Max Waugh
@maxwaughphoto.bsky.social
Professional wildlife photographer. WPY alum. Doing my best to share the natural world.
Still not quite there on my newest photos, which I hoped to start sharing with y'all soon.
Here's a whale shark placeholder in the meantime. I hope this will suffice until we have new images in stock again.
Here's a whale shark placeholder in the meantime. I hope this will suffice until we have new images in stock again.
November 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Still not quite there on my newest photos, which I hoped to start sharing with y'all soon.
Here's a whale shark placeholder in the meantime. I hope this will suffice until we have new images in stock again.
Here's a whale shark placeholder in the meantime. I hope this will suffice until we have new images in stock again.
I'm always up for a good Flehmen Response.
November 15, 2025 at 4:52 PM
I'm always up for a good Flehmen Response.
Soon I'll start compiling year-end content. This includes curating my favorites from '25 and creating the yearbook magazine I publish just for fun.
Lots of highlights this year, including new species and better shots of old faces (e.g., finally seeing the Galapagos Dove up close back in January).
Lots of highlights this year, including new species and better shots of old faces (e.g., finally seeing the Galapagos Dove up close back in January).
November 14, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Soon I'll start compiling year-end content. This includes curating my favorites from '25 and creating the yearbook magazine I publish just for fun.
Lots of highlights this year, including new species and better shots of old faces (e.g., finally seeing the Galapagos Dove up close back in January).
Lots of highlights this year, including new species and better shots of old faces (e.g., finally seeing the Galapagos Dove up close back in January).
I'm trying to work through my last batch of new photos from this year, and I admit I'm probably more excited about them than those from my other trips this year.
Why? The bugs!!!
Why? The bugs!!!
November 13, 2025 at 2:34 PM
I'm trying to work through my last batch of new photos from this year, and I admit I'm probably more excited about them than those from my other trips this year.
Why? The bugs!!!
Why? The bugs!!!
I did peek out our windows last night, but saw nothing but cloud cover.
Last night's aurora show (enjoyed by everyone else) took me back to last year, when we finally timed things right and I got to show my wife and son their first northern lights. One of my favorite moments of the year.
Last night's aurora show (enjoyed by everyone else) took me back to last year, when we finally timed things right and I got to show my wife and son their first northern lights. One of my favorite moments of the year.
November 12, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I did peek out our windows last night, but saw nothing but cloud cover.
Last night's aurora show (enjoyed by everyone else) took me back to last year, when we finally timed things right and I got to show my wife and son their first northern lights. One of my favorite moments of the year.
Last night's aurora show (enjoyed by everyone else) took me back to last year, when we finally timed things right and I got to show my wife and son their first northern lights. One of my favorite moments of the year.
One of the funner moments from my South Africa trip occurred when these two little borbs decided to chase each other on the edge a lagoon.
(They're Black Crakes, btw.)
(They're Black Crakes, btw.)
November 11, 2025 at 2:12 PM
One of the funner moments from my South Africa trip occurred when these two little borbs decided to chase each other on the edge a lagoon.
(They're Black Crakes, btw.)
(They're Black Crakes, btw.)
I've witnessed giraffe "courtship" a couple times. It's not so much courtship as a bunch of lonely dudes lined up at one lady's table at a Speed Dating event. They just follow her (third head from right, facing us) until the one hot guy wins her affection. Seems like it's exhausting for her.
November 10, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I've witnessed giraffe "courtship" a couple times. It's not so much courtship as a bunch of lonely dudes lined up at one lady's table at a Speed Dating event. They just follow her (third head from right, facing us) until the one hot guy wins her affection. Seems like it's exhausting for her.
A white hot dog photographed back in the winter of 2020 in Yellowstone.
We actually had two different long-tailed weasels scampering around in this spot at the same time!
We actually had two different long-tailed weasels scampering around in this spot at the same time!
November 9, 2025 at 2:47 PM
A white hot dog photographed back in the winter of 2020 in Yellowstone.
We actually had two different long-tailed weasels scampering around in this spot at the same time!
We actually had two different long-tailed weasels scampering around in this spot at the same time!
Taking a break from Africa pics... here's a significantly cooler locale.
On a peaceful morning in the Great Bear Rainforest, I stepped out on deck to hear the silence of this inlet broken up by the exhales of two humpback whales.
This remains one of my favorite shots from the early years (2009).
On a peaceful morning in the Great Bear Rainforest, I stepped out on deck to hear the silence of this inlet broken up by the exhales of two humpback whales.
This remains one of my favorite shots from the early years (2009).
November 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Taking a break from Africa pics... here's a significantly cooler locale.
On a peaceful morning in the Great Bear Rainforest, I stepped out on deck to hear the silence of this inlet broken up by the exhales of two humpback whales.
This remains one of my favorite shots from the early years (2009).
On a peaceful morning in the Great Bear Rainforest, I stepped out on deck to hear the silence of this inlet broken up by the exhales of two humpback whales.
