The Wild Photographer

Court Whelan
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Learn techniques, tips, and tricks for improving your wildlife, travel, landscape, and general nature photography with Court Whelan. Whether you consider yourself a beginner, serious hobbyist, or advanced professional, this is the way to rapidly understand and implement new skills to elevate your photography to new heights.

  1. 20H AGO

    All About Night Photography with Jeff Pfaller: Eclipses, Stars, Fireflies, and Much More

    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

    1h 10m

  2. DEC 9

    The Fundamental "Rules" of Photography

    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

    42 min

  3. NOV 25

    What's the Deal with ISO (and why you should care...a lot)

    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

    29 min

  4. NOV 11

    Talking with Will Patino: The 4 Pillars of Landscape Photography, Simple Editing Techniques, and Why he Ditched the Tripod

    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

    1h 16m

  5. OCT 28

    Tricks for Tricky Lighting - How to Take Great Photos even in Bad Light

    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

    38 min

  6. OCT 17

    My Most Popular Episode (Re-Release): How Pro Photographers Get Perfect Wildlife Portraits

    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

    17 min

  7. SEP 30

    How to Make your Wildlife Photography More Captivating and Creative

    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

    38 min

  8. SEP 16

    Talking with Colby Brokvist: Mountain Photography, Intentionality When Setting Up the Shot, Defining Style, and How to Get into Photo Guiding

    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

    1h 6m
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4.7
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Learn techniques, tips, and tricks for improving your wildlife, travel, landscape, and general nature photography with Court Whelan. Whether you consider yourself a beginner, serious hobbyist, or advanced professional, this is the way to rapidly understand and implement new skills to elevate your photography to new heights.

Information

  • Creator
    Court Whelan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Wild Photographer
  • Show Website
    The Wild Photographer

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