I have just published Episode #79 of my Wild Nature Photography Podcast. In this episode, I give my thoughts and review Nick Brandt’s powerful, evocative, sombre book, Inherit the Dust. His fourth book in his fantastic series on black and white African wildlife.

The photograph of the month for August 2023 comes from my recent South Africa Ground-Level Wildlife Masterclass workshop (Read the Trip Report) and is of a wild Cheetah on the hunt near sunset. This photograph was taken by lying on the ground with a 600mm lens as the cheetah approached my position. The key to this style of photograph is to get as low as possible. It is not enough to simply crouch down or kneel in the grass. To obtain the soft foreground, low angle of view and intimate eye contact, it’s necessary to physically position the lens on the ground and pay close attention to any potentially distracting elements between the photographer and the subject. In this instance, I relocated myself several times until I was happy with the line of site. It was then a matter of waiting (and hoping!) that the Cheetah would turn to face my direction. Serendipitously, it was not long before the Cheetah began to walk directly toward me. Paw position is likewise critical to achieving a sense of movement in the subject. Shooting with a long fixed prime lens like the 600mm meant there was only a second or two when the Cheetah was full frame. High-speed motor drive at 30 frames per second was used to capture the decisive moment.

If you want to learn how to make powerful wildlife photographs such as this I will be returning to South Africa in May of 2024 and 2025 to lead another two Ground-Level Wildlife Masterclass workshops. Full details are on my website in the Workshops tab.

A few days ago, I received a rather curious email that posed the idea that the photographic print was dead and that I should consider digital NFTs for my work instead of making prints. I took some time to consider the concept and want to share my thoughts on why the print is still the ultimate photographic expression of a piece of work (at least for me).

In a world inundated with digital media, I find myself, more and more, returning to the time-honoured tradition of print photography—a medium that, in my view, transcends time and technology. Making prints is an enriching part of the photographic process. I want to share my thoughts and dive into the realm of the print, exploring its enduring power to preserve moments and evoke emotions that digital images cannot match in my experience.

There is little doubt that a printed photograph has an ineffable quality—a tangible connection to the moment it captures. As you hold a print in your hands, you touch the paper, the essence of the scene, and the emotions imbued within it. The print has a tactile sensation that no digital image can match. The print becomes an intimate conversation between the viewer and the image, creating an immersive experience that evokes a deeper appreciation for the artistry.

In a world dominated by screens, digital images often feel ephemeral and fleeting to me. We consume them voraciously, yet they never sate our thirst. Prints, on the other hand, have the power to reveal the soul of the image. The texture of the paper, the richness of the colours, and the subtleties of the shadows, as light plays across the paper breathe life into the photograph, allowing it to transcend the confines of the screen and awaken the senses in a profound way.

Prints are not just moments frozen in time; they are legacies that can be passed on through generations. As a photographer, there is no greater joy than knowing that my images will grace the walls of homes, telling stories and inspiring awe for years to come. Prints become cherished heirlooms, connecting families and preserving memories in a way that digital files cannot replicate. As I walk around my home, I take great joy in the photographic prints (many from other photographers) that adorn my walls. They are timeless and spirit me away to remote locations like no digital image ever has.

Printing is an art form in itself. It demands careful consideration of paper types, printing techniques, and colour calibration to represent the vision behind the photograph accurately. The process of fine art printing elevates the image to a higher level of artistry, transforming it into a masterpiece that elicits emotions and invites contemplation.

Lastly, the print embodies the authenticity and integrity of the photograph. As an artist, I feel my prints are a testament to the dedication and passion that goes into each frame I capture. Each print is a physical embodiment of my vision, the final product, preserved in a form that endures the test of time.

In this digital age, the allure of print photography remains unwavering. It is a medium that beckons us to slow down, to embrace the beauty of a single frame, and to savor the intricacies of the captured moment. The power of the print lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but in its ability to forge a profound connection between the viewer and the image.

In my journey as a photographer, I have witnessed the transformative effect of prints, both on me as an artist and on those who have beheld my work and the work of many others. So, I invite you to rediscover the art of the print—to hold a photograph in your hands and let it weave its magic upon your soul. Embrace the timeless allure of print photography and embark on a journey into the realm of artistry that stands the test of time. I promise both your soul and photography will benefit from the experience.

As a passionate wildlife photographer, I have been fortunate to witness and capture awe-inspiring moments in Nature’s grand theatre. Among the many species I have encountered, one holds a special place in my heart: the Wild Wolves of the Taiga Forest in Finland. In this post, I invite you to join me on an extraordinary photographic journey set for September 2025, where we will delve into the mesmerising world of these magnificent creatures and discover the unparalleled experience of photographing wolves in Finland.

Our expedition will take us deep into the heart of the Taiga Forest, an ancient wilderness that spans vast stretches of Finland. This pristine landscape, with its dense evergreen forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling hills, offers a perfect backdrop for encounters with the elusive and captivating wolves. The Taiga Forest is renowned for its untouched beauty and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal location to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

During our journey, we will have the remarkable opportunity to observe and photograph wolves up close. The Finnish wolf population is known for its healthy numbers, providing a high likelihood of sightings and interactions. From the stealthy movements of a lone wolf to the playful antics of a pack, we will witness the nuances of their behaviour and capture extraordinary moments of their daily lives.

