Tracking the worlds fastest land animal, the cheetah, and telling a story at the same time is no simple feat.

In “Cheetahs-Up Close”, the story is told of a mother cheetah and her 2 cubs.

Two baby cheetahs cuddle close to their mother. (credit: National Geographic/Tom Walker)

At its essence it’s the story of survival. Another insightful doc about the animal kingdom from Nat Geo. Premiering on 1/1/206 on that channel, then streaming on Disney + and Hulu the following day.

This is not scripted. This is not pre-planned. Storytelling is shaped in the field rather than pre-scripted. While DP Tom Walker and director Bertie Gregory begin with a narrative wish list, they allow real behavior to dictate the story—tracking male coalitions, females with cubs at different stages, and the changing tactics that come with survival.

The goal for the mother is to get the cubs fed, and that entails separating singular prey from their herds.

A cheetah catches up with a wildebeest during a hunt in a heavy rainstorm. (credit: National Geographic/Tom Walker)

Walker primarily handles long-lens ground footage, while Gregory captures aerial perspectives via drone, with constant communication but independent execution.

“You go in with a plan, but the animals always write the story.” Tom Walker

The footage you’ll see happens organically and thanks to the expertise of DP Tom Walker, tracking these animals is smooth and seamless. Imagine going over a landmass, with a stabilization rig attached to your vehicle and your head buried into a viewfinder with camera controls located on a control board where it’s almost an intuitive feel.

Denis Mollel and Tom Walker sit in a safari jeep looking at wildlife through binoculars (credit: National Geographic/Tom Walker)

“Every cheetah chase you see is done in-camera — no post stabilization at all.” T. Walker

Central to the success of the footage is Walker’s longtime collaboration with expert driver-guide Denis, whose ability to read terrain and animal behavior allows the camera and vehicle to move in perfect sync. He was giving large props to Denis in our chat.

That quote alone speaks to Tom’s over 10 years of experience. In addition, there are some magic hour light shots of the cheetahs that present portraits you probably haven’t seen before.

Two cheetahs cuddle together in the grass. (credit: National Geographic/Tom Walker)

“I’ve been filming the same cheetahs for over ten years; you start to understand them individually.”

Using a 5-axis GSS gimbal mounted to a vehicle, paired with a RED Raptor Super 35 camera and a Canon 50–1000mm lens with a 1.5x extender, Walker achieves ultra-smooth tracking shots while maintaining critical distance to avoid influencing animal behavior or prey.

Another piece of gear used, was the spinner designed to keep rain off the lens, as it does have a tendency to rain that time of year. Lens was clean even after downpours.

Water pouring onto a GSS camera with a rain spinner attachment to show how it works. (credit: National Geographic/Jigar Ganatra)

Bertie Gregory came up with a plan to put a silicon glue into any of the entry points on the drone to be able to shoot in the same rain. It worked!

A Mavic drone sealed with glue to improve waterproofing. (credit: National Geographic/Jigar Ganatra)

Ethical considerations are paramount. Walker emphasizes that neither vehicle positioning, nor drone use is allowed to affect predator-prey interactions. Long lenses, careful distancing, and experienced judgment ensure the animals remain unaware and undisturbed. The edit reflects this restraint, conveying the reality of predation without graphic imagery.

Bertie Gregory looks at wildlife over his RED camera viewfinder. (credit: National Geographic/Bertie Gregory)

Filmed over approximately four weeks during peak migration season (January–February), the production operated from remote tent camps deep in the Serengeti. Walker captured roughly 1TB of footage per day, supported by a fully self-sufficient power system—vehicle-mounted batteries, solar panels, and an upgraded alternator—allowing the camera to run up to 15 hours daily without external charging.

 I have been to the Serengeti and have seen the results of the natural hunts of the animals.

Three cheetahs eat a kill whilst being watched by a lioness. (credit: National Geographic/Tom Walker)

I was glad to see that although hinted at, and briefly shown, the high grass hides most of the gory details. In the shot above the rack focus brings the attention to the observer, the lioness, who was ready to jump in and claim the kill.

It’s just nature.

A fluffy cheetah profile. (credit: National Geographic/Tom Walker)

We’e coming close to the end of the year, and I want to thank you for all of your support.

Whether you have been here for the 20 years we have been live, or just discovered the site, it means the world to me.

Sharing our passion for image making, appreciation, and yes, picking up the gear that helps us create brings us together.

This post is merely a couple of day pause to appreciate our community, and reflect on the past year.

New gear has been coming in and there will be fresh real world reviews and vids coming before years end.

All the best to you and your families!

Yes, this was shot with iPhone.

