How To Recycle – Page 2

What Happens to E-waste When It Gets Recycled?

Worldwide, electronic waste makes up more than 5% of all municipal solid waste. Commonly called…

The post What Happens to E-waste When It Gets Recycled? appeared first on Earth911.

How to Recycle Plastic Lawn Furniture and Playground Toys

Recycling plastic lawn furniture and playground toys can be a challenge, but with a little…

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Mothers & Cubs: Spectacular Grizzly Photos from Alaska Adventures

Few things are more powerful than witnessing the bond between mother and child—or in this case, cub! In the wilds of Alaska, travelers will observe and photograph fascinating bear behavior and will be treated to affectionate displays between protective mothers and playful cubs. This rarest of encounters can be had on our Alaska Bear Quest Photo Expedition—the ultimate bear photography safari! While you dream of adventure, enjoy this roundup of some of our favorite photographs of brown bear mother and cubs, taken by Nat Hab travelers and guides along the remote coast of Katmai National Park. Also featured are some stellar submissions from our Wildlife Photo Contests of years past.

Nat Hab travelers with brown bears in Alaska.

Brown bear cubs clutch their mother in Alaska.

A brown bear cub nuzzles its mother in Katmai National Park.

Brown bear cubs waiting for their mother in Katmai.

A brown bear mother with cubs in Alaska's Katmai National Park.

A brown bear stares down the photographer in Katmai National Park.

Brad Josephs, one of Nat Hab’s Photo Pro Expedition Leaders, was among the first bear-viewing guides along the Alaska Penisula. Below is a selection of some of our favorite photographs he has taken of brown bear mothers and cubs in Katmai National Park during his decades of experience guiding travelers, professional photographers and film crews. You can also check out Brad’s Daily Dose of Nature, Photographing Bear Behavior: Mothers & Cubs.

A mother bear with playful cubs in a flower field.

A cub strikes a pose among the lupines in Katmai National Park.

A mother bear with cubs on the tidal flats in Katmai National Park.

A brown bear and cub walk along the tidal flats in Alaska.

A wolf and brown bear encounter in Katmai National Park.

Playful bear cubs with a mother bear in Katmai National Park.

Feeling inspired? Watch our Daily Dose of Nature on how to photograph mothers and cubs, and start planning your photo adventure!

The post Mothers & Cubs: Spectacular Grizzly Photos from Alaska Adventures first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Capturing the Enchanted Isles: 11 Must-Take Galapagos Photos

Imagine capturing the brilliant red-and-orange-colored Sally Lightfoot crab against a backdrop of lava rocks along the water’s edge. The enormous wingspan of a Galapagos albatross as it soars above the Pacific Ocean. The bright blue feet of blue-footed booby birds during their courtship dance. A century-old giant tortoise gingerly munching on prickly pear cactus, practically oblivious to your presence.

Underwater, curious sea lions swirl like ballerinas, Galapagos penguins dive down, hunting prey, and reef sharks silently glide near the floor of coral reefs.

These are just some incredible photography opportunities that await travelers to the Galapagos islands on our new Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition.

A Photo Adventure in the Enchanted Isles

Despite exposure to tourists for nearly a century, the wildlife in the Enchanted Isles remains unbothered by human presence, allowing photographers to get close enough for the best shots. On our immersive 17-day adventure in the Galapagos, visitors will have a full day in Quito and then set out on a private chartered yacht, the Petrel, to visit 15 diverse islands in the archipelago.

Some of the main stops include San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Española, Isabela and Floreana, all offering various species and natural wonders to admire and photograph. A whopping 97% of the islands’ land area makes up Galapagos National Park, with endemic species like marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, frigatebirds, Darwin’s finches and Galapagos tortoises, penguins, hawks, fur seals and more found nowhere else in the world.

Natural Habitat Adventures guests cruise back to the Petrel ship by panga in the Galapagos

Nat Hab guests cruise back to the Petrel by panga © Richard de Gouveia

During daily excursions, our small group of no more than 15 travelers is divided into even smaller groups, ensuring that guests have an intimate and low-impact experience and allowing for close but safe encounters with wildlife.

Each small group is helmed by one of our naturalist Expedition Leaders (three total on each trip!) who not only offer information and interpretation about the wildlife and landscapes, but who also provide guidance on photography best practices, ethics of wildlife photography, underwater photography advice and post-production techniques that can augment and improve images.

Keep reading to learn about the amazingly diverse wildlife and natural and historic wonders that make for incredible photography subjects on this unforgettable trip.

Land Animals

Giant Tortoises

When Spanish explorers landed on the islands, they saw so many giant tortoises that they named the islands after them. The Spanish word, galápago, means tortoise. These slow-moving ancient reptilian herbivores are the largest tortoises in the world and can weigh up to 500 pounds, grow up to five feet in length, and live more than 100 years. Out of the 14 types of tortoises roaming the islands, some with domed and others with saddle-backed shells, only 10 subspecies and 15,000 individuals live today, a sharp decline from 250,000 that once roamed the pristine islands.

