{"id":1023,"date":"2024-03-13T20:32:08","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T21:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/?p=1023"},"modified":"2024-03-15T15:46:55","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T15:46:55","slug":"explore-nat-habs-photo-expeditions-conservation-photography-q-a-with-our-photo-expedition-co-directors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/2024\/03\/13\/explore-nat-habs-photo-expeditions-conservation-photography-q-a-with-our-photo-expedition-co-directors\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore Nat Hab\u2019s Photo Expeditions &amp; Conservation Photography: Q &amp; A with Our Photo Expedition Co-Directors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">At Natural Habitat Adventures, we endeavor to offer the most inspiring and enriching nature photography adventures available. Want to learn more about our Photo Expeditions? I recently sat down with\u00a0 <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/our-story\/staff-bios\/mike-hillman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mike Hillman<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/our-story\/expedition-leader-bios\/james-beissel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jim Beissel<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Nat Hab\u2019s Photo Expedition Co-Directors, to hear directly from them what you can expect from these trips.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How do Photo Expeditions differ from other Nat Hab itineraries?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><span class=\"ui-provider ed awt awu awv aww awx awy awz axa axb axc axd axe axf axg axh axi axj axk axl axm axn axo axp axq axr axs axt axu axv axw axx axy axz aya\" dir=\"ltr\">Since 1985, Natural Habitat Adventures has delivered life-enhancing nature and wildlife experiences to small groups of passionate explorers.<\/span> On Photo Expeditions, we build upon that tradition and maximize travelers&#8217; photography opportunities. As Photo Expedition Co-Directors, our commitment is to provide exclusive access to remote locations, private inclusions and unique itineraries to the farthest corners of our planet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This commitment to exclusive nature photography experiences can take many forms: <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/camps-lodges\/africa-camps-lodges\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">private camps<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> within national parks, our Aurora Pod\u00ae in Churchill, Nat Hab&#8217;s Tortoise Camp in the Galapagos or even our new pop-top, 4WD North American Safari Trucks that get travelers further afield. It also means unmatched itineraries such as Nat Hab\u2019s <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/europe\/iceland-nature-adventure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">circumnavigation of Iceland<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> or heading into the remote backcountry on our <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/alaska-northern-adventures\/alaska-wildlife-safari\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Photo Expedition<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_267982\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-267982\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-267982\" src=\"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/NAT-HAB-US_Alaska_DSC08487.jpg\" alt=\"Wild Alaska Grizzly Encounter Photo Expedition, travelers photographing, cameras, sony, Alaska, brown bear\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-267982\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photographed by Nat Hab traveler \u00a9 Ron Todd on our Alaska Bear Quest Photo Expedition<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cOn these nature journeys, we&#8217;re always thinking about photography, first and foremost, and the photo opportunities we can give our guests in the field. That focus on photography dictates the locations, activities, trip duration and daily choices Expedition Leaders make so that you get the best photography opportunities and instruction possible.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For example, being out in the field during the right lighting conditions is key. So, changing when meals happen\u2014if sunset\u2019s at dinner, we try to move things around to get that beautiful golden hour light and a beautiful sunset, then have dinner a little earlier. Those are the kinds of choices we make on these kinds of trips<\/span><\/em><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In addition, Photo Expeditions have smaller groups to allow for personalized photo instruction and increased baggage allowances for carrying camera gear.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_267986\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-267986\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-267986 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/NAT-HAB-Ecuador_Galapagos_DSC00481.jpg\" alt=\"Nat Hab guest on our Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-267986\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab traveler on our Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition \u00a9 Mark Hickey<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Who are Photo Expeditions for? Do I need special photography skills or gear?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">These are trips for everyone interested in photography, from basic to expert level skills, first timer to lifetime.<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All interested photographers are welcome to join, no matter your skill level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Our Expedition Leaders meet you at your level and help you explore the world with a camera. They provide an enriching experience that leaves you inspired about the planet and conservation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Interested to learn more about the gear we use? Check out Nat Hab\u2019s Chief Sustainability Officer and Expedition Leader Court Whelan, doing a deep dive into his\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">camera bag<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0for an upcoming African safari:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Must-Pack Camera Gear for Your Botswana Safari\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PPsn6gBzZ60?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Who leads Photo Expeditions?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A Nat Hab Expedition Leader guides each Photo Expedition. Along with a strong naturalist background, they are also expert photographers and instructors. Their naturalist knowledge is key from a photography perspective\u2014they know when wildlife is most active, how to position you for ideal lighting and composition, and which photo-worthy animal behaviors to look out for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Our Expedition Leaders are outstanding photographers and superb naturalists who intimately understand the animals and the environment, dramatically increasing your chances of capturing the images and stories you are hoping for. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><em>\u201cWe&#8217;ve got excellent Expedition Leaders that meet the criteria of being great naturalists and photographers. On top of that, they can translate those skills and knowledge into providing excellent educational experiences.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_267985\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-267985\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-267985 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_8332.jpg\" alt=\"Photography Adventures co-director James Beissel guiding in Yellowstone National Park\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1380\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-267985\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Expedition Co-Director Jim Beissel guiding in Yellowstone National Park \u00a9 Megan Brief<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What kind of photography instruction is available on a Photo Expedition?