anything—leaves, your dog, squirrels. Find things that move and that are still. Practice at different times of day, in different kinds of light. Try out all your camera settings so you know how they work because the last thing you want to be doing is trying to figure out your camera when something really cool is happening on a trip.

Can I still get some good shots if all I have is my phone?

Charlie’s response: Absolutely! See if you might be interested in shooting in raw formats on your phone. Check out online tutorials for how to maximize the performance of your phone’s camera.

Nat Hab Guests photograph the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico © Nat Hab Expedition Leader Court Whelan

The post 10 Tips to Improve Your Wildlife & Nature Photography first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, can be seen throughout the polar north, but the most vivid displays occur under an oval-shaped ring, the aurora oval, that circles the magnetic North Pole.

The aurora oval stretches across northern parts of Alaska, Canada and Greenland, as well as over Iceland, northern Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Finland), and parts of Russia. Within the oval, solar particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating the vibrant aurora borealis displays.

Witness the Aurora Borealis in Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba, sits within the aurora oval on Hudson Bay and at the mouth of the Churchill River. Nat Hab’s Northern Lights Photo Expedition in Churchill offers an exclusive opportunity to photograph this elusive light display, alongside the snowy landscapes and wildlife that define Churchill. With expert photography guides, you’ll capture unforgettable images of the aurora far from city lights, beneath the vast arctic skies.

Photographed by Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Eddy Savage

Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer Court Whelan says, “We are in a beautiful location in Churchill, Manitoba, what I view as one of the best places for aurora viewing and, of course, aurora photography in the entire world.”

We’ve assembled numerous tips, stories and guides for getting great shots of the northern lights. You can see many of those here. In this article, we combine them for six iconic shots to aim for on your Northern Lights & Arctic Exploration Adventure.

Just as a commercial photographer has a shot list for the images to capture during a work day, so too you might want to think before your arrival about the kinds of images you want to be able to return home with.

© Eddy Savage

Here are six iconic shots to aim for on your Northern Lights Photo Expedition in Churchill:

#1: Photograph the Northern Lights Over Boreal Forest

Court says, “We’re in a beautiful part of Churchill, which is the boreal forest. One of the most known and revered things about Churchill is its confluence of these major biomes. We’ve got the tundra, the arctic tundra, just a little further out there, but right now, we’re tucked in this beautiful boreal forest. So we see these incredible black and white spruce trees all around us. This is the ideal thing for foreground elements in aurora photography.”

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Eddy Savage

Churchill’s boreal forest provides an ideal foreground for photographing the northern lights. The stark beauty of snow-covered black and white spruce trees adds depth and context to your images of the aurora borealis, making it more than just a “green swash across the sky.”

The clear, dark skies, far from any light pollution, make Churchill a prime location for capturing the stunning natural display of the aurora.

For your first iconic shot, focus on the northern lights illuminating the sky over the snow-covered spruce trees of the boreal forest. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the lights as they ripple and dance above the trees. A long exposure will bring out the vivid greens, purples and blues of the aurora while maintaining the contrast of the dark, snow-draped trees below.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader Court Whelan emphasizes the importance of including foreground elements in aurora photography: “Without some sort of context like a foreground—some snow, some trees, a building or an igloo—it’s going to look a little uninviting and not that interesting.”

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Eddy Savage

Trees in the foreground help in multiple ways:

• They provide context for the larger story and sense of place.
• They give us something to focus on.

Tip: “One of the most challenging things about aurora photography is where and how to focus.” Framing the lights with the towering trees adds context and enhances your composition, transforming the shot into a captivating scene.

Resource: For more on choosing the right foreground for your northern lights photography, check out Court Whelan’s blog post: How to Pick Your Foreground for Northern Lights Photography.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Eddy Savage

#2: Reflections of the Northern Lights on Ice

The frozen landscape of Churchill provides a perfect reflective canvas for the northern lights. The ice-covered terrain creates stunning reflections of the vibrant aurora borealis, adding an extra layer of visual interest to your shots. This pristine wilderness setting in northern Manitoba offers some of the clearest views of the northern lights thanks to its remote location and the extended winter nights.

For your second iconic shot, focus on the reflection of the northern lights on the ice. Position yourself to incorporate both the lights in the sky and their reflection on the icy surface.

Tip: A long exposure shot will highlight the vibrant colors of the aurora and the subtle texture of the frozen landscape, creating a stunning mirror effect that captures the tranquility of the arctic night.

© Eddy Savage

As Court Whelan advises, “A long exposure allows the aurora to paint the sky in brilliant hues,” so make sure to experiment with exposure times to find the perfect balance between capturing the movement of the lights and the stillness of the ice.

Resource: For more ideas and techniques, refer to Nat Hab’s guide: Photographing the Northern Lights.

#3: The Aurora Borealis + Historic Structures in Churchill

Churchill is rich in history, with structures that add a distinct sense of place to your photos. Old cabins, stone structures, and even relics of arctic exploration provide an interesting contrast to the natural beauty of the aurora. Including man-made elements adds storytelling and a sense of human connection to your northern lights photography.

Inuit Inukshuk on the shore of Hudson Bay. Photographed by Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Eddy Savage

For your third iconic shot, capture the northern lights framed by Churchill’s historic structures. The contrast of man-made elements against the wild arctic landscape, illuminated by the shifting colors of the aurora, creates a powerful narrative in your photographs. Whether it’s a weathered cabin or an old arctic vehicle like the Bombardier, these elements bring an authentic, human touch to your aurora images.

Court Whelan emphasizes the value of having clear foreground elements in your northern lights shots: “Having something to focus on in the foreground, like trees or historic structures, makes the photo look crisp and adds a storytelling element.”

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Sabina Moll

Tip: Use structures to anchor your images and enhance the composition of your aurora photography.

#4 Wildlife in the Arctic Landscape During the Day

Though the northern lights are the expedition’s main attraction, Churchill’s arctic landscape is also home to a variety of wildlife, including Arctic foxes and snowy owls. These animals offer fantastic photo opportunities during the daytime.

Arctic fox

For your fourth iconic shot, focus on wildlife in the snowy arctic landscape. Capture an Arctic fox against the backdrop of the boreal forest, or photograph a snowy owl perched on a snowbank, with the soft daylight casting a natural glow on the scene. These wildlife images, paired with your nighttime aurora shots, will create a well-rounded collection from your Churchill expedition.

Wide-angle landscape shots that include wildlife as part of the larger scene can emphasize the vastness of the Arctic, while close-up portraits highlight the animals’ unique adaptations to the extreme environment.

Arctic hare

Resource: Check out Court’s Guide to Capturing “Everything Else” on a Northern Lights Expedition.

#5: The Aurora Borealis from Churchill’s Open Tundra

The open tundra surrounding Churchill offers unobstructed views of the northern lights, making it a great location to capture the full majesty of the aurora. The tundra’s flat, snow-covered expanse provides a dramatic setting for long-exposure photography.

© Eddy Savage

For your fifth iconic shot, focus on the northern lights over Churchill’s wide-open tundra.

Tip: Set up your camera to capture the full scope of the lights dancing across the sky, with the snowy tundra stretching out beneath. The stark, barren landscape emphasizes the isolation and beauty of the aurora, creating a visually stunning and emotionally impactful image.

Court says, “Every second’s a little bit different when shooting the aurora,” so be prepared to capture the lights at different intensities and movements, from serpentine curtains to bright, waving streaks.

Resource: This might be a great time to capture a shot of your group, too. Here’s Court’s tutorial on How to Get a Group Shot in front of the Aurora Borealis.

#6: Light Painting on Historic Arctic Machines Under the Aurora

One unique aspect of the Churchill expedition is the opportunity to incorporate light painting into your northern lights photography. Using a flashlight, you can illuminate foreground elements like historic arctic machines—such as the Bombardier snow vehicle—while capturing the northern lights in the background.

Light painting with our guests! Photographed by Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Petr Gheorghe

For your sixth iconic shot, focus on light painting arctic relics under the northern lights. By briefly illuminating the Bombardier snow vehicle or another historic machine with a flashlight, you can highlight the texture and details of the vehicle without overwhelming the night scene.

The key is to balance the artificial light with the natural glow of the aurora and stars. Court shows how in this video, How to Take Amazing Northern Lights Photos:

Tip: A subtle touch of light can add depth to your photo while maintaining the focus on the northern lights above.

Resource: For more inspiration and advice on photographing the aurora in remote locations, check out Nat Hab’s Northern Lights Video Tutorial.

