Nature and Wildlife Photography Archives

	Apogee Photo Magazine

Articles by Andy Long

Catching Waterfalls
Andy Long gives us some tips on how to make successful waterfall images.

A Different Kind of Moon Shot
Andy Long tells us to plan and execute your own moon shots.

Avocet Photography
The bill - coupled with an examination of the bird’s feet- and its shape help identify a bird. Learn about the avocet with Andy Long.

Alligator!
Andy Long gives us a short course on these animals and where to find them.

Bald Eagle
America's national bird, by Andy Long

The Badger
Andy Long tells us about nature's digging machine.

Bighorn Sheep

Black Tailed Deer

Black Bears

Burrowing Owls

Great Blue Herons

Eared Grebes

Lynx

WILDFLOWERS: Fundamentals and lenses
Spring is here! Find out how to get the best wildflower photos in the article by Andy Long

"Nesting Birds"
Andy Long gives some tips on photographing birds in their nests. Learn how you can do it too.

Patterns in Nature
Looking for patterns is one way to improve your photography. Read more in this article by Andy Long.

Almost, But Not Quite: Capturing Images of Wildlife in Action!
Some times you get it right, and sometimes you totally miss. Here are some hints from Andy Long to help you get more hits than misses in your wildlife photography.

When to Help
Andy Long reminds us that when it comes to nature we, as humans, don't always do what is best. Find out more.

Plan B
You've made all the arrangements. You arrive at your destination only to find that conditions have changed. That's when you need a "Plan B". See what Andy Long does when this happens to him.

Flight
Birds in flight have always been challenging for the photographer. Andy Long gives us some tips on how to do it.  Check it out.

Mood Photography
Are you able to capture those elements in your photos to create a mood?  Learn how from Andy Long

Passion
What does it mean to have passion for your photography. Andy Long explains why it is important to your photographic process. Find out more.

Special Moments
As for photographers we are frequently witness to things that others only see on TV. Andy Long tells us about one such experience in the wild. Check it out.

Predator Prey: Wildlife Hypocrites and Different Tactics
Andy Long describes the drama of predator/prey while photographing birds in the Falkland Islands. Find out more.

Penguins of the Falkland Islands. Join Andy Long on his trip to photograph these birds.

Wild Colorado
Join Andy Long in his home state of Colorado.

The Other Side of Photography
Becoming, looking and the inner self. Find out more in this article by Andy Long.

The Need for Speed
How fast do you need to be?
Find out more from Andy Long

Bosque del Apache
All of you bird photographers won't want to miss this. Find out more from Andy Long.

Striking Out: Those Unproductive Photography Days in the Field
Learn what it takes to get those wildlife photos from Andy Long.

Pinellas County: A New Hotspot for Florida Bird Photography
Now learn from Andy Long where you can go in Florida to photograph a large variety of bird species.

Butterfly Houses
Learn how to get great photos of many species of butterflies at the Butterfly Houses - by Andy Long.

The Solitude of Winter
Andy Long takes us to a winter wonderland with his snow covered landscape photography.

Learn how to find & make photographic contacts from Andy Long in Unexpected Opportunities.

Seeing is Believing
Get some great photo tips from Andy Long and learn how to capture wildlife action shots.

Water-in-Motion
Here's an opportunity to learn some photo techniques from Andy Long when shooting fast moving water.

Interaction: Catching Wildlife in Action
Don't miss out on some great wildlife action shots--learn some tips from Andy Long.

Weather, Light & Trees:
New Twists to Old Photo Subjects
Andy Long will give you some tips when taking photos of trees--use weather and light to enhance your photos.

Life on a Bone Pile: Polar Bears & Arctic Foxes Make Strange Acquaintances
It's dinner time in Kaktovik, Alaska, where the hunting comes easy. Join Andy Long on this photographic journey.

Strange Partners: Photographing Wading Birds
Take a trip with Andy Long to Fort DeSoto Park, Florida and get ready to photograph the water show put on by the wading birds.

