Field Notes from the Wild

Stories, Lessons, and Encounters from a Life Behind the Lens

Every photograph begins with a journey — a moment of stillness, patience, and discovery. In Field Notes from the Wild, Ethan Cole shares the stories behind his images, the challenges of life in the field, and reflections on what it means to witness nature up close. From remote expeditions to conservation insights, these posts invite you to step into the wild and see the world through the eyes of a storyteller, traveler, and conservationist.

Chasing the Golden Hour: Photographing Africa’s Light

January 24, 2020

There’s a reason photographers call it the “magic hour.” In Africa, those fleeting minutes after sunrise and before sunset transform the landscape into gold — a stage for elephants, lions, and antelope to move through pure, living light. Ethan shares his approach to reading the light of the savannah, from the warm haze of morning to the soft silhouettes of dusk. He dives into the patience it takes to wait for the right moment, and how light alone can turn a simple scene ...

The Quiet Ones: Finding Beauty in Elusive Wildlife

January 15, 2020

Not every subject announces itself with power or grandeur — some are whispers in the wild. In this post, Ethan explores the art of noticing: the fox in the fog, the owl in shadow, the movement you almost missed. He writes about slowing down, letting silence guide you, and learning to blend into an animal’s world until your presence disappears. These encounters are less about the chase and more about humility — a reminder that the most profound beauty often belongs to the ...

Lessons from the Field: What Twenty Years with a Camera Taught Me

January 7, 2020

After decades in some of the planet’s most remote and challenging environments, Ethan has learned that the wild is both a teacher and a mirror. This essay reflects on the deeper lessons behind the lens — not just about exposure and focus, but about perseverance, respect, and adaptability. He discusses how nature humbles even the most experienced photographer, offering lessons in timing, restraint, and gratitude. Each story — from storms that wiped out shoots to chance moments ...

Conservation Through the Lens

December 31, 2019

Every image tells a story — and sometimes, it can spark change. Ethan examines the responsibility that comes with documenting wildlife: the need to portray truth, foster empathy, and inspire protection. This post explores how photography serves as a bridge between people and places they may never see, turning admiration into action. He discusses his collaborations with conservation groups, the ethics of field photography, and the importance of awareness in visual storytelling. Ultimately, ...

From Yellowstone to the Serengeti: Parallels of the Wild

December 17, 2019

Though thousands of miles apart, the grasslands of North America and Africa share surprising similarities — and delicate balances. Ethan compares his experiences photographing bison in Yellowstone and elephants in the Serengeti, finding common threads in their behavior, ecosystems, and vulnerability. The essay explores how wildlife adapts to its environment, and how human presence shapes those adaptations. He reflects on the rhythm of migration, the changing seasons, and the universal ...

Packing for the Edge of the World

December 4, 2019

What does it take to travel where roads end and nature begins? In this practical yet personal guide, Ethan breaks down his must-have gear for remote wildlife expeditions — from cameras and lenses to essentials like satellite communication and weatherproofing. But beyond the checklist, he explores the mindset of fieldwork: preparedness, respect, and flexibility in the face of the unknown. Through stories of past trips, he reveals how experience has taught him to travel lighter, adapt ...