Advertise on podcast: The Wild Photographer

In this episode of The Wild Photographer, host Court Whelan dives into a long-awaited deep dive: Travel Photography. It’s an episode designed for photographers who want their images to capture the moment during travel and adventures in a more meaningful, creative, and artistic way.  This is both a comprehensive breakdown and a highly practical guide, whether you’re shooting with a full-frame camera, a mirrorless setup, or just your smartphone. Court pulls from decades of experience as a travel photographer himself, photo guide, biologist, and expedition leader to distill what one should look for and how to capture stunning travel imagery when in the field. Listeners will learn: Why travel photography shouldn’t be an afterthought—and how prioritizing it leads to stronger memories and better storytellingHow to instantly improve compositions using angles, layers, and intentional framingWhat to look for in great light, including golden hour, blue hour, and creative use of white balanceWhen to use shallow versus deep depth of field, and how shutter speed can either freeze action or create dynamic motionPractical, respectful approaches to photographing people and street scenes without being intrusiveHow all of these techniques translate directly to smartphone photography, including exposure control, portrait mode, and simple long-exposure tricksWhether you’re preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition or documenting a weekend trip close to home, this episode delivers tools you can use immediately—no matter what camera is in your hand. Here is the small travel printer (great for sharing in-the-moment with the people you photograph) he mentions - Selphy printer - https://amzn.to/3NSi8xp Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court sits down with Ralph Lee Hopkins—National Geographic photo instructor, expedition leader, and one of the most influential photo guides in adventure travel—to unpack what it really means to live the life of a photographer. Ralph traces his journey from geology student to global photo mentor, sharing how photography became a way to slow down, tune in, and stay deeply present in nature. Along the way, he breaks down his core mantra—Light, Composition, Moment—and explains why mastering these fundamentals matters more now than ever. The conversation dives deep into the realities of building a sustainable photography career: shooting what you know, starting locally, developing multiple revenue streams, and understanding how travel, teaching, and storytelling intersect. Ralph also shares hard-earned lessons from decades of ship-based polar expeditions, including how to work fast in extreme conditions, simplify your kit, and stay ready when fleeting wildlife moments unfold. On the technical side, Ralph offers practical advice on exposure (why slightly overexposing can preserve color), Lightroom organization (collections are everything), and editing with restraint—letting strong images shine without over-processing. He also reflects on photography as a powerful conservation tool, emphasizing long-term projects, meaningful partnerships, and images that tell more complicated, honest stories. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with wisdom, field-tested techniques, and perspective from someone who’s spent a lifetime behind the camera—often at the edge of the world. Follow Ralph Online: Instagram: @ralphleehopkins (https://www.instagram.com/ralphleehopkins/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RalphLeeHopkinsPhotography/ Website/portfolio: RalphLeeHopkins.com (https://ralphleehopkins.zenfolio.com/) Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

Summary In this episode, Court Whelan discusses the essentials of wildlife photography, particularly focusing on the best lenses for wildlife safaris. He emphasizes the importance of adequate reach, low light sensitivity, and flexibility in lens choice. The conversation also covers the necessary accessories for wildlife photography, including tripods and camera bags, and concludes with recommendations for both lenses and gear to enhance the wildlife photography experience. Takeaways Wildlife photography is a pinnacle experience for photographers.Choosing the right lens is crucial for capturing wildlife.Low light sensitivity is a challenging but key consideration for wildlife photography.Flexibility in lens choice provide more photo opportunities and simplify your gear.Travel-friendly gear is essential for wildlife safaris.The 100-400mm or 200-600mm lens class is recommended for most photographers.Consider renting high-end prime lenses for specific trips.Accessories like dry bags, excellent camera bags and tripods are vital for protection.Third-party lenses may not match the quality of brand lenses, but do have oodles of options.A "nifty 50" lens can be a super fun and helpful lens for low light situations.Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

Court sits down with Jeff Pfaller to go deep on photographing the night: Milky Way fundamentals, foreground strategy (and why your cell phone flashlight is secretly a lighting tool), photo stacking workflows, fireflies (including the Smokies synchronous phenomenon), eclipse photography and logistics, editing philosophy, and gear that matters most when it’s 10:30pm and your fingers are questioning your life choices. Key Topics Include: The importance of planning a night photo shoot during the dayDouble exposures for night photography to capture the landscapeFirefly photographyThe mindset needed for photographing and publishing a photo bookA step by step playbook for Eclipse photographySome amazing advice for assembling the perfect camera kit for youYou can find Jeff (including his fabulous book) at: Book - https://jeffpfaller.com/products/dark-skies-photography-book Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pfallerj Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeffpfaller YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/pfallerj Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