Capture Iconic Shots on Your Northern Lights Photo Expedition

Churchill, Manitoba, offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural phenomena—the northern lights. From the shimmering lights over boreal forests and reflections on the ice to wildlife encounters and historic relics under the aurora, this expedition provides countless opportunities for stunning photography.

With the best viewing typically between November and March, the longer winter nights in Churchill provide a perfect setting for aurora borealisphotography. You’ll be in a region known for its exceptional northern lights displays, far from light pollution, with dedicated nighttime excursions designed to maximize your viewing opportunities.

Nat Hab’s Aurora Sphere: one of our custom Northern Lights Viewing Locations. Photographed by Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Giulia Ciampini

Resources for Winter Travel to the Aurora Oval

To prepare for your winter arctic journey, explore

• Nat Hab’s Videos & Webinars page for additional tips and techniques.
• Nat Hab Expedition Leader Eddy Savage shares tips for what to bring in Preparing for Photographing the Northern Lights.
• Here’s a more complete Know Before You Go guide 

For further insights into Churchill and the Arctic region, explore WWF’s resources:

• WWF’s work in the Arctic
• WWF: Arctic Wildlife and Conservation

Nat Hab guests inside our custom Aurora Dome © Alexander de Vries

The post 6 Iconic Northern Lights Photos to Capture in Churchill, Manitoba first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

The island Borneo offers an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife photographers to capture the unique biodiversity of one of the world’s most iconic rainforests.

Borneo holds approximately 6% of the world’s biodiversity on only about 1% of the planet’s land,  with over 15,000 plant species, 220 mammal species (including 44 that are endemic), and more than 420 bird species.

However, much of Brneo’s biodiversity is under threat from deforestation and other human activities, making conservation efforts critical.

By planning a shot list around the critical role of Borneo’s wildlife—particularly its orangutans—you can tell a compelling visual conservation story about the importance of its animal species to the ecosystem and local communities.

Shot 1: Orangutans in Their Natural Habitat: Wide Shots of the Canopy

Orangutans are the stars of the Borneo rainforest, and capturing them in their natural habitat is crucial.

These wide shots can emphasize the vast, towering trees of the lowland rainforests, particularly in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where young orangutans learn survival skills before returning to the wild. In the wide shots, aim to make the orangutans small in comparison to the trees to highlight the grandeur of their habitat and the scale of the ecosystem they inhabit.

These images should give viewers a sense of the orangutan’s environment and their dependence on the canopy. Orangutans rarely descend from the trees, so wide shots showcasing the dense, towering forest canopy with an orangutan nestled among the branches provide critical context for their arboreal lifestyle.

• Location: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River
• Photo Goal: Showcase the orangutan’s environment by using a wide-angle lens to capture the forest canopy. Set your aperture to f/8 or higher to maintain depth of field, ensuring the orangutan and its environment are in focus.
• Conservation Connection: Emphasizes the importance of preserving the habitat that orangutans rely on for food, shelter and protection. Orangutans are critically endangered, with habitat loss from deforestation being their biggest threat. By showcasing their natural habitat, you can highlight the urgent need for rainforest conservation efforts.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

Shot 2: Close-Up of Orangutans Feeding: Medium and Tight Shots

Orangutans are essential seed dispersers in the forest, and capturing this behavior is important for illustrating their ecological role. Zoom in to catch the detailed action of an orangutan eating, especially if it’s discarding seeds—a behavior that helps regenerate the rainforest.

Tight shots should show the texture of their fur, their dexterous hands, and the fruits they are consuming. These images will emphasize their key role in the ecosystem, as orangutans help to spread seeds throughout the forest floor, ensuring plant biodiversity.

• Location: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Danum Valley Conservation Area
• Photo Goal: Use medium and tight zoom lenses to capture the intricacies of feeding behavior and the connection between orangutans and the fruits they consume. A focal length of 200-400mm is ideal for isolating the subject while maintaining enough distance to avoid disturbing them. Aim for a fast shutter speed to freeze motion while the orangutan is actively eating.
• Conservation Connection: Reinforce the orangutan’s role as a keystone species in maintaining the health of the rainforest. Without orangutans, many plant species in Borneo would lose their primary means of seed dispersal, affecting the entire forest ecosystem.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

Shot 3: Unique Wildlife Along the Kinabatangan River: Proboscis Monkeys in the Trees

The Kinabatangan River is home to a wide array of wildlife, including the distinctive proboscis monkeys, which are endemic to Borneo. As you cruise along the river, look for opportunities to capture these monkeys high in the trees, their exaggerated noses adding character to the frame.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

Consider shooting at sunrise or sunset to bathe the scene in golden light, offering a warm contrast to the greenery of the rainforest.

Proboscis monkeys are often seen in large social groups, making for dynamic shots that show both the individual characteristics of the monkeys and their interactions within their troop. These shots can serve as an additional story element to complement your orangutan focus, showcasing Borneo’s overall biodiversity.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

• Location: Kinabatangan River
• Photo Goal: Capture the unique features of proboscis monkeys with a medium lens while showing them interacting in groups. To enhance color contrast, adjust your white balance for warm tones when shooting at golden hour. A lens in the 70-200mm range is perfect for capturing group dynamics and expressions while maintaining distance.
• Conservation Connection: Highlight Borneo’s unique species and the importance of preserving the riverine ecosystems that support them. Proboscis monkeys rely on the health of these ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by deforestation and palm oil plantations. 

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

Shot 4: Portrait of a Pygmy Elephant: Close-Up of an Iconic Species

Borneo is home to the endangered pygmy elephant, and getting a close-up portrait of this rare species can be a highlight of your trip. While cruising the Kinabatangan River or exploring the Danum Valley, keep your camera ready for encounters with these gentle giants. Portraits should focus on the elephant’s eyes, tusks, and skin texture, creating an intimate connection between the viewer and this endangered species.

Capturing an image of a mother elephant with her calf can add another layer of emotional impact, showcasing the familial bonds within elephant groups. This also reinforces the conservation message, as pygmy elephants face significant threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

• Location: Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley Conservation Area
• Photo Goal: Use a tight zoom lens to capture an intimate portrait, focusing on the texture and details of the elephant. Set your aperture to around f/4 to create a shallow depth of field, ensuring the elephant’s face is sharp while the background is softly blurred. This isolates the subject and adds emotional impact.
• Conservation Connection: Raise awareness of the plight of Borneo’s pygmy elephants and their fight against habitat encroachment. Pygmy elephants are classified as endangered, with fewer than 1,500 left in the wild.

Shot 5: Rainforest Flora and Local Fruits: Wide and Close-Up Shots

The tropical plants and flowers of Borneo’s rainforests are vibrant and diverse, making them ideal subjects for wide shots of the forest floor or close-ups of individual plants. Focus on capturing the colorful and intricate details of rainforest flowers, such as orchids, which are plentiful in Danum Valley. These flowers play a crucial role in the ecosystem and are often overlooked in wildlife photography.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader demonstrates sustainable agriculture. Photographed by © Court Whelan

In addition to wild plants, local fruits found in Borneo’s markets offer a human connection to the rainforest. Capturing the fruits—such as durian, mangosteen, or rambutan—can illustrate the connection between the forest and the livelihoods of local communities. Adding a human element, such as a market vendor or a person eating fruit, will broaden the narrative and tie human life to the rainforest.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

• Location: Danum Valley, Local Markets in Sandakan
• Photo Goal: Capture both wild rainforest plants and fruits in local markets, focusing on texture and color. Incorporate humans where possible. A macro lens can be helpful to get close-up details of the intricate textures of flowers and fruits.
• Conservation Connection: Demonstrate how humans rely on the forest for food and how the health of the rainforest supports local economies. Many fruits sold in local markets are directly linked to rainforest biodiversity.

Nat Hab guest looks up to the canopy. Photographed by Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

Shot 6: Orangutans and Their Offspring: Emotional Connection with Tight Portraits

Photographing orangutans with their offspring provides not only a heartwarming image but also a powerful message about the importance of protecting these vulnerable animals. In the wild, mother orangutans stay with their young for up to eight years, teaching them essential survival skills.

Capturing this bond with close-up shots of mother and child will resonate with viewers, fostering a connection that can motivate action toward conservation efforts.

