Decoding the Creative Process in Wildlife Photography

I’ve often asked myself: What makes a successful photographer? Is it raw talent—some genetic gift that lets certain people see the world differently—or is it just relentless practice and a stubborn refusal to quit? I’ve swung between both ideas over the years. There were times when I looked at a National Geographic spread and thought, Wow, that photographer must have been born with a sixth sense for light and composition. And then, other times, I’d remind myself of those endless, frustrating days in the field, tweaking my camera settings over and over, waiting for the perfect moment, missing more shots than I’d like to admit.

It’s human nature to attribute our successes to innate ability and our failures to external circumstances. If I capture an award-winning shot of a leopard in the golden light of the Serengeti, it’s easy to think, That’s just my eye for composition, my instincts kicking in. But when I completely botch a once-in-a-lifetime moment—say, a bald eagle swooping down for a fish and I miss focus—I’m quick to blame the gear, the light, or pure bad luck. The truth, though? Real mastery in wildlife photography means paying just as much attention to what goes wrong as what goes right.

The Myth of Natural Talent

There’s a lingering idea that every world-class photographer was born with an exceptional gift. But let’s break that down. Reinhold Messner, the legendary mountaineer, was once portrayed as some sort of genetic superman—built differently, destined to conquer the world’s highest peaks without supplemental oxygen. Yet, when he was tested in labs, physiologists found nothing remarkable about his body. What set him apart? His ability to relentlessly focus on a goal, stretching the limits of what he knew was possible.

I think about this every time I hear someone say, I could never take photos like that—I just don’t have the talent. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success in photography isn’t about an inborn eye for beauty, but about dedication, repetition, and a deep understanding of your craft. The best photographers I know aren’t just talented. They’re obsessive. They go out when the light is terrible just to experiment. They take thousands of photos that never see the light of day, all in the pursuit of that one perfect frame.

Hard Work > Luck

I once heard an NPR interview with a prodigy violinist. The host gushed over her “natural talent,” but she immediately shut it down. She said she was sick of people assuming she was just born gifted. What they didn’t see were the thousands of hours she had spent practicing, the moments when she sacrificed normal teenage fun to perfect her craft. And here’s the kicker: when she slacked off, her performances suffered.

That struck a chord with me because I see the same thing in wildlife photography. If I go weeks without shooting, my first few rolls (or memory cards, in today’s world) feel rusty. My reaction times are slower. I hesitate when I should just trust my instincts. Early in my career, I used to think this meant I wasn’t cut out for it—that “real” photographers could just pick up their cameras and create magic. Then I attended a National Geographic seminar and heard seasoned pros admitting the same thing. Turns out, performance swings are universal. Even top-tier photographers struggle when they’ve been away too long.

The lesson? Photography isn’t like riding a bike. If you don’t use it, you lose it.

The Power of Observation

One thing I’ve noticed about truly great wildlife photographers is that they don’t just see things—they study them. They aren’t just snapping away at every bird or animal that crosses their path. They observe, anticipate behavior, and position themselves accordingly. It’s a habit that often starts in childhood. Studies have found that many of the world’s most creative minds were obsessive collectors as kids—whether it was fossils, stamps, or even beer cans. It wasn’t about the objects themselves, but about learning how to categorize and make sense of the world.

Photography follows a similar pattern. At first, we’re all just collectors—capturing random moments, experimenting, clicking away without much thought. Then, we move into the organization phase, where we start refining what we shoot, becoming selective, and thinking about composition. The real magic happens in the third phase, when we take all that accumulated knowledge and start seeing patterns and possibilities that others don’t. That’s when our work starts to feel truly unique.

Why the Best Photos Feel Personal

I’ve come to believe that our best photographs don’t come from a perfectly planned shot list. They come from moments where we feel deeply connected to what we’re shooting. Have you ever taken a picture that made your heart race? That moment when you just know you’ve captured something special? It’s not about technical perfection. It’s about emotional resonance.

Somebody standing a few feet away from you could take a picture of the same scene, but their version will be different—because creativity isn’t in the camera; it’s in the mind’s eye. Every great image is a product of a lifetime of memories, experiences, and emotions. When we bring all of that into our work, photography stops being just documentation. It becomes art.

