Intuitive Wildlife Photography

06/08/2026

Close your eyes and imagine this with me:
(ok maybe read this first and then close your eyes):

It’s still dark when you zip your parka. The air is so cold your breath turns to clouds. Somewhere out in that blue‑grey light, a fox is already on the move.

We head out early, not to collect shots, but to follow the natural rhythms of Wildlife. Some mornings it’s Bison shrouded in the steam of geysers. Other times it's Coyotes mousing in the Snow, or Ravens dancing on the Wind.

We follow what Nature offers, not some rigid checklist. There are breaks for snacks, bathrooms, and to thaw cold fingers on warm drinks. Teaching and learning are woven into every moment and every encounter - how to read light on Snow, adjust your settings quickly, and stay ethical and grounded even when your heart is pounding.

Evenings are slower. We warm up, share images, troubleshoot together, and talk about what it means to treat Wildlife as kin, not trophies. No question is dumb, everyone is honoured for their curiosity and openness to grow.

If your wild heart is warmed reading this, you can explore the upcoming Yellowstone Winter experience and see if it feels right for you: link in bio.

What part of a day like this feels most magical to you?

06/04/2026

If your brain has ever completely blanked the moment something exciting happens in front of your lens… you are so, SO not alone.

Wildlife photography asks a LOT of our nervous systems: new settings, quick decisions, unpredictable subjects, cold fingers, wondering if other people are watching and judging us... No wonder something meant to bring peace can feel overwhelming instead!

Here are few gentle ways to make learning feel more accessible:

1. One setting at a time.
For a while, let your “project” be just ONE setting - shutter speed, aperture, OR ISO. Not all three at once. Mastery is just many tiny focuses stacked together. I recommend starting with shutter speed for Wildlife. So put your camera in shutter/time priority and let the camera do the heavy lifting for the other two settings. A good place to start for shutter speed is 1/800" for Mammals and 1/1200" for Birds. Then adjust as needed.

2. A 10‑minute ritual.
Once a week, give yourself 10 minutes to simply play with your camera - on your porch, in your yard, at a park. No pressure to make anything “good.” Just experimenting and seeing what happens.

3. Ask the questions.
You deserve rooms (and trips) where no question is 'stupid' and nobody rolls their eyes when you ask it. If you're scared to ask questions in the spaces you're in, it's not a you problem, it's a wrong space for you problem.

Your love for Wildlife matters more than having it all memorized.

What’s one tiny thing you’d like to feel more confident about with your camera right now?

06/01/2026

If we treat Wildlife like props, we miss the whole point.

When I'm out with Wildlife, I try to remember that these beings aren't models here to perform and pose. They're relatives, with their own needs, boundaries, personalities., and lives that go on long after I've packed it in for the day.

A few simple ways I put it into practice (and you can, too).

1. Let them choose the encounter.
If an Animal moves away or keeps glancing at you, that's information. They're telling you what they are or aren't comfortable with.

2. Watch their behaviour, not just the frame.
If your presence changes what they're doing - feeding, resting, playing, moving in a specific trajectory - it's time to back off. No image is worth stressing out or harming them.

3. Ask "How can I share space, not take it?"
Sometimes that means staying where you are and zooming in with your lens instead of moving closer. Sometimes it means putting your camera down and simply appreciating the moment for what it is.

And bonus - you can learn a lot simply by observing in those moments that will help you in future encounters, too!

Ethical Wildlife photography is less about specific techniques and more about a mindset. Putting yourself in their hooves, feet, or fins is a good compass.

What's one way you already show this kind of care for the Wildlife you encounter?

05/11/2026

In case anyone else needs this reminder today, too.

It's easy to focus on what's going wrong (it's not just you, human brains are wired that way to keep us alive), but we can train our brains to see reasons to feel joy and gratitude, too.

If Nature and Wildlife bring you glimmers of hope, you're in the right place.

Follow along for more glimmers ✨

05/01/2026

It's no secret that spending time in the wild is therapeutic. It's something we as humans are hardwired to need, and it benefits our health - mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual - in numerous ways. It's also no secret that a mindfulness practice can help decrease stress and increase joy in our lives.

Wildlife photography is a journey where we're regularly immersed in the wild and presented with so many opportunities to experience awe. But it's all too easy to be so singly focused on getting 'the shot' that we miss the wonder that's all around us.

So I wanted to share some tips to evolve your Wildlife photography journey into a mindfulness practice as well.

Let me know in the comments which one(s) resonate most with you and how you make the most of your time spent with Nature.

04/29/2026

I recently announced the Winter 2027 trip and there are only 3 spots left! 😲

If Yellowstone in Winter has been on your list, check out the details and see if this trip is right for you! If you have any questions, I'm more than happy to chat!

All the info is linked you know where, or 🌐IntuitiveWildlife•com.

04/24/2026

Feeling really drawn to Bears, lately. Is it just me?

04/20/2026

The wisdom of Bear feels especially applicable right now.

Bear gives us the courage to stand up for what's right, even in the face of adversity.

Bears are deeply connected to the land and its rhythms. They know when it's time to rest and recharge and when it's time to be active.

If you've ever watched a mama Bear, you know just how formidable of an opponent she can be, but only when she needs to. She's gentle and patient as she teaches her cubs all of the lessons they'll need to survive. But when those cubs are threatened, she'll fight like hell to protect them!

Remember the wisdom of Bear right now - rest when you need to and be brave as you stand up to those who would threaten the safety of others.

04/20/2026

If you've ever dreamed of photographing the iconic Wildlife of Yellowstone in the magic of Winter, this might just be your sign.

Check out the details and itinerary (Intuitive Wildlife dot com) and feel free to message me with any details.

This is my favourite trip every year, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Join us on a Winter Wildlife photography experience in Yellowstone for women and gender diverse creatives ready to deepen their skills, confidence, and connection.