The National Geographic Guide to Landscape and Wildlife Photography

Start taking gram-worthy photographs of lions, tigers, and bears. (Dogs, cats, and goldfish are fine, too.)

Description:
Led by acclaimed National Geographic photographers Michael Melford and Tim Laman, this course gives you a masterclass in both landscape and wildlife photography. From understanding light, color, and perspective to the technical setup of your camera and creative editing, you’ll discover the tools and mindset needed to capture breathtaking images. Explore diverse environments—from deserts and icy Antarctica to lush rainforests and the open sea—while learning insider secrets that make photographs not just beautiful, but unforgettable.

Lessons

01: Landscape Photographer, Landscape Artist
Start your photographic adventure by grounding yourself in the essence of great landscape photography. How is it like fly fishing? What artists and photographers have influenced Mr. Melford’s own work? What three elements and tools do photographers need to capture breathtaking shots of the natural world?
30 min

02: Seeing the Way the Camera Sees
Every image in these lectures was captured with equipment found in Mr. Melford’s backpack. Peer inside the landscape photographer’s bag and discover when to use essential tools including cable releases, different lenses (such as the perfect landscape lens) and polarizing filters (which take the haze out of sky and water).
26 min

03: What’s in My Bag?
Shutter speed, depth of field, and ISO (a camera’s sensitivity to light). Discover how these technical concepts work together to form the foundation of powerful landscape photos. Also, learn how to “sketch” a shot with your mobile phone to see if it’s worth pursuing.
32 min

04: Four Kinds of Light in Landscapes
Every worthwhile landscape photo has three elements that make it powerful: composition, light, and content. Learn about compositional aspects (such as leading lines and frames within frames) and the four kinds of light (including diffused light and incremental weather light).
28 min

05: Landscape Color Variation and Combinations
Colors abound in the natural world, so it’s essential for landscape photographers to understand how they mix—and how people respond to them. Taking you to places like Acadia and Adirondack State Park, Mr. Melford shows how to play with color in your photos.
32 min

06: Nighttime and Daytime Skyscapes
Aim your camera upwards with this lesson on shooting the sky during the day and at night. From sun-blocking clouds to the aurora borealis and star trails, learn that shooting the sky requires anticipation, perseverance, and patience.
30 min

07: Above- and Below-Surface Waterscapes
Explore how expert landscape photographers use water as a subject or compositional element. From waterfalls to ice patterns, discover tips for capturing abstract textures and underwater shots without expensive housings.
30 min

08: Landscape Photography Site Research
Landscape photos often require planning. Travel to Death Valley to see how pros research, scout locations, and stay open to serendipity when uncovering hidden gems.
28 min

09: Drive-By Photography: Travel Photos
When you’re on the move, you don’t always control the scene. Learn tricks for car, boat, and plane photography to turn fleeting opportunities into great images.
31 min

10: Computer Editing: Review and Cataloging
In the first of two editing lessons, discover how to catalog, organize, and ruthlessly edit your photos to highlight your strongest work.
31 min

11: Computer Editing: Development
Explore tools like histograms, contrast adjustments, and dehaze filters to refine your digital photos with a professional touch.
30 min

12: Five Ideas for Successful Landscape Photos
Mr. Melford shares five essential ideas for elevating your work, from developing personal style to surrounding yourself with inspiring art.
31 min

13: Wildlife Photography
Begin the wildlife section with a trip to Borneo in search of hornbills, highlighting practical skills like patience, timing, and preparation.
36 min

14: Photographing Winter Wildlife
Study snow monkeys, cranes, and more as you learn to handle harsh winter conditions and capture the drama of snowstorms.
30 min

15: Photographing Island Wildlife
Travel to the Galapagos Islands to photograph crabs, iguanas, and sea lions, with tips on anticipating behavior and working with the golden hour.
26 min

16: Nighttime Wildlife Photography
Discover techniques for photographing nocturnal creatures like owls, lemurs, and bats. Learn to use shadows for drama and refine your lighting setups.
30 min

17: Documenting Biodiversity
Join Mr. Laman in the Amazon rainforest as he documents birds and monkeys, mastering big lenses, stabilizers, and tripods.
30 min

18: Photographing Life in the Sea
Dive into underwater photography by learning how light behaves underwater and how to avoid common mistakes with flash.
31 min

19: Camera Traps for Elusive Wildlife
Remote-control photography and camera traps allow you to capture rare animals in difficult conditions like muddy mangroves.
30 min

20: Antarctica: A Photographer’s Paradise
King penguins, albatrosses, and icy landscapes—see how to work in extreme environments while creating stunning compositions.
27 min

21: Photography on the Road
Learn the challenges and rewards of photographing wildlife from vehicles in remote Australia.
27 min

22: Orangutans: Photographing Animal Communities
Discover techniques for capturing orangutans in moments of play, conflict, and bonding, highlighting the value of persistence and experimentation.
32 min

23: Birds of Paradise: Ultimate Photo Challenge
Follow an eight-year project to photograph all 39 species of birds of paradise, an inspiring lesson in passion and dedication.
31 min

24: Getting Your Best Wildlife Photo
Conclude by pulling all skills together in three exotic bird shoots, illustrating how planning, patience, and technique create world-class images.
33 min