Giant tortoise © Rashid Cruz

Visitors on the Nat Hab Galapagos photography expedition will visit the world-famous tortoise center, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, in Puerto Ayora to see and learn about these endangered reptiles and the conservation efforts to protect them and their unique habitats.

The center, managed in partnership with the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park, has bred and released more than 5,000 tortoises into the wild. Visitors to the center even get to see and photograph tiny hatchlings.

> Learn More: Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

In the misty highlands of Santa Cruz, Nat Hab’s private Tortoise Camp offers a rare and exclusive opportunity to spend the night in the habitat of wild tortoises. The camp provides plenty of chances to photograph free-roaming tortoises up close or from raised safari-style canvas tents and elevated treehouses.

Guests at Nat Hab's private Tortoise Camp in the Galapagos by Luis Vinueza

Guests at Nat Hab’s private Tortoise Camp in the Galapagos © Luis Vinueza

Land Iguanas

The Galapagos land iguana is a large and bulky lizard endemic to the islands. Visitors can see them sunbathing alongside the footpaths and on rocky shores, munching on vegetation, or resting under massive cactus plants. These 3-foot-long lizards are plant-eaters and come in shades of yellow with blotches of black and brown. Galapagos land iguanas are among three species of land iguanas in the region; the other two are the Santa Fe land iguana and the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana.

Galapagos land iguana © Court Whelan

Visitors to the South Plaza islet can occasionally spot the elusive hybrid iguana, a result of breeding between marine and land iguanas. Their large stature and brilliant yellowish-orange hues—set against the technicolor backdrop of sprawling Galapagos carpetweed and prickly pear cactus trees that adorn the landscape—make them ideal subjects for the camera.

In addition to land iguanas, keep an eye out for lava lizards—the most abundant reptile on the islands.

Marine Life

Sea Lions

Any trip to the Galapagos should provide numerous sightings of Galapagos sea lions (a subspecies of the Californian sea lion), both on land and underwater. Sea lions are pinnipeds with external ears (unlike seals, which have tiny holes for ears). Their range includes the entire archipelago, and you’ll often spot them sleeping on boats, docks, beautiful beaches and shore rocks. Underwater, their strong fore flippers propel them as they do flips and hunt for food.

Galapagos sea lions © Richard de Gouveia

One of the best spots to find sea lions in the Galapagos is at Gardner Bay on Española, where a large colony of sea lions with their juveniles can be seen on the long stretch of the white sand beach; the outing also offers a unique chance to swim with them right from the beach.

While there will be myriad opportunities to photograph sunbathing sea lions, nothing beats a perfectly timed portrait shot of a curious sea lion with its bulging eyes and whiskers twirling in front of you underwater. Grab your snorkeling gear and water-proof camera (or a GoPro) to capture these playful animals where they typically hang out—right under the surface. Don’t forget to spin when they swim; sea lions are nicknamed “puppy dogs of the sea” as they are curious and playful and love to interact with each other and with people.

The region is also home to the endangered Galapagos fur seal, which can be spotted in the lava grottos at James Bay in Santiago, one of the few places in the entire archipelago where you can witness and photograph these shy, endemic animals from the land. Although they’re called fur seals, they’re actually another type of sea lion!

Snorkeling in the Galapagos also affords abundant chances to photograph other captivating subjects, such as Pacific green sea turtles as they effortlessly glide underwater, graceful eagle rays and schools of colorful tropical fish whizzing by above vibrant coral reefs. Lucky travelers may even spot harmless reef-tip sharks moving silently among schools of fish.

Marine Iguanas

When underwater volcanic eruptions formed the Galapagos islands, the environment was initially too harsh to sustain life. It was cold-blooded reptiles that first made the journey from the mainland on vegetation rafts and populated the newly formed islands. Among these reptiles are the salt- and extreme weather-tolerant marine iguanas.

Galapagos marine iguana © Eric Rock

The Galapagos marine iguana is the only ocean-going lizard species in the world. Although they aren’t very social, they often lay on top of one another or in clusters on coastal or lava rocks, mangrove swamps, and beaches to conserve heat when not swimming in search of food. You may even see them spitting out salt!

These fascinating creatures are black during the non-mating season, but the backs of the males turn red or dull green (depending on their location) to attract females during the mating season. The marine iguanas of Española Island—the most sought-after iguanas for photos—are aptly named “Christmas iguanas” for their gorgeous green and red skin colors.

Birds

Blue-Footed Boobies

Blue-footed boobies are some of the most entertaining seabirds you will encounter during your expedition. You’ll find them along hiking paths and on rocks, as well as plunge-diving into the water from rocky cliffs. Their most distinctive feature is their bright blue-colored webbed feet, which get their hue from the fresh fish they consume.

Blue-footed booby in the Galapagos by Vera Irions

Blue-footed booby in the Galapagos © Vera Irions

These birds are typically seen in pairs, engaging in a comical courtship dance that involves strutting and flashing their webbed feet, pointing their beaks skyward and raising their wings. Their name comes from the Spanish word bobo, which means silly.

