Writing

Michael Bonocore

Travel and adventure photographer, and Director of Partnerships at PetaPixel. Below are 68 articles for PetaPixel, 2021 to 2026, on wildlife, travel, astrophotography, and the craft. Earlier field stories live in the Archive.

202612 articles

The image is split: on the left, a desert landscape with mountains, rocks, and cacti under a colorful sunset sky; on the right, an illuminated path with…

What Photographing Every Texas State Park Taught a Landscape Photographer

At 1:45 a.m., photographer Maegan Lanham left camp and drove 54 miles down a backcountry road. She then hiked three and a half miles into a dark canyon, before… Read on PetaPixel
Two night landscapes: Left, the Milky Way over mountains reflected in a calm lake; right, the Milky Way stretches above trees and a rustic wooden cabin…

How to Turn a Flat, Noisy RAW Into a Finished Milky Way Photograph

The Milky Way that arched over the Tetons looked nothing like the RAW file that came home. At two in the morning, on Matt Suess' camera, it glowed. On his computer… Read on PetaPixel
A person wearing dark clothing stands on an escalator, holding a blue suitcase with one hand and resting the other hand on the escalator railing. The…

The Atlas ONE Is a Three-Pack System That’s a Camera Bag Only When You Need It

Atlas Packs has launched the Atlas ONE, a system of three ultralight backpacks that work as a low-profile everyday pack and turn into a camera bag only when the day… Read on PetaPixel
8 Editing Problems Nik Collection 9 Actually Solves

8 Editing Problems Nik Collection 9 Actually Solves

Over the last few decades, most photographers have believed that the more powerful the editing tool, the longer they need to spend behind a screen. Selection tools,… Read on PetaPixel
Split image: On the left, a view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by red brick buildings. On the right, two women face the Brooklyn Bridge and city…

Before the Frame: A Filmmaker’s Approach to Street Photography

Six in the morning on the Brooklyn Bridge, and New York City is something it rarely is. It is quiet. Not empty, but quiet. Dan Aragon is standing on the walkway… Read on PetaPixel
Three images: left, a barn under the Milky Way; center, a close-up of stars and nebulae in the night sky; right, an old wooden building with circular…

8 Astrophotography Lessons the Beginner Guides Leave Out

Photographer Matt Suess was halfway through a 45-minute star trail exposure in Joshua Tree when he noticed a hazy band stretched across the sky. He had grown up in… Read on PetaPixel
A smiling man in a cap holds a camera and stands beside a colorful mural of a leaping fish, with a photo editing program open showing adjustments on the…

DxO PureRAW 6: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

For many photographers, their photos look good on the camera’s LCD. The exposure is right and the scene looks exactly how it was envisioned. That confidence lasts… Read on PetaPixel
A young fox stands in tall grass with its mouth open, while beside it a bald eagle swoops down over water, clutching a fish in its talons.

Beyond the Sharp Shot: 11 Tips to Take Artistic Wildlife Photos

Wildlife photographer Tiffany Taxis had been sitting with a bear and her three cubs on the Alaska coast for hours when the large animal went rigid. She stopped… Read on PetaPixel
Split-screen image: Left side shows an older man in a "Springs Rescue Mission" t-shirt and cap, smiling at the camera. Right side shows a man in a yellow…

What Hope Looks Like: Photographing Recovery at Springs Rescue Mission

Most people dread receiving their monthly electric bill. For a Colorado Springs man named Thomas, however, receiving his first utility statement in his own name was… Read on PetaPixel
A shepherd in traditional attire with sheep, a lion walking on a dirt path, and a pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background at sunset, shown in three…

9 Lessons From a Decade of Travel Photography

Chris Poplawski doesn't believe in specializing. The OM SYSTEM photographer and USC business graduate left his corporate marketing career over a decade ago to pursue… Read on PetaPixel
Two men holding large cameras with telephoto lenses stand outdoors in front of lush green trees. Large text reads "Photographing Birds in Costa Rica"…

Photographing the Birds of Costa Rica with Chris Niccolls

After 15 years reviewing cameras, Chris Niccolls knows gear. The PetaPixel YouTube host has tested every major system and built a reputation for making technical… Read on PetaPixel
Left: A wall decorated with cowboy hat shapes, a window, and a row of chairs. Right: An abandoned, weathered U.S. Air Force jet resting on the ground…

The Photographer’s Guide to Breaking Your Own Rules

After 25 years behind the camera, OM SYSTEM photographer Jerred Zegelis thought he knew the rules of photography. Shoot RAW. Stay neutral. Fix it in post. Art Filters… Read on PetaPixel

202513 articles

A bald eagle perches on a branch in falling snow on the left; on the right, a close-up shows a blue dragonfly’s detailed face and large eyes.

