The main motivation for my photography has been to describe and share my experiences. I believe this sentiment is common among photographers. Yet sometimes, it leads to obsession over capturing the one “great image” of a scene – when the best way to tell a story can be through a series of images instead.
Essays and Inspiration Category Archive
Why My Birds Aren’t Doing Anything
Over the years, I've received some criticism on my photography, and I think that's a good thing. I've appreciated all of it, because on the whole it has made me a better photographer. After all, I have so many blind spots where I just don't see problems. But there is...
The Quest for 5000 Birds
About four years ago, I came up with a simple goal: photograph 5000 species of birds. How did I even think of such a plan? It all began with two questions: What is that bird over there? How is that bird related to the others? Soon, I started keeping track...
How Important Is Patience in Wildlife Photography?
A widespread belief among the general, non-animal-photographing (and therefore more or less normal) population is that patience is the essential quality of a wildlife photographer. I consider myself primarily a wildlife photographer, and my social bubble is teeming with other such weirdos. So let me give a little insight into...
About the Owl and the Wicked Jay
After reading the title of this article, you might think that I have started writing fables or even fairy tales for children. Or perhaps you are shaking your head in disgust and thinking that I have turned to writing zoological tabloids? Well, I also thought I was going crazy when...
Photographing a Cycling Race from a Motorbike
Last month, another edition of the world's most famous cycling race, the Tour de France, took place. And as in previous years, I didn't participate either as a rider or as a spectator. I don't have enough strength for the former (and it gets worse every year) or enough free...
Black and White and Wildlife
Splash on that color, those bright blues and greens and reds! Soft feathers and golden light, warm fur and rich browns, smooth exoskeletons with a mesmerizing plethora of endless iridescence all beckon to the lens. How can the wildlife photographer resist the epic array of beautiful color from the world...
Photographing the Australian Brush-Turkey: Life on the Mound
Nature can always surprise. Just when you think you can take something for granted, it turns out there's an exception. Like in this case. Most people take it as a given that birds are born from eggs tended to by at least one parent. The eggs then hatch into small,...
Catching Up with the Photography Life Team, ’24 Edition
One year ago, I decided to sit down with some of my fellow writers at Photography Life and talk a bit about photography. What about in 2024? This year, I definitely wanted to get hold of Spencer, Libor, and Nasim, and get them to reveal their secrets about how they approach photography!
A Journey with the Photographic Mind
The photographic eye can perceive great compositions, notice patterns, find great light. But what of the photographic mind? The thoughts, the wishes, and the imagination – the idea of scenes dripping with the golden drops of sunlight? How does the photographic mind influence your style?