Recent Animal Articles

Why the Canon R5 Still Dominates Wildlife Photography After 5 Years

The Canon EOS R5 has quietly become one of the most beloved wildlife cameras of the past five years, delivering a combination of resolution, speed, and autofocus performance that seemed impossible just a decade ago. After half a decade of real-world use, this camera continues to prove its worth in the field, capturing images that showcase both its technical capabilities and the artistry of those behind the lens.

Affordable Wildlife Photography Gear That Delivers

Wildlife photography doesn't have to drain your bank account, but choosing the right gear matters if you want professional-quality images without massive expenses. You probably want great shots without spending thousands on top-tier lenses and cameras, and luckily, solid options are out there.

Operating Hands Free With Peak Design In Challenging Environments

I work in some pretty extreme environments. Day to day, I'm hopping on and off boats, climbing steep grades, and walking on some very slippery surfaces. Some days we're climbing mountains or glaciers, walking on shale beaches, dodging fur seals, watching out for polar bears, or even driving zodiacs. I'm also responsible for helping my guests navigate many of these same obstacles. On top of all this, I need to be ready at a moment's notice to snap a breaching whale, sparring polar bears, a mobbed eagle, or a leopard seal degloving a penguin. How? With help from Peak Design's Capture Clips.

Galapagos Whale Shark Project: Can Photography Save the World?

Why do we take photographs? Is aesthetic beauty the only value to photography? Can we use our tools and talents to create something with a deeper purpose? Although there are those who may disagree, objectively, our planet is in trouble. Let's consider, then, whether photography can save the world. I'm going to start with our oceans, where I'll specifically consider Galapagos Whale Shark Project and its goals to understand and protect whale sharks. I want to think that photography can help to save the world.

Pro Tips for Stunning Eagle Shots

Photographing eagles requires patience and precision, and understanding how to adapt quickly in changing conditions makes all the difference.

Behind Every Bird Photo Is a Story Nobody Sees

Bird photography is more complicated—and more rewarding—than you might expect. From unexpected hours spent waiting in unbearable conditions to moments where the world narrows down to you and the perfect subject, the process stretches far beyond gear and technique.

3 Reasons Your Wildlife Photos Are Blurry and How to Fix Them

Taking sharp wildlife and bird photos isn't easy, and understanding exactly why your images aren't crisp can be frustrating. Tackling the top reasons behind blurry wildlife shots can drastically improve your work, giving you the clarity you're after and making your images pop.

How One Self-Proclaimed Dogtographer Uses Her Camera to Change Lives

Some photographers view the craft of photography as a creative pursuit that enriches their lives on a deeply personal level, while others are motivated by income or social media attention. Some are driven to use their cameras to effect change. Self-proclaimed “dogtographer” Kaylee Greer is one such person who uses photography to tell the story of shelter dogs in search of a loving home.

Reolink Go PT Ultra Field Review: Excellent Footage, But Not Quite a Wildlife Camera

I’ve spent some time testing the Reolink Go PT Ultra to see if it’s a viable option for use as a remote wildlife camera, particularly in woodland areas. With 4K video, pan/tilt control, and 4G connectivity, it looked promising on paper. In practice, the footage quality is superb, but the battery performance in real-world conditions—especially shaded woodland—is a significant limiting factor.

How to Shoot a Cat (and Other Living Creatures)

In my first portfolio review, my critic was drawn to the cat photos, “because I know how hard that is,” he said. I didn’t let on that it’s not so hard. I volunteer at a local shelter and have learned a trick or two. And it turns out that best practices for cats also apply to dogs, horses, birds, and, come to think of it, people.

The Best Camera/Lens For Wildlife Photography Today

I've been a professional photographer for 23 years and I've never been interested in or attempted wildlife photography. All that changed when Sony sent over the a9 III and their brand-new FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens. This gear, and this genre of photography has renewed my love for photography, but it's also got me worried.

Poachers Posed as Wildlife Photographers to Illegally Hunt Deer

Two men in upstate New York have pleaded guilty to a wildlife poaching scheme that involved posing as a female wildlife photographer on social media. The duo used the fake profile to befriend real photographers, gaining inside information on the locations of large deer in no-hunting zones.

Autofocus Tricks You Need to Know to Get the Hardest Shots

Autofocus has been an unfathomably large jump in user experience for photographers, but it doesn't solve all focus problems. Although it is almost always better than manual focus, it has plenty of problems that mean there is skill to mastering the use of autofocus.
The Secret to Capturing Stunning Wildlife Photos

Finding the right location can be the difference between frustration and incredible shots. Birds and wildlife follow predictable patterns, but if you don’t know where to look, you’ll miss out.

Why Your Wildlife Photos Look Soft (It’s Not Your Lens)

Heat haze ruins sharp images, and you might not even realize it’s happening. You can have the best lens, perfect settings, and great timing, but if you’re shooting through too much turbulent air, your images will come out soft. Wildlife photography is especially vulnerable to this problem, and if you’re shooting at long distances, the effect is even worse.

400mm vs. 600mm: Which Telephoto Lens Should You Choose?

Wildlife photography often demands a significant investment in gear, especially when choosing between two of the most versatile telephoto lenses: the 400mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4. Each has its strengths, but finding the right fit depends on your shooting style, subjects, and typical distances.

Don't Fall for the Lies That 'Real' Photographers Want to Tell You

The best thing about the internet is that there are so many sources of photography education out there. The worst thing about the internet is... that there are so many sources of photography education out there. So how do you sort facts from lies told so often that they’ve acquired the status of fact?

Essential Tips for Shooting Wildlife in Wet Weather

Wildlife photography in the rain offers opportunities you won't find in fair weather. The atmospheric mood, unusual animal behaviors, and transformative effect of rain on landscapes can make your images stand out. Beyond the challenges of staying dry, rain brings scenes to life in ways that fair weather simply cannot, adding depth and story to your photos.

The One Time a Photographer Should Be Mean

Are you kind? That sounds like an odd question to ask in a photographic article, but it impacts your work profoundly. However, there is one circumstance where you should be mean to other photographers.

Experience Canon's Beautiful Tribute to Yellowstone National Park

For nearly 30 years, Canon U.S. has partnered with Yellowstone Forever, and I recently received a beautiful photography book based on Yellowstone National Park and Canon's short film "Seismic." In this article, I interview two of the amazing creators behind this project.

Conservation Photography in the Rainforest: A Must-See Documentary

In the heart of Ecuador's Chocó rainforest, a mission to save the critically endangered brown-headed spider monkey unfolds. Led by conservation photographer Jonas Paurell, this gripping documentary captures the raw beauty and challenges of rainforest conservation.

A Dog’s Day Out at Venice Beach in 8K 360 Video

Venice Beach, California, is a vibrant place, perfect for capturing spontaneous moments. Kimchi, our furry guide, takes you on an amusing VR adventure through this iconic location.