In this episode, Court lays out a practical foundation of photography “rules” — not as rigid constraints, but as dependable starting points. These principles show up again and again because they work: they help you handle light, composition, focus, and technical settings with more confidence. Once you understand them, you can follow them when they serve the image, and break them deliberately when the scene calls for something different. The goal is simple: more intentionality, and better photographs in the field. The 14 Fundamental Rules of Photography Focus on the eyes.Use the rule of thirds.Follow the inverse focal length rule for handholding.Prioritize side lighting.Shoot during golden hour.Compose with odd numbers of subjects.Keep horizons straight.Include foreground, mid-ground, and background.Expose for the highlights.Leave space in the direction your subject is looking (eye-line rule).Avoid lines cutting through faces/heads (face-and-line rule).Use the 500 rule for astrophotography.Create subject/background separation.Simplify the frameCourt's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

ISO is one of those photography tools that feels like a superpower… right up until it bites you. In this solo deep dive, Court unpacks why ISO is both a “magical unicorn” and a ruthless double-edged sword: it can rescue your shot in low light, but it can also quietly inject noise and crush editability. You’ll learn what ISO actually does (and what it doesn’t), how to think about it in terms of light and "stops" and how to use it strategically in the field—especially in the real-world low-light scenarios we all love to shoot. Court also shares his go-to ISO workflow, how to set guardrails so your camera doesn’t go rogue, and why modern de-noise software changes the risk/reward equation—but doesn’t eliminate it. If ISO has ever felt confusing, intimidating, or like the setting you touch only when you’re desperate… this episode is your new playbook.  Expect to Learn: What ISO is (in plain English)ISO as part of the Exposure TriangleStops and ISO math (the simple rule)The tradeoff: noise + reduced editabilityManual ISO vs Auto ISOAvoiding Auto ISO “oops”A field-friendly hack: slight underexposureDe-noise software: powerful but not magicTwo mechanical ways to keep ISO lowerUsing these links to purchase gear helps support the show can keeps me making more content. Thank you in advance! Camera: https://amzn.to/43MJbPQ Travel tripod: https://amzn.to/44vGAKn Travel hard drive: https://amzn.to/3KcUFpg CF card of choice: https://amzn.to/4a7mAkY SD card of choice: https://amzn.to/4pxENgb My favorite battery case: https://amzn.to/4ijn2Pe Magnetic filter set (polarizer, NDs, UV): https://amzn.to/49VtUAj Go-to Wildlife Lens (zoom telephoto): https://amzn.to/3JWeLnI Wide angle (landscapes, travel, culture): https://amzn.to/4ptkmAU Ultra-wide angle (night, northern lights, milky way): https://amzn.to/43MLTVy Travel camera backpack: https://amzn.to/47YvgJ1 Small video camera: https://amzn.to/4riVw8z Camera sensor cleaning kit: h Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

Will Patino is a landscape photographer extraordinaire and excellent photography teacher. In this conversation, the New Zealand–based landscape photographer shares oh-so-many valuable tips for nature photography.  During our time together, he breaks down his Four Pillars of Landscape Photography (location, composition, light, and processing) into a field-ready mindset, how he uses balance for composition vs. solely following compositional rules, how he reliably shoots handheld at 1/8s without a tripod, and the simple local-dodge/burn workflow he uses to keep post-processing effective and artistic. We also get into topics like flow state when photographing, why he only edits on small screens, intentional motion blur, and the his sage advice to budding photographers. Lots of excellent pieces of advice in this fun conversation! Will Patino on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WilliamPatinoPhotography Will Patino on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williampatino_photography/   Workshops & Gallery:  https://williampatino.com/ || William Patino Photography Sponsors & Promos ArtStorefronts.com — Mention The Wild Photographer for a free website build (approx. $2,000 value). See an example layout at shop.courtwhelan.com. Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