• Location: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River
• Photo Goal: Use a tight zoom lens to focus on the emotional bond between orangutan mothers and their young. A focal length of 300mm or higher will allow you to capture intimate expressions while maintaining distance. Consider shooting in soft light to emphasize the gentle interaction between mother and child.
• Conservation Connection: Highlight the vulnerability of young orangutans and the necessity of protecting their habitat for future generations. Orangutans are critically endangered, with their population decreasing due to illegal logging, palm oil plantations, and hunting.

© Brad Josephs

Crafting a Conservation Narrative

Creating a shot list that encompasses a wide range of wildlife, flora, and human elements allows you to capture and share a compelling conservation story during a Borneo Wildlife Photo Expedition. Whether you focus on orangutans as keystone species or explore the interconnection between wildlife and local communities, each shot can play a role in educating and inspiring conservation action.

Nat Hab guests. Photographed by Expedition Leader © Court Whelan

Want to get started in conservation photography? Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer Court Whelan emphasizes,

“To me, the key to success is aiming for simple stories that you connect with. Could you create a photo essay on the importance of orangutans to the ecosystem? This is absolutely conservation-focused and accomplishes the goal of educating and motivating action on a species you’re likely to see.”

With this shot list and a deeper understanding of Borneo’s wildlife, landscapes, and conservation challenges, you’ll be ready to capture iconic photos that showcase Borneo’s beauty and help protect it,and inspire others to protect it too.

Want to know more about Borneo and travel there?

Whether you’re preparing for your upcoming Borneo Adventure or just want to learn more about this lush island, Nat Hab has got you covered. Check out this Know Before You Go Resource page for an array of helpful resources, from wildlife and weather guides to compelling first-hand accounts written by Nat Hab travelers and staff. You’ll especially want to check out the orangutan photo tips!

Nat Hab Expedition Leader beside proboscis monkey. Photographed by guide © Bedley Asun

The post 6 Iconic Shots to Capture on a Borneo Wildlife Photo Expedition first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

One of my favorite things about travel is the photos I bring home. The walls in my office and our home’s central staircase are covered in framed prints of shots my husband and I have taken around the world—in China, the Cotswolds, Cambodia, the American West and Florida, Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Botswana and Tanzania, all across Switzerland where we live, and so many more places—each comes alive as I glance up from my computer during a busy afternoon or climb the stairs at the end of each day. 

One of the ways to ensure I capture the photos I’m anticipating when we travel is to create a well thought out and organized travel photo shot list.  

That way, when we’re on the road, I have a checklist at the ready and can easily track my progress. Nat Hab’s India Tiger Photo Expedition has inspired a new shot list for me! 

Here are six kinds of iconic shots I’d aim to capture on an Indian wildlife safari:  

1. The complex culture of Old Delhi  

Old Delhi was founded as a walled city and officially named Shahjahanabad in 1648, when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan moved the Mughal capital from Agra. Capture the character of centuries of Old Delhi’s complex, multi-layered history on a rickshaw ride and guided walk through the narrow lanes and bustling Chandni Chowk Market. 

Explore the architectural treasure of Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and Shah Jahan’s magnum opus. Completed in 1656 by more than 5,000 laborers, the grand edifice features alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, and a vast inner courtyard large enough to hold 25,000 people. 

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the country’s most revered Sikh temples. The complex is associated with Har Krishan, the youngest of the Sikh Gurus, and includes the main temple, school, sacred water tank and large community kitchen that prepares over 10,000 free meals every day. Known as langar, all meals are cooked by volunteers using donated ingredients from Sikh farmers. 

Capturing Old Delhi’s complex character is a unique challenge—is it in the people, life on the streets, the architecture? Try capturing movement and energy. Your shots to start the trip may show it in myriad ways. 

Tuk-tuk ride, Delhi

2. The Tiger Conservation Success at Ranthambore National Park

Are Bengal tigers on your wildlife photography Bucket List? In the renowned tiger enclave of Ranthambore National Park, when the Indian spring moves toward the hotter months, animals anticipate the monsoon still weeks away. 

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Conan Dumenil

During the heat of the day, tigers seek shelter, but they emerge to feed and drink, moving from the dry underbrush into the open at least twice a day—that’s the time to capture your next iconic shot! 

With over 3,680 individuals, India is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population. Will you capture an iconic shot of one—or more—of them? Is a direct gaze on your shot list? A close up of the pattern of a tiger’s stripes? The slow amble of a tiger in the heat of day? 

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Surya Ramachandran

Photographing Tigers at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve 

The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, declared a National Park in 1980, is one of the largest tiger habitats in the country. A former royal hunting ground, it now supports a population of 80 tigers in a dry deciduous forest located between two mountain ranges, Aravalli and Vindhya.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Aditya Panda

The foundations for Ranthambore Fort were laid by King Sapaldaksha of the Chauhan Dynasty in 944 AD, and it was added to by successive rulers. It’s a vast, crumbling complex of picturesque ruins of palaces, temples and courtyards which now make unique habitat, providing shade and shelter for the animals—and beautiful backdrops. 

Peacock, Ranthambore Fort

In India, the 1972 tiger census revealed the existence of only 1,827 tigers, prompting Indira Gandhi to enact significant wildlife protections, including the creation of core areas, such as Ranthambore National Park, isolated from human encroachment. The surrounding areas were to be made into buffer zones, where animals and humans can coexist, and where activities such as ecotourism and sustainable agriculture can take place. 

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Surya Ramachandran

Early morning and late afternoon safaris provide the best light for photographing the tigers of Ranthambore, with golden hues streaming through the trees. As the tigers move through the dense jungle, stealthily approach a waterhole or take cover under dense brush, be prepared to switch between wide shots capturing their environment and close-ups that convey the intensity in their gaze. 

Nat Hab travelers spy a tree-hugging tiger on their wildlife safari in India © Surya Ramachandran

The park’s rocky terrain and ancient ruins add a mystical element, enhancing the drama of the shot​—be on the lookout for seven different cat species! Ranthambore is also home to a notable leopard population, although they tend to stay in higher, more inaccessible areas and are not frequently visible. 

Tigers may be your main focus, but other wildlife is plentiful. Sightings may include spotted deer, nilgai, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear, sambar, chinkara gazelle, wild boar, langur monkeys and rhesus macaques. 

Langur monkeys playing in Ranthambore National Park

One of the most iconic wildlife shots to capture on an Indian tiger photo expedition is of the Bengal tigers of Ranthambore National Park.  

3. Golden Majesty: The Taj Mahal at Sunrise and Sunset 

The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most photographed landmarks, reveals its true splendor at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise bathes the marble in a soft, pinkish glow, while sunset offers a warm, golden light that contrasts with the rich blue and orange hues of the sky. 

Taj Mahal

The Taj was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, as a testimony of his intense love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a romance celebrated in marble and glorified with precious and semi-precious stones. 

To capture the intricate beauty of the Taj Mahal, play with reflections on the still waters of the surrounding pools. For a fresh perspective, shift your composition, from wide-angle shots capturing the full scope of the monument to tighter compositions focusing on architectural details like the floral inlays or the delicate symmetry of its arches.  

What kinds of images do you hope to capture at the Taj Mahal? Do you want to tell a love story in images? Evoke its sense of tranquility and reverence? Capture details you’ve never seen in others’ photos from the same place.  

Taj Mahal

4. Leopards, Flora, and Fauna of the Jhalana forest 

Tigers may be the stars of this photo expedition, but the private Jhalana Leopard Reserve offers a thrilling opportunity to photograph leopard adults and cubs. 

Known for their stealth and ability to vanish into the landscape, leopards are an elegant, elusive subject. The Jhalana Leopard Reserve offers one of the best opportunities in India to photograph leopards engaged in their routine activities and natural habitat. 

Leopard photographed by Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Surya Ramachandran

Jhalana is the world’s most densely populated leopard reserve, which nearly guaratees a sighting. With leopards, lighting is everything—dappled light filtering through trees creates powerful contrasts, highlighting the golden tones of their fur against shadowy branches and brush. 

Photographing a leopard is another iconic shot on an Indian tiger safari or Indian tiger photo expedition. 

The Jhalana forest is a dry deciduous forest, dominated by the sloping valleys and sharp cliffs of the Aravalli hills. The forest features plants that thrive in arid conditions like juliflora and khejri, the state tree of Rajasthan. 

In addition to leopards, you might spot—and capture shots of—a variety of other animals: striped hyenas, Indian civets, desert foxes, jackals, porcupines, monitor lizards, mongooses, sambar deer, spotted deer, and blue bull.  