Danger in the Field: Photographic Tales from the Edge
Is a bull elk charging, a rattlesnake ready to strike or an alaska brown bear making threats? Take a trip with Andy Long to find out.

Simplicity: A Distinctive Photographic Form of Art
Focus in--keep it simple!  Learn from Andy Long how to create eye catching photos by using good compositional techniques.

Reality at a Rookery: A Bird Photographers Dream
Join Andy Long at a very productive Egret rookery--of all places, near a hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Where are the Whales: Hunting Delays Create Empty Stomachs for Some Polar Bears
Andy Long takes us to Kaktovik on Barter Island, Alaska, where the polar bears are waiting for their next meal.

Foxes of Winter: A Photographer's Delight
Andy Long takes us to a few Colorado locations to capture stunning images of the red fox. Find out where & how-to...

School's in Session for Nature & Wildlife Photography
Learn from Andy Long what study & research goes into your equipment and photo subjects in order to capture great shots.

Isolation: Two Divergent Views of a Photographic Topic
Learn from Andy Long the ways to depict isolation when photographing your subjects--a location, a feeling, a photo technique...

Gatorland: Made for Gators,Taken Over by the Birds
The feathers are flying--at Gatorland? Join Andy Long at a bird photographer's paradise in Florida.

Wildlife Habitats: Photographers Follow the Cycles of Change
Andy Long explains some of the reasons why our habitats for wildlife and birds are constantly changing or on the move--some come naturally, while others are by the hand of man.

The World Around Us: Photographing the Beauty of Nature's Creations
Andy Long reminds us to take the time to get absorbed in our surrounding and to observe the designs of nature's creations, before we start clicking on that shutter button.

Photographing the Colors of Autumn
Autumn is that special season where you can capture spectacular color photos of Mother Nature's work at its finest. Learn from Andy Long how to make your images real "eye catchers".

Reflections: They're More than Just a Photo
Just as there are a variety of ways to capture a reflection photo, there are multiple ways to reflect on yourself and your evolution as a photographer. Learn more from Andy Long.

White of Winter: How to Capture & Work with Snow Photos
Andy Long not only gives you a few compositional tips, but tips on how to keep the white of snow white, from histograms and exposure settings on your camera to post production work in Photoshop.

Photographing the Aurora Borealis: Tips on Capturing Nature's Light Show
Andy Long gives you tips on capturing great images of the dancing northern lights. Learn when the best auroral displays typically occur, how to set up your camera and how to take the shots.

Spring into Summer Flowers: Photo Tips & Ideas
Inside or out, if there are flowers to photograph, these tips and suggestions from Andy Long will help you capture beautiful images.

Winter Wonderland: Photographing Fresh Snow
Andy Long will give you some composition ideas when photographing during or close after a snow storm. Try it all... sunrise, sunset, civil twilight, HDR and more.

Articles by Jim Austin

Seven Swans a Swimming
A reflective look at the importance of photography as a process, by Jim Austin.

Apogee Alligator Adventures
Follow photographer Jim Austin, M.A. A.C.E,  your Gator Guide, on this wild Apogee Adventure with a pinnacle predator.

Gators and Beyond: Seen, or Heard, the Alligator Farm?
Jim Austin meets the residents at St. Augustine's Alligator Farm in Florida.

Sea for Yourself: Immerse Yourself in Aquarium Photography
Learn from Jim Austin how to capture great photos of the fish behind the glass.

HDR Wildlife Photography
Pick up some HDR photo tips from Jim Austin and then pick up your camera, pick a critter, be patient and keep on clicking..... You'll be rewarded with incredible high dynamic range images.

Canada’s New Biosphere: Where Photographers Click with Nature
Learn from Jim Austin about the Bras d'Or Lakes, Nova Scotia biosphere--sustaining & preserving animal & plant diversity while satisfying human presence. It's a nature photographer's paradise.
 

Articles by Noella Ballenger

Nature by Design
Learn how to "see" better when trying to get that great nature shot. By Noella Ballenger.

Ten Tips for Great Gardening Photos
Noella Ballenger tells how to get better photos

Flower Photography
Noella Ballenger explains the best ways to get stunning photographs of flowers. Includes 5 tips for better photography.