This remains one of my favorite shots from the early years (2009).
African starlings are something else. They're as common as our Rock Pigeons (which are underrated, btw), but even better looking. Here we have the Burchell's and Cape Starlings, photographed during my recent South Africa trip.
November 7, 2025 at 12:46 PM
African starlings are something else. They're as common as our Rock Pigeons (which are underrated, btw), but even better looking. Here we have the Burchell's and Cape Starlings, photographed during my recent South Africa trip.
It's cool tracking animal lineage even in places I visit infrequently.
In South Africa, I reunited with two female leopards (Pics 1 & 2) that I first photographed as twin cubs 11 years ago (Pics 3 & 4). At 11, they're still strong, successful moms, and sport their own mother's long, squarish face.
In South Africa, I reunited with two female leopards (Pics 1 & 2) that I first photographed as twin cubs 11 years ago (Pics 3 & 4). At 11, they're still strong, successful moms, and sport their own mother's long, squarish face.
November 6, 2025 at 1:09 PM
It's cool tracking animal lineage even in places I visit infrequently.
In South Africa, I reunited with two female leopards (Pics 1 & 2) that I first photographed as twin cubs 11 years ago (Pics 3 & 4). At 11, they're still strong, successful moms, and sport their own mother's long, squarish face.
In South Africa, I reunited with two female leopards (Pics 1 & 2) that I first photographed as twin cubs 11 years ago (Pics 3 & 4). At 11, they're still strong, successful moms, and sport their own mother's long, squarish face.
When I think of Africa, corvids simply don't come to mind. There's no reason a crow *shouldn't* be successful in this environment, but we're usually distracted by other more colorful, exotic species to consider them. Thus, I was excited to get my first decent photo of the Pied Crow on this trip.
November 5, 2025 at 2:02 PM
When I think of Africa, corvids simply don't come to mind. There's no reason a crow *shouldn't* be successful in this environment, but we're usually distracted by other more colorful, exotic species to consider them. Thus, I was excited to get my first decent photo of the Pied Crow on this trip.
I should be saving this until the holidays, I suppose, but what the heck.
In South Africa we saw a real "white elephant." Our guide spotted this calf, which looked slightly different from the rest of the herd. With lighter skin, pink highlights, and blonde hair, it was a leucistic elephant!
In South Africa we saw a real "white elephant." Our guide spotted this calf, which looked slightly different from the rest of the herd. With lighter skin, pink highlights, and blonde hair, it was a leucistic elephant!
November 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I should be saving this until the holidays, I suppose, but what the heck.
In South Africa we saw a real "white elephant." Our guide spotted this calf, which looked slightly different from the rest of the herd. With lighter skin, pink highlights, and blonde hair, it was a leucistic elephant!
In South Africa we saw a real "white elephant." Our guide spotted this calf, which looked slightly different from the rest of the herd. With lighter skin, pink highlights, and blonde hair, it was a leucistic elephant!
Continuing with new photos from South Africa...
I think this is the last thing we photographed. Returning to camp on our way to pack up, we encountered a herd of impala. They proceeded to sproing across the track in front of us, offering me an opportunity to play with slow shutter speeds.
I think this is the last thing we photographed. Returning to camp on our way to pack up, we encountered a herd of impala. They proceeded to sproing across the track in front of us, offering me an opportunity to play with slow shutter speeds.
November 3, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Continuing with new photos from South Africa...
I think this is the last thing we photographed. Returning to camp on our way to pack up, we encountered a herd of impala. They proceeded to sproing across the track in front of us, offering me an opportunity to play with slow shutter speeds.
I think this is the last thing we photographed. Returning to camp on our way to pack up, we encountered a herd of impala. They proceeded to sproing across the track in front of us, offering me an opportunity to play with slow shutter speeds.
I try not to market my trips here as much as I do on other platforms... but it's probably important to mention that I only have TWO open spots left on my entire 2026 tour calendar.
The Zambia: Rivers of Life tour takes place September 6 - 18: www.maxwaugh.com/workshops/za...
The Zambia: Rivers of Life tour takes place September 6 - 18: www.maxwaugh.com/workshops/za...
November 2, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I try not to market my trips here as much as I do on other platforms... but it's probably important to mention that I only have TWO open spots left on my entire 2026 tour calendar.
The Zambia: Rivers of Life tour takes place September 6 - 18: www.maxwaugh.com/workshops/za...
The Zambia: Rivers of Life tour takes place September 6 - 18: www.maxwaugh.com/workshops/za...
The day after Halloween, are you grabbing the Twix, Rolo, Kit Kat, or Tootsie Roll?
November 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The day after Halloween, are you grabbing the Twix, Rolo, Kit Kat, or Tootsie Roll?
Halloween calls for a view of my favorite Halloween-themed species I've photographed over the years: the northern ghost bat from Costa Rica!
