THE ESSENCE OF Wild Photography - Part II

Stories

The Essence Of Wildlife Photography – Part II

To continue with the main topic here, The Essence of Wildlife Photography – Part I around Rainforest Expedition lodges in Peru rainforest.

Finally, the moment which most impressed me… not witnessed, but recorded remotely, the first-ever glimpse of intertwined lives and the hint of the interactions going on all around us but concealed; a vampire bat on the heels of a white lipped peccary, a bloodlust quenched out of sight of the cameras, left to the imagination.

These photos are not simply images or moments captured in time, but fully-fledged experiences; rich, layered memories evoking torrential downpours, passing rainstorms, and sun-drenched days aboard canoes, meandering the sinuous curves of coffee-colored waters. They are discoveries made alone in the night, or else shared with guides or parties to new friends sharing in the adventure. They bespeak of a kind of post-Victorian adventurism, open to all: researchers, adventurists, citizen scientists, and even those with but a few moments to spare but the desire to learn and partake in the experience.

Other photos are a different kind of hard work…

They are the attempt to illustrate a specific behavior, to teach, and to inform. They are not the rare, fortuitous photo, the one which all photographers seek, but too rarely encounter. Rather they represent the staged photo. Animals manipulated into poses, or behavior elicited. Done with the best of intentions, but falling well short of the term ‘natural’.

 

These photos are not without their value, oftentimes they illustrate rare, or impossible to view behaviors, serving as an important record, whilst also generating interest in the natural world in the public. There is undoubtedly a value to this type of photography, but doubt lies in the execution, and its center point, the photographer, their values, and integrity take on a renewed importance.

My response has been transparency, and a commitment to open communication exemplified in Ethical Exif: a watermarked, indelible mark on each photo, a statement of ethical criteria specific to the creation of each individual photo. The shorthand symbols and the associated legend in the caption form a surprisingly comprehensive insight into the manufacture of each photo, and help inform the viewer of the process of the photo’s creation, and impart information important in determining a photographer’s impact.

snake Photografy

green snake (serpentes) – Photo by Paul Bertner

It is easy to lose ourselves in the gloss of the image. The behavior, complexity, and hidden lives which lie beyond our horizon of understanding are revealed, oftentimes to our sheer amazement. But the beauty of the natural world as it travels through the lens and onto the page is not as straightforward as one might think, and the various outcomes have as much to do with the integrity of the photographer as to the viewer’s responsibility to critically view and evaluate the information they are ingesting.

View responsibly, and support those whose photography exemplifies a commitment to the wildlife they photograph so that we can all continue to enjoy the marvels that the natural world has to offer, and feel good doing it.

I invite you to enjoy nature at responsible in one of the Peru jungle lodges from Rainforest Expeditions.

By Paul Bertner

  • What our guest say

    • Valuation Excellent
    • 5/5

Nancy Hodgson March 2026

Lesly Lagos March 2026

Batya K. February 2026

S. K. February 2026

Julian S January 2026

Flora Warfel January 2026

Julian Sack January 2026

Laura Franklin December 2025

Lee Wozencroft December 2025

Suraj Vijayan December 2025

Claudia A. January 2026

AMJNZ November 2025

This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all

We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all

I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all

Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all

If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all

If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all

This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all

I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all

An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all

The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all

We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all

Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all

Join To Our Newsletter

Write your e-mail

Join