This is the ultimate test to compare iPhone camera with my DSLR. It's amazing how well this came out, but still some limitations balancing the shadows of the bush on the rocks with the highlights on the mountain. I even tried to adjust this one a bit afterward, but the contrast range just wasn't there, even considering that I was shooting in RAW mode.

This is the ultimate test to compare iPhone camera with my DSLR. It's amazing how well this came out, but still some limitations balancing the shadows of the bush on the rocks with the highlights on the mountain. I even tried to adjust this one a bit afterward, but the contrast range just wasn't there, even considering that I was shooting in RAW mode.

Photo by: Ian Shive

Ian Shive

Year in Review: Nature in Focus Adventures

For many years I've looked back on the year in review and thought about all of the incredible adventures I've experienced and this year is no exception.

January 06, 2023

From dropping my talented and amazing conservation friend and real-life mermaid Linden Wolbert into the Pacific Ocean with hundreds of (harmless) Leopard Sharks to racing the fastest two-legged animal in the world, the Ostrich, there was no shortage of extraordinary, one-of-a-kind photography opportunities, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Nature in Focus | 2022 Review
Loading Video...

In the past I've focused on recapping the outtakes, but this year I want to focus a little bit on the people who made it all happen. This time of year is about more than just celebrating success, but saying thanks to all of those who helped make these episodes possible. When something looks easy, it usually means there are a bunch of talented people behind the scenes making it happen.

All of our shows are not only featuring me and my photography, but I also write all the episodes. Afterall, it has to sound like me, so it may as well be me putting words in my own mouth. All of the episodes are then produced by my company, Tandem Stills + Motion, Inc. Every shoot has at least one camera operator and all-around field operations person, otherwise I'd be bumbling around trying to film myself while also taking photos. I only have two hands! Dante Fernandes has been in the field with me for six years, putting up with every possible weather situation and countless seasickness situations than you can imagine. For many of the shoots the last year or so, his brother has also joined, Thane Fernandes. I call them the Fernandi. All this incredible footage also needs to have a strategy for how to process it and then edit it into a story, all of that is done by our head of post production Ian Maliniak, who has been in this role for more than 10 years! Are you seeing a trend here? Two Fernandes, two Ians. Dante also steps up when not in the field and constructs many of the videos, too. It has become a well-oiled wheel.

Depending on the shoot, we are also supported by a lot of other people, too. Like "drone dude" Trystan Snodgrass and drone pilot Daina Buchner who flew capturing beautiful shots for the Shark Week episode, and of course the people who are on camera with me, like Mermaid Linden! We are so lucky to have so many biologists, veterinarians, field guides, camera operators, sound operators, producers that there are just too many to list! And of course the entire team at Discovery and especially our Executive Producer Christina Bavetta, who watches every single rough cut and helps us be even better at what we do with her incredible insights and production notes.

So as you watch this year in review, don't just enjoy the beauty and humor of these adventures, but also give a thought to all the people behind the scenes who make it happen! I can't wait to see you soon in 2023!

Next Up

World Oceans Week is Making a Big Splash

Dive into World Oceans Week with the Explorers Club as they celebrate the wonders of the earth's oceans and share cutting-edge research in marine technology, conservation, and beautiful underwater photography.Learn more about all the events happening this week from June 5-June 11 at www.explorers.org.

If A Bat Were To Bite You In Your Sleep, You'd Probably Never Know

Rabies is rare, but most cases are associated with bats.

How Frogs Boost Their Sex Appeal

Male frogs form ‘boy bands’ to serenade females and woo them into their mating pool.

Saving Hawaii’s Native Species

Not so very long ago, Hawaii was a remote island, populated solely by endemic flora and fauna–and its native inhabitants. Now, however, it is known throughout the world as a must-visit tourist destination, while Americans have moved to the islands in their masses, buying up beachfront properties.

Supertrees That Suck Up More Carbon Could Be Forest Climate Fix

Forestation and tree growth are perhaps the most powerful tool for reducing levels of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) in Earth’s atmosphere and tackling climate change. Now genetically modified (GM) ‘supertrees’ that grow faster and rapidly take up CO2 could be used to address the climate crisis.

Why are Dark Skies Important?

There is no better time to consider the quality of the night sky and the celestial magic it embodies than during International Dark Sky Week, taking place April 22-30!

If Cicadas Come Out Once Every 17 Years, Why Do You See Them Every Summer?

These mysterious insects have one of the strangest life cycles in the natural world.

How the World Celebrates the Summer Solstice and How You Can Too

June 21st is the longest day of the year, marking this year’s summer solstice. Every year, thousands around the world celebrate the official beginning of summer.

Forest Projects Will Help Rebalance Earth’s Climate

Forests might be the best tool humanity has to tackle climate change. Trees give cooling shade, absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2), recycle water, and provide habitat for other plants and animals. Huge international projects like the Trillion Trees initiative believe planting forests will ultimately help to rebalance Earth’s climate.

Cows Kill More People Than Sharks

Sharks are the least of your problems according to these statistics.