October 31, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Halloween calls for a view of my favorite Halloween-themed species I've photographed over the years: the northern ghost bat from Costa Rica!
The dwarf mongoose is pretty much my favorite herpestid, and not just because it's an accomplished spelunker. They manage to get themselves into all sorts of nooks and crannies.
October 30, 2025 at 11:40 AM
The dwarf mongoose is pretty much my favorite herpestid, and not just because it's an accomplished spelunker. They manage to get themselves into all sorts of nooks and crannies.
Here comes trouble! During our visit to a spotted hyena den in South Africa, several of the older cubs kept trying to sneak in and chew the tires on our safari vehicle.
October 29, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Here comes trouble! During our visit to a spotted hyena den in South Africa, several of the older cubs kept trying to sneak in and chew the tires on our safari vehicle.
Psst. Another BSKy audience preview drops before even my email newsletter this morning:
My latest South Africa photos are done! Head here for a quick look. I'll be sharing more in the coming week(s): www.maxwaugh.com/2025/10/27/n...
(Happy to land the White-crested Helmetshrike after many tries.)
My latest South Africa photos are done! Head here for a quick look. I'll be sharing more in the coming week(s): www.maxwaugh.com/2025/10/27/n...
(Happy to land the White-crested Helmetshrike after many tries.)
October 28, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Psst. Another BSKy audience preview drops before even my email newsletter this morning:
My latest South Africa photos are done! Head here for a quick look. I'll be sharing more in the coming week(s): www.maxwaugh.com/2025/10/27/n...
(Happy to land the White-crested Helmetshrike after many tries.)
My latest South Africa photos are done! Head here for a quick look. I'll be sharing more in the coming week(s): www.maxwaugh.com/2025/10/27/n...
(Happy to land the White-crested Helmetshrike after many tries.)
Moose Monday, anyone?
Here's a nice bull photographed in Yellowstone over a decade ago. By Yellowstone standards, he was fairly big, but this ecosystem actually has the world's smallest subspecies of moose. They're noticeably smaller than those gargantuan Alaska moose, for example.
Here's a nice bull photographed in Yellowstone over a decade ago. By Yellowstone standards, he was fairly big, but this ecosystem actually has the world's smallest subspecies of moose. They're noticeably smaller than those gargantuan Alaska moose, for example.
October 27, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Moose Monday, anyone?
Here's a nice bull photographed in Yellowstone over a decade ago. By Yellowstone standards, he was fairly big, but this ecosystem actually has the world's smallest subspecies of moose. They're noticeably smaller than those gargantuan Alaska moose, for example.
Here's a nice bull photographed in Yellowstone over a decade ago. By Yellowstone standards, he was fairly big, but this ecosystem actually has the world's smallest subspecies of moose. They're noticeably smaller than those gargantuan Alaska moose, for example.
Maybe the biggest mistake I made this year behind the lens: forgetting my polarizer and turning this spectacled caiman photo into a unique selfie.
October 26, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Maybe the biggest mistake I made this year behind the lens: forgetting my polarizer and turning this spectacled caiman photo into a unique selfie.
An American bison trudges up the lower slopes of Mt. Washburn in Yellowstone.
(2017)
(2017)
October 25, 2025 at 12:10 PM
An American bison trudges up the lower slopes of Mt. Washburn in Yellowstone.
(2017)
(2017)
This 11pm - 2am sleep schedule I've been keeping since I got home is NOT cutting it.
But I guess I can only splash some water on my face and get to work processing the rest of these South Africa photos...
But I guess I can only splash some water on my face and get to work processing the rest of these South Africa photos...
October 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
This 11pm - 2am sleep schedule I've been keeping since I got home is NOT cutting it.
But I guess I can only splash some water on my face and get to work processing the rest of these South Africa photos...
But I guess I can only splash some water on my face and get to work processing the rest of these South Africa photos...
It's International Snow Leopard Day.
I suppose for me it's an "iconic" species, since I've used my photo of a Gene-Simmons-style snow leopard (which I took in my formative years at our local zoo) as my avatar for a couple decades now.
I assure you, the rest of these photos were taken in the wild!
I suppose for me it's an "iconic" species, since I've used my photo of a Gene-Simmons-style snow leopard (which I took in my formative years at our local zoo) as my avatar for a couple decades now.
I assure you, the rest of these photos were taken in the wild!
October 23, 2025 at 12:25 PM
It's International Snow Leopard Day.
I suppose for me it's an "iconic" species, since I've used my photo of a Gene-Simmons-style snow leopard (which I took in my formative years at our local zoo) as my avatar for a couple decades now.
I assure you, the rest of these photos were taken in the wild!
I suppose for me it's an "iconic" species, since I've used my photo of a Gene-Simmons-style snow leopard (which I took in my formative years at our local zoo) as my avatar for a couple decades now.
I assure you, the rest of these photos were taken in the wild!