In the ethereal light of the Finnish wilderness, we will immerse ourselves in the enchanting realm of wolf photography. The golden hour, that magical time just after sunrise and before sunset, casts a warm and gentle glow, accentuating the beauty of the wolves’ fur and the surrounding landscape. During this fleeting window, we will capture the essence of their spirit and create images that resonate with grace and power.

Throughout our journey, we will deeply respect the wolves and their natural environment. Conservation and ethical practices are at the forefront of our approach, ensuring minimal disturbance to their habitat and behaviour.

Beyond the wolves themselves, our workshop offers an opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of Nature. We will stroll through ancient forests, breathe in the crisp air, and witness the interplay of light and shadow as we explore this untamed wilderness. The serenity and tranquillity of the Taiga Forest will inspire and rejuvenate your soul, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and an appreciation for its delicate balance.

Photographing wolves in Finland’s Taiga Forest is an unparalleled adventure, offering a glimpse into the captivating lives of these extraordinary creatures. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, the enchantment of golden hour light, and the thrill of witnessing wolves in their natural habitat create an experience that will forever be etched in your memory and showcased through your photographs.

Join me in September 2025 as we embark on this remarkable journey, embracing the wild and discovering the true essence of the wolves that roam the Taiga Forest. Together, we will unveil their untold stories and create images that preserve their magnificence for generations to come.

To get an idea of what it is like to join this workshop, please check out the trip report from the 2022 workshop HERE. Full details on the workshop are available on my website HERE.

Photography is a visual art form that offers boundless opportunities for self-expression and creativity. As photographers, we constantly seek ways to enhance our skills, expand our artistic vision, and deepen our understanding of the craft. One of the most potent resources available to us is the humble photography book. In this post, I will share my perspective on why reading and studying photography books is such a valuable and transformative endeavour that can greatly elevate your photography. Not only will photography books improve your photography, but they are also a lot cheaper than new photography equipment! Unlike new gear, they won’t hamper your creative juices either and leave you frustrated in the field as you struggle to come to grips with new equipment that is forcing you to be a technician instead of an artist.

Unleashing the Knowledge of Masters:

Photography books serve as gateways to the minds and experiences of renowned photographers who have mastered their craft. Within their pages, you will find a treasure trove of wisdom, techniques, and insights accumulated over years of practice and exploration. By immersing yourself in the knowledge imparted by these masters, you gain access to invaluable lessons that can fundamentally transform the way you approach your own photography.

Learning from Diverse Perspectives:

Photography books encompass a wide range of genres, styles, and subjects, allowing you to explore and learn from a vast array of perspectives. Whether you are interested in landscapes, wildlife, portraiture, or street photography, there is a book out there that can enrich your understanding and inspire fresh ideas. Exposing yourself to diverse photographic approaches helps you broaden your horizons, develop a unique voice, and find new ways to express your creative vision.

Mastering Technical Skills:

Photography books are not just repositories of artistic inspiration; they also offer in-depth technical knowledge. From understanding exposure and composition to mastering lighting techniques and post-processing, these books provide step-by-step guidance and practical tips to improve your technical skills. By delving into the technical aspects of photography through books, you can gain a solid foundation and refine your craft with precision.

Exploring Conceptual and Artistic Vision:

Photography is not solely about technical proficiency; it is a medium through which we express our unique perspectives and emotions. Photography books often delve into the conceptual and artistic aspects of the craft, exploring topics such as storytelling, visual narrative, and the development of personal style. These insights encourage introspection, ignite creativity, and empower you to infuse your images with deeper meaning and resonance.

Cultivating a Critical Eye:

When you immerse yourself in photography books, you are exposed to a myriad of images that have been curated for their excellence (we hope!). By studying these photographs with a discerning eye, you develop a critical mindset that allows you to evaluate your own work objectively. This cultivated sense of visual literacy enables you to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in your own photography, ultimately leading to growth and refinement.

Inspiration for Personal Projects:

Photography books often showcase bodies of work that tell compelling stories or explore specific themes. These narratives can serve as a wellspring of inspiration for your own personal projects. By studying how photographers have approached long-term projects, tackled social issues, or created cohesive series, you can gain insights into the process of conceptualizing, planning, and executing meaningful photographic endeavours.

Conclusion:

Reading photography books is a transformative and essential practice for photographers seeking to improve their craft. The knowledge, inspiration, and diverse perspectives found within these pages offer invaluable guidance and fuel the fires of creativity. By immersing yourself in the wisdom of masters, mastering technical skills, exploring conceptual vision, cultivating a critical eye, and finding inspiration for personal projects, you embark on a journey of continuous growth and evolution as a photographer. So, pick up a photography book, immerse yourself in its pages, and let the world of photography unfold before your eyes. Oh! And save money to boot! Books cost less than gear!