Thoughts on Being a Full-time Traveling Wildlife Photography

I share my thoughts on the positives and negatives of being a full-time traveling wildlife photographer.

[@nancypanicucci-roma972]

I do live in a house, so often will photograph in the same areas. Your video was a good reminder about knowing your habitat and wildlife behaviors.

[@user-pm7yk8sv6c]

I do the van life thing as well but no major travels as of yet, the one good thing about doing wildlife and having the van is if you miss the shots in the evening you can hunker down for the night and wait for day break to try again, I can't tell you how many times I've done this and been rewarded the next morning, finally getting the shot or the species I was after. Van life is a good life 🙌🏻 look forward to hopefully seeing you on your travels!

[@RayHennessy]

That's awesome and you are right, it's very convenient to stay in the area to get the shot and I've done that when we aren't on the move so much, but that's not too often lately. Hope you get to travel more as well and enjoy it, it's such a great way to live!

[@SpiritoftheWoods863]

Great video Ray, was hoping you would do one like this. A few big advantages is the possibility to chase down irruptions, one day wonders, as well as hitting hotspots. All while having a comfortable bed to sleep in at night. A true "Mobile home". 🇨🇦📷🦉

[@RayHennessy]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, those things you mentioned would certainly be an advantage with this lifestyle.

[@SomeonewithaSony]

Hey Ray, did you ever put out an “origins” video discussing the start of your journey to becoming a full time travelling photographer? Long time follower here; thought you were just on vacation or workshops… that’s dedication to the craft, man.

[@RayHennessy]

I've talked about it a few times on episodes of my podcast but now I haven't done a video. I'd be happy to do that though, thanks or the suggestion! My life isn't too far off a long vacation though haha, I'm very lucky!

[@frankhaugwitz8178]

Honestly, the concept of being a full-time travelling wildlife photographer is totally new to me, but is indeed appealing. Although of German origin, but based in Taiwan, I have a hard time imaging people living in a van. After all, Taiwan is a rather small place. Appreciate your thoughts on the pros and cons vs fixed based photographer. Same here, if I have been to the same location over and over again and in the event I shall not get an “even” better image, I too tend to get bored somehow. Did, I hear it right you do change the van on off, how comes?

[@RayHennessy]

Thanks for watching! I don't change the van, but we did upgrade from one van we had for 2 years to a newer and better one to live in full-time which has been very nice.

[@marypar4]

May e I'll bump into you in Hilton Head..I'll be there in April!

[@RayHennessy]

Awesome, I'll be there in the beginning of April as well

[@johnnyguerra3754]

is it possible do do a video of your van set up. I have a van and travel mainly on weekends some time a week long. I don't do any post processing until I get home. I have a media room with my monitor and external hard drive. How do you manage your space to have all the camera equipment, computer, tripods etc.?

[@RayHennessy]

Sure thing, I can certainly do a video on that, thanks for the suggestion! That's great you use your van to travel and shoot as well!

[@photosbyjoeendy]

Pretty neat idea. So how do you deal with mail?

[@RayHennessy]

Everything I can I have set to online and the few things I can't switch I have sent to my mother's address and then she can send it to me wherever I am. There are also services that will do that as well.

[@photosbyjoeendy]

Thank you, that makes sense!