Outdoor Photography Magazine 2 page spread

PRINTS FOR WILDLIFE- EDITION HOPE

September 10, 2025

Back in 2020, I was asked to be involved with an amazing fundraiser for wildlife. I always wanted my images to have some kind of impact and I have always made it a top priority to contribute when I can. Their fist campaign raised not only awareness, but over 2.1 million USD since 2020. That’s incredible. This year they are back with another campaign, here is the email I received:

We are bringing Prints for Wildlife back! And therefore, we are writing to ask: Will you stand with us again?

Late summer 2025 we are launching ‘Edition Hope’, and your voice is more needed than ever.

This time, the threat is quieter but no less urgent. Around the globe, political decisions are unraveling decades of conservation work. Protections are being reversed. Funding is vanishing overnight. Nature is being commodified, and communities are being left behind.

We believe photography can be a powerful form of resistance, a reminder of what’s at stake and what’s still possible.

We feel the responsibility to bring hope back into the hearts and minds of people.

This year, all proceeds will go to Conservation International, a global nonprofit protecting nature for the benefit of people and the planet. Their work spans forests, oceans, wildlife, and climate, and they need our support now more than ever.

We know many of you are feeling the weight of the world. But we also know the power of this community, and the quiet revolution that starts with a single image.

Edition Hope will introduce new elements, new stories, and new ways to connect, we will venture into various new photographic domains: landscapes, people, conservation stories, and of course wildlife. Because the beating heart remains the same: you!

If you’re willing to donate a print again and be part of this year’s movement, we’d be honoured to have you.

If you have ever thought of purchasing a print or have wanted to contribute to conservation or wildlife in any way, this is a great time to do so. Visit their website and choose the print you want-Prints for Wildlife.

I am so honored to be a part of this campaign. Highlighted by Outdoor Photography Magazine, Royal Photographic Society and many more….see below

PRINTS FOR WILDLIFE - ARTICLES

Geographical: https://geographical.co.uk/wildlife/prints-for-wildlife-returns-in-2025-with-edition-hope

France24 TV interview with Pie and Marion – to air September 17

MyModernMet – https://mymodernmet.com/edition-hope-prints-for-wildlife-fundraiser/

Petapixel: https://petapixel.com/2025/08/21/over-200-renowned-photographers-unite-for-wildlife-conservation/

This Is Colossal: https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/08/prints-for-wildlife-2025/

The Mail on Sunday – double page spread – print - PDF

San Francisco Bay Times: https://sfbaytimes.com/worlds-top-wildlife-and-nature-photographers-are-selling-prints-to-benefit-conservation-international/

The Hindu –https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/prints-for-wildlife-fundraiser-wildlife-photographers-2025/article69959585.ece

Escapism magazine: https://escapismmagazine.com/wildlife/prints-wildlife-2025/

Wild Eye Magazine: https://wildeyemagazine.com/prints-for-wildlife-turning-art-into-action/

Beyond magazine (Etihad Airways): https://mags.itp.com/Etihad/Beyond/004_BEYOND_SEP-2025/#page=38

Capture magazine: https://www.capturemag.com.au/news/prints-for-wildlife-brings-together-200-photographers-for-conservation

Overland Journal: https://expeditionportal.com/overland-news-of-the-week-113/

Wanderlust - https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/news/prints-for-wildlife-2025/

Professional Photo

https://professionalphoto.online/pro-photo-issue-234/buy-a-classic-print-and-support-the-side-gallery/

Amateur Photographer magazine

https://gb.readly.com/magazines/amateur-photographer/2025-08-16/689e5ffcdd44330de342c054

Amateur Photographer online: https://amateurphotographer.com/latest/photo-news/buy-a-print-from-a-top-wildlife-photographer-and-help-wildlife-charities/

Digital Camera World: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/photography/nature-and-wildlife-photography/more-than-200-leading-photographers-to-support-global-conservation