Blue-footed boobies are the most common among the booby birds that live on the islands; the other two subspecies are red-footed (for their pale red feet) and Nazca boobies (white with black feathers). The best place to photograph these adorable seabirds and their nesting grounds is North Seymour Island.

Galapagos Penguins

The Galapagos penguin is one of the most sought-after birds for those on a cruise to the Enchanted Isles. Smaller than your average duck (weighing just under six pounds) and sporting milky white bellies and black and brown feathers on their backs, they resemble a tuxedo. These flightless birds are the only species of penguin living north of the equator. Visitors will likely hear their braying before spotting them.

Galapagos penguin © Mike Hillman

Sadly, Galapagos penguins are endangered, and their populations have dwindled due to climate change, pollution and bycatch. Their population currently stands at approximately 1,800 individuals.

Waved Albatrosses

The title of the largest bird in the Galapagos goes to the waved albatross. With a whopping 7 to 8-foot wingspan and weighing up to 11 pounds, these majestic birds get their name from the wavy lines on their white undercarriage. The entire population of this subspecies lives on the island of Española near Punta Suarez, where visitors can witness them engaging in a raucous mating ritual of tapping their yellow hook-tipped bills enthusiastically and making honking and whistling sounds.

Waved albatross

In the winter, between January and March, adult waved albatrosses use the island’s rocky cliffs as a springboard to begin their journey across the Pacific to the coasts of Peru and Ecuador in search of food. Waved albatrosses mate for life, splitting up during the winter when they go hunting and returning to the same breeding grounds year after year. Like the Galapagos penguin, the waved albatross is threatened by climate change, overfishing and pollution.

Frigatebirds & Other Native Birds

Frigatebirds, with their enormous red-colored throat pouches, are some of the most commonly spotted birds on a Galapagos cruise. They have earned the nickname of “pirate birds” for their tendency to hover above blue-footed booby fishing grounds, waiting to steal their catches. They’ve also been known to catch free rides in the wake of ships. The largest colonies of frigatebirds are in North Seymour and San Cristobal.

Frigatebird © Cassiano “Zapa” Zaparoli

Birders can grab their telephoto lens to shoot images of other birds native to the islands, including flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos petrels and several types of finches (including Darwin’s finches, which played an important role in inspiring the famed scientist’s theory of evolution!) during hikes or panga boat outings.

Natural and Historic Wonders

Kicker Rock

The most recognizable natural wonder in the Galapagos is Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, a monolithic rock formation towering 500 feet above the water’s surface in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The natural feature consists of two large, eroded volcanic rocks separated by a channel. The channel provides habitat for white-tipped reef sharks, rays, reef and pelagic fish, sea turtles and sea lions, making Kicker Rock a popular snorkeling destination.

Kicker Rock © Mike Hillman

Kicker Rock is a two-hour boat ride from San Cristobal island. It can be seen from various smaller islands such as Isla Lobos, which boasts a resident sea lion colony and blue-footed boobies.

Frame the perfect shot of sea lions in the foreground and the iconic Kicker Rock in the distance from Isla Lobos, or wait for the sun to set to catch the golden light reflected on the monolith. Get up close on a panga ride to get snaps of birds like Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and other native birds.

Pinnacle Rock

Stepping onto the tiny uninhabited Bartolome island, an ancient submerged volcano, feels like you are on another planet. Ancient lava rocks and darkened soil merge with rust-colored sand, and fascinating geological formations dot the landscape. A pristine crescent-shaped beach makes for the perfect stop for a swim in the turquoise-colored waters teeming with marine life like sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and schools of fish.

Pinnacle Rock © Cassiano “Zapa” Zaparoli

Climbing to the island’s highest point offers a 360-degree view of this otherworldly landscape, including Pinnacle Rock, a pointed formation just off the shore that is undoubtedly one of the most photographed and treasured sight in the Galapagos.

Quito’s Historic Old Town

The day before setting out on the cruise, Nat Hab travelers get an entire day to admire the sights and photograph Quito’s 16th-century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a guided photography tour, you can wander the cobblestone lanes and photograph the grand plazas, Morrish and Indigenous-influenced buildings, Spanish architecture, and ornate churches.

Must-see attractions include the Government Palace, La Compañia Church, Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, Basilica of the National Vow and Independence Plaza, from which you can see the Archbishop’s Palace Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.

Old Town in Quito, Ecuador

Local markets offer a peek into the lives of the residents and a chance to meet them and snap a collage of subjects from herbs and flowers to fruit and vegetables, along with Andean arts, crafts and textiles. The top of Panecillo Hill provides a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding volcanic peaks.

Ready to photograph the wonders of the Enchanted Isles? Grab your camera and embark on our new Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition!

