Author: Andrew Beck
Trip Report: Svalbard Arctic Expedition 2023
I have just returned from my favourite destination anywhere on the planet. Svalbard. From the first time I hosted a Wild Eye expedition there in 2013 I fell in love the harsh beauty of the white wonderland at the top of the world and this year I was reminded of why Svalbard is such in [...]
Behind the Frame: Polar Bear
In this episode of Behind the Frame I share some details on one of the amazing polar bear sightings I shared with my guests during my recent Svalbard Arctic Expedition. I share some info on how to photograph in Arctic conditions and then look at how you could go about processing a polar bear image [...]
Meet the Wild Eye team
We have an incredible team at Wild Eye. Yeah, I might be biased but I'm convinced we have one of the best travel, photographic and guiding teams in the game. The way we managed to fight through Covid, the level of our in the field education and inspiration, our incredible finance and logistics ream and [...]
Where is your focus in wildlife photography?
It's often been said that the more you know the better it gets. I also then believe that the more intentional you are with whatever you do, the better your outcome will be. This is kind of where I got the idea for this episode of The Wild Eye Podcast in which I ask where [...]
Masking in Lightroom 101
The updated masking feature in Lightroom is one of the biggest and most impressive updates in a very long time. it has literally changed my workflow and cut down my time in Photoshop quite a bit. In this video on the Wild Eye YouTube channel I walk you through the basics of all the different [...]
What lens should I take on a photo safari?
Let me answer that question for you. A 70 - 200mm f/2.8. You're welcome. Okay, now on a serious note. This is one of the most common questions I get asked and one that I think a lot of people overthink. In episode 402 of The Wild Eye Podcast I share some thoughts on this [...]
A different approach to composition
In episode 401 of The Wild Eye Podcast I share a few thoughts on, and a different way you can think about your composition. Yes, the rule of thirds is an okay starting place but it doesn't always leave you with the visual energy, visual mass and balance that your images might need. In this [...]
Processing 27 guest images from Iceland
If you have some time and you want some ideas for your own image processing and some inspiration then don't worry. I've got you covered. In the video below I process 27 guest images from Iceland. You see, we were nice and busy on the tour and, as with any other tour, I'd much rather [...]
How to prepare for your Svalbard expedition
Svalbard is without a doubt the quintessential bucket list destination. It is a beautifully harsh place that holds your fascination from the moment you arrive. For an expedition of this nature you need to pack and prepare well so in order to assist the guests travelling with me soon, I have put together a video [...]
Wildlife photography with the Olympus mirrorless system
I have always believed that it's not about the gear you use but rather what you do with it. The reality is that you can create amazing wildlife images with any camera brand and, to me, the more important thing the last is the experience of my photography. For the last 6 years I have [...]
Iceland as a destination
Since the first time I set foot in the Arctic I knew I found a place that speaks to me. I'm not sure if it was the cold air on my face, the dark, rough mountains contrasting with the soft white snow or something deeper than that. Either way, I knew I liked it. A [...]
The power of one
The great migration is, as the name suggests, great and the scale of the even can sometimes make it difficult from a photography point of view. You see, people often think that the more subjects you have to photograph, the easier it is. On the contrary, the more subjects there are the more intentional you [...]
Iceland in winter vs Iceland in summer
Often when speaking to people about safaris and tours the conversation naturally goes to destinations they've visited and destinations that would still like to visit. I find it pretty sad that people will say often something like "no, I've already been to the Mara / Madikwe / Svalbard so I'd rather go somewhere new". The [...]
Talking through an image
All too often in photography, people either overthink or underthink their images. Some people like to look at the details and analyse their images to the point where it becomes counter-productive and only serves to create doubt and a lack of confidence in their own ability. It is good to talk about your photography and [...]
5 reasons why you should join me in Iceland
I've just returned from another photo tour to Iceland and was once again reminded of why I enjoy the Arctic so much. It's not only the feeling that you're going to another world but also the natural beauty, the people and the overall feel that a place like Iceland gives you. This was my first [...]
Logistics Update from the Wild Eye Office
Dear valued guest, We do hope this communication comes to you all in good health. Here in South Africa, we have experienced the second wave of COVID and we have had additional lockdowns and restrictions, alcohol sale bans and delays in schools opening for the new school year. With these measures, the spread of the [...]
Sacred Nature Volume 2: Reconnecting People to Our Planet
Internationally acclaimed wildlife photographers and conservationists Jonathan & Angela Scott are launching a Kickstarter campaign on 2 February 2021 to produce a stunning wildlife photography book highlighting the wonder and fragility of nature. Sacred Nature Volume 2: Reconnecting People to Our Planet (HPH) presents an array of thought-provoking words and evocative images from around the [...]