It seems TV caters for everyone these days, everyone that is, except photographers…and getting even more specific, wildlife photographers. Sure the National Geographic Channel is full of documentaries with breath taking images but sometimes what I want as a photographer is a real show, with real people, helpful information, ideas and locations that anyone can visit without the need for a helicopter and trekking through a jungle for 3 weeks. Well, now I have it, thanks to Doug Gardner and his excellent (web) TV show Wild Photo Adventures…

What’s it all about?
WPA follows award winning photographer Doug Gardner as he spends time photographing various species in and around South Carolina as well as other parts of America. Every episode focuses on a different theme, be it Manatees and wading birds in Florida to Landscapes in the Smokey Mountains National Park, although the shows are predominantly wildlife orientated. Each week Doug also has a co-host who is a photographer specializing in the subject at hand for that specific show.

Something for everyone
Each show is roughly 25 minutes long and the thing I like about them, is the fact it’s not too pretentious or unrealistic with it’s expectations of the viewer…plus it’s also nicely put together with still images from the filmed shoot cut in to the show. It doesn’t assume anything about the viewer other than a passion for nature photography, and it’s aimed at everybody from the amateur to the professional…if you are an amateur there are some great tips to help you get started and if you already know your way around a camera, some of the advice given is still helpful as it is often specific to the subject at hand which you may not be familiar with shooting. And even if you are that rarest of photographer, the one who knows everything , well you’d still find it good to watch as it’s refreshing to see a show dedicated to something you’re passionate about.

As I mentioned at the start I also like the fact the locations featured in this are real, the type that people can go and visit every day. Maybe I’m bias, as regular readers to my blog will know, I have a big soft spot for Florida and 3 of the 12 shows are based in the Sunshine State! That in turn means they are places I can easily get myself over too when I’m out there, but regardless of if you live in America or not hopefully you will be inspired to either get over there yourself OR just pick your camera up and get shooting in your home patch…and if the show gets you to do that, well then it’s done it’s job!

So, get watching
Season Two is due to appear online in September (also on American TV too, full listings on the website), however in the meantime you can catch up on all 12 Episodes of Season One, and the 13th ‘best of’ episode by going over to WILDPHOTOADVENTURES.COM and clicking on ‘watch show’.

I’ve exchange several emails with Doug and he is a very helpful, friendly and funny guy, so I wish him every success with Season Two, which I have no doubt will carry on where Season One left off.

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