MSN: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/more-than-200-leading-photographersoffer-images-of-hope-to-support-global-conservation/ar-AA1KPU41

MSN Money: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/technology/more-than-200-leading-photographersoffer-images-of-hope-to-support-global-conservation/ar-AA1KPHTt

Royal Photographic Society Journal https://rps.org/news/journal/2025/august/wildlife-image-makers-unite-to-protect-the-planet/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=In-Focus&utm_content=

Luxury Travel Magazine: https://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/prints-for-wildlife-returns-in-2025-with-edition-hope-amid-rising-global-threats-to-nature

Australian Photography magazine https://www.australianphotography.com/news/prints-for-wildlife-brings-together-200-photographers-for-conservation

Positive News: https://www.positive.news/society/a-brushstroke-of-gold-night-visions-in-the-wild/

Cruise & Travel – PDF

Outdoor Photography magazine – Print - spread -shown above

Travel Africa – story in newsletter

New Internationalist – went on their newsletter, to 40,000 subscribers

STILL TO COME

Black & White Photography magazine – print piece out on 11 September.

GEO Slovakia - magazine in late Sept

Newsround – online photo essay/news

The Week – newsletter

Sony FE 400-800mm Lens

September 8, 2025

Looks like I will have another dance with the Sony 400-800mm lens. Yep, and at a cost of about $700 more!! Ugh… After realizing that 16,000 ISO may not be the kiss of death. I have started to rethink the usefulness of the Sony 400-800 lens. I was talking about the lens with a few friends and colleagues and I should have worked with the 400-800 lens a bit more than I did. I used it for just one workshop in Patagonia. I was drawn to the lens for more reach but got caught up on that f/8, more on that later after I’ve worked with it a bit.

I have hesitated on purchasing another 600mm prime mostly because of the size and maneuverability, plus traveling with the lens (except in Africa) means I’ll need to start lugging around my tripod and head— not something I was looking to do. After all, I’m in that group of travelers looking to reduce weight and travel size— since I do so much traveling. When I switched over to Sony, I had initially kept my Canon 600 prime lens for when I photographed near home, but that didn’t happen much so i sold it.

When I go on my safaris, I sit in the front seat next to the driver, I don’t have a lot of space for an assortment of lenses. In this situation, I find a zoom lens does double duty. A prime 600mm lens is limiting and difficult to maneuver in the small space upfront.

On some workshops (like Japan) where my clients are lined up with their big lenses, if someone needs help I have to leave my camera/lens on my tripod to go assist them; it’s much easier to work with clients and check on them frequently using a lens that I can handhold and walk around with.

On my recent trip to Grimsey Island where I was focused on primarily puffins and seabirds I felt at times, that more reach would have been helpful. Not entirely necessary but helpful for some situations. That got me thinking that I should have kept the lens to try it out for birds or at the very least for Africa— which brings me to back to this, I am going to give the Sony 400-800mm lens one more try. But this time it will be a hearty try.

Finland Photo Tour- January 4 – 10, 2026 -spots open!

September 6, 2025

Join me for a Finland photo tour in January. During this tour we will visit some of the best locations in the world for winter wonderland photos. See the description below for more information on this incredible trip. This will be the first time I am visiting, so I am going to be well armed with drivers, helpers, award winning photo guides and photo instructors (that have been to these locations before). I have worked with them all in the past and they are a great team. I am also hiring two specialized local guides to join us on one of our excursions so that we can make the most of our time there. I am really looking forward to this adventure. I hope you can join me.

Day 1 (January 4)

Arrival at Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). Drive to Rukajärvi where we will be based for the next 6 nights.

Check in at our hotel Hotel (Scandic Rukahoviand) and get settled in . The hotel is located in a in a ski resort area. There are a lot of restaurant options and just about everything you might need.

