SW Photo Club

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Most photographers dream of that perfect moment when everything aligns, the light, the subject, the composition, but what separates consistently successful wildlife photographers from those who rely on chance is the depth of preparation that happens long before the shutter clicks.
In this interactive online presentation, Emily McCulliss, whose portfolio reveals the depth of intimate knowledge she's developed of her subjects from pelagic species underwater, Africa's Big 5, to elusive snow leopards, Emily will share behind-the-scenes insights into how she gained the knowledge necessary to capture technical and emotional images across vastly different environments. Through her systematic approach to researching animal behavior, her trial-and-error process with gear selection, and her method of learning to work efficiently with equipment in extreme conditions, Emily reveals how this methodical preparation process develops the expertise needed to anticipate challenges, understand behavior and respond effectively in unpredictable field conditions by maintaining constant awareness of your gear, your positioning, your physical capabilities, and your mental state so you can set yourself up with a successful shot.
This virtual deep-dive explores Emily's knowledge-building process, how she studies her subjects before arriving, what questions to seek out, how she tests and refines her gear choices, and how she learns from each challenging environment. Whether you're photographing local wildlife or planning an ambitious expedition, you'll discover practical methods for developing the deep preparation skills that transform hit-or-miss photography into consistent success.
Those attending will have multiple opportunities to ask questions and engage with Emily throughout the session, where participants can learn how to focus on what they are aiming to achieve through understanding the essential inputs - focus, knowledge, and preparedness - that lead to successful wildlife photography.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
As a visual storyteller, McCulliss’ nature photography captures singular moments where humans meet Earth's rawest edges - from Arctic ice fields to Kenyan savannas. Her comprehensive photography experience spans underwater encounters, surface observations, and aerial perspectives, providing compelling narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. McCulliss believes in the transformative power of wilderness, inviting curious souls to discover dimensions of themselves that only emerge when confronted with raw, unfiltered nature. Direct encounters with wildlife in extreme environments ranging from polar extremes to big-wave surf breaks inform her unique perspective on photography techniques and environmental storytelling.
McCulliss’ photography work has been featured in prestigious publications including the Wall Street Journal Global Luxury Spring Edition (April 2025) and Luxe Magazine Interior + Design Magazine (all editions 2025-2026). Her photography has been showcased at notable exhibitions including Chamoun Gallery (February 2025-2027), and D'art Gallery (July 2025-September 2026), and commercially available at Ethereal Day Spa, Greenwood Village, CO, 4th Quarter Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii.
Through personalized instruction delivered across six continents via luxury expedition formats, she creates transformative experiences that forge profound connections between guests and the natural world. Her mission transcends documentation - she seeks to inspire humans through self-investment and curiosity.
McCulliss curates and guides expeditions around the world including the Arctic, Mongolia, Kenya, and Hawaii.