Wanderlust Archives - Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

Photographing the Steller’s Sea Eagle in Eastern Hokkaido

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:45:48 +0000

Winter Wildlife Photography Experience in Japan These feathered friends, endemic to the Kamchatka Peninsula, Sea of Okhotsk, and other parts of Siberia in Russia, are the very reason I’ve had Eastern Hokkaido on my wish list for many years. On par with drift ice, a fascinating environmental process I’ve tracked and wanted to photograph since I saw a poster in Sapporo about it, way back in 2000. Luckily, the two combine to form one of the most photogenic experiences you can have outdoors, especially if you’re a fan of icy wonders and wildlife like me. The Steller’s Sea Eagle is one of the biggest draw cards for wildlife photographers, with their immense wingspan of up to 2.5m (8ft), striking yellow beaks, and dramatic fishing behaviour, presenting an action-packed experience to witness these beauties in the wild. While you can get lucky and see the eagles amongst the drift ice along Hokkaido’s northern coastline in winter, Rausu offers the chance to see them up close, with trained captains knowing where to find them to ensure you’re capturing images as the warm glow of sunrise illuminates the scene. *Just to note, the conditions will determine if boats depart or not. If seas...

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The Creative Benefits of Solo Travel for Photographers

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:29 +0000

Why Solo Travel Can Transform Your Photography (and How It Changes the Way You See a Place) There’s something different about travelling alone with a camera. Without meaning to offend everyone I’ve ever travelled with, solo travel is, as far as I’m concerned, the best way to immerse yourself in the experience of travel, while documenting the adventure and learning about your creative approach, and, let’s be honest, yourself too. When travelling solo, you learn how to deal with whatever comes your way, which in turn leads to feeling more confident, capable, and creative because you’re in control of the journey unfolding. As a map geek, I love planning routes, finding locations, and researching places to stay, I know this can feel quite overwhelming for others who may be new to solo travel, but after a few trips, even short ones at first, you’ll see the freedom it unlocks. Without the pace of a group, or the quiet pressure of keeping up with someone else’s plans, the experience of travelling begins to shift in subtle but noticeable ways. You move slower, not because you have to, but because you can. You notice more. You pause when something catches your eye,...

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Parque Futangue: A Valdivian Rainforest Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 09:10:54 +0000

Where Stillness Meets Ancient Wilderness A Visual Hotel Review – Luxury Adventure Retreat in Chile Deep within Chile’s Los Ríos Region, Futangue Hotel & Spa sits quietly within a private nature reserve at the edge of the Valdivian rainforest, near Lake Ranco and framed by the Andes. The landscape feels untouched, where rainfall lingers in the air, ancient trees wear moss like cloaks, and rivers echo the mountains’ quiet power. Arriving here feels like entering another world. The tree-lined road gives way to a lodge whose timber, stone, and glass façades reflect the same calm stillness that surrounds it. From my first step inside, despite being incredibly weary after flying direct from Australia, I sensed this would be more than a stay, it was a chance to become part of the rhythm of the landscape…after a decent sleep. Waking early on my first morning, birdsong joined in a chorus with rain on the roof, a sound that echoed the environment we’d be soon out exploring, with Laguna Pichi first on the itinerary for a wander in the Valdivian Rainforest. Beyond the comforts lies adventure, and the hotel sits within a 34,000-acre private reserve with more than 100 km of trails,...