Final Thoughts

If you take one thing from this, let it be this: creativity isn’t a gift. It’s a process. Wildlife photography—like any creative pursuit—follows a natural progression. You start by collecting, then organizing, then, with enough time and practice, you begin to create something truly original.

So, the next time you feel like you’re not talented enough, remember: your best work is still ahead of you. Keep shooting, keep learning, and most importantly—stay curious. That’s where the magic happens.

Ready to turn passion into progress, I’d love to invite you to join one of my wildlife photography workshops. We go deep—not just into wild places, but into the craft itself. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills in the field, these trips are designed to help you grow, connect with like-minded photographers, and create your best work yet.


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Learning to See: The True Challenge of Photography

Photography isn’t just about pressing the shutter button at the right time—it’s about learning how to truly see. This might sound simple, but I can tell you from years of experience that it’s one of the hardest skills to master.

We often assume that seeing is something we just do, instinctively, like breathing. But in reality, we don’t see the world as it is—we interpret it based on years of accumulated memories, experiences, and subconscious associations. Our brains aren’t cameras; they’re storytellers, filtering and shaping everything we perceive.

When I first started photography, I thought I was paying attention to the world around me. I’d go out with my camera, excited to capture the beauty of nature, only to come home and realize that my photos looked… well, flat and boring. Something was missing, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. The images had all the elements—good lighting, an interesting subject—but they didn’t feel alive.

It took me a long time to understand what was happening. I wasn’t seeing the scene—I was just looking at it.

Why We Struggle to See as Photographers

The biggest mistake many beginners make (myself included) is assuming that the camera will do the seeing for them. We point, focus, and shoot, expecting the image to match the magic we experienced in person. But more often than not, we end up with disappointing results.

Here’s why:

  • Our brains are wired to filter out clutter. When we look at a beautiful landscape, we automatically ignore distractions—power lines, dead branches, trash on the ground. But the camera captures everything, and suddenly those distractions become glaringly obvious.

  • We rely on memory and association more than we realize. A place that holds deep emotional meaning for us might feel powerful in person, but to someone else, a photo of that same spot might feel ordinary.

  • Our visual perception is biased by past experiences. Have you ever thought you captured a sharp, well-composed shot, only to find that it’s actually cluttered and unbalanced when you review it later? That’s because, in the moment, your brain fills in the gaps, making you believe the image is better than it really is.

The Difference Between Looking and Seeing

One of the most valuable lessons I ever learned came from an art teacher who told me: “If you want to take better photos, put the camera down.”

At first, this sounded ridiculous. But he explained that before we can create meaningful images, we need to train our eyes to see composition, light, and emotion—without relying on the camera.

One way to do this is through sketching. And no, you don’t have to be an artist on that. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece but to force yourself to simplify a scene. When I started doing this, I realized how much unnecessary clutter I had been including in my photos. My sketches were clean and balanced, yet my photos felt chaotic. That exercise alone transformed the way I approach photography.

Another exercise is to spend at least five minutes observing a scene before taking a single photo. Look at the light, the shadows, the small details you might have missed at first glance. Ask yourself: What is the true subject here? What do I want the viewer to feel?

How Memory Shapes Our Perception of Photography

A fascinating thing about photography is that every viewer brings their own memories and associations to an image. What moves one person deeply might feel completely unremarkable to another.

A powerful photograph isn’t just about what is in the frame—it’s about creating an emotional connection that transcends personal experience. This is why the best photographs often rely on universal themes: solitude, adventure, nostalgia, resilience. These emotions are woven into our collective memory, and when an image taps into them, it becomes timeless.

Why Imperfection Can Make a Photo More Powerful

If you’ve ever wondered why some of the most famous photographs in history aren’t technically perfect, this is why.

Take Robert Capa’s D-Day photograph of a soldier struggling through the water. It’s grainy, slightly out of focus, and yet it’s considered one of the greatest images ever taken. Why? Because it feels real. The imperfection adds to the story—it makes us feel like we’re right there in the chaos.

Too often, photographers obsess over sharpness, perfect lighting, and technical precision, but these things don’t always make an image more powerful. In fact, they can sometimes make a photo feel sterile. Real life is messy. Emotion is messy. And sometimes, the best images embrace that.

How to Train Yourself to See Like a Photographer

So, how do you go beyond just looking and start truly seeing?