Harsh midday highlights, blinding backlight, gloomy overcast, barely-there dawn… and full-on darkness. In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court breaks down five common lighting scenarios that routinely present challenges for even experienced shooters—and gives you practical, field-tested fixes for each.  From when to lean into the shadows, to when to under-expose, to the advantages of black-and-white photography, you’ll get settings, positioning tips, and creative pivots you can use on your very next outing. What you’ll learn How to tame harsh midday light with even lighting, B&W conversions, fast shutters, and deep depth of field (hello, f/22 starbursts).Smart ways to handle backlighting: underexpose to protect highlights, pivot your position to remove sky, or embrace high-key silhouettes.Low-light playbook for golden hour: fast glass vs. slower zooms, workable shutter rules with IBIS, intentional motion blur, and when to “shoot dark.”Why flat, cloudy light is secretly great—and how to add shape and depth with composition, shallow DOF, and selective post work.A simple, repeatable night wildlife recipe (spot metering + auto ISO + shallow aperture + slight underexposure) that actually works.Chapter markers 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup: Five “tricky light” scenarios you’ll face in the field.02:05 – Sponsors & Resources: Art Storefronts overview + Lensrentals promo; YouTube & blog pointers.06:30 – Harsh Midday Light: Seek even light; when to go black & white; leverage F11–F22 and ultra-fast shutters; birds-in-flight at noon.14:55 – Backlighting: Why highlights are hard to recover; underexpose a touch, use spot metering, minimize sky by changing your angle/elevation; creative high-key looks.23:40 – Low Light / Golden Hour: Start at widest aperture; practical shutter targets with/without IBIS; widen out if needed; intentional motion blur & panning; purposefully underexpose for mood.34:10 – Flat, Cloudy Light: Even light advantages; watch for edge-of-cloud transitions; add depth via background distance and shallow DOF; post tweaks (contrast, clarity, dehaze).42:45 – Night Wildlife: The simple settings stack; why spot metering + underexposure isolates the subject and keeps the scene clean.49:30 – Wrap-Up & Next Steps: Recap, podcast reviews, where to find Court’s portfolio and videos.Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

Ever wonder what makes a professional wildlife portrait pop? In this fan-favorite episode, Court breaks down the secrets behind tack-sharp eyes, buttery-smooth backgrounds, and that magical “pro photo” look.  You’ll learn how aperture, telephoto compression, and background distance all work together to make your shots stand out.  From choosing your f-stop to post-processing blur and sharpening tricks, this episode is a masterclass in getting your wildlife portraits to wow. Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

In need of a creative jolt for your wildlife photography and get better, more captivating images (and memories)?  In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court shares a dozen practical ways to make wildlife images truly captivating. We cover when to crank your drive mode for expressive behavior, how getting low and shooting at eye level transforms background separation, and the simple distance ratio that creates creamy blur even at f/8. You’ll learn to choose your background (not accept it), frame with natural elements, and zoom in on intriguing details for a story-driven series.  Court also demos creative exposure tools—spot metering for dramatic light, in-camera white balance shifts for mood—and several motion techniques, from slow-shutter pans to zoom/rotate effects. Finally, we break composition “rules” on purpose, using exaggerated negative space and dead-center symmetry when the scene calls for it. If you’re ready to move from documentation to impact, this one’s for you. Chapter Markers 00:00 Introduction to Captivating Wildlife Photography 00:44 Thanks to Sponsors 04:20 Introduction 04:59 Understanding Drive Motor for Wildlife Photography 08:23 Get Low (and on eye level) 10:27 Utilizing Shallow Depth of Field 15:09 Zooming in on Animal Details 18:16 Framing your Shots 20:02 The Allure of Spot Metering 23:28 Matching (or playing with) White Balance 26:23 Intentional Motion Blur Techniques 28:35 Other Uses of Slow Shutter 31:03 Composition Techniques 34:08 Choosing the Your Background 37:28 Conclusion Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

What does it mean to slow down, be intentional, and truly see before pressing the shutter? In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court sits down with renowned guide and photographer Colby Brokvist for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, simplicity, and storytelling in photography. From the ethereal landscapes of Antarctica to the discipline of putting your camera down and being present, Colby shares wisdom on cultivating intentionality, developing a personal style, and guiding others to find their own voice as photographers. Along the way, they explore the balance between technical skill and creative vision, the evolving role of conservation photography, and the realities of leading photo trips around the world. Main Takeaways: How to get into guiding photo trips and teaching photographySimplicity is the answer (why and how to keep it simple)Thoughts from Colby on Photographing AntarcticaColby’s Go-To Settings and why he’s always prepared for fast actionColby’s advice for honing your style (but not to be put in a box) and thoughts on a timeless styleColby's Tips on Mountain PhotographyWhy image searches on google can elevate your photography for your upcoming tripWhy Colby always recommends traveling with a lightweight kitPlus, Colby's favorite x-factor lensLinks Discussed and to Share: Colby's Guide-Training Academy: Waypoint Guide Academy Website And IG Account: Waypoint Instagram Colby's Personal IG: Colbyoutdoors Instagram Colby's Guide-Training Book: The Professional Guide's Handbook Colby's Photo Website: Colby Outdoors Photography The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Will Patino's YouTube (Colby's favorite YouTube Photographer) Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