The post Capturing the Enchanted Isles: 11 Must-Take Galapagos Photos first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves

By Expedition Leader Eddy Savage

One of the most rewarding experiences of my photo expeditions to China with Natural Habitat Adventures would have to be the time spent with golden snub-nosed monkeys. We spend a day of our adventure searching out these wild monkeys in a remote valley flanked on either side by tall, steep and gorgeous mountains. These unlikely primates are the most outstanding contrast of colors. These monkeys showcase brilliant golden-orange fur of varying intensities. Older male golden snub-nosed monkeys display long, brilliant golden guard hairs on their backs. The distinctive nose, where they get their name from, is unlike any primate nose I’ve seen. Sharply upturned, the nose and area around hint at a light blue skin coloration. It’s a spectacular contrast that surprisingly (or understandably) blends well into their natural habitat in the mountains around Sichuan Province, China. Please enjoy this collection of my photographs taken while on Nat Hab’s Wild Side of China Photo Expedition.

Here, we see an adult male golden snub-nosed monkey. One of the distinguishing facial features of male monkeys is the wart-like growths on either side of their mouth. They appear once the monkey approaches sexual maturity. It is thought they likely have something to do with breeding and communication, but there is no conclusive evidence yet.

These tree-dwelling monkeys spend more than 90% of their time in the canopy. Their food source varies throughout the seasons. In the dead of winter, they’ll prefer lichens, and in the spring and summer, they’ll eat new growth, leaves and fruits.

These primates survive in the coldest winter conditions of any primate on Earth, secondary to humans. One adaptation thought to be derived from their cold-weather lives is the snub-nose: flattened and tucked away under the forehead, it is likely an adaptation to protect them from frostbite during the -13°F winter temps.

Their habitat is in the deciduous broad-leaved and coniferous forests that sit between 4,000 feet and 13,000 feet in elevation. Snow is often a contender for their winter lives, so having a healthy fur coat goes a long way.

During my observations of the troop, which can number between 40 and 70, it appeared as though demographics split up well. Family groups in one direction, sub-adults/juveniles in another, and males with females in another. Here, we see a group of juveniles playing in the trees.

Here is a trio of young monkeys playing with each other. Highly distractable and chaotic, they climbed up and down each other while one or two held onto the tree branches.

Breeding behavior can occur at any time of year; however, it will only be successful during the fall and winter months. October through January is the rough breeding window. Typically, most baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are born between April and August, and their gestation is approximately seven months. This photo is from April, so this is a super young golden snub-nosed monkey.

When it comes to instigating breeding, the females are usually in control. When receptive to breeding, they will lounge upside-down and make faces toward the male monkey. If the male is interested, he’ll make a wide and toothy grin before journeying toward the female.

Huddling among golden snub-nosed monkeys is also common. I’ve often observed them bundled together like this, sometimes grooming each other. It’s also hypothesized these monkeys huddle together more readily than others to stay warm, due to their colder habitat. It’s interesting that whenever a stressful event occurs within the troop, the monkeys scatter and join into small huddles like this. It may also provide comfort to each monkey.

Baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are weaned at approximately one year. There is also evidence that females share in the nursing and care for the young, often seen in groups of several moms and offspring.

The post Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves

By Expedition Leader Eddy Savage

Here is a trio of young monkeys playing with each other. Highly distractable and chaotic, they climbed up and down each other while one or two held onto the tree branches.

The post Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

What’s in My Camera Bag? Wild Side of China Photo Expedition

By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Eddy Savage

Nat Hab’s Wild Side of China Photo Expedition is a spectacularly unique journey through renowned nature reserves and culturally significant sites. From an architectural and cultural perspective, we will spend time in large cities, small towns, ancient walled villages and remote high-altitude villages. From a nature and wildlife perspective, we will spend time in lush sub-tropical and higher altitude sub-alpine environments. The photographic subjects are incredibly interesting and varied throughout the trip. I’ve put together a few of my “must-haves” I take with me on every photo expedition I lead in China. Enjoy!

My Camera Gear for China’s Nature Reserves

This is a longer expedition with lots of walking and short hikes, and we move every couple of nights for most of the journey. I have tried several camera lens combinations over the years and found that simple and versatile is the way to go. I don’t want to be weighed down as we tackle our next hike, and I also don’t want to feel overwhelmed by my lens choices. Here is my typical camera setup:

Camera Body

Nikon Z6 (full-frame mirrorless)

Lenses

24-70mm f4 – If you’re ever on an expedition with me, this lens will become known as my “go-to” lens for day-to-day shooting. At 24mm, it’s wide enough to accomplish 99% of landscape shots and 99% of people, city and architecture shots. It’s small as well, so walking through crowded streets or even wearing it all day long on my camera harness isn’t a huge burden.
100-400mm f4.5-5.6 or similar – A telephoto lens with some flexibility goes a long way. When we are out searching for wildlife or birds, having the reach of a 400mm lens is wonderful. This range of lens is also typically a manageable size for travel. Another perk of a telephoto-zoom lens is using it to make some forced-perspective landscape photos, one of my favorites.

Now, with that said, this is by no means what you need for this expedition. I find this is what works for me. The age-old saying, “The best camera is the one you have with you,” goes a long way! Whatever system you end up bringing, my general recommendation is that you have the capability to shoot landscape (wide) and wildlife (telephoto).

