Brent Mail
@brentmail
Full time pro photographer, film maker and story teller from East Coast of Australia (originally from South Africa). My another account showcasing the best wildlife photos bestwildlifephotos.bsky.social
New youtube video is live: youtu.be/NRR8qdkixsw I tell the story behind one of my most special photographs. I got out of the safari vehicle, knelt down in the wet sand next to a waterhole, and photographed two lions from below eye level — right after they'd finished a kill.
Been reviewing my photos from Botswana (Okavango delta) as we plan the next trip for July next year and I'd forgotten how many great images I had taken. I've got some new ones to share plus stories - my good friend Johny has been editing some of these shots. Videos to follow soon. Painted dog...
2 years ago today was the start of my last PhotoBootCamp Safari to Africa. We’re Going back again next year who’s coming?
Just posted my 76th photography masterclass all about minimalism. Shot this one on the weekend in the fog at Fingal Bay
Went back to our Tiny house today to paint this amazing tree on the property. Not sure if my painting is improving but I'm enjoying the process and I guess that's all that matters right? Oil paints on cavas, outdoors on my home-made pochade box.
Been working really hard on this tool to help photographers improve - taught on more than 4000 critiques I've given my Photo BootCamp members. Check it out, try it, have fun. photocritique.app Checkout the gallery section where users can publish their image and their critique. Please share. Brent
This is the photocritique tool I’ve been working on for 2 years now - done so much in last few weeks to make it even better. Here’s a photo I posted and the feedback I received. photocritique.app/photo/k17bje...
What’s buzzing in your backyard? 🐝 Bootcamp member Valerie Worthen captured this striking macro of two Yellow Jackets claiming a birdhouse—proof that incredible moments are closer than we think. Have you looked closely at your own backyard lately? Got a backyard photo? Drop it in the comments 🐝
Using my 25mm lens, a remote-controlled camera, and a shutter speed of 1/500 sec at f/8, I managed to focus on a single Rainbow Lorikeet in the foreground while letting a cascade of vibrant colour fill the background. It’s all about finding that perfect balance—what do you think of the result?
Shot on a peaceful new moon night while camping on a farm with my wife. I moved down the ridge to frame the clear sky, mountain peak, and our campfire. After testing different ISOs, this one was the winner. What do you think? Let me see your favourite way to capture the night sky in the comment?
Captured along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Eugene Brannan’s image freezes a fleeting dance of light and motion as seagulls soar across a blazing sunset, a perfect harmony of serenity and energy. Entry for the Bootcamp Academy Challenge! What emotion does this moment stir in you?
Can a single shot capture the magic of the deep sea? 🌊 Our Magazine Cover #13 artist, Juan Acosta, brings the ocean’s mystery to life with this mesmerising handheld capture of jellyfish at the Vancouver Aquarium—vibrant, graceful, and unforgettable. What draws you to the ocean?
Isn’t it amazing how nature creates perfect lines and patterns? 🦋 Bootcamp member Dave Koh from Singapore captured this Dark Glassy Tiger butterfly on vibrant red flowers, framed by soft bokeh—pure natural beauty in focus. We’d love to see your shots too—share your photography in the comments! ☺️
How do you make a sunset even better? Johny Spencer and I stepped into the frame at Myall Lake, turning this landscape shot into a more engaging image with a human element. Sometimes, adding ourselves is all it takes to bring a scene to life. What’s your trick for capturing the perfect moment? 🤷♂️
What makes a shot worth waiting years for? This one at Seal Rocks was all about perfect timing. The balance between the lighthouse’s light and the fading sky had to be just right—patience paid off, and I got the exact shot I’d imagined. What do you think? Was it worth the wait?
The race may have been on screen, but the real action was in the laughter, the smoky air from the BBQ, and the mates gathered around. That’s the spirit of Bathurst 1000. When was the last time a simple get-together became a core memory? Share your story below. ☺️
What’s your ultimate escape from the chaos of life? For me, it’s as simple as a crackling campfire under the winter sky. When everything feels chaotic, where do you escape to?
Have you ever packed up, then turned around and found something better waiting? This was one of those moments. After photographing the sunset at Shoal Bay, I turned back and saw this incredible scene waiting for me. A quick tripod setup and boom, the perfect shot! What do you think?
This one at Birubi did it for me. I spent years capturing moments like this when the swell was high and the sky was on fire. Nothing beats watching a sunset with a good mate and your favourite drink in hand. What's your go-to spot for sunsets?
A place so beautiful it leaves me speechless, at Skippers Canyon, New Zealand, just outside Queenstown. The way the golden grass ripples along the ridgeline, set against those dramatic, snow-capped peaks, made me stop in my tracks. What do you think?
Can you feel the calm in this scene? 🌅 At Mungo Brush National Park, the reflected sand and gentle wave lines lead your eyes straight to the glowing horizon and vibrant clouds—nature effortlessly guiding our focus. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of sunsets, each one feels like a gift.
Caught the surfer emerging from the waves, perfectly timed with a bold shadow. Cool blues meet warm morning light. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Captured during a challenging ride through wetlands on private land in an 8-wheel amphibious vehicle. Staying steady was tough, but I managed this shot of a flying swan at ~550mm with a 1/1000 sec shutter. I love the reflection. What do you think?
Water is where I feel most alive! That's me, Brent, carving through the waves and loving every second. Surfing is my favourite way to connect with the ocean's power and beauty. Do you love oceans too? Let me see your photo drop it in the comment.
After a challenging fungus walk in the mountains with experts, I captured this long-exposure waterfall—shot with a 3-stop ND filter and a 10-second exposure to show the movement of autumn leaves. What do you think?
One of our bootcamp members, photographer Karen Padilla, captured this dramatic post-storm moment in the USA—40 mph winds, raw beauty, and perfect timing through her window. This shot is a perfect example of storm photography, capturing nature’s raw beauty before it disappears. What do you think?
John Donnelly from Australia captured this sunrise using my golden hour tips—no spare battery, just instinct. The camera died right after, but it was worth it. What do you think?
Kerrie Clarke from Australia, one of our Boothcamp members, shares her stunning long exposure shot of the old Groynes at Mornington Peninsula, captured with incredible precision and artistry. learned at our bootcamp academy. What do you think about her shot?
This photo captures a peaceful, long pier stretching out into calm waters under a dramatic sky. This is an excellent example of long-exposure photography, which beautifully blurs the movement of clouds and water to create a serene and timeless feel. What do you think?
What place do you feel most grateful to call home? For me, it’s Port Stephens, Australia—a stunning corner of the world that constantly inspires my photography. This aerial panorama of Fingal Bay (a stitch of 3 images) was captured during a commercial shoot for the holiday park in the foreground.