Day 2 – 6 (January 5-9)

We will be photographing in several amazing winter locations during our stay in Finland. We will visit the Riisitunturin National Park. This magical wonderland is world famous for its spruce trees that have a thick coating of condensed frost. In January, when we visit the crown snow will have had time to take shape, and the trees will be slightly bent, creating a truly spectacular winter white forest. In addition to the widely sought after trees of Lapland we will also have some other amazing winter landscapes to photograph. One of those is the Myllykoski Old Mill at the Myllykoski rapids. It is absolutely one of the most famous and beautiful locations in Finland. A frozen landscape with a suspended bridge and black river with rocky shores; this place will offer endless creative compositions.

During our trip we will take a snowmobile sled excursion to Kuntivaara (see photo of open air sleds in the photo gallery section). We will spend an entire day at perhaps the very best winter forest location in the world. We will be accompanied by two local professional guides that will provide warm drinks and cookies to brighten our expedition.

Day 7 (January 10)

We will say our goodbyes and return to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) for flights back home.

Dates: January 4-10, 2026

Price per person: US$4700. based on double occupancy, Single supplement: US$750

Limit: 8 – 10 participants, Exact times and details will be provided to all via an additional information sheet once we get our entire group together.

All locations require a fair bit of walking. There are trails that are easy to follow. Everyone can move around and decide for themselves how much walking they want to do. There will be plenty of assistants to help if needed. At Kuntivaara no walking is required, but if you choose to explore the options are endless. All locations are huge! So we can spread out across several kilometers if we want.

If a geomagnetic storm is in progress, aurora photography will be possible. Its a bit south of the aurora oval, but it is still possible from our locations and our guides have photographed the aurora there several times.

Temperatures range from -5 to -35 degrees Celsius. So, basically you need thick down jackets, snow pants, warm boots (I’ll wear my Arctic Muck boots), basically everything you need for cold weather photography. If you have been to Norway or Japan in the winter this trip will be similar but slightly colder. It will not be wet or windy, and that is a plus for photography.

Snowshoes are available for rent if needed.

Included:

Ground transportation

Hotel Accommodations

Entrance fees to all sites

Snow mobile transport to Kuntivaara

Two professional local guides to Kuntivaara

Award winning photography instruction

Snacks and warm drinks at Kuntivaara

Not included:

Airfare to and from Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Meals and drinks

Personal items and laundry.

Deposit Information:
A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 due at sign up. Final payments are due July 30, 2025. Full payments are always welcomed.

Please be sure to check your calendar carefully and to check out my Workshop Policy Page.

Note: Purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.

TO SIGN UP FOR THIS TOUR CLICK HERE.

Kenya Luxury Safari and Helicopter Tour

August 26, 2025

Small group, Kenya Luxury Safari and Helicopter Tour – September 14-24, 2026 (10 nights/11 days)

Join award-winning photographers Denise Ippolito and Paul Mckenzie, on a one-of-a-kind Kenya safari. This exclusive photo tour will include two days of helicopter aerial photography in the far north of Kenya, followed by three nights in Samburu and five nights in the Masai Mara for a total of ten nights.

We will be staying in luxury lodges and camps in Samburu and the Mara with fine dining and exclusive vehicle use.

This tour is restricted to just 4 guests.

Highlights:

- One night in Nairobi in an upmarket hotel.

- Two days of beyond spectacular helicopter aerial photography in an extremely remote and wild area of northern Kenya. Amazing volcanic landscapes, spellbinding colours and patterns and hundreds of thousands of flamingos. Plenty of landing opportunities for land-based and drone photography.

- 3 nights in Samburu national park staying in a luxury lodge with air conditioning and fine dining. Exclusive vehicle use with every guest having a full row to themselves. Morning and afternoon game drives.

- 5 nights in the Masai Mara national reserve staying in a luxury tented camp with fine dining. Exclusive vehicle use with every guest having a full row to themselves. Morning and afternoon game drives. Our visit coincides with the annual wildebeest migration.

- Two private air charters

- Two multi-award-winning photographic leaders, each with a wealth of Kenya photographic experience.