Camera Accessory Recommendations for a China Nature Photo Expedition

Polarizing Filter

I will bring the polarizing filter for my 24-70mm lens. A good quality polarizing filter can be a wonderful addition to your kit. If used correctly, they can remove reflections from any non-metallic surfaces, such as the reflections of wet leaves or harsh sunlight reflecting off the surface of a lake. This allows for more vibrance and deeper/richer colors to prevail in your photography. It also reduces the amount of light reaching your image sensor and can help with blurring moving water when used with a tripod.

Neutral Density Filter (or Kit)

I started regularly using a Neutral Density Filter (ND-8 filter is my most versatile, but kits often come with several options) a couple of years ago because I was trying to achieve specific blurred water effects in some of my landscape photography. Essentially, all they will do is reduce the amount of light reaching your image sensor so you can lower your shutter speed to achieve these effects. I will only use these in conjunction with a tripod.

Travel Tripod

Having a tripod in the field can help you achieve some specific shots. I use mine most for capturing specific shots where I want to blur moving water, capture moving clouds or film a timelapse. Some of the mountain streams in the national nature reserves are perfect for this. Adding this effect to your images can add an entirely new element to your photo. Pair the tripod with a Neutral Density Filter or Polarizing Filter, and you can ensure your camera is still enough to get a sharp image while the water blurs. Anyhow, I only bring my tripod if I intend to try these more advanced types of photography, and I want to make sure it’s small enough to pack and carry easily.

Camera Harness / Strap

I don’t think my camera has had a “stock” neck strap on it for some 10 years or so. I find that these straps can become quite cumbersome and don’t secure the camera well enough for my liking. All the in-and-out of vehicles, walking up and down varying terrain, clothing layers, etc. I find I get tangled in the stock camera straps often. I also carry the camera for over 10 hours a day, so having something that takes the camera weight off my neck is ideal. I currently use a camera harness that secures my camera to my chest and straps it down so that even when bending over, it doesn’t move at all. Find what works best for you, and go with that!

Microfibre Towel (3ft x 2ft)

On a rainy day in the Great Bear Rainforest, I saw a colleague pull out this 3ft x 2ft microfibre towel and, in one swift motion, dried off all parts of their drenched camera and stowed it away in their bag. Since then, a medium-sized microfibre towel has lived in one of my pockets whenever I’m in the field. Whether it’s rain, snow, mist or a spill, having a solid absorbent cloth makes drying your precious camera gear a breeze. There’s always a chance of rain in the mountains of China, and a microfibre cloth is a great tool to carry with you!

These are the items I carry in my personal camera kit while on a photo expedition in China with Natural Habitat Adventures. It works for me, but it might not work for you! Whatever gear you bring on this expedition, make sure you’ve tried it out at home and are somewhat familiar with its workings. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

The post What’s in My Camera Bag? Wild Side of China Photo Expedition first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

How to Get a Picture of a Wild Himalayan Snow Leopard

In the autumn of 1973, wilderness writer and naturalist Peter Matthiessen joined preeminent field biologist George Schaller high in Nepal’s Himalayan Mountains on a journey that would soon become legendary. While Schaller was there to study the mating habits of the bharal, or Himalayan blue sheep, Matthieseen was on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. That is, a quest coupled with the hope of glimpsing one of the region’s most elusive animals: the snow leopard.

This strenuous two-month expedition resulted in one of Matthiessen’s best-known and award-winning books, The Snow Leopard—a work that still enlightens and inspires readers today.

It’s no secret that big cats stir imaginations, from the majestic lions of Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the jaguar, a large and spotted feline that holds court over South America’s Pantanal. And snow leopards are no exception. For a long time, so little was known about these shy and solitary creatures that inhabit Earth’s uppermost reaches that they took on an almost mythical status. Local residents call them the “gray ghost” or the “ghost of the mountains” because they’re so rarely seen.

In fact, when Matthiessen embarked on his expedition, only two Westerners had reported seeing a snow leopard over the previous 25 years. One of those Westerners was Schaller, who was also the first to capture a snow leopard on film. In 1971, his photos appeared in the pages of National Geographic, giving the world its first opportunity to view this fabled being in its natural habitat.

The Elusive Snow Leopard

Getting a photo of a wild snow leopard is no easy task, although it’s been made much easier in recent years. Spotters and master trackers know exactly where to look and what to look for, such as fresh scat, snow-embedded tracks and even marking patterns.

Since Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard was first published in 1978, a lot has been learned about these shy and solitary creatures. They can reach up to seven feet in length and weigh anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds. They roam mostly at dawn in the pre-morning hours, then again in the afternoons and evenings.

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Due to a difference in their anatomical structure, snow leopards can’t actually roar, though they do chuff, purr and growl. They move about quietly, preferring steep, snow-covered mountainsides high above the treelines, in places where the air is thin and the weather often relentless. Their thick fur—colored whitish to gray with black spots and rosettes along the neck, head, and back—easily camouflages them within the landscape, making them extremely difficult for the average eye to see.