Fox, photographed by Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Aditya Panda

5. Winged Wonders: Birds of Ranthambore & Jhalana 

Northern India is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering the chance to capture a range of colorful avian species in their natural habitat. 

From Indian peafowl displaying their iridescent tail feathers to crested serpent eagles soaring overhead, this environment offers endless opportunities for avian photography. Experiment with fast shutter speeds to capture birds in flight, or slow it down for graceful shots of waterfowl on tranquil lakes. 

White-throated Kingfisher

Iconic kingfishers, with their vivid blues and oranges, provide striking contrasts against the earthy tones of the forest. Photographs of birds perched against the dramatic backdrop of Ranthambore’s ancient ruins add a timeless quality to your shots​. 

Over 300 avian species, both migratory and endemic, might also pose for photos in Ranthambore National Park. Keep an eye out for paradise flycatchers, painted storks—you may hear the peacocks before you spot them.  

Jhalana Leopard Reserve hosts hundreds of bird species, too. According to Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology eBird platform, over 225 species have been spotted in and around the Jhalana Leopard Reserve. 

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Surya Ramachandran

Tips for Photographing Birds 

Nat Hab’s Director of Photo Expeditions, Mike Hillman, is an award-winning birder, too, so I asked him for tips on photographing birds in India. Here are 4 ideas you can practice right away. He shared: 

• Before traveling to someplace like India, practice at home with your backyard birds. Sitting at a bird feeder or local duck pond are great proving grounds where you can practice your photo skills and become more familiar with your camera. You’ll be much better prepared to get great shots of interesting bird species that you’ll see on your travels. 

• Where should you focus when photographing birds? Like with other animals, your photo’s audience will want look at the eye first before seeing the bird’s interesting colors or patterns. Ensure you get sharp focus on the eye to get your best shot. 

• Sometimes the best shots of birds are when they are at eye level with the camera. Photographing from above the ground or below the bird flying overhead aren’t nearly as visually interesting to your audience as a photo with the bird at the same height as the camera.  
• Often, the most visually interesting photographs of birds are when they are in flight. Be ready with a quick shutter speed, 1/1000 or 1/2000 are great to freeze action. 

6. Jaipur: The Pink City on Water and in Motion 

While your trip may focus on wildlife, no photographer can resist the vibrant energy of Jaipur’s Pink City, where centuries-old architecture meets the hustle and bustle of daily life. Jaipur is a visual delight, offering endless photography opportunities. 

Capture the intricate details of the Hawa Mahal, with its hundreds of windows and coral-hued facade, or focus on the contrast between the ornate palaces and the vibrant markets below. 

Jaipur: The Pink City

Wide-angle shots of the cityscape at sunrise or sunset provide a breathtaking view of this desert city bathed in warm light. Street photography comes alive here—capture the essence of local culture through portraits of artisans, colorful fabrics, and market scenes. The interplay of shadow and light in Jaipur’s narrow lanes adds a dramatic flair to your images, reflecting the dynamic contrast between old-world charm and modern life​. 

Survey it on a morning open rickshaw tour. Jaipur’s sprawling bazaars draw locals arriving in their own rickshaws and camel-drawn carts, shopping for a dazzling array of goods, from carpets and camel leather bags to precious stones and textiles. Bags of spices perfume the air, and huge metal pots simmer with pungent curries.  

The Govind Dev Ji temple, at the heart of the city palace complex, is another highlight. Devoted to Lord Krishna, the Hindu temple is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the daily lives of locals. Take a short walk through the palace garden to reach the busy farmers market and flower market where turbaned traders sell sacks of roses and marigolds.  

How will you capture the energy and agelessness of Jaipur? 

Jaipur: The Pink City

Create your own India Travel Photography Shot List 

What iconic shots of India’s wildlife and colorful culture will you want to be sure to capture? Put them on your own shot list. Each one offers its own unique challenges and rewards, and will enrich your photographic portfolio and create lasting memories of India’s vibrant wildlife, iconic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. 

Each of these six kinds of iconic travel photos is an opportunity to capture not just an image, but the story and spirit of northern India. 

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Aditya Panda

More Resources for your India Tiger Photo Expedition 

Don’t Forget to check out the resources, tips and guides on our Know Before You Go and Videos & Webinar pages. 

In How to Shoot Timeless Wildlife Photography in Black and White, a Daily Dose of Nature video, Nat Hab India Photo Expedition Leader Aditya Panda answers important photo questions: 

• Why shoot in black and white when nature’s colors are beautiful and resonant? 

• What are the best light conditions for black and white photography? 

• Do some wildlife species look better in black and white than others? 

In Post-Processing Wildlife Photos in Black & White, Panda demonstrates how to post-process your color wildlife photographs and convert them to black and white. 

Leopard

The post 6 Iconic Shots to Capture on an India Tiger Photo Expedition first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

The World’s Leading Nature Travel Company Announces More Than 30 Specialized Photography Tours Led by Expert Photographers

Boulder, CO, November 4, 2024 – Natural Habitat Adventures (Nat Hab), the leading conservation travel company in partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), today unveils a new and updated collection of photography-focused trips: Photo Expeditions.

Building on its 40 years of experience that includes crafting journeys for photographers, Nat Hab has reimagined its Photo Expeditions with a more in-depth educational approach to nature photography. This newly curated lineup offers more than 30 expertly designed itineraries, each tailored to meet the growing demand for specialized photography experiences in some of the world’s most breathtaking natural environments.

“Witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat is a remarkable experience, but capturing those moments through a lens — whether it’s a lion on the hunt or butterflies in mid-flight —transforms the adventure into something even more meaningful,” says Ben Bressler, Founder and CEO of Natural Habitat Adventures.

“Guided by top photographer Expedition Leaders who are masters of their craft as well as professional naturalists, travelers on a Photo Expedition will learn how to take those epic photographs by gaining insight into wildlife movements and behavior. They will also benefit from technique and editing tutorials. As WWF’s conservation travel partner, we hope the power of photography creates a deeper connection with nature, inspiring our travelers to share their experiences and advocate for the protection of our planet.”

The expanded line-up of photo tours comes in response to rising demand, says Bressler. The company’s Photo Expedition bookings for 2025 are up 21% over 2024, and this year also represents increased bookings over 2023. “We want to serve nature photographers with the most immersive itineraries and best guides.”

Each Photo Expedition is led by a Nat Hab Expedition Leader who is both an accomplished professional photographer and a seasoned naturalist with extensive knowledge of wildlife habitats, behaviors, and movement patterns—enabling, guests to capture high-quality images through an understanding of animals and their habitats.

Tailored instruction is provided for all skill levels and equipment, from DSLRs to smartphones, creating a personalized learning experience for every participant. Travelers will have the opportunity to enhance their photography talent and fine-tune their editing skills through guided presentations and workshops. These sessions cover essential tips for capturing stunning images, including in challenging conditions such as night, desert glare, rainforest shadows, or snow and ice.

Photo Expeditions provide an optimal context for getting the best possible wildlife and landscape images. Itineraries feature secluded and remote locations away from crowded tourist areas, offering guests the quiet, intimate setting necessary for capturing coveted shots. With small groups averaging just six to nine guests, the schedule is flexible, allowing the group to move to where wildlife is, and to linger in pursuit of the best light.

Some Photo Expeditions offer additional baggage allowance for photography gear, which can be crucial on an African safari. All guests have window seats or full rows in a vehicle for optimal shooting, including on boats and aircraft. Accommodations are carefully selected for their proximity to key photography spots, from mobile safari camps along Africa’s Great Migration route to secluded bases in Greenland and Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park.

More than 30 Photo Expeditions are now available across North America, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Northern Europe. See some of the top trips below:

• Northern Lights Photo Expedition: Capture the aurora in Churchill, Manitoba, one of the world’s premier destinations for northern lights photography. Visit remote wilderness locations via private snow coach and shoot from the comfort of private settings like Nat Hab’s Aurora Pod®, a 360° glass enclosure, or the geodesic Aurora Sphere, with views on the sky through transparent panels.
• Borneo Wildlife Photo Expedition: Explore the depths of Borneo’s ancient rainforests, ripe for capturing images of exotic wildlife including endangered orangutans, leaf monkeys, pygmy elephants, and over 300 vibrant bird species among jungle rivers and waterfalls.
• Secluded South Africa Photo Expedition: Capture Africa’s iconic Big Five in action—elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, and Cape buffalo—from exclusive private reserves such as Sabi Sand, Marataba, and Madikwe, away from the crowds typically found in Kruger National Park.
• Ultimate Iceland Photo Expedition: Visit this small island nation, situated just beneath the Arctic Circle, to capture a dynamic landscape shaped by volcanic and glacial forces. Subjects include stark mountains, lava fields, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches and wildlife including Arctic foxes and the world’s largest population of Atlantic puffins.
• Fat Bear Photo Expedition: A post-season expedition to Katmai National Park, where the stars of Fat Bear Week continue their final feast in preparation for winter. With no crowds, travelers will have unparalleled access to photograph these enormous brown bears near Brooks Falls and along the Naknek and Brooks Rivers.