Getting the Most Out of a Photo Workshop
Make the most of your workshop experience. Noella Ballenger tells us how.

Leave the Best to Your Creative Intuition
The more you know about photography, the more you want to learn. Noella Ballenger recently took a class from Freeman Patterson. Here are the results from one exercise. 

They Captured This Wildlife Photographer's Heart!
Once you decide to photograph controlled animals, how can you create the best images possible? Noella Ballenger takes us to the Triple D Game Farm

Get Intimate with Your Subject
Getting close is one of the best ways to get great flower photographs. Noella Ballenger tells us how she does it.

Elephant Seals … A “Must-See” for Photographers!
Activities at the Piedras Blancas rookery can provide a reach opportunity for wildlife photography. Noella Ballenger takes us with her.

The Little Things
Sometimes it is the little things that make a great image. Noella Ballenger explains.

Why Nature?
Ever been asked why you shoot nature? Here is how Noella Ballenger answers that question.

~ Tragedy to Triumph ~
His two nest mates were shot & killed!
Find out how "The Lone Survivor" was
rescued and released in this article by Noella Ballenger.

(Follow-up to "The Lone Survivor" is:)
Anne's Story...The Release of an Eagle
Find out what it feels like to not only hold an
eagle, but to send 7000 prayers to heaven
from Anne Westfall.

Polar Bears...a trip remembered
Join Noella Ballenger on a photographic journey to Churchill, Canada and enjoy an array of polar bear photos.

Landscape Photography:
Accessing Your Photo Options
Learn from Noella Ballenger what qualities of design will make the best landscape photos.

Flowers: Beautiful, Beautiful Flowers
Noella Ballenger will teach us how to develop a plan to get those great flower photos.

Creative Vision: An Easy Exercise to Develop Your "Photographer's Eye"
Noella Ballenger will teach us how to develop a "good eye", so you can get those special photos.

"Seeing the Essence" in Your Photographs
Noella Ballenger will help guide you towards developing your own sense "of essence" when taking your photos.

Finding "The Essence" of a Photographic Subject
Does your subject move or remain static? Noella Ballenger helps you discover more ways to depict "the essence" in your photos.

Birding Photo Trip: When Plans Need to Change
You've planned a photo trip, but not all goes according to your plans. Find out from Noella Ballenger what you can do to adjust to these new conditions.

Photographic Creativity: The Subject is Flowers
Is flower photography your passion? Learn from Noella Ballenger how to create stunning flower photos--share the intimacy with your viewer.

Photography: A Merger of Your Senses, Words & Photo Skills to Create Photo Memories
Learn how to share your photographic vision and make a connection with your viewer. Travel with Noella Ballenger to California's Carrizo Plain.

An Amateur Photographer? Bear & Eagle Photos Tell a Different Story
What's your definition of an amateur or professional photographer? Noella Ballenger introduces you to "professional" photographer Karen Pleasant. Let the interview and photos answer the question!

WATER: A Life Theme & Photographic Playground
Water is a photo subject on Noella Ballenger's Life Themes list. Learn how to create your own list and when and how to use those photo subjects as a spring board towards new adventures and photo creativity.

Articles by Edwin Brosens

How to Photograph Insects
Get up close and personal with bugs. Edwin Brosens will teach you about the photo equipment and techniques used to capture every detail of these incredible small creatures.

A Day in the Life of an Insect Photographer
Do earth's smallest creatures intrigue you? Would you like to capture every detail with your camera? Edwin Brosens takes you out in the field and tells you what it takes to create incredible insect photos.

Biodiversity: How to Photograph Science Researchers at Work
Your photos could be the visual impact needed to show the important work of scientific researchers around the world. Get some photo tips from Edwin Brosens on how to capture the shots.

Biodiversity: Nature in the City—Part 1: How to Shoot Photos of Wildflowers
You don't have to go far from home to connect with nature. Get some tips from Edwin Brosens on how to capture images of city wildflowers and how your flower photos can help your community be aware of biodiversity.