8 Micro Four Thirds Myths, Exposed by Four Full-Frame Converts

Photography often feels like a battle against physics, where image quality supposedly demands heavy glass and aching backs. However, … Read on PetaPixel
A person in traditional attire holds a large bird of prey, possibly an eagle, on their gloved arm in a sunlit outdoor setting, with image editing…

Nik Collection 8: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Color Efex

Beyond basic RAW adjustments lies the world of creative color grading where photographers define their signature style. DxO's recently updated Nik Collection 8… Read on PetaPixel
Close-up of a spider on the left clinging to a green leaf, showing its eyes and hairy legs, and a detailed view of an insect with large eyes perched on…

Handheld Macro Mastery: How to Capture Stunning Close-Ups Without a Tripod

Photographer Chris McGinnis has never taken a macro photograph in the field with a tripod in his entire career as an OM SYSTEM ambassador. The reason is simple:… Read on PetaPixel
Two bear cubs stand on hind legs playfully sparring in a grassy field, while a bald eagle perches calmly on a branch against a blurred forest background.

Ethical Wildlife Photography: A Field Guide to Photographing Animals with Respect

A crew working for an unnamed wildlife photographer fed and used cellophane paper to lure a fox for the 'perfect shot' in Grand Teton National Park. Since the fox was… Read on PetaPixel
On the left, an eagle takes flight from a branch against a blurred sky. On the right, a puffin holds green plants and white flowers in its colorful beak,…

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Bird Photography

While birds inhabit every environment from remote wilderness to urban parking lots, capturing their beauty and behavior demands technical … Read on PetaPixel
A cluster of yellow wildflowers in a mountain valley under a cloudy sky, beside a waterfall cascading into a rocky stream with autumn leaves in the water.

A Complete Guide to Capturing Creative Landscape Photography

Landscapes are one of the most accessible yet challenging genres of photography. The challenge for many landscape photographers is effectively translating the… Read on PetaPixel
11 Pro Tips to Instantly Elevate Your Golden Hour Photography

11 Pro Tips to Instantly Elevate Your Golden Hour Photography

The long days of summer offer a unique advantage for photographers: an abundance of golden hour light. This seasonal extension of the coveted 'magic hours' provides… Read on PetaPixel
A wildlife photographer with a large camera and tripod photographs a puma in a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks and rocky terrain. The puma…

The Ultimate SIGMA Lens Buying Guide

Since its founding in 1961 by Michihiro Yamaki, SIGMA has established itself as a pioneer in the world of photography. By primarily focusing on producing camera… Read on PetaPixel
Three men pose against green backgrounds: one wears an elaborate horned costume with armor, another sits in a patterned silver suit with medals, and the…

A Decade of Discovery: Felix Kunze’s Iconic Explorers Club Portraits

For over a century, The Explorers Club Annual Dinner has stood as a prestigious gathering, celebrating those who relentlessly push the boundaries of human endeavor.… Read on PetaPixel
Split image: On the left, a shirtless man in loose pants leaps high in the air against misty mountains. On the right, an ice climber in green scales a…

Break the Rules, Find Your Shot: An Adventure Photographer’s Guide

Pelican partner Boone Speed is regarded in many circles as a jack-of-all-trades. In addition to being a pioneering rock climber, Speed is also a successful… Read on PetaPixel
A chinstrap penguin stands in snow on the left, while a red fox stands on snowy ground with rocks and trees in the background on the right.

Beyond the Basics: 9 Tips to Improve Your Wildlife Photography

For decades, OM SYSTEM Ambassadors Joe and Mary Ann McDonald have traveled the globe, documenting wildlife in its natural element through their photography. Read on PetaPixel
A bright spiral galaxy with a glowing core is shown on the left, surrounded by stars and smaller galaxies. On the right, a colorful nebula displays red,…

A Complete Guide to Deep-Sky Astrophotography

While photographing wide-angle nightscapes is a common occurrence for astrophotographers, not many capture the faint nebulae and distant galaxies hidden beyond the… Read on PetaPixel
A sea turtle swims near a coral reef underwater with sunlight streaming down; beside it, a mother bear and her two cubs stand by the edge of a forested…

8 Pro Tips to Elevate Your Nature Photography Instantly

Adobe Lightroom Ambassador Melissa Findley is a photographer with a deep interest in travel, adventure, landscape, and lifestyle photography. Her passion for visual… Read on PetaPixel

202411 articles

Three polar bears stand among purple flowers on the left side of the image. On the right, a polar bear cub lies peacefully among the same flowers.