Where to See Snow Leopards in the Wild

According to the Snow Leopard Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the snow leopard, there are believed to be between 3,900 and 6,400 wild snow leopards left around the world, though the actual number remains unknown. They inhabit a large swath of alpine and subalpine terrain that traverses 12 countries in northern and central Asia, including Mongolia, Afghanistan and Bhutan.

Schaller captured his now-famous photos in Pakistan’s Chitral Valley—another place snow leopards are known to frequent—and dozens of them roam freely in Russia’s Altai Mountains, at the convergence of China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. However, one of the best places for spotting them is in India’s Ladakh territory, part of the larger Himalayan mountain range, where approximately 200 or so reside.

India’s Ladakh Region Awaits

For the perfect opportunity to explore this storied region and capture images of the rare snow leopard, embark on Nat Hab’s 11-day Snow Leopard Quest Photo Expedition. Tucked away in the remote Himalayas of northern India, Ladakh itself is framed by dramatic peaks and dotted with Buddha-filled monasteries, meditation caves and secluded villages. It’s a region heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and home to India’s largest national park, Hemis National Park, where you’ll find one of the highest population densities of snow leopards in a protected area on the planet.

Nat Hab’s small group size of eight and a flexible daily schedule offers participants the best chance of catching a snow leopard undisturbed. Perhaps we’ll see one who has descended to a lower altitude to feed on bharal, ibex and smaller marmots and hares that inhabit the sides of steep rock walls and graze along valley streams. Or we may spy a cat perched inconspicuously along a high ridge line. Be sure and keep your camera at the ready!

Getting a Good Photograph

The odds of capturing snow leopard pics increase once you immerse yourself in the territory of these magnificent creatures. Nat Hab’s adept spotting scouts and master trackers work tirelessly to follow the cats’ every move. The terrain may be rugged and difficult, but the rewards of seeing a snow leopard in the wild are indescribable. If you’re especially lucky, you might even spot a snow leopard cub (or two!).

Ladakh’s additional wildlife is as equally as incredible. Look for long-legged wild sheep known as urial, golden eagles and bearded vultures soaring overhead. And stay alert for a sighting of the Himalayan wolf, known for its wooly fur and ability to adapt to cold and high altitudes.

There are also the natural and cultural beauties of Ladakh itself, such as narrow valleys and colorful roadside prayer flags, winding rivers and unoccupied palaces, all of which are ripe for discovery…and for photographing.

Although Matthiessen never did spot a snow leopard during his 1973 expedition, seeing one wasn’t his sole purpose. As a 2018 New Yorker article points out, “If Matthiessen had merely wanted to set eyes on a snow leopard, he could have driven from his home on Long Island to the Bronx Zoo, where snow leopards have been bred in captivity since 1966.”

Matthiessen knew that the possibility of glimpsing a snow leopard in its natural habitat, rather than in a zoo or menagerie, would be something else entirely. However, even not seeing one would be a tremendous feat, especially when you’ve scoured the world’s tallest peaks and loftiest landscapes in your quest. That’s because it’s in the ‘seeking,’ Matthiessen realized, that the real magic occurs.

Ready to see and photograph snow leopards in the wild? Learn more about our Land of the Snow Leopard adventure and our photo-focused Snow Leopard Quest Photo Expedition. Or, explore our photo expeditions around the globe!

The post How to Get a Picture of a Wild Himalayan Snow Leopard first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

5 Steps to Become a Conservation Photographer

Ask people why they love photography and you’ll hear a wide range of responses:

“It gets me out exploring.”

“It’s an artistic outlet.”

“I can share my point of view on a subject.”

“To capture moments in time or memories.”

If you love nature or wildlife photography, you may hope your photos can move others to action—to preserve landscapes, habitats or threatened species.

Would you like to move beyond capturing individual, artistic shots of nature or wildlife to craft narratives that raise awareness to protect places you hold dear? Then read on for five steps to become a conservation photographer.

woman photographs brown bears grizzly bears in alaska

Nat Hab guest showing off her shots of bears catching salmon in wild Alaska © Brad Josephs

What is Conservation Photography?

Conservation photography goes beyond capturing beautiful images of the natural world; it combines the artistry and experience of nature and wildlife photography with storytelling to become a powerful tool for environmental advocacy.

Conservation photography aims to bring attention, understanding, and positive action to important environmental issues.

Imagine a photograph of a majestic tiger in its threatened habitat—that image not only celebrates the tiger’s beauty but could also compel viewers to consider the urgent need for conservation efforts if paired with the right stories and data. Conservation photographers leverage art to share compelling stories and essential information, evoke emotion and inspire positive change.

The artistry of conservation photography might involve surprising subjects, too. Images of ocean plastics and pollution have raised awareness, funding, and action regarding ocean cleanup and environmental regulations. Images of drought, flooding and wildfires are raising awareness around climate change.

How does Conservation Photography differ from Wildlife or Nature Photography?