Biodiversity: Nature in the City—Part 2: How to Shoot Photos of Insects
Edwin Brosens teaches you that it's easy to connect with nature in your city and continues with some tips on how to capture images of insects. Learn how your insect photos can help your community be aware of biodiversity.

How to Shoot Photos of Parasitic Wasps
Learn from Edwin Brosens about parasitic wasps--their habitat and amazing lifecycle. And after you've searched them out, learn the many camera techniques used to grab some incredible images.

HAMAMELIS: Photographing Witch Hazel Flowers
Edwin Brosens set out to photograph the brightly colored, magical flowers that bloom during the snowy winter. Learn about the blooming shrub and how to capture images of these tiny flowers.

Articles by John Gerlach

Viewing Through a Grid  

Winter Nature Photography
Winter offers many photographic opportunities

Photographing Dewy Wonders

A Dewy Photo Gallery 

A Guideline to Good Nature Photos
John Gerlach gives us an easy to remember formula.

Using a Diffusion Cloth
John Gerlach tells us how and why to use a diffusion cloth for your nature photography.

Photographing Blue Wildflowers
The blue light of open shade causes many problems for the wildlife photographer. Many use warming filters to correct the problem. But what if the subject is already blue? John Gerlach tells us how to get our blue flowers to turn out blue.
 

Articles by Nancy Rotenberg

Click on individual subjects below or click here to see all.

Close-up Photography: Exposure
Second in a series of articles about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg 

Close-up Photography: Equipment
Second in a series of articles about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg 

Close-up Photography: Magnification
Fourth in a series of articles  about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg

Close-up Photography: Natural Light
Fifth in a series of articles  about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg

Close-up Photography: Flash
Fifth in a series of articles  about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg

Close-up Photography: Esthetics
Fourth in a series of articles  about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg

Close-up Photography: Adding Interest
Fourth in a series of articles  about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg

Close-up Photography: Filters
Fourth in a series of articles  about close-up photography by photographer and writer Nancy Rotenberg

Articles by Juergen Roth

The Art of Flower Photography
Learn from Juergen Roth how to capture beautiful macro floral and abstract photos as he takes you through his process in a case study of Easter Lilies.

Discovering Form in Photography
Transform your two-dimensional image into the look of a three-dimensional image. Learn from Juergen Roth how to use lines, shapes, volume and light to convey the Element of Design, Form.

Mastering the Art of Intentional Camera Movement
Learn from Juergen Roth how to capture great abstract images using ICM--what subjects are best and how to set up your camera. Then grab your camera, move that camera and have fun...

Articles by Dr. Leonard L. Rue, III

Call 'Em In: Attract predators
with sounds that mimic their prey
How do you get great photos of predators in the wild? Leonard Lee Rue tells us how. Check it out.

Photographing at the San Diego Zoo
While photographing in a zoo is not everyone's first choice, if you don' t photograph at zoos, you'll miss the opportunity to get images of wildlife that you'll never get in the wild. L.L. Rue explains.

Photographing Red Fox Dens
Lennie Rue tells how he photographs Red Fox Dens. Check it out.

Pika, A High Country Critter
A new Lennie Rue article about a little known mountain critter. Find out more

Success -- At Last!
Fifty-eight years is a long time to wait. Find out if it was worth it in this article by Lennie Rue.

Photographing Chipmunks
Photographing chipmunks may not be as exciting as photographing bears, but they offer far more opportunities. Learn about these animals and how to photograph them in this article by Dr. Leonard Lee Rue III.

The Gannets of Bonaventure
Bonaventure Island, on Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula is home to the largest gannet colony in North America and the second largest in the world. Its bird colony is a photographer's delight. Find out more in this article by Dr. Leonard Lee Rue III.

Ruffed Grouse
Photographing the male Ruffed Grouse "drumming" requires patience and determination. Here are some tips that may save you many wasted trips to the forest. Check out Dr. Rue's latest article.

Articles by Bill Silliker

The Camera Hunter
Know Thyself. Join Bill Silliker in this new column about hunting with your camera.

The Camera Hunter
Know Your Equipment.  