Other Photo Expeditions include jaguars in Brazil, the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico, glaciers in Patagonia, unique wildlife in the Galapagos, and much more. See all Photo Expeditions. Learn more about Nat Hab’s accomplished Photo Expedition Leaders.

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About Natural Habitat Adventures

Natural Habitat Adventures has been a trailblazer in sustainable and conservation-focused adventure travel since 1985. Led by professional naturalist guides, Nat Hab journeys reveal the planet’s most extraordinary nature destinations, including polar bear tours in Churchill, small-group Galapagos cruises, intimate African safaris, close encounters with Alaskan brown bears, wolf quests in Yellowstone, and much more. As the world’s first 100% carbon-neutral travel company, creator of the World’s First Zero Waste Adventure, and the conservation travel partner of World Wildlife Fund since 2003, Nat Hab offers nearly 100 eco-conscious nature adventures from Antarctica to Zimbabwe and beyond. Featuring unique and artfully crafted itineraries, Nat Hab trips demonstrate how conservation travel works with and benefits local communities, furthering a shared commitment to conservation. Nat Hab actively seeks ways tourism can lower its impact on the planet while raising global citizens’ appreciation for the wonders of nature. For more information, visit nathab.com.

The post Natural Habitat Adventures Announces New Photo Expeditions Collection first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Alaska’s wild landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for capturing unforgettable bear photography, especially in Lake Clark National Park. Whether you’re chasing the golden-hour light or waiting for that perfect bear profile, these moments are the essence of wildlife photography.

Guided by experts like Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photo Expedition Director Mike Hillman, photographers of every level—and with any kind of gear—have the opportunity to frame extraordinary images that showcase the beauty and power of these inspiring animals.

In the video below, Mike reminds us, “Whatever you happen to have with you is going to be the best camera… it’s all about your eye as an artist.” Explore these essential photo tips, capture the bears in their natural habitat, and return home with a collection of breathtaking memories.

Read on for 11 iconic bear photos you won’t want to miss on your next Alaskan adventure: From close-up details of a bear’s fur and claws to dynamic action shots of bears wrestling, each image tells a story of the bears in their natural habitat and come complete with How To Tips from Mike.

Bear Bums for Katmai National Park’s #FatBearWeek

As the temperature drops in September, it’s time to capture a different angle—bear bums! In early October, Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week celebrates the impressive seasonal preparations made by brown bears as they prepare for winter hibernation.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Brad Josephs

The #FatBearWeek competition, jointly organized by the National Park Service and Explore.org, draws spectators from around the world to participate by casting online votes for the best bear bum—or the bear that has most effectively accumulated fat reserves. In 2023, AP News called the competition “Alaska’s most-watched popularity contest.”

Tip: Keep an eye on the large, well-fed bears, and don’t be afraid to capture a few humorous shots of their sizable backsides!

Bear Silhouettes in Golden Hour Light

Alaska’s extended summer golden hour provides photographers with unique opportunities to capture stunning bear silhouettes against soft, angled light. The long, gradual sunset offers plenty of time to experiment with effects and perfect your shots.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Arthur Kampmann

Even cloud cover can add interesting layers to the image. Mike explains, “Sun coming out through one of the holes in the clouds… is… great. That’ll give us some beautiful kind-of silhouette light for our bears.”  This provides a unique opportunity for silhouette photography, where the bears stand out dramatically against the glowing horizon.

• Look for cloudy breaks: When the sun peeks through the clouds, it creates dramatic lighting.
• Position your camera low: Shooting from a lower angle highlights the bear against the sky.
• Capture multiple shots: Use burst mode to take a series of images as the bear moves.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Arthur Kampmann

Tip: Pay close attention to how clouds interact with the light—this can create dynamic shifts in tone and mood for your iconic Alaskan bear silhouette.

Bears in the Landscape: Tell a Broader Story

Incorporating Alaska’s dramatic mountain ranges into your bear photography adds context and grandeur to your images.

Capturing the interaction between the wildlife and the surrounding environment creates a more compelling visual narrative. You can tell a more complex story of the bears in their environment by including Alaska’s stunning mountain ranges, for example, in the shot.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Arthur Kampmann

Mike emphasizes the importance of setting: “It’s important here in Lake Clark National Park to not only tell the story of up-close bears but also to tell the story of bears in the landscape. We have the beautiful mountain ranges here in the Aleutian Range as well as the Alaska Range.”

• Frame with the landscape in mind: Position the mountains or other natural elements as a background to your bear subject.
• Use a wide-angle lens: Capture more of the environment to give a sense of scale.
• Look for reflective surfaces: Water bodies and fields can add a layer of depth to your images.

Nat Hab Staff © Megan Brief

Tip: Use the rule of thirds to balance the bear and the landscape, but don’t hesitate to break the rule when the scene calls for more emphasis on the mountains. If the mountains dominate the scene, focus more on setting up a balanced landscape composition.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Rylee Jensen

Patience for Iconic Bear Profiles

For iconic bear silhouettes, patience is key. Waiting for the perfect moment to capture a clean profile can make all the difference. “You may have to wait for those bears to move into just the right position so they’re silhouetted,” Hillman advises, “so you get that beautiful bear profile.”

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Jessica Morgan

A clear silhouette can ensure the bear is instantly recognizable and also highlight its powerful presence in the scene.

• Set your camera in advance: Prepare your settings based on the available light and expected bear movement.
• Wait for the right pose: A clear, recognizable bear profile can elevate your image.
• Shoot in burst mode: This ensures you capture multiple poses during movement.

 Tip: Focus on the angle of the light, and look for moments when the bear’s profile stands out against a softly lit background.

Nat Hab Staff © Megan Brief

Action Shots: Bears Wrestling

Bears wrestling or play-fighting provides fantastic action shot opportunities. To capture these dynamic moments, Mike recommends starting with “shutter speeds much higher. 1/1000, 1/2000 is oftentimes where you want to start.”

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Justin Gibson

• Increase shutter speed: Start at 1/1000 or 1/2000 to freeze fast movements.
• Use continuous autofocus: This helps keep the wrestling bears in focus as they move.
• Look for playful behavior: Anticipate interactions like play-fighting or sparring.

© Ralph Lee Hopkins

Tip: Be ready to adjust your aperture and ISO settings as needed to maintain the right exposure in changing light conditions. Quick reflexes and high shutter speeds are key to freezing the action in sharp detail.

Close-Up Shots of Bears’ Faces and Details

Zooming in on the intricate details—like fur, claws, or even the bears’ eyes—brings an intimate perspective to your wildlife shots. This is where precision matters.

Nat Hab Guest © Seth Webster

“Try close-ups of the fur or some details that make bears, bears… their claws, their ears, their teeth, even their nose,” Mike suggests.

• Use a telephoto lens: Zoom in without disturbing the bear’s natural behavior.
• Focus on texture: Capture the texture of fur or the sharpness of claws.
• Use a mid-range f-stop: Shoot around f/6.3 to f/7.1 for detailed, sharp close-ups.

Nat Hab Staff © Dana Cama

Tip: Keep your subject sharp by using manual focus if needed, especially for close-ups that highlight small features like the bear’s nose or eyes. Balancing depth of field and sharpness to bring out small features.

Bears in Tall Grass

Photographing bears in tall grass can be challenging, but by adjusting your position and focus, you can create captivating shots.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Justin Gibson

Mike explains: “The grass is quite tall, and if we’re too low, we’re going to just be mired in the grass. So we’re getting a little bit higher up.”

• Elevate your camera position: Shooting from a higher angle helps keep the bear in focus above the grass.
• Use autofocus tracking: Follow the bear’s movements to maintain clarity in tall grass.
• Manually refocus if needed: Reset focus if the grass obscures the bear or catches the focus.

Tip: If your camera doesn’t have tracking, you can reset focus manually or use back-button focus to ensure clarity in your shot. Try shooting above the bear’s eye level to frame it properly against the grass.

