Day in the Life of a Nat Geo Photographer

This is a CRAZY "day in the life" of a Wildlife Photographer in Canada. Truth is; it was one horrible week where everything went horribly WRONG!
Vancouver Island, Canada - One of the most incredible and rugged adventures of my lifetime. I had the opportunity to follow four, award-winning Wildlife Photographers into the wilderness of British Columbia's West Coast for a week.
The goal was to get a nice pretty picture of coastal wolves in their stunning natural habitat. I wanted to highlight a real "day in the life" of a wildlife photographer, and I bit off way more than I can chew on this one, haha!
We had a beautiful first two days in the wild - until everything took a horrific turn for the worse. We got hit with a massive storm that ripped through the region and crushed any hope we had for capturing wildlife.
I hope you enjoy this Day in the Life episode, and please let me know if you have any ideas for new "Day in the Life" episodes of interesting people, cultures and stories.
Thanks for watching,
Gareth
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Chase Teron
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marineconservationphotography.ca
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--- WHO IS GARETH LEONARD? ---
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel KZbinr with a passion for slow, meaningful solo travel. I have spent the past 13+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help educate and inspire people to “Travel Deeper.”
If you enjoy my work, please subscribe to this channel and turn on the notifications bell to stay up-to-date with my travel deeper adventures.
Daily updates can also be found on my Instagram Stories (@traveldeeper), so if you’ve read this far, send me a DM with the “🦊” emoji so I know you’re a real one!
Thanks for following along! 🙏
#travel #travelvlog #traveling #garethleonard #traveldeeper #dayinthelife #adayinmylife #dayinthelifevlogs #wildlifephotography #wildlife #canada #vancouver #photography

[@GarethLeonard]

THANKS FOR WATCHING!! 🙏If you liked this video, watch episode #2 of my new "Day in the Life" series here ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXjChppvf99npsU

[@chasee_17]

Chase Leonard here love the content and waiting for more wildlife videos ( Their my favorite)

[@robertoa6958]

As an amateur wildlife photographer myself, I enjoyed everything about this video. It’s important to make people aware of all the “stuff" behind any good shot or video sequence, captured in the wild, respecting the animals and the environment. Thanks for this perspective! Congratulations once again for your raw content and for your charming and charisma! I’m a fan !

[@chaseteron]

Thank you for featuring me buddy! I appreciate your story telling and the entire video is so fun to watch. Next time we will get those guys with the sun shining ♥️

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank You for taking us along on a REAL day in your life! I think we all have a new respect for your profession after this!! 😅

[@fearlessandfar]

The best adventures are the ones that go wrong 🤣

[@GarethLeonard]

True story. 💯

[@SkylerCleary]

True that

[@victoriagoingforit6183]

Definitely enjoyed this. Love that you do ethical photography. When I was young, like your age, I used to think it would be a cool career to be a wildlife photographer. Now I see the reality, there's no way I could have done it. I'm not that hardy. Beautiful images. Wow. Such beautiful art.

[@GarethLeonard]

I couldn't believe what actually goes into it (when done the right way) - I have a whole new respect for this profession!!

[@mojojim6458]

1.) The shots of the wildlife in the opening sequence are stunning. I love the bear lying among the purple flowers. 2.) Thanks for showing the cost of the photographic equipment. I had no idea how staggering the amounts are. 3.) I really appreciate the background info given by the driver during the ride to the site. 4.) Great musical transition when the float plane takes off from the bustle of load to the flight. 5.) The insights on the dangers wolves face starting at 13:46 were interesting. 6.) To me, the entire concept of a blind is odd. The material pattern is camouflage, of course. That's de riqueur. Naturally, it will fool any wildlife, right. They'd never suspect someone was hiding inside. Although I thought animals had an exceptional sense of smell. But I suppose the correct fabric pattern blocks their sense of smell. Very odd. 7.) The terrible change is the weather beginning Day Three was miserable. How did all of you manage it?

