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Summary
In this episode, Court Whelan shares his insights on traveling with camera gear, focusing on the joys and challenges of preparation, lens selection, and the importance of accessories. He discusses strategies for packing, flying with gear, and maintaining equipment while traveling, emphasizing the need for careful planning to ensure a successful photography trip.

All Gear Mentioned in List Format (and easy purchase links)

Promo Codes:

LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off

ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off

Arthelper.Ai - WILD for 30 day free trial of Pro Version

Takeaways

• Traveling with camera gear can be stressful but rewarding.
• Prepping for a trip is part of the photography journey.
• Selecting the right lenses is crucial for different photography styles.
• A second camera body can significantly increase your shooting opportunities.
• Always bring extra batteries and memory cards on trips.
• Packing strategies can help protect your gear during travel.
• Never check sensitive camera equipment in luggage.
• Humidity can cause camera fogging; keep gear cool and dry.
• A lens pen is an effective tool for cleaning your camera.
• Planning ahead for gear needs can enhance your photography experience.

Chapters
00:00 Intro: The Joys and Challenges of Traveling with Camera Gear
05:49 Selecting the Right Lenses for Your Trip
11:45 The Importance of a Second Camera Body
14:29 Accessories
20:28 The Role of Tripods in Photography
26:27 The Perfect Travel Tripod
29:32 Packing Philosophy for Camera Gear
35:16 Flying with Camera Gear
38:36 Protecting and Maintaining Gear While Traveling

• Check out Court’s photography and conservation work: CourtWhelan.com
• Follow Court Whelan (@courtwhelan) on YouTube for more photography tips
• Sign up for Court's conservation, travel and photography blog at www.courtwhelan.com
• View Court's recommended camera gear
• Promo Codes:
  LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
  ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
  Arthelper.Ai - WILD for 30 day free trial of Pro Version

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In this episode, Court discusses five techniques to inject creative vision into photography, emphasizing the importance of breaking traditional rules and experimenting with different perspectives and methods. From composition to intentional motion blur, each technique is designed to enhance creativity and encourage photographers to think outside the box.

Takeaways

• Inject creative vision into your photography on any camera.
• Exaggerate composition to break traditional rules.
• Intentional motion blur adds a unique element.
• Top-down perspectives provide a fresh view.
• Black and white photography enhances contrast and mood.
• Change camera angles for creative effects.
• Spot metering can create unique lighting.
• Experiment with different techniques for creativity.
• Photography is an art form that thrives on creativity.
• Always strive to refresh your perspective in photography.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Vision in Photography
01:16 Thanks to Sponsors
05:31 Exaggerating Composition Techniques
09:22 Intentional Motion Blur Techniques
16:37 Top-Down Perspective in Photography
20:25 Black & White Photography
23:03 Camera Angles
24:59 A Bonus Technique

Thank you, Sponsors!

• Shimoda Designs
• Arthelper.Ai - Promo Code WILD for 30 Day PRO Trial
• LensRentals.com - Promo Code WildPhotographer15 for 15% off

My Complete Camera Kit

• Check out Court’s photography and conservation work: CourtWhelan.com
• Follow Court Whelan (@courtwhelan) on YouTube for more photography tips
• Sign up for Court's conservation, travel and photography blog at www.courtwhelan.com
• View Court's recommended camera gear
• Promo Codes:
  LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
  ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
  Arthelper.Ai - WILD for 30 day free trial of Pro Version

Send us a text

In this episode, host Court Whelan sits down with professional photo guide and Director of Photo Expeditions at Natural Habitat Adventures, Mike Hillman. Mike shares invaluable insights on wildlife photography, from mastering perfect pawsture in bear photography to the art of bird photography and finding your personal photographic style. We also dive into intentional camera movement (ICM), editing techniques that harness the psychology of the eye, and the logistics behind planning the perfect photo expedition. Plus, Mike gives us expert advice on photographing in the dramatic landscapes of Canyon Country. Whether you're a budding wildlife photographer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with tips to elevate your craft!

Show Notes:

Episode Highlights:

• (02:26) Mike Hillman’s journey into wildlife photography and guiding
• (06:49) How zoo photography helps develop wildlife photography skills
• (12:06) Bear photography tips, including the concept of perfect pawsture
• (15:56) Bird photography techniques—capturing behavior, using depth of field, and composition
• (26:49) Defining personal photography style and the creative potential of intentional camera movement (ICM)
• (31:37) Editing workflows—masking, vignetting, and the psychology of the eye
• (38:13) What makes a great photo expedition? Planning, subject selection, and guiding philosophy
• (41:07) Photographing in Canyon Country—handling contrast, night photography, and essential gear
• (46:17) Mike’s favorite lenses for wildlife and landscape photography
• (50:40) Must-have photography tools—including an unexpected use for a toothbrush!

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Mike: MikeHillmanMedia.com | Instagram: @WildVenturer
• Check out Court’s photography and conservation work: CourtWhelan.com
• Follow The Wild Photographer on YouTube for more photography tips

Sponsors:

• Art Helper AI – A game-changing tool for photographers to market their work. Use code WILD for a free 30-day pro trial at ArtHelper.AI
• LensRentals.com – Rent specialty camera gear with 15% off using promo code wildphotographer15 at LensRentals.com
• Shimoda Designs camera backpacks. Perhaps the best camera bag designed to-date. My new go-to!

Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with fellow photographers. Stay inspired and keep capturing the wild world around you!

• Check out Court’s photography and conservation work: CourtWhelan.com
• Follow Court Whelan (@courtwhelan) on YouTube for more photography tips
• Sign up for Court's conservation, travel and photography blog at www.courtwhelan.com
• View Court's recommended camera gear
• Promo Codes:
  LensRentals.com - WildPhotographer15 for 15% off
  ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off
  Arthelper.Ai - WILD for 30 day free trial of Pro Version