Conservation photography is wildlife and nature photography with a distinct purpose: to increase awareness and compel action. A beautiful landscape or wildlife photo can also become a prime example of conservation photography; it’s all from the point of view of the photographer and how it’s used. Conservation photography tells a particular story to further conservation aims.

We often say people care for and take care of what they care about. Travel and firsthand experience create that connection, and photography can, too. Photography can create that emotional connection in people who have not seen polar bears in the Arctic firsthand, for example, prompting action to protect them. That’s the goal of conservation photography.

Is Conservation Photography photojournalism?

In many ways, yes! Just as photojournalists expose and bear witness to events, conservation photographers seek to convey information, evoke emotion and raise awareness through images of the environment. Both photojournalists and conservation photographers should document reality without excessive manipulation.

Conservation photographers may have a more explicit agenda than photojournalists. Conservation photography is a form of advocacy that raises awareness of the threats to our environment and its inhabitants and offers opportunities to preserve them.

How to Become a Conservation Photographer

You do not need press credentials or formal training to become a conservation photographer. All it takes is commitment and creativity to begin to develop your craft.

According to the Conservation Visual Storytellers Academy, the three essential elements of conservation photography are Idea, Image and Impact.

IDEA

The Idea stage represents the concept, issue or theme the conservation photographer focuses on—whether it’s deforestation, an endangered species, climate change or something else. Your first steps are to clarify your motivation and the ideas you want to convey.

Step 1: Identify Your Conservation Priorities

What is most important to you? What’s your unique point of view? Your purpose will shape all of your decisions as a conservation photographer.

Step 2: What’s the Conservation Story?

When most of us think of nature and wildlife photography, we think of breathtaking, memorable, individual images—those once-in-a-lifetime shots. What do you want those images to convey? What change would you like them to make? What information would you like to impart both with and through your photography? What’s the context and story around the shot?

IMAGE

Your images, of course, play a crucial role. They should grab and hold attention. They should be memorable. They should be images people will want to share because they’re beautiful, funny, gripping or important. Conservation photographers’ images illustrate circumstances or situations for viewers, evoke empathy, and convey urgency to promote action. They tell a story that requires intervention. The quality of those images can make them more memorable and impactful.

Step 3: Get Great Conservation Photos

When it comes to capturing your nature and wildlife images, patience may be your best tool, but if you’re like us, you’ll also want gear. Check out The Natural Photographer’s Gear Guide from Nat Hab’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Expedition Leader, Court Whelan.

Again, keep in mind: unlike posed photography, nature and wildlife move at a pace entirely their own. Being respectful and flexible will help you capture and create truthful and impactful images. On Nat Hab Photo Expeditions from the Canadian Tundra to the Kalahari desert to the sprawling wetlands of Brazil’s Pantanal and unparalleled access to brown bears in Katmai and Lake Clark national parks, we work with small groups and make choices that put you in the best positions to get shots you’ve dreamed of—and sometimes, we wait.

Closer to home, you can walk and shoot. Embark on a local photo safari or street photography project of your own:

Observe and catalog local species
Capture and share stories of climate change in your local community
Focus on local nature, wildlife, and conservation organizations and initiatives

What environmental issues are most important in your own backyard? Whether it’s supporting political initiatives to protect natural habitats or supporting wildlife rescue organizations, there are countless local opportunities to practice conservation photography close to home.

IMPACT

Once you have captured compelling images, impact arises from how conservation photography. Whether through exhibitions, educational programs, or collaborations with conservation organizations, the goal is to raise awareness and drive action. Who needs to hear the story?

Step 4: Make an Impact Close to Home

If you started with shots closer to home, consider making an impact in your own community.

Here are some ideas for how to share the conservation story:

Raise awareness: deliver slide shows and talks in senior homes, schools, professional organizations, libraries or community centers.
Show your photos in art galleries or coffeehouses.
Partner with local conservation organizations: provide images to support their preservation and conservation efforts.
Impact local issues and initiatives by partnering with policymakers or environmental scientists.

Step 5: Share your Experiences to Amplify Conservation Impact

Social media can be a great way to share your conservation images and stories in your local community and further afield. Reach out to local publications to publish conservation stories and share your stories on social media to raise awareness about important local issues.

University of Michigan researchers recently conducted a series of studies using Instagram images from a nonprofit environmental organization. They combined experimental and deep neural network modeling techniques to help explain the effectiveness of nature images. Among their findings:

The aesthetics of beautiful nature photos increase engagement with the images on social media.
This aesthetic value of the images encourages a moral responsibility to protect nature and wildlife.
Feelings of awe and inspiration created by the images are the specific drivers of these effects.

This makes conservation photography an incredibly powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring an emotional response among your audience.

Photos are also more shareable on social, which spreads the word. Research from HubSpot on the Facebook algorithm has shown that photo posts receive 53% more engagement than text alone. And, of course, photo-centric platforms, like Instagram and Pinterest, require an accompanying image to make a post. With these social platforms, you can build awareness and generate traction for your conservation stories more quickly.