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much Jim!! It was an absolute battle to make it through those 3 storm days, but we made it out thanks to shared suffering 😂

[@mkralj60]

The coffee shake was 😂😂😂 but seriously, I admire the unbreakable will to deal with these challenging circumstances to maybe get a shot and it's great that you decided to show what it looks like in reality and how much hard work these ppl invest ❤

[@georginacuriel790]

This is now officially one of my favorite episodes. Wild life + Photography + you! ❤

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much!! 😊🙏

[@shupingyin8082]

Such a breath of fresh air. Cheers to ethical wildlife photographers

[@cfis5840]

Absolutely love this video!! As an aspiring wildlife photographer, I love seeing a real look into what it’s like! Even though you didn’t get the shot you were looking for, going out and doing that still looks like the dream. Hopefully one day we could meet up for something like this!

[@juankiko69]

I’ve been following you and pictures/videos for a while now and what l like the most is your energy every and you always stay positive no matter what happens. You are my inspiration to go out and explore more.

[@stargazer5073]

Be safe! Thanks for the honesty, greatly appreciated!!!!

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you! 😊

[@diedannuss2132]

hey Gareth, thanks for this authentic video. I didn't know how hard it can be to get these wonderful shots WL Photographers take. The short interview of the two guys in the tent meant a lot to me. I'm a young photographer myself and this was very inspirational. Thank you for doing what you love guys! Cheers

[@leemarvingaye4506]

I am from Canada and this true north is vast, unexplorable and lots of land still untouched! Love your video, as always you delivered!

[@user-ef3kr9wj7c]

Just stumbled upon your video and I loved it ! Thanks for showing what real ethical wildlife photography is. Looking forward to discovering more of your videos !

[@andrewfarr5502]

Respect your efforts to making high quality content!!

[@GarethLeonard]

I appreciate that!

[@gemserbas3257]

You may not capture the best wildlife shot of the day but u never failed to show us the reality of their jobs..a big 👍 to those photographers❤❤❤

[@williamcr231]

the shot of the polar bear laying in the field of flowers... wow!! 💯

[@GarethLeonard]

Unreal, right? Search for @MyWildLive on KZbin for more of his amazing work!!

[@nettayaw2231]

Respect for the professionalism ! It starts with a passion and NEVER give up. Salute to all of you out there❤

[@BobbyClements]

the algorithm just blessed me with your channel right when I broke my foot (still waiting to get the cast on) - let me know if you ever need a place to stay here on Cape Breton Island.

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much, and sending you positive energy to heal that foot! ⚡️🙏

[@rein556]

Your Videos are soo unique, i found your storytelling really unique and interesting, also day in the life videos are awesome, I am learning new things through these, never knew how wildlife photographers worked, until i saw this video, thank you so much for taking so much risk and doing the adventures to document and share it on youtube

[@urdognu]

Behinds the scenes like this illustrates a deep passion for wildlife photography; Much is the journey…the reason always fulfilled, no matter what

[@marasievers]

Thanks so much for making this video! What amazing insight. I truly appreciate authentic experiences.

[@radiusorbitmonroe6772]

Omgggg... You guys are my new fantastic 4.... You are right Gareth its not an easy game to be at the wilderness, the challenges behind the scene is way way more difficult as we only watch it on this docu... Staying there for days wow! I salute you guys... Thanks to the pilot too... As i always say... Be safe all the time... ⭐⭐⭐⭐🤗💞🙏🏻

[@Keyloggs1]

This is raw! Really shows the behind the scenes and even though you came without any photo of wolves or bears, it shows what really matters: the adventure to go for it! Great video!

[@marybunker8635]

Thanks for showing us the real side of a wildlife photographer, Gareth

[@GarethLeonard]

My pleasure (and pain)! Haha

[@LakeConstan]

I want a screen-grab of Gareth Leonard in the Canadian/ camo ballcap. I also want one of those ballcaps.

