Last week I teased a new short video HERE for an unboxing and first impressions video of the brand-new BenQ SW272U 4K Adobe RGB photographic monitor. Today I am pleased to release the final video of the unboxing and my thoughts and impressions on this incredible new display, how to assemble it out of the box (no tools required), who it is for, what are the key features and benefits, and even a complete calibration walkthrough in the all-new, intuitive, and easy to use BenQ Palette Master Ultimate Software. The new Palette Master Ultimate (PMU) software is the easiest and most intuitive calibration software I have yet tested. After extensive testing and use over the last week, I believe this new 4K monitor from BenQ offers performance unmatched by any photographic display at this price point. Edit – slight correction: I called it the Hot Puck Key – it is actually the Hot Key Puck G3! It originated from “hotkey” & ice hockey puck.” Literally, “hotkey” means to boost work efficiency. The shape is inspired by an ice hockey puck.Kind of playing the words! G3 means generation 3 it’s wireless this time!
I have just published Episode #78 of my Wild Nature Photography Podcast. In this episode, I discuss and give my thoughts on the ethical use of drones for wildlife photography, their use in photographic competitions and for what purpose I intend to use a drone in my wildlife photography.
Photographing wolves in their natural habitat is an enriching and awe-inspiring experience that requires some dedication, patience, and a profound connection with nature. Finland, with its pristine landscapes and thriving wolf populations, offers photographers a remarkable opportunity to capture these elusive creatures’ essence. In this post, I want to delve into the captivating world of photographing wolves in Finland from my perspective as a photographer who has been leading trips for other photographers and photographing these magnificent animals for many years.
The allure of photographing wolves lies in their untamed spirit and their ability to evoke a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. Wolves embody the untethered essence of the wilderness, and capturing their beauty through the lens is a profound experience. Finland’s vast and unspoiled wilderness is the backdrop for this wolf photography adventure. We venture into the heart of the Finnish landscapes, immersing ourselves in the untamed beauty surrounding us. The stillness of the boreal forests and the silent whispers of Autumn leaves and snow underfoot create an atmosphere of anticipation, setting the stage for extraordinary encounters with these majestic creatures.
To photograph wolves successfully, we will immerse ourselves in the world of the animals, understand their behaviour, and gain insight into their territories. Hours of research and personal experiences and encounters have provided invaluable guide knowledge about the wolves’ movements, habits, and preferred hunting grounds. This understanding allows us to anticipate their actions and create compelling visual narratives.
Patience is a virtue that every wildlife photographer must possess, and photographing wolves is no exception. On this workshop, we will embrace the stillness and the waiting game, knowing that it is often in those moments of anticipation that the most extraordinary opportunities arise. Waiting for hours or perhaps even days can become a test of resolve, but the rewards are immeasurable when the wolves reveal themselves.
As passionate advocates for ethical wildlife photography, we place the well-being and conservation of the animals above all else. Respecting the wolves’ space and ensuring minimal disturbance is of utmost importance. Our approach to photographing wolves emphasizes the need to preserve their natural behaviour and minimize any impact on their daily lives.
Capturing the essence of wolves goes beyond the technical aspects of photography. It involves storytelling and evoking emotions through images. By incorporating the surrounding landscapes, light, and unique behaviours of the wolves, we will strive to create photographs that invite viewers into the wolves’ world, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these remarkable creatures.
Photographing wolves in Finland is a profound and transformative experience that requires a deep respect for wildlife, patience, and an unwavering commitment to ethical practices. Our journey in photographing wolves in Finland will result in capturing the beauty and essence of these magnificent creatures. Through our lens, we step into the realm of the wolves, encouraging a deeper connection with nature and a heightened sense of responsibility for their conservation. Joining us on this remarkable journey will undoubtedly leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wild and a collection of stunning images that tell a captivating story.
Today, I am incredibly excited to open the (already almost sold out) bookings for an all-new 19-day / 18-night dedicated photographic expedition for Polar Bears in the high Arctic north of Svalbard. A 19-day expedition is an all-new opportunity to venture far north, east and west of Svalbard into the pack ice in search of Polar Bears. Due to the initial registrations and expressions of interest, there is only 1 place remaining before the expedition before is sold out. If you have ever wanted to photograph Polar Bears on a dedicated trip with like-minded, passionate photographers, this is the expedition you want to participate in. With 19 days, we will sail far north into the permanent pack ice, looking for and photographing the King of the Arctic. We can sail much further east and west with our extended time than all the other eight and nine-day expeditions. The extra time will give us many unique opportunities to encounter and photograph this incredible high-arctic predator.
In some exciting news, I received an email this morning that three of the photographs I submitted to the 2023 Bird Photographer of the Year competition have been selected to be included in the 2023 8th annual edition of the Bird Photographer of the Yearbook! This was the first time I entered Bird Photographer of the Year, and I am thrilled to have had three images selected for inclusion in the annual book. Of the thousands of entries in the competition, fewer than three hundred (or less than 1%) are selected for inclusion in the book. Having three photographs chosen from the few I entered is wonderful news, and I could not be happier with the result. You can pre-order the Bird Photographer of the Year Book 8 online at the BPOTY website (www.birdpoty.com). The BPOTY books are fantastic references and an absolute must-have for any bird enthusiast or photographer interested in birds. I also reviewed the previous editions of Bird Photographer of the Year in Podcast number 57 – available HERE.
The three photographs included in the book were taken in Antarctica, Svalbard and Iceland and are of an Adelie Penguin on an iceberg, a swarm of Black-legged Kittiwakes in front of a glacier face and a Gyr Falcon on a kill in winter. Final competition results will be announced on the 5th of September, 2023.
www.WILDNATUREPHOTOTRAVEL.com 