How the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Documents Animals in the Arctic

At a young age, wildlife photographer and Pelican user … Read on PetaPixel
A whimsical collage featuring: a stack of pancakes with miniature people, two tiny figures walking through snow with pine branches overhead, and a…

6 Ways to Expand Your Creativity According to a Pro Photographer

Over the last decade, photographer Erin Sullivan has built an impressive travel photography portfolio by embracing creativity in both traditional and unconventional… Read on PetaPixel
Close-up macro photography of two insects. The left image shows the detailed head of a vibrant green beetle with prominent eyes and mandibles. The right…

How to Capture Better Macro Wildlife Photographs

Macro Photographer Ben Salb is an OM SYSTEM Ambassador whose passion for photography lies in the small details of the natural world. The Maryland-based photographer… Read on PetaPixel
A collage of three images: on the left, a tiger walking forward; in the center, a person on horseback holding a bird of prey with a rainbow and mountains…

Exploring the World with Travel, Wildlife, and Humanitarian Photographer Colby Brown

Colby Brown is a travel, wildlife, and humanitarian photographer who has traveled to over 120 countries in his 18-year career. Spending nearly six months a year… Read on PetaPixel
A triptych image: Left shows hands adjusting oversized sunglasses on a mural with a cartoon face. Center depicts a modern, cable-stayed bridge with two…

Photographing Compelling Urban Scenes With Martin Lindner

Martin Lindner is a German photographer and Adobe Lightroom Ambassador known for capturing captivating images with unique perspectives in urban environments.… Read on PetaPixel
A split image: The left shows a wooden boardwalk winding through a dry, grassy landscape under a cloudy sky. The right features a lone tree with a dense…

Six Ways to Help Yourself See Like a Photographer

Chris Eyre-Walker, an OM SYSTEM Ambassador from Belgium, grew up traveling with his parents who were avid amateur photographers. These childhood photography… Read on PetaPixel
A collage of three images: a dog sitting on a forest trail, a person in a red coat walking on a bridge with large hand sculptures, and a bear standing in…

Using Adobe Lightroom’s New AI Tools to Tell Better Travel Stories

For over a decade, Tiffany Nguyen has been traveling the world documenting the landscape, adventure, and culture in some of the most photogenic places. With Adobe’s… Read on PetaPixel
Photographing Idaho

Celebrate a Year of Chris and Jordan by Watching Their Idaho Travel Show

Today marks the anniversary of Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake joining PetaPixel! Celebrate with us by watching their first (and so far, only) travel show as they… Read on PetaPixel
Photographing the Winter Wildlife of Yellowstone

Photographing the Winter Wildlife of Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the United States, having been established on March 1st, 1872. While Yellowstone is home to incredible… Read on PetaPixel
On Safari: A Hands-On With the New OM System OM-1 Mark II

On Safari: A Hands-On With the New OM System OM-1 Mark II

With the announcement of the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600 F5.0-6.3 IS Lens, wildlife photography has never been more accessible.… Read on PetaPixel
7 Tips To Improve Your Macro Photography

7 Tips To Improve Your Macro Photography

French photographer Emilie Talpin did not pick up her first camera until 2018 but within just a few years, she became both an OM SYSTEM Ambassador and a highly… Read on PetaPixel

20238 articles

Photographing Idaho’s Picturesque Sawtooth Mountains with Matt Suess

Photographing Idaho’s Picturesque Sawtooth Mountains with Matt Suess

With each passing year, more photographers find themselves exploring the endless miles of pristine rivers, remote backroads, and stunning landscapes of Idaho. Even… Read on PetaPixel
5 Unique Photography Experiences to Have in Alaska

5 Unique Photography Experiences to Have in Alaska

Alaska is known as The Last Frontier, and for those that have visited, it’s easy to see why. As Lindblad Expeditions’ former Director of Photography, travel… Read on PetaPixel
The Trip of a Lifetime: Photographing the Wild Shores of Greenland