[@GarethLeonard]

I need to start selling them on the merch site, huh? 😂

[@LakeConstan]

@@GarethLeonard I'll be your first purchaser!

[@m.backwoods]

I freaking love your authenticity, great content 💥💥 you should come to Finland tho! We have The sauna culture, weird but awesome sports like swamp soccer and wife carrying, one of the most difficult languages in the world for you to try, the Sami people in the north, then of course salmiakki and mämmi for your taste buds 🌞

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

I agree, loved Finland.

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

You guys are our true lens to see our nature and the beautiful ecosystem. Top notch video. A prayer for those who haven't seen this. Good Job Gareth!💪🎥🎞❤

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much for tuning in! We'll try again another day! 🐺

[@ethan_exxplores]

Loved this video. It's awesome to see the behind the scenes of the amazing shots we see in the magazine and social Media

[@brandonmoore2237]

This was such an awesome adventure to follow! It's wild to see how wrong things went, but what a phenomenal and raw video this is. Well done, as always!

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much Brandon!! 🐺

[@blisteringherb]

This is making me miss camping.

[@GarethLeonard]

Haha, I'm happy this episode didn't turn you off to camping 😂

[@marlonespi2670]

Definitely enjoyed this raw clip! There’s always something about unfinished business in travel. It makes you continue to explore!

[@peterhung7994]

Very adventurous expedition, you guys carried high endurance to keep going. Please don't give up. Thank you for sharing...

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much! We survived to trek another day! 😅

[@HarryBlomley]

Amazing video, fasinating story, and beautiful message, hope one day I can do some amazing and tiring journeys like this!

[@karenrn5607]

Fascinating content today!! Thank you for all of your hard work guys! The bloopers were perfect!! LOL 😂

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for tuning in! I'm glad you made it to the end for that coffee blooper - we couldn't stop laughing!!

[@jimcastanzo8736]

Great video, Gareth! I've spent time on Vancouver Island. Weather can be brutal! My last day on the west cost this past October was pretty similar to what you all experienced. I'd do it all over again though.

[@thejerkyshack8040]

I have never seen an aeropress fail that remarkable. Good job.

[@RadekKarkys]

Amazing video and nice wolf picture. I love it!

[@laykahferrel7663]

We miss you here in the Philippines 💯💞

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you! 🙏

[@blockie_2]

im so happy to found your youtube page its creasy how wildlife photograpy can be 💯❤

[@maureenmcneil4161]

I have always wanted to see a video of exactly this Thankyou for this and what you do

[@konnorwarzecha504]

As a hobbyist wildlife photographer I enjoyed this video. I also only shoot wildlife in their natural habitat (no baiting) and spend a lot of time out in the field collecting information myself about where I believe certain species are. A lot of the time I don't find my targeted species but when I do its great. Other times you just get lucky and get a surprise; for instance, I was going out to one of my photography locations in MN and within 5 minutes of arriving I heard a branch crack and fall and looked up in the tree and there was a black bear about 100 feet from me. For me it is about that adventure and unexpectedness of nature in all of its glory.

[@BackPackerSteve]

Yes man..looks like you are getting prepared for OUR next trip together 😂 Excited for the next ones. Love the diversity of this series!

[@GarethLeonard]

Haha, you would have planned around the storm much better than we did! 😂

[@guitaristwagner]

This was an awesome video. Wildlife photography is the reason why I got into photography and is my true passion. But it’ll never be a business for me since I already own businesses. But love watching videos like this

[@EverettRoeth]

So epic bro haha! Love how intense the weather is. You're a trooper.

[@cynthialiberatore368]

I love love this. I want to do this so bad! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@kellymorvant]

Great stuff! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@desireneilson2168]

You guys need a series of your own... more of these adventures!

[@GarethLeonard]

I'm definitely down to do more of these adventures... as long as I can stay dry! 😂

[@jonibarger3147]

Its such beautiful scenery!

