My Nature & Wildlife Photography

Images by Kimberli A. Bindschatel

Humpback whale, Maui, Hawai’i

Wow! This took my breath away. I couldn’t believe I actually caught the image. These whales come rocketing out of the water with such speed and unexpected timing, it is impossible to be ready. This one was so close, I had to quickly zoom out with my long lens to get her in the frame.

While in Maui, I went whale watching twelve times. That was twice a day, most days. Yep, I’m a little crazy for whales. And obsessive about getting a photo. And I got the shot!

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Green Turtle, Maui, Hawai’i

By Kimberli Bindschatel

Turtles, turtle, turtles! I’ve always wanted to see a sea turtle hauled out onto the beach. I had no idea when heading to Maui last month, that I’d get that chance. And there were eighty! People kept telling us about the beach where we could see them. We’d get vague directions from tourists who hadn’t really paid that much attention. Then, lo and behold, there they were, blending in with the rocks. I ran for my camera and plopped down on my knees in the sand, so excited I hit a rock and broke open my knee. I didn’t care though. Not right then. There were turtles!

For two hours, I watched as, one by one, they emerged from the bubbling surf and crawled up onto the beach–to rest, sun themselves, no one knows for sure. No where else in the world do adult sea turtles leave the water for anything other than laying eggs. But this particular species in Maui does. And it was an amazing sight to witness. I stayed until the sun was well below the horizon, getting every photo I could in that beautiful light. It was like magic.

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Scarlet Macaw, Jaco, Costa Rica

By Kimberli Bindschatel

When I left for Costa Rica in 2010, I said I wasn’t coming back home until I’d seen three life birds: the scarlet macaw, the keel-billed toucan, and the resplendent quetzal. I saw all three, though briefly. This recent trip, my goal was to get a photograph of each. Only the macaws were cooperative. With their beautiful plumage, I can see why people around the world are taken with them. And their antics are almost comical. Unfortunately, there aren’t many left. Only in a few small areas of Costa Rica could they be found. That’s where we went. And I was rewarded with several keepsake images and a lifetime of memories.

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Humpback Whale, Bahía de Banderas, Mexico

By Kimberli Bindschatel

On my way to Maui for the first time to photograph whales. Supposed to be the best whale watching in the world. I can’t wait. My experiences in Alaska and Mexico will be hard to beat. This image was made the first time I visited Banderas Bay, a mating and birthing area for humpback whales. Nothing compares to being in the presence of these magnificent creatures. To hear them breathe. I’m moved every time.

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Three-toed Sloth, Hacienda Baru, Costa Rica

By Kimberli Bindschatel

Since my trip to Costa Rica in 2010, I haven’t been able wait to go back with all my camera gear and that dream has come true! Wait until you see all the photos. I can’t wait to share them. My friend Amber and I shot 1000s of frames in the two weeks we traveled around Costa Rica. Amazing! This sloth was so animated and enjoying posing for us we named him Hollywood. We were blessed! More to come…

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Palm Tree, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

By Kimberli Bindschatel

I’m headed back to Costa Rica! I can’t wait. I’ll have photos and video to share with you. For now, I thought it would be fun to post an image from my 2010 trip. On that adventure, I took only a point-and-shoot camera since I traveled with just a backpack. This time, I’m taking some pro gear and a pro videographer friend. Wish us a good time and we’ll see you on the flip side.

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Sea Otter with Snow Crab, Resurrection Bay, Alaska

By Kimberli Bindschatel

I was reminded recently of time spent on a wildlife cruise out of Seward, Alaska out into Resurrection Bay. The captain was a friendly young woman from northern Michigan. She told my husband and me a few stories, one in particular about an inmate in the local maximum security prison there, that inspired some events in my recent novel, Operation Grizzly Camp.

We left the dock at noon and I had my camera at the ready, but didn’t expect anything until we were further out and wasn’t thrilled about the noon light. But, as fate would have it, the captain informed us to look to for an otter who was off the port side. And there he was, crunching away on this snack. Never seen that before!

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Autumn Colors, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

By Kimberli Bindschatel

I can’t imagine living in a place where the seasons don’t change with the bang that happens in northern Michigan. Autumn, in particular. On a macro or micro level, the changing of the leaves is not only an amazing biological wonder, it’s awesome to behold. Perhaps its ephemeral quality makes it that much more spectacular. If you’ve never experienced it, you must make plans to do so. Nature in all her glory. A must see.

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Brown Bear, Denali National Park, Alaska

By Kimberli Bindschatel

Four years ago I was in Alaska for the fourth time. This trip was extra special for two reasons: my parents came along and it was September which meant fall color. Wow, the tundra glows in oranges and reds. There’s nothing like it. And to see a bear standing amid the blaze was breathtaking. My only regret was being stuck on the Denali park school bus, shooting out the window. But sometimes, you take what you can get. I would’ve hopped off the bus right there, but park rules don’t allow passengers to disembark near wildlife. A good policy. Still, all in all, a sight worth every breath.

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Norwegian goat, Flåm, Norway

By Kimberli Bindschatel

Two years ago today I was in Norway, enjoying the fresh air and spectacular countryside. During a bike ride down the mountainside and through this valley, we came across a herd of goats, all lying in the middle of the road. They didn’t want to budge to let us through. One tried to chew my tire. They’ll eat anything apparently. It was a joyful encounter and one of my favorite images from the trip.

This image is the cover of my book, Norway: A Photographic Collection and the experience was the inspiration for setting my book, Operation Orca Rescue there.

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