The Wild Photographer

Hey ArtHelper community! I’m Court Whelan — wildlife photographer, biologist, expedition leader, and host of The Wild Photographer podcast (https://wildphotographerpodcast.com).

I’ve spent much of my life in search of wildlife and wild places around the world, from polar bears in the Arctic to orangutans in Borneo to the tiny-but-mighty world of insect and macro photography.

Along the way, I’ve learned that photography is art, and art can be envisioned in wildly different ways...both to the creator and the viewer. Thus, it's all about finding your niche, doing it well, being consistent, and learning as much as you can along the way.

I’m excited to kick off an Ask Me Anything thread here — a place where you can ask me anything about wildlife photography, nature travel, storytelling, gear, composition, building a photography practice, conservation, leading photo trips, or how to come home with better images from your next adventure.

What are you wrestling with right now? Camera settings? Creative blocks? Wildlife photography ethics? Editing choices? Planning a photo trip? Figuring out how to make your photos feel more alive?

Drop your questions below and I’ll dive in!

Also, I'd be delighted if you were to tune into and subscribe to my nature photography podcast! Next episode is all about "How Pros Travel with Camera Gear, Safely and Effectively" and is loaded with practical tips from 25 years of experience and 100s of 'round-the-world trips!

"Eagle Buddies" was captured near Savannah, GA.

Assuming most of you in this group are wildlife or nature photographers, what is your favorite print medium for printing your work? Canvas, Fine Art Paper, Photographic Paper, Metal, Wood, or maybe something else?

I've heard from a lot of you that astrophotography is something you'd like to get better at, and I've laid it out in quick, simple, no fuss terms in my latest episode of The Wild Photographer. Check it out and let me know if you have any questions about the glorious world of astrophotography!

Hi, my name is Jody Coulston. Thank you for inviting me to this page. I am a photographer and artist. I shoot photos and bring them into my studio and paint oils on canvas. This is a scene from Bandon, Oregon, Face Rock.

The story - Often we get so caught up in our own worlds, we forget to look to the heavens, and consider the bigger picture.

I'm on a giant boot..

Portrait of a Roseate Spoonbill.

Just wondering... Are you a Photographer or an Art Collector?

I captured this photograph of a Bald Eagle at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria Virginia a few years ago! The eagle was perched overlooking the marsh and began to be harassed by a variety of birds including crows and an Osprey. I took this photograph right as an Osprey swooped down at the eagle. The eagle ducked its head and screamed in anger and frustration. Enjoy!!

Newborn Fawn

So much about wildlife photography is about patience and learning to stay invisible long enough to let the story unfold. These two moose were together in a meadow, and I was lucky enough to be witness to this show of (what appears to be) "affection." Moose are some of my favorite subjects and I was able to observe these for some 30 minutes before they trotted off.

On a recent trip to Oregon and the Malheur NWR a pair of Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) followed us around the shoreline of the Krumbo Reservoir. We don't see these too often in Idaho, so it was a treat! Learn more about these little birds on the Audubon website: audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eared-grebe.

In the spring we hear and see yellow warblers flitting through the trees. They are busy looking for food, and this one has a small green caterpillar. This male posed for just a fleeting moment, framed by the bare tree branches. A small subject, but never a small moment.

I titled this one "Mountain Meadow", I wanted to portray the quiet of cows feeding on fall pasture with the rugged Sneffles range and a cloud-filled sky hold the background.

https://www.fineartwesternpaintings.com/

This fine art photograph was captured on 2/22/26 where Barnegat Bay meets Toms River in New Jersey that froze over for the first time in years.

I tend to take photos of the less spectacular wildlife - mostly because it's more relatable and it's there. I've moved to the UK to be with family so this is my last Chipmunk (for a while). I'll have to settle for the seacoast.

Thank you for the invite to the group!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park Colorado

Easter Morning 2026