Articles by Brenda Tharp

The Art of Nature
By artfully including existing design elements, you can create a photograph with higher visual impact, regardless of whether it’s a wildlife, landscape, or closeup subject. An article on composition by Brenda Tharp

The Art of Nature, Part 2
Part Two of Brenda Tharp's article on composition discusses bringing together elements of visual design as they apply to nature photography.

The Gift of Photography

During this holiday season look inward to discover in yourself the reasons you photograph. It may be the best gift you receive this season! An article by Brenda Tharp.

Frozen Beauty
It has started snowing in the high country of the Rocky Mountains. Here's how to get the most out of your cold weather photography. 

The Expressive Image
Nine steps towards more creative images, by Brenda Tharp
 

Other Articles

Capturing Butterflies
Getting the most out of your butterfly photos by Jakub Jasinski.

Ethics in the Landscape

Commentary by Lee Watson

Daytime Lightning Photography Tips 
Here's how to get fantastic lightning shots even in the daytime!

Strategies for Lightning Photography
R. Franklin Davis tells how to make better lightning photos and stay safe at the same time. 

Star Trail and Moonlight Photography
The night sky offers many opportunities for the adventurous photographer. Chris Groenhout and Czesia Markiewicz tell you how to get the most out of your nighttime photos.

Changing Light: Photographing the Landscape in All Types of Light and Weather by Dave Potter

Wildlife Through the Window
Sometimes the best wildlife photography is right in your own backyard, by Gene Garrison.

THE BEST BLIND YOU’LL EVER FIND,
AND IT COMES WITH WHITEWALLS  
You may already own the best blind for shooting wildlife. An article by Cathy and Gordon Illg. 

First Class Photography: Lesson 14, Flowers
Flowers are a good subject especially at this time of year. Here are some tips for getting them. A Photography for Young People Article. (It's not just for young people!) By Willis T Bird.

One Day Love Affair
Last week I fell in love with a pine marten. Read more about it in an article by John Marriott.

First Class Photography: Lesson 17
Bird Photography, by Willis T. Bird

Shooting Unique Atmospherics - Storms and Sunsets
The sky offers amazing photo opportunities. You just have to ready for them. Check out this article by Brenden Joel Reid.

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON 30: “Flying Flowers"
Butterflies have been called "flying flowers." Find out how to photograph these beautiful creatures, in this article by Willis T Bird.

Nature Photography in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Follow Mike Goldstein as he explores this photographically rich area.

Timing is Everything...
The golden hours of nature's light -
Find out more from Christopher K. Sandberg

Sharpening Your Creative Eye
How can you produce those creative photographs?
Find out how from Steve Gottlieb

Life with Animals:
A Photo Essay of Wild Domestic Animals in Armenia by Osvanna Hovsepyan.

The "Do's" and "Don'ts" of Bird Shoots
Learn photography techniques for getting good bird photos from Mike Goldstein.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary:
A Refuge from Their Plight
Learn about this Colorado wildlife sanctuary as Ashley Watson tells the story about rescuing unwanted or abused captive carnivores.

Introduction to Macro Photography
Join Mike Goldstein as he discusses what it takes to create stunning close-up photos--his are a world of flowers.

Getting to Know Michael Poliza: German Wildlife & Landscape Photographer
An interview by M. Meier: He "hunts", he watches and waits patiently, and then seizes and freezes the moment! Through his eyes and perspective you'll  meet a man who's passion for photography, nature and wildlife shows in every unique image.

Introduction to Microphotography
Take a real close look at those huge heads and eyes as Huub de Waard introduces you to the world of microphotography. Learn about magnification calculations, camera settings, macro lenses, extension tubes, teleconverters and much more.

Practical Tips to Insect Microphotography
Learn from Huub de Waard how to get really, really close and personal with those bugs and spiders so you can capture an image with the smallest of details.

Photographing in Antarctica
Take a photographic journey with Cliff and Doris Kolber to the wilderness called the White Continent--a cold landscape of mountains, glaciers, icebergs and lot and lots of penguins.