Here are a few exercises that helped me:

  1. The "No Camera" Challenge: Spend a day exploring without taking a single photo. Instead, pretend your eyes are the camera. Mentally compose shots, study the light, and note the details you would include or exclude.

  2. The Sketching Exercise: Before snapping a photo, quickly sketch out your composition. You’ll be surprised at how much cleaner and more intentional your framing becomes.

  3. Shoot with One Prime Lens: Using a fixed focal length (like a 50mm or 35mm) forces you to move your feet and compose with intention, rather than lazily zooming in and out.

  4. Limit Yourself to 10 Shots: When you’re in the field, challenge yourself to take no more than ten images of a scene. This forces you to be selective and deliberate rather than mindlessly snapping away.

  5. Study the Masters: Look at iconic photographs and ask yourself—what makes this image powerful? Is it the composition? The emotion? The use of light?

Join My Photography Workshops and Transform the Way You See the World

Learning to truly see is the key to creating powerful, unforgettable images—and that’s exactly what we focus on in my photography workshops. Whether you're a complete beginner or you already have a good photography background my workshops are designed to sharpen your vision, refine your technique, and push your creativity to the next level.

Join me in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations—from the wild plains of Namibia to the dramatic peaks of Patagonia—where you'll get hands-on experience, personalized coaching, and a chance to immerse yourself in the art of storytelling through photography.


The Art of Seeing

Learning to see is a lifelong journey. Even after years behind the camera, I still catch myself falling into old habits—rushing my shots, overlooking distractions, failing to truly connect with the scene.

But that’s the beauty of photography. It’s not just about capturing the world as it is—it’s about discovering how we experience it.

So, next time you pick up your camera, slow down. Look deeper. Challenge yourself to go beyond just looking—and start seeing. Because the most powerful photographs aren’t the ones that simply show a subject—they’re the ones that make us feel something.

Full-Frame vs Crop Sensor for Wildlife Photography: Which One is Best for You?

Wildlife photography demands the right gear; what camera should I choose? What lens should I bring?

One of the biggest debates is full-frame vs crop sensor cameras. Which one is better for capturing fast-moving animals and render images in the best way? Some swear by the better low-light performance and dynamic range of full-frame cameras, while others prefer the extra reach and affordability of crop sensors. But which is truly the best for you? Let’s break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision!

Understanding Sensor Size in Wildlife Photography

What is a Full-Frame Sensor?

A full-frame sensor is a digital camera sensor that matches the size of 35mm film - 36mm x 24mm. It gets its name from the fact that early digital cameras had smaller sensors, so when manufacturers released one with the same size as classic film, they called it "full-frame."

A full-frame sensor has larger individual pixels, which help capture more light, improving performance in low-light conditions. This results in better image quality, higher dynamic range, and reduced noise at high ISO settings, making full-frame cameras a popular choice for wildlife and landscape photographers.

What is a Crop Sensor? (APS-C, Micro Four Thirds)

A crop sensor is any sensor smaller than full-frame. The two most common types in wildlife photography are APS-C (roughly 22mm x 15mm, depending on the brand) and Micro Four Thirds (17mm x 13mm). These sensors crop the field of view compared to full-frame, which means they provide an apparent magnification effect on lenses - a key advantage for wildlife photography.

Crop sensors are popular among entry-level and enthusiast wildlife photographers because they are cheaper, lighter, and offer extended reach. For example, an APS-C sensor with a 1.5x or 1.6x crop factor makes a 300mm lens behave like a 450mm or 480mm lens, getting you closer to distant wildlife without spending thousands on super-telephoto lenses.

How Sensor Size Impacts Image Quality, Depth of Field, and Low-Light Performance

Sensor size affects image quality in several ways:

  • Larger sensors (full-frame) generally capture more light per pixel, improving dynamic range and low-light performance. This means cleaner images at high ISO and better detail in shadows and highlights.

  • Smaller sensors (crop sensors) introduce more noise at high ISO due to smaller pixels, but they increase depth of field, which can be beneficial for certain wildlife shots where you need more of your subject in focus.

If you often shoot in low light (dawn, dusk, or dense forests), full-frame has a clear advantage. However, if reach and portability are your top priorities, a crop sensor might be the smarter choice.