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Photography instruction on a trip can vary depending on the itinerary and guests. Mike shared that Photo Expedition instruction can include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Field Instruction<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, getting inspiration and ideas from your Expedition Leader when you&#8217;re taking photos out in nature. From camera tips to how to get the right shot, your Expedition Leader is a go-to resource to answer any and all questions you may have and to set you up for success. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Formal Photography Instruction<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, when Expedition Leaders present at mealtimes or during workshop sessions to talk through composition and other elements of photography, so guests can learn as much as possible before heading into the field again to use those skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Photo Editing Instruction, <\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">another big part of what we do. How should you edit a photo to get closer to your creative vision? Our Expedition Leaders demonstrate different editing techniques and have lots of helpful tips to get you started.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_267983\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-267983\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-267983 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/NAT-HAB-_DSC0532.jpg\" alt=\"Photography Adventures co-director Mike Hillman and Nat Hab guest\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-267983\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Expedition Co-Director Mike Hillman and Nat Hab traveler \u00a9 Jim Beissel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Photography with a Direct Connection to Conservation<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When I asked Jim and Mike what hopes they had for their work as Co-Directors of Nat Hab\u2019s Photo Expeditions, Jim said right away:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201c<\/span><\/em><\/strong><em>Photography can inspire a lot of things<\/em><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: it can inspire you to explore, to be more creative, to connect to nature, to change the world and to make the world a better place.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There is power in these kinds of experiences and sharing these images. As the conservation travel partner of WWF and a supporter of conservation initiatives around the globe, Nat Hab offers Photo Expeditions that highlight the power of photography in our destinations. We want to motivate our travelers to share their nature experiences and inspire others to protect the planet by becoming <strong>conservation photographers<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_267987\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-267987\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-267987 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/NAT-HAB-Madagascar_IMG_3808-1.jpg\" alt=\"Nat Hab guests photograph a black-and-white ruffed lemur in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-267987\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab travelers photograph a black-and-white ruffed lemur in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar \u00a9 Greg Courter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Inspiring nature photos have long helped<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> protect wild places; the history of\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/us-national-parks-tours\/yellowstone-wolves-photo-expedition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yellowstone National Park<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0is a great example. It might have never become a national park if photography hadn\u2019t existed. William Henry Jackson, a pioneering photographer, and Thomas Moran, a landscape artist, joined Ferdinand Hayden\u2019s 1871 expedition to survey the Yellowstone region for the federal government. Their images provided the first visual proof of Yellowstone\u2019s wonders and helped persuade Congress to preserve the area. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill to make Yellowstone the first U.S. national park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cToday, we are traveling to places that not a lot of people are privileged enough to visit; we are seeing things that not a lot of people are able to witness because they&#8217;re remote and vanishing in some cases. Our documentation of these species, places and conservation issues is valuable in getting the attention necessary to protect them.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">At Nat Hab, we want to drive home the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/stories\/2018-a-year-in-stunning-conservation-photography\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">positive impact of photography<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and support our travelers in capturing photos in the name of nature, wildlife and conservation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_267988\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-267988\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-267988 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/NAT-HAB-US-Utah-NatHabBryceZion_1324.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-267988\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab travelers experience the natural wonders of North America on our Canyons of the American Southwest Photo Expedition \u00a9 Courtney Kent<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jim: \u201cThe impact we hope to have is not always about taking a photo that changes the world. Participating in this activity, even if it&#8217;s just a hobby, is a way of exploring and a valuable way of connecting with nature. It&#8217;s a change in values: We&#8217;re valuing wildlife and wild places from a utilitarian standpoint and not only as a shift away from hunting for trophies. You can take a photo many times over. And that can support a community for many years versus harvesting an animal once. So you&#8217;ve got this recurring source of revenue for local communities, too, and you\u2019re part of something bigger, exploring the world with a camera and feeling inspired by that process and the people around you.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mike: \u201cWe hope to create the kind of experience that nature photographers want to be on, that will inspire them, that will take them to places they have been dreaming about to see wildlife that they&#8217;ve been dreaming of taking photos of. We hope their experience comes back not just as images they were hoping for but as a more holistic appreciation of that place and the journey. We want to be in\u2014and take others into\u2014nature on its own terms.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Are you inspired? If you&#8217;re looking for a nature adventure that offers exceptional photography opportunities and personalized instruction to take your skills to the next level, choose a Photo Expedition! Check out all of <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/photo-tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nat Hab\u2019s Photo Expeditions<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0here.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/blog\/photo-expeditions-conservation-photography\/\">Explore Nat Hab\u2019s Photo Expeditions &amp; Conservation Photography: Q &amp; A with Our Photo Expedition Co-Directors<\/a> first appeared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/blog\">Good Nature Travel Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At Natural Habitat Adventures, we endeavor to offer the most inspiring and enriching nature photography adventures available. Want to learn more about our Photo Expeditions? I recently sat down with\u00a0 Mike Hillman\u00a0and\u00a0Jim Beissel, Nat Hab\u2019s Photo Expedition Co-Directors, to hear directly from them what you can expect from these trips. How do Photo Expeditions differ&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1025,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1023"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1023"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1023\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1032,"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1023\/revisions\/1032"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/azuretheme.site\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}