[@trond7]

defenetly one of the best bts video because of the fact that this video shows the real life and hard work. amazing!!!

[@junelagomez8410]

Sending love from 🇵🇭🇵🇭🥰🥰

[@GarethLeonard]

😊🙏

[@robertallan21]

It’s all about adventures with friends with good memories.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Fascinating - From my comfortable living room!

[@lennywells51]

I'm a nature photographer in Louisiana. I have 50 years in photography. I'll be retired in a month and have a new boat to get out in the swamps!!!! Thanks so much for the video!!

[@wornoutwrench8128]

Haha, welcome to my part of the world. I have spent most of my 65 years on my island. The rain will get you every time, once you are wet and cold be careful. I have seen so much wildlife, bears, cougars, elk, deer birds of every size. And exactly 1 wolf. Have seen lots of sign and tracks but only 1 wolf. And the second he saw us, he lopped away. I love the west coast.

[@GarethLeonard]

Me too!! It is one of my favorite regions of this planet! So incredibly green and rugged. I will be back again soon to try again! 🐺🙏

[@annielee8724]

🍁 wow just wow thank you for doing this one

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for watching!!

[@desireneilson2168]

So awesome!!! Love this video!!!

[@GarethLeonard]

I appreciate it. 👊

[@goofinOff235]

I am now retired and wildlife photography has become my passion. Am I really good at it? Nope, but I love the outdoors and I love watching wild animals.

[@ShellyS2060]

As a amateur photographer from way back, I was droooooling during the gear breakdown. Thank you, I'm gonna go take a cold shower now😂😍

[@santarivera6280]

The adventures is soo worth it ❤everything ❤

[@GarethLeonard]

It was an absolute battle, but I would do it again in a heartbeat!! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@emilye126]

So happy Gabriel recommended your channel..my first watch..this video, lovely, informative

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you very much for tuning in, and shout out to Gabriel!

[@63MacGuy]

LOVED THIS!

[@gregcorker2193]

Informative and engaging. Great video.

[@wadeinskeep4866]

You probably know this but if your ever around the midwest.....when the mississippi river freezes over the locks are full of eagles fishing...I get them shots on a 400 mm lense and sometimes I'm to close..

[@kellycarter4944]

That area of BC is actually considered to be a Northern Rain Forest. I see it did not disappoint. It is a beautiful area though.

[@JenJen66933]

Fantastic! Loved it.

[@RRcreations77]

That was still awesome!

[@jackfntwist]

Awesome video. More of this crew!

[@GarethLeonard]

I'm with you, these guys are awesome and I hope to do more adventures with them!!

[@ModestReaction]

I love this video man

[@randyschwager2515]

Great adventure! Thanks for taking me along!

[@GarethLeonard]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ianventive]

Hey hey Gareth, love you brother, been a long time subscriber, you’re awesome, hope you’re doing well with all the crazy stuff that’s been going on, you’re a bad mofo and a trooper! Throwing out a “Day in the life” idea, maybe a day in the life of a cowboy, rancher etc. maybe even a look at your unconventional cowboy, like not necessarily from the US, but maybe Brazilian, Australian, a Mexican vaquero, something like that! Something that pushes the conventional mold of what we think a cowboy is. One more! Day in the life of a musician, someone that plays around different venues as a full time job, that’s what I do! Haha Love ya brother, keep being awesome.

[@johnlestherespinosa4367]

Fan from Philippines speechless wow godbless always lods😀

[@jdfilmzyyc]

Got my sub, amazing video

[@johnnyfulano5506]

Awesome video very interesting. I think 5 guys is a lot of human presence it makes it easier for them to avoid you.

[@GarethLeonard]

Very true! We were well aware that we were an easy target for them to avoid.

[@SilvioRusmigo]

Yes! At last a video that shows how it should be done.

