Wherever there are oak trees, there are usually bears. Across the eastern deciduous forests of North America, black bears have a deep connection with these trees. However, to a black bear, not all oak species are created equally. If you want to find and photograph black bears across the eastern half of North America this fall, then understanding black bears association with these trees will set you up for success.

If you like to photograph large charismatic mammals, then this series is designed to help you prepare for one of the most spectacular times of the year for wildlife photographers all across the Northern Hemisphere.

It's when we are not photographing that we actually learn something. Everywhere black bears live, they have some sort of association with a particular species of tree. Understanding this will significantly improve your ability to find and photograph these amazing animals.

A bear's sense of smell is unmatched by any other animal in the world. Everything about their biology is fine tuned for this superpower. As wildlife photographers, understanding the importance of smell for other animals can make or break our ability to fill memory cards. If you want to be able to step into nature and find and photograph animals, especially mammals on their terms, then it's time to understand the importance of smell.

Working from blinds or hides is often a crucial component to wildlife photography, especially when photographing sensitive situations like this resplendent quetzal’s nesting cavity.

What to do if you are bitten by a venomous snake. Staying safe while in the field, knowing what to do when the you-know-what hits the fan, is as much a part of being a wildlife photographer as is owning a telephoto lens.