The Trip of a Lifetime: Photographing the Wild Shores of Greenland

Not only is Greenland one of the most remote places in the world, … Read on PetaPixel
A Complete Guide to Capturing Gorgeous Photos of the Night Sky

A Complete Guide to Capturing Gorgeous Photos of the Night Sky

Peter Baumgarten is an award-winning nature photographer, educator, and OM SYSTEM Ambassador based on Canada’s Manitoulin Island. The island’s dark sky location… Read on PetaPixel
© Frank T. Smith Photograph

Photographer Captures Gorgeous Photos of Fall Colors in Patagonia

OM SYSTEM Ambassador and travel photographer Frank Smith has been capturing the diverse beauty of the world for decades. Whether it be through his photographs of… Read on PetaPixel
Why Every Wildlife Photographer Should Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara

Why Every Wildlife Photographer Should Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara

Every year from late June through early October, wildlife photographers flock to Masai Mara National Reserve, an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern… Read on PetaPixel
Photographer Captures Beauty from Iceland to the Edges of the Earth

Photographer Captures Beauty from Iceland to the Edges of the Earth

Pelican Pro photographer and filmmaker Benjamin Hardman was so drawn to arctic landscapes, he traded in his life on the warm shores of Australia to live in Iceland,… Read on PetaPixel
Acclaimed Travel Photographer Shares 7 Must-Take Expedition Cruises

Acclaimed Travel Photographer Shares 7 Must-Take Expedition Cruises

Today, interest in adventure travel is at an all-time high. Most modern day travelers design their travel itineraries based on the exciting experiences that it will… Read on PetaPixel

202216 articles

9 Tips For Photographing Wildlife In Winter

9 Tips For Photographing Wildlife In Winter

Most photographers would agree that wildlife photography is challenging, even in pleasant conditions. OM SYSTEM Ambassador and Colorado-based photographer Arthur… Read on PetaPixel
The Winners of PetaPixel’s Wild Personalities Photo Contest

The Winners of PetaPixel’s Wild Personalities Photo Contest

The Galápagos Islands is a bucket list destination for almost any photographer, thanks to the remote archipelago's diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. After… Read on PetaPixel
Win a Trip to the Galápagos Islands and an OM-1 Camera

Win a Trip to the Galápagos Islands and an OM-1 Camera

The Galápagos Islands is a bucket list destination for almost any photographer, thanks to the remote archipelago's diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. Now, you can… Read on PetaPixel
Photographing the Diverse Wildlife and Nature of the Galápagos Islands

Photographing the Diverse Wildlife and Nature of the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are high on most wildlife photographers' bucket list, and for good reason. While photographers may not find intimidating predators like lions or… Read on PetaPixel
8 Ways Storytelling Can Improve Your Photos and Videos

8 Ways Storytelling Can Improve Your Photos and Videos

Photography and filmmaking wasn’t always a part of Kane Andrade’s career path. The San Francisco Bay Area native and Adobe Lightroom Ambassador originally was… Read on PetaPixel
9 Tips For Capturing Wildlife in Motion

9 Tips For Capturing Wildlife in Motion

OM SYSTEM Ambassador and wildlife photographer Buddy Eleazer has traveled the world in search of unique moments that tell the stories of the world’s most fascinating… Read on PetaPixel
Win an OM SYSTEM OM-1 Camera Kit and a Trip to the Galapagos with Lindblad Expeditions

Win an OM SYSTEM OM-1 Camera Kit and a Trip to the Galapagos with Lindblad Expeditions

Have you ever dreamed of traveling to one of the most biodiverse locations on the planet? The Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles off of the coast of Ecuador, is… Read on PetaPixel
10 Tips for Capturing Incredible Photos of Birds

10 Tips for Capturing Incredible Photos of Birds

Ben Knoot is a nature photographer and OM SYSTEM Ambassador whose passion for wildlife photography was born from his love of birds. The 26-year-old has traveled the… Read on PetaPixel
Photographing Antarctica: Penguins, Seals, and a Total Solar Eclipse

Photographing Antarctica: Penguins, Seals, and a Total Solar Eclipse

Antarctica is a bucket list destination for countless landscape and wildlife photographers, and for good reason. Dramatic, jagged mountain peaks rise high over… Read on PetaPixel
7 Places You Must Visit, According to a Globetrotting Photographer Couple