Super Telephoto Shots of Bears

Using a super-telephoto lens allows you to capture close, detailed shots while maintaining a safe distance. These images can offer a unique perspective on the bear’s behavior.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photo Expedition Director © Mike Hillman

“I’m looking for these bears as they lift their head up from grazing, either looking towards me or looking towards the open side of the frame,” Mike shares about his technique.

• Adjust shutter speed: Use a speed around 1/400 to 1/600, depending on lighting conditions.
• Create bokeh: Lower the f-stop to blur the background to create a beautiful bokeh effect around the subject and make the bear stand out.

Tip: Look for moments when the bear lifts its head or interacts with the environment to create a more dynamic shot.

Vertical Bear Portrait Shots

Switching to portrait mode is an excellent way to emphasize the height and presence of a bear, especially when they are standing or walking toward you.

Nat Hab Guest © John Wise

“It can be very powerful to flip your camera from shooting a typical horizontal or landscape orientation and flipping it to vertical or portrait,” Mike advises.

• Flip your camera vertically: Portrait orientation highlights the bear’s height and stature.
• Focus on the face and eyes: Eye contact with the subject creates a strong visual impact.
• Use shallow depth of field: Isolate the bear from the background for a more dramatic effect. 

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Jessica Morgan

Tip: Portrait shots work especially well when the bear is standing or moving toward you, as it fills the frame vertically.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Jessica Morgan

Close-Up Shots of Bears Grazing

Alaska’s wild brown bears‚and the salmon they feed upon—face many threats, but bears grazing offers the chance for more serene close-up shots. Patience is key here, as you wait for the perfect head-lift or interaction with the environment. The trick is “just patiently waiting as they’re grazing, waiting for that head to pick up in just the right moment, and getting that shot,” Mike explains.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Brad Josephs

• Use continuous shooting mode: Capture a series of images as the bear grazes.
• Watch for head movement: Anticipate when the bear will lift its head for a clean shot.
• Keep your focus on the bear’s face: A slightly blurred background adds to the effect.

Tip: A moderate f-stop will keep the bear in sharp focus while softly blurring the surroundings for a clearer composition.

Bears Against the Landscape

Bears in proximity to the camera provide the perfect opportunity to highlight both the subject and its surroundings.

© Ralph Lee Hopkins

“Do not only think about those close-ups…now you have an opportunity with a very close bear to really show off the landscape and the background,” Mike suggests.

• Balance bear and landscape: Frame the shot to show the beauty of Alaska’s natural features along with the bear.
• Use a wide-angle lens: Capture more of the environment without losing focus on the bear.
• Include water or mountains: These elements add depth and scale to your composition.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Rylee Jensen

Tip: Keep the bear as the focal point, but use natural elements like mountains and rivers to create a balanced image that tells the full story. Include just enough of the environment to give context without overwhelming the bear in the frame.

Bear Witness to Alaska’s Wild Beauty with Your Iconic Shots

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there’s nothing quite like capturing iconic bear photos in Alaska. From the serene moments of bears grazing in tall grass to the powerful energy of wrestling siblings, each image tells a unique story of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Nat Hab Expedition Leader and Photo Expedition Director © Mike Hillman

The beauty of photographing in places like Lake Clark National Park lies in the variety of opportunities—from wide landscape shots framed by towering mountain ranges to intimate close-ups of bear fur or claws. Mike emphasizes that it’s not about the equipment, but developing your eye and being patient for that perfect moment.

Whether you’re zooming in for a detailed shot or capturing an action-packed wrestling match, bear photography challenges you to be creative and flexible. Every moment spent waiting for the right light, the right angle, or the right bear movement can result in an iconic bear photography image.

For more on Iconic Bear Photography in Alaska

• Check out iconic shots of bear mothers and cubs in photos and video If you’re lucky, this will add a 12th iconic shot to your Alaska brown bar photo shot list.

• Learn more about mastering bear photography from Nat Hab Photo Expedition Director Mike Hillman in a more recent Nat Hab Daily Dose of Nature Webinar: Power & Grace: Mastering Bear Photography in the Wild

Nat Hab Expedition Leader © Rylee Jensen

The post Iconic Bear Photography: A Photo Shot List for Your Alaskan Adventure first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

In late spring through midsummer, brown bears gather in high numbers in Chinitna Bay’s salt marshes to graze on the protein-rich sedges and other plants. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

Alaska’s Chinitna Bay on Cook Inlet near Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is the very heart of coastal brown bear country, according to the National Park Service. And now, having visited it, I can say I wholeheartedly agree.

Here, in the estuaries where rivers flowing out of the mountains meet the sea, food is almost free for the taking from early spring until the bears return to their dens in the fall. I say “almost” because the bears do have to dig, fish or forage for it.

Salt marshes are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, and they are a prominent feature of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve’s coastline. They act as buffer zones between freshwater and saltwater, creating a brackish environment affected by tidal fluctuations. This makes these areas unique by harboring plant communities of salt-tolerant grasses and sedges that support a wide range of animals, including migratory birds, fish, intertidal invertebrates, moose, river otters, other small mammals, shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl and a dense population of coastal brown bears.

> Wildlife Guide: Brown Bears

Visitors flying to Chinitna Bay get an overview of the salt marshes that the bears graze in for much of the summer.

Coastal salt marshes are crucial for coastal brown bears

Coastal salt marshes comprise less than 1% of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, yet they are critical for the survival of the park’s brown bears. Each spring, brown and black bears congregate in these marshes and meadows to graze on the fresh, green sedges after winter hibernation. With their fat reserves depleted and with young cubs to feed, bears emerge from their dens in need of high-protein nutrition. Young sedges in the salt marshes are a vital, early-season source of that needed nutrition.

During low tide, bears leave the salt marshes for the adjacent mudflats to dig razor clams and other bivalves. Tidal streams bisecting the salt marshes provide nursery habitat for a variety of juvenile fish. In late summer, salmon enter the salt marsh streams on their way to their spawning grounds. As these fish arrive, bears transition from sedges to salmon in preparation for the upcoming winter months.

Coastal salt marshes are essential for the Earth

The salt marshes are important in protecting the vibrant ecosystem of Chinitna Bay by limiting coastal erosion caused by ice, water and wind; and by buffering wave action and trapping sediment. They also act as filters for water-quality improvement. As saltwater flows through a salt marsh, marsh grasses and peat (a spongy matrix of decomposing organic material, live roots and soil) act as enormous natural filters of pollutants—such as heavy metals and waste—as well as nutrients and sediments. These natural filters can be thought of as water filters that sift through impurities, resulting in clean drinking water; only in this case, these filters are holding onto key nutrients necessary to sustain life.

The coastal marshes of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve may represent a minor habitat by acreage in comparison with the vast, alpine interior, but their ecological value looms large when accounting for the species diversity that the habitat sustains. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

In addition, coastal wetlands, such as these salt marshes, are effective carbon sinks, storing carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Plants act as sponges, soaking up carbon into their roots and the soil, effectively holding twice as much carbon as the atmosphere. Most soil carbon is derived from photosynthesis, which takes carbon from the plant material into dense root systems for storage, creating a cyclic carbon storehouse. Plants use energy from the sun to chemically combine carbon dioxide with hydrogen and oxygen from water to create sugar molecules.

Animals that eat plants digest these sugar molecules to obtain energy. Respiration, excretion and decomposition release the carbon back into the atmosphere or soil, thus continuing the cycle. Ultimately, then, salt marshes are important in helping to moderate global climate conditions at an early stage in the Earth’s complex carbon cycle.

Coastal salt marshes are “bear proof”

The coastal marshes of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve may represent a minor habitat by acreage, in comparison with the vast, alpine interior with its hundreds of lakes and waterways. However, the ecological value of coastal wetlands carries a lot of weight, when we consider the biodiversity that the habitat sustains.

All you have to do is look to the bears (see below) for proof.

Here’s to finding your true places and natural habitats,

Candy

Visit the brown bears and salt marshes of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve at our private Alaska Bear Camp!

