Chad in the Wild

06/01/2026

Excited to share that I was recently featured in Universe’s “What’s In My Bag” series!

In the article, I take a deep dive into my favorite bird photography setup and the gear I rely on while photographing everything from hummingbirds in the Southwest to owls and raptors across the country. As a wildlife photographer, workshop leader, and falconer, having a setup I can trust in the field is everything—and this combination has become my go-to.

A huge thank you to Sony Alpha for the opportunity to share my story and gear choices.

Link to full article here

https://pixt.me/chadsawyerwimb

Have a look and let me know what piece of gear you never leave home without!

Ohio-based wildlife photographer and falconer Chad Sawyer shares his single camera and lens setup (with two teleconverters) for photographing birds.

05/31/2026

05/11/2026

Spent the day yesterday watching all the critters enjoying the sunny day in the backyard.

Have you ever seen a cottontail rabbit stick its tongue out at you? 😆

Cottontail Rabbit: 1/640 • f/5.6 • ISO 1600
Ruby Throated Hummingbird: 1/3200 • f/6.3 • ISO 2000
Marsh Warbler: 1/4000 • f/7.1 • ISO 3200

Sony A1 + 300 2.8 GM OSS + 2x Teleconverter

05/11/2026

Look at me!!

05/10/2026

Male vs. Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird 🐦✨

The male is easy to spot with his brilliant ruby-red gorget that flashes in the sunlight, while the female has a clean white throat and is solely responsible for building the nest and raising the young.

Photographing these tiny speedsters is always a challenge and a thrill. To freeze every feather, I typically use my a1 and Sony FE 300 2.8 GM OSS with the 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter at:
📸 1/3200–1/8000 sec
📸 f/6.3-8
📸 ISO 1600–4000

For a more artistic look, I slow the shutter speed to add some wing blur and show the motion.

Using a sturdy tripod, like the .official carbon fiber LM-324CL, and a smooth video head like the SVH-520, set up in a blind like the Vis Series 270 Degree See Through Hunting Blind, you can get upclose and sharp photos without worrying about arm fatigue or scaring the birds off.

Which one catches your eye more—the brilliant male or the elegant female?

05/03/2026

Tiny fluff balls + one very serious mom = spring perfection 🦉🌿
Swipe to see the next generation of nighttime hunters in training.

04/26/2026

There’s just something different about spring.
The air feels lighter, the mornings sound louder with birds, flowers start showing off, and every walk outside turns into a photo opportunity. Definitely one of the best seasons to slow down and appreciate the little things.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day 🌎

A reminder of why I pick up the camera in the first place.

From the quiet moments in the wild to the split-second action of wings in motion, these are the scenes that keep me coming back—early mornings, long hikes, cold water, and all. Every photo here represents a small piece of a much bigger story… one worth protecting.

Nature doesn’t ask for much, but it gives us everything.

Take a moment today to appreciate it, respect it, and get outside if you can. 🌿

04/19/2026

Sometimes the smallest subjects tell the biggest stories.

A bee frozen mid-task, covered in pollen.
A red-eyed tree frog staring back like it knows you’re there.
A damselfly, perfectly balanced and impossibly delicate.
And a jumping spider… tiny, but full of attitude.

Macro photography slows everything down and reveals details most people never notice. There’s an entire world out there—quiet, intricate, and wild—if you’re willing to look a little closer.

Which one catches your eye first?

04/14/2026

They may be small… but burrowing owls have BIG personality 😄

These little ground-dwellers look like they just heard some juicy gossip 24/7—wide eyes, head tilts, and zero concept of personal space. One minute they’re standing tall like prairie security guards… the next they’re sprinting across the dirt like they forgot they can fly.

And let’s be honest—if curiosity had a face, this would be it.

Photographing them is equal parts patience and trying not to laugh while they judge you from their tiny dirt holes.

Who else thinks these might be the most unintentionally hilarious birds out there? 🦉👇