When you want to sit down, and take in a collection of photographs, nothing is better that a book. Or a well produced zine.

Whether is a monograph, or a collection from various photographers, it is a great way to slow down and discover images on your time. You can meander through a gallery or museum, which I encourage, but a closer non-timed look at an artists intent is priceless. Physical books you can peruse over the holiday, and dang, for years and years to come!

Since most artists publications are relatively small runs, buy them when you see em. Honestly, as I was putting together this list, many suggestions I was going to make were out of print, and therefore a bit pricey.  I have only suggested those currently available.

OK, here is a selection for your gifting pleasure!

*Toilet Paper Magazine

*Decisive Moment, by Henri Cartier-Bresson

*New Documents:Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander and Garry Winogrand.

*Vivian Maier

*Martin Parr The Last Resort

*Music in the 80’s by Lynn Goldsmith

*Martin Parr The Last Resort

*Family Of Man

In a colorful mode, is the zine called Toilet Paper, from the mind of Maurizio Catalan

No words, all images. and priced right, with a different way of looking at things, this will hot right with a certain person. Great for gifting or receiving

All fun!

On the classic route we have the Decisive Moment, by Henri Cartier-Bresson.  As the originator of the phrase, he captured life in the most unique moments that told a story in the fraction of a second.

True, it may have taken a lot of pressing of the shutter to get that one perfect frame, but he did it.

“In the past decade a new generation of photographers has directed the documentary approach toward more personal ends. Their aim has been not to reform life, but to know it.” ―John Szarkowski

In 1967, The Museum of Modern Art presented New Documents, a landmark exhibition organized by John Szarkowski that brought together a selection of works by three photographers whose individual achievements signaled the artistic potential for the medium in the 1960s and beyond: Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander and Garry Winogrand.

Though largely unknown at the time, these three photographers are now universally acknowledged as artists of singular talent within the history of photography. The exhibition articulated a profound shift in the landscape of 20th-century photography, and interest in the exhibition has only continued to expand. Yet, until now, there has been no publication that captures its content.

Perhaps this group collection will ignite a curious spark and send you to find and purchase separate monographs of each photographer.

Vivian Maier has had the world enthralled with her background as the nanny, who also photographed the world outside of her employment. After her death, her trove of negatives was discovered in a storage unit and has spawned multiple books, and even a documentary. Some find the story more to their liking that the photos. I think the story of the discovery just enhances the images and your perception.

A Photographer Found. Considered the definitive monograph of her work.

If someone on your list is a major music lover, and has an affinity of the 80’s, Lynn Goldsmiths book Music in the 80’s is a great collection of some of the best of music photography in that decade. The biggest stars are captured on stage, at home, and in the studio.

Martin Parr The Last Resort

He has unfortunately just left us, but his basic tenants of photography are brought to life in this book: color, documentary, and a view of British life.

And of course, one book that turned me to photography when I was 8 years old, is the Family Of Man.

It is basically the capture of the human condition from birth to death from 256 photographers all over the globe. The original exhibit was at MOMA in 1955 and remains the most viewed exhibit ever.

At its heart it shows how much cultures around the world have very similar DNA.

I usually have a few copies of this book around to gift. A family i knew received this at the holidays, and only 4 months later did they go through it and it made such an impression that they called me, and told me what an emotional connection is was.

Unassuming, this paperback can be purchased for about $15. The amazing thing is MOMA still publishes it.

There are so many books to see/share/gift that it all depends on the receiver’s taste.

These are just a few running the gamut.

#aphotographerfound

From the time I was an assistant in NYC, polaroids were a tool, a photo sharing item, and yes, an art form.

Here is a Polaroid shot on a Hasselblad back testing the lighting from back in the day. Like waaaay back in the day!

We have progressed, and Fuji has taken up the mantle of instant photos. Sure, it’s nice to have a digital copy of your photos. Having a physical print of an image is a whole other thing!
Fuji Instax has given life to this category in a full ranging line-up.

It’s true there are some other options out there as well! Here are just 3 possibilities:

*Instax Wide EVO

*Instax Wide Smartphone Printer

*HP Sprocket 200

By the way, BH Photo does expedited shipping so you’ll get your camera/printer in time for the holidays!!

This year the Instax Wide EVO is a clear winner for the Instax crowd.
I’m in that crowd!

With a sleek design, and textured surface, this camera has so many features for your instant photo experience. The ability to

It has a 16MP Sensor, Fixed 16mm f/2.4 lens., built in flash, You have choices of about 20 different color features,  5 diff design modes like film strip or date/time stamp (and full control over your exposure!) Yes, you are seeing a mirrored circle on the front for your selfie pleasure.