Since it is so challenging to reach Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, it sees far fewer visitors than some other Alaskan parks. Most fly in by small, private plane. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

Ninety-five percent of brown bears in the United States live in Alaska, and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve supports a healthy and stable population of them. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

Red foxes are also found throughout Lake Clark National Park and Preserve—and much of Alaska. They can have many color phases, including black, red and silver. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

“Brown” and “grizzly” are common names for the same species; the difference between the two is geographic location, which influences behavior, diet and size. Those that live in coastal areas are called brown bears, while inland bears that have limited or no access to marine-derived foods are called grizzlies. Both have the distinctive large shoulder hump; long, curved claws; and a wide head with a concave profile, often described as “dish-faced.” In Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, both coastal and inland bears belong to the subspecies “Ursus arctos horribilis”; and, generally, all are referred to as brown bears, although both terms are acceptable. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

Coastal habitats are a critical, abundant “supermarket” of protein sources that the bears need after emerging from hibernation in the spring. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve’s coast also provides brown bears with protein-rich sedges—such as “Carex ramenskii” and other salt-tolerant plants—that are necessary for a bear’s survival and for feeding young cubs. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

Chinitna Bay is proof of the value of coastal wetlands: they give us a glimpse of the truly wild. ©Candice Gaukel Andrews

The post Photo Essay: The Brown Bears and Salt Marshes of Chinitna Bay, Alaska first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

I’ve always thought of Dr. Seuss books as magical, transporting me to the most creative landscapes I’d ever known as a child. Winding shapes, curious plants, fantastical fauna…

So when I stumbled upon a Dr. Seuss-like forest along the rugged and remote coast of British Columbia, it occurred to me that maybe I’d discovered one of the most magical places on Earth.

Truly, nothing else describes my spirit bear trip with Natural Habitat Adventures better than this singular word: magical. It may not have been a Dr. Seuss book, save for that one spot in the lush rainforest, but it was a different kind of magic, revealed in the green of the rainforest and the blue of the water. In the early-morning howls of wolves and the innocent gaze of a curious bear cub. In misty, fjord-shrouded meadows and the microcosms of wild mushrooms and berries.

And it was absolutely a photographer’s paradise at every turn! I’ve never experienced more joy trying to capture the essence of a place in an image than on this trip.

> Wildlife Guide: Spirit Bears

Here are a few of my favorite shots from this stunning adventure:

The Island Roamer, a 68-foot sailing ketch and our home for 9 days.

My Dr. Seuss moment in the forests surrounding Salmon Bay: red alder trees covered in mounds of moss.

The Fiordland Conservancy.

6:30am: Sipping coffee and enjoying a freshly baked blueberry muffin on the top deck while listening to wolf howls from our anchorage in Mussel Inlet.

Searching for grizzlies in Mussel Inlet.

Microcosms of the intertidal zone.

Wild huckleberries.

Shoreline wildlife in Mussel Inlet.

Our expert and superbly talented Expedition Leader & resident photographer Melissa Scott reminded us to take note of the finer details in the landscape.

Exploring the ghost town of Butedale.

Our first spirit bear sighting!

A white spirit bear mama and her two black cubs enjoy a salmon snack.

A spirit bear carefully scans the water for fish.

Magical sun rays shine down on our cozy bear-viewing spot by a creek. See the spirit bear on the right?

A nose itch made for a bashful-looking bear!

The incredibly lush habitat of the spirit bear.

Having the right gear is essential.

Wild mushroom growing on the side of a tree.

A sunset kayaking excursion in Salmon Bay on the final evening of our trip.

Watching a humpback whale from the Island Roamer deck.

Follow in Megan’s footsteps on Nat Hab’ Spirit Bears, Humpbacks & Wildlife of BC adventure. Learn more and see the full itinerary here.

All photos (c) Megan Koelemay.

The post Finding Magic in the Great Bear Rainforest: A Photo Journal first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Few things are more powerful than witnessing the bond between mother and child—or in this case, cub! In the wilds of Alaska, travelers will observe and photograph fascinating bear behavior and will be treated to affectionate displays between protective mothers and playful cubs. This rarest of encounters can be had on our Alaska Bear Quest Photo Expedition—the ultimate bear photography safari! While you dream of adventure, enjoy this roundup of some of our favorite photographs of brown bear mother and cubs, taken by Nat Hab travelers and guides along the remote coast of Katmai National Park. Also featured are some stellar submissions from our Wildlife Photo Contests of years past.

© Alek Komarnitsky

© Peter Norvig

© Alan Jones

© Peter Derrington

© Peter Derrington

© Jennifer Fogle Smith

© Peter Norvig

© Benjamin Spalding

© Doug Beach

© Peter Norvig

© Peter Norvig

Brad Josephs, one of Nat Hab’s Photo Pro Expedition Leaders, was among the first bear-viewing guides along the Alaska Penisula. Below is a selection of some of our favorite photographs he has taken of brown bear mothers and cubs in Katmai National Park during his decades of experience guiding travelers, professional photographers and film crews. You can also check out Brad’s Daily Dose of Nature, Photographing Bear Behavior: Mothers & Cubs.

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

© Brad Josephs

Feeling inspired? Watch our Daily Dose of Nature on how to photograph mothers and cubs, and start planning your photo adventure!

The post Mothers & Cubs: Spectacular Grizzly Photos from Alaska Adventures first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Imagine capturing the brilliant red-and-orange-colored Sally Lightfoot crab against a backdrop of lava rocks along the water’s edge. The enormous wingspan of a Galapagos albatross as it soars above the Pacific Ocean. The bright blue feet of blue-footed booby birds during their courtship dance. A century-old giant tortoise gingerly munching on prickly pear cactus, practically oblivious to your presence.

Underwater, curious sea lions swirl like ballerinas, Galapagos penguins dive down, hunting prey, and reef sharks silently glide near the floor of coral reefs.

These are just some incredible photography opportunities that await travelers to the Galapagos islands on our new Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition.

A Photo Adventure in the Enchanted Isles

Despite exposure to tourists for nearly a century, the wildlife in the Enchanted Isles remains unbothered by human presence, allowing photographers to get close enough for the best shots. On our immersive 17-day adventure in the Galapagos, visitors will have a full day in Quito and then set out on a private chartered yacht, the Petrel, to visit 15 diverse islands in the archipelago.

Some of the main stops include San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Española, Isabela and Floreana, all offering various species and natural wonders to admire and photograph. A whopping 97% of the islands’ land area makes up Galapagos National Park, with endemic species like marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, frigatebirds, Darwin’s finches and Galapagos tortoises, penguins, hawks, fur seals and more found nowhere else in the world.

Nat Hab guests cruise back to the Petrel by panga © Richard de Gouveia

During daily excursions, our small group of no more than 15 travelers is divided into even smaller groups, ensuring that guests have an intimate and low-impact experience and allowing for close but safe encounters with wildlife.

Each small group is helmed by one of our naturalist Expedition Leaders (three total on each trip!) who not only offer information and interpretation about the wildlife and landscapes, but who also provide guidance on photography best practices, ethics of wildlife photography, underwater photography advice and post-production techniques that can augment and improve images.

Keep reading to learn about the amazingly diverse wildlife and natural and historic wonders that make for incredible photography subjects on this unforgettable trip.

Land Animals

Giant Tortoises

When Spanish explorers landed on the islands, they saw so many giant tortoises that they named the islands after them. The Spanish word, galápago, means tortoise. These slow-moving ancient reptilian herbivores are the largest tortoises in the world and can weigh up to 500 pounds, grow up to five feet in length, and live more than 100 years. Out of the 14 types of tortoises roaming the islands, some with domed and others with saddle-backed shells, only 10 subspecies and 15,000 individuals live today, a sharp decline from 250,000 that once roamed the pristine islands.

Giant tortoise © Rashid Cruz

Visitors on the Nat Hab Galapagos photography expedition will visit the world-famous tortoise center, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, in Puerto Ayora to see and learn about these endangered reptiles and the conservation efforts to protect them and their unique habitats.

The center, managed in partnership with the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park, has bred and released more than 5,000 tortoises into the wild. Visitors to the center even get to see and photograph tiny hatchlings.

> Learn More: Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

In the misty highlands of Santa Cruz, Nat Hab’s private Tortoise Camp offers a rare and exclusive opportunity to spend the night in the habitat of wild tortoises. The camp provides plenty of chances to photograph free-roaming tortoises up close or from raised safari-style canvas tents and elevated treehouses.

Guests at Nat Hab’s private Tortoise Camp in the Galapagos © Luis Vinueza

Land Iguanas

The Galapagos land iguana is a large and bulky lizard endemic to the islands. Visitors can see them sunbathing alongside the footpaths and on rocky shores, munching on vegetation, or resting under massive cactus plants. These 3-foot-long lizards are plant-eaters and come in shades of yellow with blotches of black and brown. Galapagos land iguanas are among three species of land iguanas in the region; the other two are the Santa Fe land iguana and the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana.

