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Nature Photography by Jay & Varina Patel

2017 – A Year In Review

December 28, 2017/in Blog/by Jay Patel

We want to take some time to wish you happy holidays and say thank you for another great year.

What began as just another year at Visual Wilderness produced some significant changes in how we do business. Here are some highlights from 2017:

VW Membership

The biggest change at Visual Wilderness came this past Fall when we launched our membership service. We were unsure how this would go, but it proved to be highly effective. Starting at ONLY $19.95/month, Visual Wilderness Members get unlimited access to ALL current and future video courses.

Find Out More

Expanded Product Offerings

The second biggest change this year was that we transformed Visual Wilderness into a multi-vendor site; we now offer landscape educational material from our highly-talented contributing photographers. Here are some of the most popular offerings from our contributing photographers in 2017.

  • Cover Image for Balancing Light in Photoshop Tutorial with Kate Silvia

    Balancing Light in Photoshop for Nature Photography

    $39.95
    Add to cart Show Details
  • Creative Effects for Nature Photography Tutorial Cover

    Creative Effects for Nature Photography

    $39.95
    Add to cart Show Details
  • Photoshop Layers & Masks for Beginners Tutorial Cover

    Photoshop Layers & Masks for Beginners

    $39.95
    Add to cart Show Details

Varina and I added more video courses to Visual Wilderness this year then any previous year. Wide Angle Lenses, Creating Impact Vol-2, and Getting it Right in Camera Vol-2 were brand new video courses in our 2017 collection. We also updated our two most popular video courses: In Sharp Focus and Hyperfocal Distance Course.

  • Mastering Simplification in Nature Photography

    $39.95
    Add to cart Show Details
  • Cover for Nature Photography Tutorial about Composition

    Creating Impact with Nature Photography

    $39.95
    Add to cart Show Details
  • Creative Photography with Shutter Speed Tutorial Cover

    Creative Photography with Shutter Speed

    $39.95
    Add to cart Show Details

Landscape Photography Blog

Contributors’ articles were more popular then ever. Be end of 2017, we had over 660 articles with various contributing authors. We also had the opportunity to share stories and technical articles from a number of talented guest authors. Here are a some of the articles from our Visual Wilderness blog in 2017.

All/Composition/Fieldwork/Photography Business/Post Processing/Q and A/Travel Photography
Landscape photography composition from New Zealand by Jay Patel
January 17, 2025

How to Use Negative Space in Nature Photography Composition

Discover how to use negative space effectively in nature photography composition to enhance mood and create a strong visual impact.

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

Landscape photography composition blog cover by Jay Patel
January 3, 2025

Go Beyond Photography Composition Rules to Create Impact

Nature Photography from Utah by Varina Patel
December 14, 2024

How to Capture Award Winning Nature Photographs

Cover for nature photography composition blog post by Jay Patel
July 23, 2024

Top 3 Ideas to Simplify Your Nature Photography Composition

Nature Photography composition using leading lines from Iceland by Varina Patel
May 14, 2024

How to build a Photography Composition around your Subject

Landscape photography composition from New Zealand by Jay Patel
January 17, 2025

How to Use Negative Space in Nature Photography Composition

Discover how to use negative space effectively in nature photography composition to enhance mood and create a strong visual impact.

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

Landscape photography composition blog cover by Jay Patel
January 3, 2025

Go Beyond Photography Composition Rules to Create Impact

Cover for nature photography composition blog post by Jay Patel
July 23, 2024

Top 3 Ideas to Simplify Your Nature Photography Composition

Black and White Landscape Photography from Bandon, Oregon by Craig McCord
November 19, 2022

How to Simplify Your Black and White Photography Compositions

Creative Nature Photography from Olympic National Park by Jay Patel
August 27, 2021

5 Effective Exercises for Creative Nature Photography

Nature Photography composition using leading lines from Iceland by Varina Patel
May 14, 2024

How to build a Photography Composition around your Subject

Pro photographer Varina Patel shares some highly effective ideas to build a compelling nature photography composition around your subject.

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

Volcanoes National Park, Big Island, Hawaii, USA by Jay Patel
February 4, 2023

Top 10 Beginner Landscape Photography Tips to Get Started

Nature Photography from Mana Island, Fiji by Varina Patel
December 19, 2022

Mastering Low Contrast Light in Nature Photography

Landscape photography from Wahclella Falls in Columbia River Gorge - Oregon by Varina Patel
February 6, 2022

How to Capture Sharp Landscape and Nature Photos

January 3, 2022

Two Important Skills for Mastering Landscape Photography

Masaya, Nicaragua
April 7, 2024

The Rollercoaster Ride of a Social Media Photographer

Jay Patel embarks on a whimsical journey of the aspiring social media photographer’s quest for social media stardom and self-discovery.

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

Landscape Photo of Wanka Tree in New Zealand by Varina Patel
February 11, 2024

Top 10 Tips to grow your Nature Photography Business

Landscape Photograhy by Lace Andersen
February 16, 2023

A Beginners Guide for Adding Watermark to your Photos

Nature photography at the iconic Machu Picchu, Peru by Jay Patel
January 31, 2022

Social Media Myths about Nature Photography Business to Ignore

Abstract Nature photography of Rainbow Eucalyptus, Maui by Jay Patel
March 22, 2021

How to Sell Your Photos as Fine Art Prints

September 4, 2022

Sean Bagshaw’s Photoshop Workflow for Landscape Photography

Sean Bagshaw shares his Photoshop workflow to create stunning natural looking landscape photos with Visual Wilderness Readers.