Modern cameras can feel like mini computers with endless settings, but at the core of every great photograph lies just three: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.  In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court unpacks the “Golden Triangle” of photography and explains how these three elements work together to shape exposure, creativity, and artistic intent. Through clear analogies and practical examples, you’ll learn how to balance depth of field, motion, and light to capture the scene in front of you exactly as you envision it.  Whether you’re exploring landscapes, photographing wildlife, or diving deeper into your craft, this episode provides a straightforward guide to mastering the fundamentals that matter most in mastering photography. Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

These lenses are no doubt your workhorses in any sort of photography. However, it can be a little complex deciding which one to invest in and have as part of your trusty camera kit. In this episode, I go into detail on what makes each lens great, and why you might want to choose one over the other depending on your style and needs. Takeaways The 24-70mm lens is a favorite among professionals for its sharpness and low-light capabilities.F2.8 aperture is excellent for portrait and low-light photography.The 24-105mm lens offers more versatility with its extended range.Weight and size are significant factors for travel photographers (feather in the cap for 24-105mm).The 24-70mm lens has better resale value due to its popularity.Consider your primary photography style when choosing a lens--do you need f/2.8?The 24-105mm is more affordable and lighter, making it a great option for many.Image stabilization can influence the choice between the two lenses.Ultimately, the best lens is the one that fits your needs and is with you when you need it. If you don't need f/2.8 for your landscape/walking-around lens, save the money, size, and weight and go for the 24-105mm.Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

This episode is dedicated to the fundamentals—the essential building blocks of great wildlife photography. Whether you’re just stepping into the world of nature photography or you’ve spent years in the field, revisiting the core principles can sharpen your eye and elevate your work. In this episode, we break down what I consider the six cornerstones of wildlife photography: composition, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, and editing. These aren’t just technical settings—they’re the tools that shape your ability to tell compelling stories through your images. We begin with composition, exploring everything from the classic rule of thirds to more nuanced tools like the phi grid and exaggerated framing. We’ll also touch on strategies for capturing wildlife in its broader landscape, and how to approach moments of behavior with both creativity and technical precision. From there, we move through the vital exposure triangle—understanding how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together—and close with a look at editing as the final, intentional step in the process. This is a practical guide to grounding your photography in strong technique, while allowing space for creative decision-making and artistic growth. Special thanks to our sponsor, ArtHelper.ai, whose AI-powered platform helps photographers transform finished images into powerful content. Use promo code WILD for six months free. Let’s get started—this is Wildlife Photography 101. Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version

Hey friends, welcome back to The Wild Photographer! Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite rabbit holes in photography—macro. And not just any macro… I’m talking about a quick and dirty (but oh-so-aesthetic) technique that lets you capture stunning macro shots without even bringing a macro lens. Yep, you heard that right. As a biologist and entomologist turned travel photographer, I’ve always had a deep love for the miniature world—those textures, patterns, and critters that usually go unnoticed. But let’s be real: when you're packing for a trip, you can't always justify hauling a full macro setup. That’s why I’ve dialed in a portable, practical method using your everyday lenses—think 24–105mm or a basic kit lens—and I’m breaking it all down for you in this episode. Whether it’s a dew-drenched wildflower or the intricate veins of a rainforest leaf, I’ll walk you through the physical setup, manual focus tricks, camera settings with and without flash, and the creative flair that turns good shots into great ones. I even cover editing tips to make those textures pop and that drama sing. So if you’ve ever wanted to make small things look big (and beautiful), grab your gear—or even just your backyard—and let’s explore how to bring the tiny into focus in a bold new way. Let’s get wild. Let’s get macro. Court's Websites Check out Court’s photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.com Sign up for Court's photo, conservation and travel blog at www.courtwhelan.com Follow Court on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tips View Court's personal and recommended camera gear Sponsors and Promo Codes: ArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website design. BayPhoto.com - 25% your first order (code: TWP25) LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off ShimodaDesigns.com - Whelan10 for 10% off Arthelper.Ai - Mention this podcast for a 6 month free trial of Pro Version