[@GarethLeonard]

These guys are working so hard to respect the nature and capture it in their natural habitats ❤️

[@MickAngelhere]

Beautiful country and that’s the way the cookie crumbles, it’s just way life goes. Sometimes you the shot , sometimes you don’t 👍

[@GarethLeonard]

Very true! That's what makes it all worth it when it does pay off in the future! 🐺🙏

[@danielwatt4783]

This is insane content ❤❤

[@greatoutdoorsgear7538]

oh the aeropress LOL been there multiple times love the dam things though

[@PrimalRenegade17]

Awesome video. Just an fyi those dehydrated meals are expensive there are cheaper options for anyone wanting to keep costs lower (look up backpacking food videos and thru-hiking food videos)

[@benharville7473]

Beautiful! Great video!

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@alainlalonde]

Those dry food packs are surprisingly good and, yep, packed with calories. Edit: The coffee. I was literally laughing pretty hard there. I didn't expect that ending. lol

[@lilpandaexpress3]

Tough gig!!!

[@GarethLeonard]

So much respect for these guys after actually being a part of it first-hand! 🙌

[@robertlawrence7958]

Merry Christmas and the very best for 2024 in your new home.

[@aashiparekh5333]

this is all i needed to hear

[@arboreal_sprout3235]

My grandmother recently gave me her camera so I'm going to start doing wildlife photography as a hobby. I hope it will go hand in hand with my future Ecology degree!

[@guillermomtz14]

I love it!!!! This gives me such a thrill!!! I wouldn´t mind going through all that 😆 Do you need a trilingual production assistant? 😆😆. Also, that's what I would call GROUND coffee. 😆

[@stargazer5073]

And to think you could have been playing freebie on the beach in San Diego 🤔. Today!

[@GarethLeonard]

Haha, same but different 😂

[@johnwilliams2900]

Great stuff!

[@terry535]

Super sad how hunted these wolves are. Glad you guys mentioned it in this video.

[@puccipower]

Hahaha this is why I don't live in Bellingham anymore. This kind of weather gives me ear infections! When I was 22 I started traveling, and I was horrifically cheap and scrappy about it but it was great. I ended up in San Clemente, and my ear infections and all other health issues went away. I moved back to Washington and tried living in my hometown sandwiched between Seattle & Vancouver BC and I can't! The sideways wind and high humidity just kill me. My lungs have taken a beaten due to all the infections I've had. I live in Spokane and have been in wonderful health since I left. A dry climate is my saving grace. People love the rainforest of the PNW and its gorgeous but it was my home for my early life but I can't remember my body really liking it.

[@filmmakerevolution]

It sucks that some wildlife photographers bait animals and use unethical methods, the world needs more photographers like you guys, kudos

[@iredefined26]

That's call dream job! 😍

[@ameliap7564]

Great video! Just wondering, are polar bears supposed to be on warm land like that? It’s a beautiful shot, but very sad in my eyes.

[@focus_release]

Awesome!

[@GarethLeonard]

Cheers!

[@focus_release]

The discussion about the difficulty of ethical photography and its reward… hope more photographer/videographer/birder/adventurer gets to see that.

[@iamstacyswift]

So lovely ❤❤❤

[@cguerrieri4866]

Great content. The only disappointed that you never really covered your safety gear.

[@gordchapman3469]

Hey, you were in my hometown! What did you think of Victoria? I'm guessing by the look of the neighborhood that the wildlife photographer lived in Langford, just outside Victoria. Am I right?😁

[@GarethLeonard]

I honestly LOVE Victoria, and all of Vancouver Island. It is such a beautiful place where you're so close to wildlife and real outdoor adventures - I will be back often!! 🙌

[@christine230]

Thank you for covering part of my beautiful country. I just wish our government would stop treating the animals so horribly.

[@GarethLeonard]

Yeah, I couldn't believe that when Martin explained it - I'm sure we do similar things here in the US as well. It's devastating 🥹

[@grega9220]

haha awesome. My wife and I title these mis-adventures. :-) How batteries do you take on something like this and anything to recharge?