7 Places You Must Visit, According to a Globetrotting Photographer Couple

Travel Photographer and Pelican Pro Chris Poplawski and his fellow photographer wife Meagan Bourne have visited countless countries in search of solitude and beauty. Read on PetaPixel
Landscape photos by luke stackpoole

7 Tips for Photographing Dreamlike Landscapes

Luke Stackpoole is a London-based landscape photographer and Adobe Lightroom Ambassador who has traveled around the world in search of dramatic scenery. From the… Read on PetaPixel
Moonbows in Yosemite

Photographing Moonbows at Night in Yosemite National Park

Rainbows are a favorite subject for landscape photographers, but the lesser-known phenomena known as "moonbows" -- rainbows created by moonlight -- are not as easy to… Read on PetaPixel
Ice Caves in the Rockies

Photos of Majestic Ice Caves Hidden in the Canadian Rockies

The cool, blue tones of the ice combined with otherworldly features, shapes, and light can lead to portfolio-worthy photos. How to find and photograph remote ice… Read on PetaPixel
San Francisco Giants Opening Day

Photographing MLB’s Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants

Being a photographer for a professional sports team is a dream for most, but it does not come without challenges. With an owner-imposed lockout ending well after 2022… Read on PetaPixel
Timelapse Shows the Beauty of Greece’s Less-Traveled Epirus Region

Timelapse Shows the Beauty of Greece’s Less-Traveled Epirus Region

Greek photographer and filmmaker Christophe Anagnostopoulos is determined to show the world the side of his home country that most don't see. Read on PetaPixel
23 of the Best Storm Photos of 2022

23 of the Best Storm Photos of 2022

Well-known storm photographer Mike Olbinski created the annual Storm Photos of the Year contest as a way to help the public recognize the dedication of both… Read on PetaPixel

20218 articles

Top 5 Places to Photograph in Meteora, Greece

Top 5 Places to Photograph in Meteora, Greece

An ancient beauty of nature and human engineering, Meteora is a UNESCO-listed Monastery Complex located in northern Greece. Composed of tall vertical cliffs and… Read on PetaPixel
Photographer Captures Drone Video of Bizarre, Fast-Moving ‘UFOs’

Photographer Captures Drone Video of Bizarre, Fast-Moving ‘UFOs’

Photographer and filmmaker James Cawley was well aware of the recent interest in UFOs as he watched two ovular-shaped objects fly quickly through the screen of his… Read on PetaPixel
This 2021 Solar Eclipse Timelapse Was Made from 50,000 Photos

This 2021 Solar Eclipse Timelapse Was Made from 50,000 Photos

In the morning hours of June 10th, a "ring of fire" solar eclipse greeted sky observers in the northeast United States, northern Canada, Europe, northern Asia, Russia… Read on PetaPixel
13 Anthony Bourdain Quotes and Their Value to Me as a Travel Photographer

13 Anthony Bourdain Quotes and Their Value to Me as a Travel Photographer

Today marks three years since the world lost one of its most interesting and likable public personalities. Anthony Bourdain was one of those unique souls that found a… Read on PetaPixel
How One Man Used Photography to Give Back to His Navajo Community

How One Man Used Photography to Give Back to His Navajo Community

Photographer Mylo Fowler was raised in a small home on the Navajo Reservation of Northern Arizona. In the latest film from director Chris Burkard, Fowler describes… Read on PetaPixel
How to Capture the Unique Details of Sand Dunes with a Telephoto Lens

How to Capture the Unique Details of Sand Dunes with a Telephoto Lens

Landscape photographers dread the feeling of standing in front of an incredible scene only to look up to find blue skies filled with harsh sunlight and no clouds. On… Read on PetaPixel
Stunning Timelapse Film Shows the Pure Magic of New Zealand

Stunning Timelapse Film Shows the Pure Magic of New Zealand

Since travel has been near non-existent for the last year, many have resorted to living travel experiences virtually. Thanks to this incredible 8K timelapse film from… Read on PetaPixel
6 Photography Locations That Show Earth’s Unique And Diverse Beauty

6 Photography Locations That Show Earth’s Unique And Diverse Beauty

As a full-time travel photographer and writer, I could never have imagined I would be taking a 12-month hiatus from air travel. But, of course, that is exactly what… Read on PetaPixel