Usually, one of the downsides of instant photography in the past, is that once the print comes out, it’s a one and done. That hasn’t been the case for a while. And this camera also takes a micro-SD to store all the images, and connects via Bluetooth to an app on your phone, then txt/email an image.
So print, save to micro-sd, and share to an app. Choices.
But the experience of a print in the hand is everything. This camera can also be used as a printer, using photos from your phone ported through the app.

You get about 100 exposures per charge.
I would recco spending a pack of 10 photos to get your preferences down pat. Or save to the micro SD, and BT to the app.So many creative choices. Yes, there is internal memory that stores about 45 photos, without a micro-sd card

The controls are right where you want them, and all your creative choices are visible on the true to size screen on the back.
You still get that satisfaction of the print appearing to move up from the screen to a physical print in your hand!

Sells for about $410.

One feature I wish was included was QR code printing and custom sketch application.

Those features are available on the Instax Wide Smartphone Printer.

Imagine handing out a photo from your archive, or that you just took with a QR code leading to your contact info, or maybe Linktree.

You can also doodle or add design that you created added onto a photo. See above.

The Wide Printer sells for about $190

Now there are simpler systems.
The HP Sprocket 200 is an unassuming rectangle that prints directly from your phone, and the print are thin and can also be stickers!
Very fun, and  simple.
All connected fast and easy to Bluetooth, and the image was adjustable in the app before printing. As you can see these prints are smaller than the Instax Wide above.

To be fair about the same size as Fuji Instax mini.
About $90.

The overall concept of instant photos is one that we all can relate to. Sure, sending a digital image is one thing. But…..

I almost feel the same way about physical business cards vs. digital cards.

A well designed card that you can hold in your hand will probably get remembered more that a digital contact card added to a phone will.

OK, fine. Maybe I’m just old school like that. I love having and giving instant photos!

Ok, we know about all the basic gear you use in your photo/video life.
How about the tools you use to get it all done?
Not photographic in nature, but everyday life use cases.

*Pixel Drive Electric Screwdriver

*ArkPro Ultra from OLight

*Leatherman Tools

One of my favorite new tools comes from a company called HOTO.
The core model for me is the Pixel Drive electric screwdriver.

In this powerful compact set, you get this well-designed cylinder
that houses 30 different bits, and the handle in one unit.

You have all the control you need with adjustable torque, depending on the job at hand.
Plus, there is an LED light at the end of the handle, so you know exactly where you are working.
This is a perfect tool to screw in your Platypod tripod mount, or honestly, put together that piece of Ikea furniture!
Adjustable power, as well as torque to customize your working experience.

Along with this main tool they also make a series of more refined tools, all based on the handle concept with multiple bits. The handles are slim, and the bits specific to each category are kept in a slim, magnetic case to keep it all organized in the best way. From screwdrivers for your electronics, to drill for those starter holes, all the way to a burnishing set, that is a perfect way to smooth out that prop you are shooting in macro. Best for hobbyist or those working on anything requiring tiny tools.
Keep is smooth and clean.
I have had the big tool cases in the past and finding the more precise bits was a huge pain.

I will admit I use their electric scrubber and it is perfect!

And who doesn’t love a great flashlight?
Right now, I have one on my desk, and one on my work areas.
This new design from OLight is definitely going in your bag.

With options like Spot, Flood, & UV, you also get 3-way power options.

One more note on the UV: if you have ever seen a crime drama where they flash a UV to see if there is any “evidence” in the crime scene, this option will let you know how much more cleaning you need to do. Nuff said.

The design of the unit is rectangular instead of round so it fits better in your pocket or even has a strong clip making it easy to attach to the brim of a cap, or belt, or secured in a pocket.

The unique textured finish, makes it a non-slip handling tool.

In addition, you get a laser pointer, which can be used as a constant green light, or activated by a button as needed.

USB-C charging, plus it’s own mag safe charging with adaptor included ,this is my new favorite, and it’s a great gift for anyone on your list.

Here are the details. The Ultra is the one reviewed.

Then we have the tried and true-
Leatherman.
This particular versatile tool has always been there in a pinch fro me. Pliers, wire cutters, a variety of screw heads, knife blades, an awl, small ruler stamped into the legs.
It all came in a leather case, have had mine for years, although now it’s nylon, that can be belt mounted.

It’s an all-in-one tool, that can solve a problem in a pinch. With 14 essential tools, this 100% stainless steel tool, has a 25 year warranty. Hard to find anythinglike that these days.  Check out the full Leatherman range

Not a dedicated tool but has a place in everyone’s life.

Just a small sampling of the tools you can use. Honestly, anyone receiving one of these is going to be a very happy camper!