Day 1 - Our tour starts in Nairobi with dinner and an overnight stay in an upmarket hotel.

Day 2 – Early the next morning, we will make the short transfer to Wilson airport for a private charter (no check-in hassles or excess baggage fees) to central Kenya where our helicopters are based. Following refreshments and after dropping our large bags at this base, we will board two R66 helicopters, with open doors, to begin our aerial excursion. Each guest will have prime, open-door viewing.

Paul has been travelling to the places we are going to for the last 20 years and has the world’s largest portfolio of high-quality images from these areas. He has a wealth of photographic knowledge when it comes to shooting aerial images, which he will share with everyone. Six of his images from this area over the years have been awarded in the world’s most prestigious wildlife photo competition – Wildlife Photographer of the Year. It has been that rewarding.

In his words: “I am extremely well-travelled and if I’m being honest, have become a little jaded with some of the destinations that I have visited multiple times. But after some 25 aerial excursions to northern, Kenya, this is the one destination that I always get excited for. It is hard to put into words, but it’s the combination of its remoteness (inaccessible by vehicle), extreme beauty, and amazing photography opportunities. Lake Logipi (see below), as a shallow water soda lake, with its vast flamingo numbers, is in a permanent state of flux, meaning that conditions are never the same, even on a daily basis – and these changing conditions are a big attraction.”

The first part of the aerial tour will see us fly to and then proceed north up the Seguta Valley, broadly following the Seguta River. This long valley is like a pre-historic time capsule – a land that time forgot. The whole valley is littered with ancient volcanoes, calderas, and hardened lava flow. Many of the calderas are filled with water of various shades of pink, red, blue, and green, indicating the presence of different types of algae.

The southern end contains two swamp areas, punctuated by numerous colourful pools. Some of these can attract large numbers of Lesser and Greater Flamingos. Huge Nile Crocodiles can also be seen. Camel trains, along with attendant Pokot and Turkana tribespeople are also sometimes encountered in this area.

One of the big attractions of using helicopters is that we have the ability to land at any time, which we will 100% be taking advantage of. Once on the ground we will have the opportunity to undertake land-based photography and the bit that holds a special attraction – the ability to fly drones. Again, Paul is an extremely experienced and accomplished drone photographer and will be on hand to help anyone who chooses to fly a drone.

The northern end of the Seguta Valley has the most spectacular volcanic features including “Aruba Rock”, the “Stingray” (an ancient volcanic outcropping that strongly resembles a stingray when viewed from the air) and “Crocodile Rock” (a chain of volcanic rocks in the shape of a crocodile). We will also photograph and likely land-- in a large area of near-perfectly shaped sand dunes.

The jewel in the crown of the Seguta Valley is unquestionably, Lake Logipi, at the far northern end of the valley. It is a seasonal soda lake, that periodically can attract up to 1 million flamingos. We will likely spend a large amount of time over the lake photographing as well as on the lake shore. When conditions are right – and we are going at the height of the dry season which offers the best chances for prime conditions – this is one of the most spectacular aerial destinations on our planet. Even when conditions are sub-optimal, it is still amazing: a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns, augmented by hundreds of thousands of Lesser and Greater flamingos. The opportunities for land-based landscape and drone photography will be incredible.

From Logipi, we will ascend and fly over the “Barrier,” a mesmerizing ancient volcanic lava field with numerous calderas that separates Logipi from Lake Turkana (also known as the Jade Sea). A land stop on top of the Barrier, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Logipi, especially late in the day. Arriving at the southern shore of Lake Turkana, we will encounter Nabuyatom volcano, an almost perfectly formed, uneroded caldera, more than one kilometer wide. We have the opportunity to land on the rim of the caldera.

By now, the sun should be setting, and we will make the short flight across to South Island, set within Lake Turkana, where our helicopter company has established a comfortable camp. The camp has a generator which will allow us to charge our batteries. After showers and dinner, I anticipate that we should have some good opportunities for Milky Way photography near to our camp.