Shooting with canon R5 in Sossusvlei, Namibia

The Crop Factor Explained and How It Affects Focal Length

The crop factor refers to how a smaller sensor crops the field of view compared to full-frame. APS-C sensors typically have a 1.5x crop factor (Nikon, Sony) or 1.6x (Canon), while Micro Four Thirds has a 2x crop factor.

For wildlife photographers, this means a 400mm lens on a Canon APS-C camera (1.6x crop) gives an effective focal length of 640mm. This is a huge advantage when photographing distant animals, as it gives more reach without needing a longer (and more expensive) lens.

However, the crop factor doesn’t increase actual optical magnification—it just narrows the field of view, which can sometimes make composing shots a bit tricky.

Pros and Cons of Full-Frame Sensors for Wildlife Photography

Advantages of Full-Frame Sensors

Better Low-Light Performance – Larger pixels capture more light, leading to less noise and better detail at high ISO. Essential for early morning or twilight wildlife shots.

Higher Dynamic Range – Full-frame sensors handle high-contrast scenes better, retaining details in both bright highlights and deep shadows.

Shallower Depth of Field – Using a longer lens to get the same magnification helps to create a more natural background blur (bokeh), helping isolate subjects from busy backgrounds.

Better Image Quality at High ISO – A must-have for night safaris or dense forests, where high ISO settings (3200-12800) are often needed.

Disadvantages of Full-Frame Sensors

More Expensive – Full-frame cameras cost more upfront, and their lenses are also more expensive.

Larger & Heavier – Carrying a full-frame setup with a 600mm lens on a long trek is no joke. Heavier gear can be tiring, especially for handheld shooting.

Less Effective Telephoto Reach – A 500mm lens on a full-frame camera is just 500mm, whereas on an APS-C crop sensor, it effectively acts like 750mm. If reach matters, crop sensors have the edge.

Alpine wildlife safari with a Canon R3 and 600mm f4.

Pros and Cons of Crop Sensors for Wildlife Photography

Advantages of Crop Sensors

Extra Reach with Crop Factor – A 1.5x or 1.6x crop factor makes a 300mm lens act like 450mm or more, perfect for distant wildlife shots.

More Affordable – Crop sensor cameras and lenses are cheaper, making them ideal for beginners and those on a budget.

Lighter and More Compact – Perfect for hiking, travel, and handheld shooting. A crop sensor body with a 100-400mm lens is far easier to carry than a full-frame with a 600mm prime.

More Depth of Field – More of the subject remains in focus, which can be useful when photographing fast-moving animals.

Disadvantages of Crop Sensors

Lower Low-Light Performance – Smaller pixels struggle in dim conditions, leading to more noise at ISO 6400+.

Reduced Dynamic Range – Shadows and highlights clip more easily, making it harder to recover details in high-contrast scenes.

Limited Lens Selection – Many pro wildlife lenses are designed for full-frame, so crop shooters have fewer options for high-end glass.

Key Considerations When Choosing Between Full-Frame and Crop Sensor

📌 Budget: Full-frame costs more, but offers better image quality. Crop sensors are affordable and great for reach.

📌 Shooting Style: If you shoot low-light or high-contrast environments, full-frame is better. If you need extra reach, crop sensors win.

📌 Portability Needs: Traveling or hiking? Crop sensor setups are usually lighter and easier to carry.

📌 Future Goals: If you plan to go pro, investing in full-frame early may be the best move.

All of this said, I’ve been shooting with several different cameras, both full frame and aps-c, over the years. In my opinion, full frame is always the winner. The only disadvantage, if we can call it like that, is that we need a longer focal length to fill the frame. This might also be seen as an advantage, as the compression of longer lenses looks much better than just “cropping in” as we do with aps-c sensors.

Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?

🔹 If you need the absolute best image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance → go Full-Frame.
🔹 If budget, extra telephoto reach, and portability matter more → go Crop Sensor.
🔹 If you want to build your setup over time, consider getting a Crop Sensor camera paired with full frame lenses. This will allow you to build your lens collection and, when you will be ready, you can upgrade your camera body to a full frame one.

Ready to Take Your Wildlife Photography Further?

Put these techniques into action on an unforgettable adventure! Join me on one of my guided wildlife photography workshops or safari trips to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and other incredible destinations worldwide.

You’ll receive personalized instruction, visit spectacular wildlife hotspots, and dramatically improve your photography in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.


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Mastering Back Button Autofocus: A Game-Changer for Your Photography

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