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

Cover for landscape photography blog about Photoshop Layers & Masks by Jay Patel
November 26, 2021

Why I use Photoshop Layers & Masks for Nature Photography

Photographing birds in action by Gaurav Mittal
November 19, 2021

Local Adjustments in Photoshop for Bird Photography

Cover for Texture Blending in Photoshop Blog post by Christine Hauber
November 14, 2021

Creative Texture Blending in Photoshop for Beginners

Fine Art Photography from Geysir, Iceland by Jay Patel
August 20, 2021

Why I Use Photoshop Instead of Lightroom for Nature Photography

Nature Photography from Utah by Varina Patel
December 14, 2024

How to Capture Award Winning Nature Photographs

Learn to capture award-winning nature photographs with these expert tips from professional photographer Varina Patel.

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

Landscape photography with sharp focus from Death Valley by Varina Patel
January 17, 2022

A simple Framework to Critique Photos like a Pro

Cover for nature photography blog post about RAW Image format by Varina Patel.
July 2, 2021

Are photographers still debating JPEG vs RAW Image Format?

Cover for landscape photography blog by Jay Patel
June 28, 2021

Fallacy of Golden Hours in Landscape Photography

Cover for iconic landscape photography location blog post by Varina Patel
June 7, 2021

Why I Keep Returning to Iconic Landscape Photography Locations

Landscape photography blog cover for photographing Erta Ale Volcano by Clint Burkinshaw
July 17, 2022

Travel Photography from Erta Ale Volcano

Travel photography from Erta Ale Volcano can be challenging. Here is how how Clint Burkinshaw was able to capture this unique location.

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

Cover for beach photography blog post by Lace Andersen
July 19, 2021

Invaluable Beach Photography Tips to capture Breathtaking Photos

Underwater Nature Photography - Turtle, Big Island, Hawaii by CJ Kale
September 24, 2020

Big Island Nature Photography Tips from CJ Kale

Cover for Travel Photography Blog Post by Peter Dulis
September 4, 2020

Travel Photography Equipment Guide for Beginners

Cover for Travel photography blog post about capturing fall colors in Japan by Ugo Cei.
August 7, 2020

Travel Photography Tips for Capturing Fall Colors in Japan

 Free InFocus Newsletter

Our InFocus Newsletter continues its incredible growth. With over 38,000 subscribers, we received some incredible feedback from our readers. Here is what people are saying.

What People Are Saying


Franco Ameli

Thank you! Hyperfocal Distance for Landscape Photography was great video course. Very interesting and useful.

Franco Ameli
Genoa, Italy

Tom Healy

Essential Filters Course would have saved me from frustrating photos that were a result of using filters wrong or not understanding when and how to use them.  Another great tutorial series from Jay & Varina.

Tom Healy
Portland, Oregon

Al Dziczek

I’ve never seen training material this high in visual quality, formal presentation, knowing what’s important to present and how.  I hope you keep on expanding your Landscape Photography Video Tutorial output and set even better standard.

Al Dziczek
Kentucky, USA

Regina Velasquez

Hi amazing people at Visual Wilderness…Two thumbs up on your Histograms Exposed Course.

Regina Velasquez
Sherman Oaks, CA

Lorian Keramaris

I have to say, you both are great teachers. I’ve learned so much from The Ultimate Landscape Photography & Focus courses I’ve purchased.

Lorian Keramaris
Toronto, Canada

Sharon

You offer an incredible photography learning experience. With two terrific instructors who are great to learn from, and fun to be with, I couldn’t ask for more.

Sharon

Elizabeth Dizon

This is great! Been wanting to understand and apply Hyperfocal Distance in my photography.

Elizabeth Dizon
Manila, Philippines

Best photography webinar I’ve every taken

Mastering Exposure Webinar was the best photography webinar I’ve every taken. I’ve taken lots of seminars where they talked about their pictures but in this one, they showed a video of how they determined their settings while in the field. Very helpful.

Diane Donnelly
Annapolis, Maryland, USA

Lynn Garwood

Ian Plant’s class was instructional and inspirational as well as easy to follow. Loved it!

Lynn Garwood

Sue Atkinson

I have been trying to understand Hyperfocal Distance since I first picked up a camera about a year ago. I have had several people explain it to me, but I never understood it as well as I do after watching your tutorials. They are so clear and easy to understand.

Sue Atkinson
Western Australia

 Contributing Authors

Finally, we want to say "thank you" to all of our talented contributing photographers on Visual Wilderness. Here are a few examples of some of their inspiring articles and stories.

Cover for Alan Shapiro Photography on Visual Wilderness

Alan Shapiro

Anne Belmont

Portrait of Austin James Jackson

Austin James Jackson

Chrissy Donadi Portrait

Chrissy Donadi

Portrait of Craig McCord

Craig McCord

Portrait of David Johnston

David Johnston

Grant Collier

Jane Palmer's Portrait

Jane Palmer

Portrait of Joshua Snow

Joshua Snow

Portrait of Kate Silvia

Kate Silvia

Lace Andersen

Portrait of Mark Denney

Mark Denney

Portrait of Padma Inguva

Padma Inguva

Peter Coskun's Portrait

Peter Coskun

Ugo Cei's Portrait

Ugo Cei

Once again, we want to take this time to thank you and wish you all a Creative and Inspiring 2018!

About Author Jay Patel

I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams

Website | Google+ | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Pinterest

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Landscape Photos From 2017Landscape photography from The Wave at Vermillion Cliffs, Arizona by Jay PatelLast Chance to Grab 9 Video Tutorials for Less Than $7 Each!!
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