Some Tips for Sharing on Social Media

Posting conservation photography on your social media accounts requires careful consideration. Social media is a great place to curate your professional portfolio and share important conservation stories with an audience.

Post with a delay and avoid geotagging your photos. Geotagging specific locations on Instagram can inadvertently contribute to habitat destruction and wildlife displacement. As more people are directed to these areas, the demand for infrastructure (trails, parking lots, facilities) may increase and disrupt existing wildlife patterns and behaviors. The construction of these amenities can lead to the clearing of natural habitats, fragmentation of ecosystems, and disruption of wildlife corridors. This loss and fragmentation of habitat can have severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Court Whelan advises:

“Avoid geotagging things as much as possible. We want to keep things wild; we want to keep things pristine. I absolutely love sharing information and intel from my scouting trips from little gems that I’ve found. But the problem is…how easy it is for other people to see where you’ve been and try to repeat it on their own…thousands and thousands of times.”

Consider substituting specific geotagging to join powerful conservation campaigns, like World Wildlife Fund’s campaign to reduce the demand among Chinese tourists for ivory, or #TooLatergram campaign to grow awareness of environmental destruction.

For WWF Pakistan, Hammad Anwar shared, “Social media management is a lot more than just posting on different forums; it is an art of creating and communicating messages that have a lasting and powerful impact.”

Conservation photography is a great way to use your passion for photography to make a positive difference in your local community, wildlife and our natural world. Use these five steps to get started on your own conservation photography journey.

The post 5 Steps to Become a Conservation Photographer first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Explore Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions & Conservation Photography: Q & A with Our Photo Expedition Co-Directors

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 Mike Hillman and Jim Beissel, Nat Hab’s Photo Expedition Co-Directors, to hear directly from them what you can expect from these trips.

How do Photo Expeditions differ from other Nat Hab itineraries?

Since 1985, Natural Habitat Adventures has delivered life-enhancing nature and wildlife experiences to small groups of passionate explorers. On Photo Expeditions, we build upon that tradition and maximize travelers’ 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.

This commitment to exclusive nature photography experiences can take many forms: private camps within national parks, our Aurora Pod® in Churchill, Nat Hab’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’s circumnavigation of Iceland or heading into the remote backcountry on our Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Photo Expedition.

Wild Alaska Grizzly Encounter Photo Expedition, travelers photographing, cameras, sony, Alaska, brown bear

“On these nature journeys, we’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.

For example, being out in the field during the right lighting conditions is key. So, changing when meals happen—if sunset’s 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.”

In addition, Photo Expeditions have smaller groups to allow for personalized photo instruction and increased baggage allowances for carrying camera gear.

Nat Hab guest on our Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition

Who are Photo Expeditions for? Do I need special photography skills or gear?

These are trips for everyone interested in photography, from basic to expert level skills, first timer to lifetime. All interested photographers are welcome to join, no matter your skill level.

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.

Interested to learn more about the gear we use? Check out Nat Hab’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Expedition Leader Court Whelan, doing a deep dive into his camera bag for an upcoming African safari:

Who leads Photo Expeditions?

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—they 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.

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.

“We’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.”

Photography Adventures co-director James Beissel guiding in Yellowstone National Park

What kind of photography instruction is available on a Photo Expedition?

Photography instruction on a trip can vary depending on the itinerary and guests. Mike shared that Photo Expedition instruction can include the following:

Field Instruction, getting inspiration and ideas from your Expedition Leader when you’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.
Formal Photography Instruction, 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.
Photo Editing Instruction, 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.

Photography Adventures co-director Mike Hillman and Nat Hab guest

Photography with a Direct Connection to Conservation

When I asked Jim and Mike what hopes they had for their work as Co-Directors of Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions, Jim said right away:

“Photography can inspire a lot of things: 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.”

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 conservation photographers.

Nat Hab guests photograph a black-and-white ruffed lemur in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

Inspiring nature photos have long helped protect wild places; the history of Yellowstone National Park is a great example. It might have never become a national park if photography hadn’t existed. William Henry Jackson, a pioneering photographer, and Thomas Moran, a landscape artist, joined Ferdinand Hayden’s 1871 expedition to survey the Yellowstone region for the federal government. Their images provided the first visual proof of Yellowstone’s 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.

“Today, 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’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.”

At Nat Hab, we want to drive home the positive impact of photography and support our travelers in capturing photos in the name of nature, wildlife and conservation.

Nat Hab travelers experience the natural wonders of North America on our Canyons of the American Southwest Photo Expedition © Courtney Kent

Jim: “The impact we hope to have is not always about taking a photo that changes the world. Participating in this activity, even if it’s just a hobby, is a way of exploring and a valuable way of connecting with nature. It’s a change in values: We’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’ve got this recurring source of revenue for local communities, too, and you’re part of something bigger, exploring the world with a camera and feeling inspired by that process and the people around you.”

Mike: “We 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’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—and take others into—nature on its own terms.”

Are you inspired? If you’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 Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions here.

The post Explore Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions & Conservation Photography: Q & A with Our Photo Expedition Co-Directors first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.