After a very early breakfast, we will want to be in the air shortly after sunrise. The return journey will look similar to the one the day before, just in reverse and with different lighting conditions. We can plan with the pilots the night before, what our main focus areas will be, but we will have plenty of new scenes to photograph as well as different landing spots.

We should be able to photograph for several hours. The helicopters will then drop us off at our next destination, Samburu. We have arranged for a private plane to transfer our large luggage from the helicopter base to our lodge in Samburu. I anticipate that we should reach Samburu by late afternoon and hopefully we will have enough time for a short game drive before returning to our lodge for showers and dinner.

Samburu in the north of Kenya is famed for its large elephant population, high density leopard population and several unique species to this general area including gerenuks, Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostriches. Lions and cheetahs are common. Samburu tends to be drier than many other game reserves in Kenya and it is the combination of animals framed in golden light and dust that makes it so attractive to wildlife photographers.

After 3 nights in Samburu, we will take a scheduled flight to the famed Masai Mara game reserve where we will spend 5 nights and 6 days in a luxury, ideally situated tented camp with fine dining. We will be using the same drivers/guides that have been with us in the Mara for the last 20 years. They are the very best!

Our Mara visit has been timed to coincide with the annual wildebeest migration – as many as 1m wildebeest, along with several hundred thousand zebras and gazelles, pour into the Mara from Tanzania in the south. We will have excellent chances of photographing river crossings. The Mara is famed for its high density, big cat populations and we are guaranteed to be able to photograph lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

After a full morning game drive on our last morning, we will return to camp for showers before departing for a private air charter back to Wilson airport in Nairobi.

Price: $22,500

most images by Paul McKenzie

Swan Island Dahlias- Trip Report

August 25, 2025

This year I returned to Swan Island Dahlias for a special workshop. The owners welcomed me and my group with open arms and treated us like royalty. With special permission we were able to photograph at the farm without restriction. They even allowed us in their giant root cellar when temperatures were high so that we could photograph buckets and buckets of cut dahlias in a cool setting. The lighting was LED not fluorescent so that helped too!

During the workshop we did an image review daily and clients shared their favorites from the International Test Rose Garden, sunflower field (we had a bonus— giant sunflower field to photograph) and the dahlia farm. Sharing images is one of the best ways to get some inspiration and insight during the trip. Clients not only learn from me, but they also learn from each other; it’s my favorite part of every trip.

The group was a joy to work with; every person was enthusiastic and kind. On the trip there was a combination of new and familiar faces. Donna Bourdon and Harold Klein both helped me in the field and I appreciated their generous contribution to the success of the workshop.

In addition, Donna assisted me as I gave three informative photo walks for the festival, and we met folks from near and far that came out to see us and the dahlias. Overall, it was my best Swan Island trip to date! I am already planning on a return visit in the near future.

Below is a collection of some of my favorites. I have more to come. I might even get around to naming these since I took a catalog with all the names from Swan Island.

All images were captured with my Olympus OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera and Olympus 12-40mm lens. I meant to bring my Voigtlander 17.5mm f0.95 Nokton Micro Four Thirds Lens to do some super close up, soft work, but took the wrong lens by mistake. I was still able to capture most of what I wanted by using manual focus and getting in tight.

In-camera multiple exposure overlay —soft/sharp

2 image multiple exposure done in-camera by turning the camera slightly for the second image.

My first bumble bee on a dahlia. Not sure 100% of the type of bumble bee and would appreciate a positive ID.

I call this shallow depth of field image “Candy Corn”

The dahlia farm allowed us to cut the flower heads off in their root cellar!!

A special thank you to Heather and Brendon for making our time at Swan Island Dahlia Farm so special. Their dahlia festival runs through September 28th and is held yearly at the farm. For more information visit their site at Swan Island Dahlias.

*The hand painted mural at the top of the page was painted by Katie Daisy and Karen Eland. Katie Daisy artwork can be purchased through the Swan Island Mercantile.