Text and images copyright Greg Downing, all rights reserved

We just finished our very first NSN Photography Series event at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, and I must say it was a huge success!

Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes, EOS 5D, 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/80 @ f7.1, ISO 250

Our keynote dinner and classroom instruction were held at the Macey Center for Performing Arts at New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico. Many of our NSN staff were on hand: yours truly, Greg Downing, E.J. Peiker, Chris Klapheke, Royce Howland and NSN's Event Coordinator, Erin Masters. Our special guest and keynote speaker was Rick Sammon, Canon Explorer of Light and renowned photographer.

Blastoff at Bosque del Apache - Must Know Info for Wildlife Photographers

Text and images copyright Rick Sammon, all rights reserved.

“Amazing!” “Stunning!” “Breathtaking!” “Awesome!” “Freezing!!”

These were some of the comments that were shared at the two sunrise shoots during NatureScapes’ first annual event this past December in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. The site, around 80 miles from Albuquerque, is situated at an elevation about 4,500 feet above sea level.

The “freezing” comment referred to the temperature: 21° F. The other comments referred to the sight before our eyes: thousands of Snow Geese “blasting off,” silhouetted against a spectacular sunrise. As an added attraction, hundreds of Sandhill Cranes swooped over our heads, some flying solo, some flying in formation – eventually landing in nearby shallow pools of water, posing for wildlife photographers with a special love for birds.

Text and photos copyright Rene de Heer, all rights reserved

It was that time of the year again. Where would this year’s annual bird photography trip take me? For the last 8 years, my trips have taken me up north to Finland and always in the depths of winter. There is something compelling about Finland or, I should say, Northern Scandinavia. Perhaps it’s the light, the vast, empty spaces, the sheer beauty of the countryside in the depths of winter. It’s all of that and, of course, the beautiful birds. I have never been disappointed, always coming home with good images: Pine Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, mating Golden Eagle, Crested Tit and Northern Bullfinch, just to name a few.

Text and photos copyright Joe McDonald, all rights reserved

I travel a lot as a wildlife photographer and to me there’s no place like Africa for the absolute best in wildlife photography. Indeed, Africa gets in your blood, not as a malarial parasite but as a burning obsession, because for most, one visit simply isn’t enough. Most folks, before they’ve even completed their first visit, are already planning on when and how they’ll be able to return. It simply is that good!