Galapagos land iguana © Court Whelan

Visitors to the South Plaza islet can occasionally spot the elusive hybrid iguana, a result of breeding between marine and land iguanas. Their large stature and brilliant yellowish-orange hues—set against the technicolor backdrop of sprawling Galapagos carpetweed and prickly pear cactus trees that adorn the landscape—make them ideal subjects for the camera.

In addition to land iguanas, keep an eye out for lava lizards—the most abundant reptile on the islands.

Marine Life

Sea Lions

Any trip to the Galapagos should provide numerous sightings of Galapagos sea lions (a subspecies of the Californian sea lion), both on land and underwater. Sea lions are pinnipeds with external ears (unlike seals, which have tiny holes for ears). Their range includes the entire archipelago, and you’ll often spot them sleeping on boats, docks, beautiful beaches and shore rocks. Underwater, their strong fore flippers propel them as they do flips and hunt for food.

Galapagos sea lions © Richard de Gouveia

One of the best spots to find sea lions in the Galapagos is at Gardner Bay on Española, where a large colony of sea lions with their juveniles can be seen on the long stretch of the white sand beach; the outing also offers a unique chance to swim with them right from the beach.

While there will be myriad opportunities to photograph sunbathing sea lions, nothing beats a perfectly timed portrait shot of a curious sea lion with its bulging eyes and whiskers twirling in front of you underwater. Grab your snorkeling gear and water-proof camera (or a GoPro) to capture these playful animals where they typically hang out—right under the surface. Don’t forget to spin when they swim; sea lions are nicknamed “puppy dogs of the sea” as they are curious and playful and love to interact with each other and with people.

The region is also home to the endangered Galapagos fur seal, which can be spotted in the lava grottos at James Bay in Santiago, one of the few places in the entire archipelago where you can witness and photograph these shy, endemic animals from the land. Although they’re called fur seals, they’re actually another type of sea lion!

Snorkeling in the Galapagos also affords abundant chances to photograph other captivating subjects, such as Pacific green sea turtles as they effortlessly glide underwater, graceful eagle rays and schools of colorful tropical fish whizzing by above vibrant coral reefs. Lucky travelers may even spot harmless reef-tip sharks moving silently among schools of fish.

Marine Iguanas

When underwater volcanic eruptions formed the Galapagos islands, the environment was initially too harsh to sustain life. It was cold-blooded reptiles that first made the journey from the mainland on vegetation rafts and populated the newly formed islands. Among these reptiles are the salt- and extreme weather-tolerant marine iguanas.

Galapagos marine iguana © Eric Rock

The Galapagos marine iguana is the only ocean-going lizard species in the world. Although they aren’t very social, they often lay on top of one another or in clusters on coastal or lava rocks, mangrove swamps, and beaches to conserve heat when not swimming in search of food. You may even see them spitting out salt!

These fascinating creatures are black during the non-mating season, but the backs of the males turn red or dull green (depending on their location) to attract females during the mating season. The marine iguanas of Española Island—the most sought-after iguanas for photos—are aptly named “Christmas iguanas” for their gorgeous green and red skin colors.

Birds

Blue-Footed Boobies

Blue-footed boobies are some of the most entertaining seabirds you will encounter during your expedition. You’ll find them along hiking paths and on rocks, as well as plunge-diving into the water from rocky cliffs. Their most distinctive feature is their bright blue-colored webbed feet, which get their hue from the fresh fish they consume.

Blue-footed booby in the Galapagos © Vera Irions

These birds are typically seen in pairs, engaging in a comical courtship dance that involves strutting and flashing their webbed feet, pointing their beaks skyward and raising their wings. Their name comes from the Spanish word bobo, which means silly.

Blue-footed boobies are the most common among the booby birds that live on the islands; the other two subspecies are red-footed (for their pale red feet) and Nazca boobies (white with black feathers). The best place to photograph these adorable seabirds and their nesting grounds is North Seymour Island.

Galapagos Penguins

The Galapagos penguin is one of the most sought-after birds for those on a cruise to the Enchanted Isles. Smaller than your average duck (weighing just under six pounds) and sporting milky white bellies and black and brown feathers on their backs, they resemble a tuxedo. These flightless birds are the only species of penguin living north of the equator. Visitors will likely hear their braying before spotting them.

Galapagos penguin © Mike Hillman

Sadly, Galapagos penguins are endangered, and their populations have dwindled due to climate change, pollution and bycatch. Their population currently stands at approximately 1,800 individuals.

Waved Albatrosses

The title of the largest bird in the Galapagos goes to the waved albatross. With a whopping 7 to 8-foot wingspan and weighing up to 11 pounds, these majestic birds get their name from the wavy lines on their white undercarriage. The entire population of this subspecies lives on the island of Española near Punta Suarez, where visitors can witness them engaging in a raucous mating ritual of tapping their yellow hook-tipped bills enthusiastically and making honking and whistling sounds.

Waved albatross

In the winter, between January and March, adult waved albatrosses use the island’s rocky cliffs as a springboard to begin their journey across the Pacific to the coasts of Peru and Ecuador in search of food. Waved albatrosses mate for life, splitting up during the winter when they go hunting and returning to the same breeding grounds year after year. Like the Galapagos penguin, the waved albatross is threatened by climate change, overfishing and pollution.

Frigatebirds & Other Native Birds

Frigatebirds, with their enormous red-colored throat pouches, are some of the most commonly spotted birds on a Galapagos cruise. They have earned the nickname of “pirate birds” for their tendency to hover above blue-footed booby fishing grounds, waiting to steal their catches. They’ve also been known to catch free rides in the wake of ships. The largest colonies of frigatebirds are in North Seymour and San Cristobal.

Frigatebird © Cassiano “Zapa” Zaparoli

Birders can grab their telephoto lens to shoot images of other birds native to the islands, including flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos petrels and several types of finches (including Darwin’s finches, which played an important role in inspiring the famed scientist’s theory of evolution!) during hikes or panga boat outings.

Natural and Historic Wonders

Kicker Rock

The most recognizable natural wonder in the Galapagos is Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, a monolithic rock formation towering 500 feet above the water’s surface in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The natural feature consists of two large, eroded volcanic rocks separated by a channel. The channel provides habitat for white-tipped reef sharks, rays, reef and pelagic fish, sea turtles and sea lions, making Kicker Rock a popular snorkeling destination.

Kicker Rock © Mike Hillman

Kicker Rock is a two-hour boat ride from San Cristobal island. It can be seen from various smaller islands such as Isla Lobos, which boasts a resident sea lion colony and blue-footed boobies.

Frame the perfect shot of sea lions in the foreground and the iconic Kicker Rock in the distance from Isla Lobos, or wait for the sun to set to catch the golden light reflected on the monolith. Get up close on a panga ride to get snaps of birds like Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and other native birds.

Pinnacle Rock

Stepping onto the tiny uninhabited Bartolome island, an ancient submerged volcano, feels like you are on another planet. Ancient lava rocks and darkened soil merge with rust-colored sand, and fascinating geological formations dot the landscape. A pristine crescent-shaped beach makes for the perfect stop for a swim in the turquoise-colored waters teeming with marine life like sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and schools of fish.

Pinnacle Rock © Cassiano “Zapa” Zaparoli

Climbing to the island’s highest point offers a 360-degree view of this otherworldly landscape, including Pinnacle Rock, a pointed formation just off the shore that is undoubtedly one of the most photographed and treasured sight in the Galapagos.

Quito’s Historic Old Town

The day before setting out on the cruise, Nat Hab travelers get an entire day to admire the sights and photograph Quito’s 16th-century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a guided photography tour, you can wander the cobblestone lanes and photograph the grand plazas, Morrish and Indigenous-influenced buildings, Spanish architecture, and ornate churches.

Must-see attractions include the Government Palace, La Compañia Church, Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, Basilica of the National Vow and Independence Plaza, from which you can see the Archbishop’s Palace Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.

Old Town in Quito, Ecuador

Local markets offer a peek into the lives of the residents and a chance to meet them and snap a collage of subjects from herbs and flowers to fruit and vegetables, along with Andean arts, crafts and textiles. The top of Panecillo Hill provides a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding volcanic peaks.

Ready to photograph the wonders of the Enchanted Isles? Grab your camera and embark on our new Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition!

The post Capturing the Enchanted Isles: 11 Must-Take Galapagos Photos first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.