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Photographing the Darwin’s Frog: A Rare Encounter in Chile’s Valdivian Rainforest

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 08:47:28 +0000

Photographing the Darwin’s Frog – A Rare Encounter in Chile’s Valdivian Rainforest Deep within Chile’s Valdivian rainforest, where rain falls in patterns of gentle whispers and torrential waves, and where the forest floor glows a vibrant green beneath layers of fog, a tiny creature quietly tells one of nature’s most extraordinary stories. A really tiny creature, one with an average size of just 22 to 31mm. When researching Parque Futangue, I saw photos of the Darwin’s Frog (Ranita de Darwin) and was instantly drawn to learn more about this leaf-like little wonder. Because it’s listed as endangered, with some outlets even stating that it’s close to extinction, I assumed there would be no way I’d be lucky enough to photograph one on my ATWS pre-summit adventure with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Sernature Chile. Then I met Felipe, our guide at Parque Futangue and a fellow photographer who shared images he’d captured during his years guiding in the park. While it could never be guaranteed, he explained that there was a chance we might encounter one along a specific guided trail within the reserve. I couldn’t put my MC-20 2x teleconverter on fast enough. A Frog Unlike Any Other...

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The Power of Community in Adventure Travel

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:22:05 +0000

As the Chamamé music began on stage, supporting Mauricio Kusanovic of Las Torres Patagonia as he made his closing remarks at the Adventure Travel World Summit in Puerto Natales, Chile, I felt a sudden wave of emotion. I told myself, “Lisa, keep it together, be professional”, but looking around the room, one filled with industry leaders, media, and tourism operators, everyone was up on their feet, smiling, hugging and dancing. The emotion was shared, the kind that’s created from an immersive experience we all knew had been so special. It was my first time attending a summit, and while my emotions caught me off guard, it’s clear that bringing together a like-minded group of delegates in this way fuels connections, growth, and empowers change in an industry known for its ability to create experiences and positively impact communities far and wide. Two weeks prior, I had arrived in Chile expecting inspiration from the landscapes and nature. I’d visited the peaks of Torres del Paine National Park previously, and knew I was in for a treat when it came to exploring more of the country’s environmental diversity in Parque Futangue, for my pre-summit adventure. As someone who lingers on the introverted...

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Why Churchill Is on My Photography Radar for 2026

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:27:09 +0000

Polar Bears and Aurora in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. When I think about destinations that combine raw wilderness with once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities, Churchill in northern Manitoba quickly rises to the top. Perched on the edge of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada, this beautifully remote Arctic gateway offers a rare mix of luminous night skies, rare wildlife sightings, and unique ways to experience them. After learning about the region over coffee with the team from Travel Manitoba, I started researching and exploring the adventures possible for photographers (and myself!) who are keen to visit in 2026. I already know it’ll be a destination that fills my memory cards faster than the northern lights dance across the sky! Here are the experiences that have firmly placed Churchill on my radar for 2026. #1 Aurora visible up to 300 nights each year Churchill sits directly beneath the auroral oval, making the northern lights a near certainty, rather than a chance encounter, visible up to 300 nights each year. Having photographed aurora in Iceland, Greenland and across Scandinavia, plus the Aurora Australis in New Zealand, the concept of an easier hunt sounds very enticing! I don’t think I slept a wink on my first...

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Where Rolling Hills Meet Rainforest: A Visual Retreat at Beechmont Estate

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:52 +0000

Visual Hotel Review – Beechmont Estate, Queensland There’s a place where morning mist drifts through tall gums and the sound of birdsong carries across open paddocks. A place where you can wake slowly, breathe deeply, and let time unfold at a more relaxed pace. Nestled in the hinterland of Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Beechmont Estate sits quietly on a ridge surrounded by ancient rainforest and farmland. Though just an hour from the coast, it’s remote enough to feel off-grid, yet close enough to slip away to for the weekend. I recently spent two nights here with my family, surrounded by nature and good food with a gentle rhythm that brought us back to the joy of appreciating the beauty of downtime and the great outdoors. A Setting That Invites Stillness Set on 75 acres of rolling hills in Yugambeh Country and bordered by World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Beechmont Estate feels far removed from city life and invites guests to relax and retreat. Surrounded by open paddocks, ancient Gondwana rainforest, and views that change with the light, it’s an ideal place for a creative reset, hiking, and indulging in some culinary delights. Upon waking on our first morning, we saw kangaroos grazing...

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Tokyo Hotel Review: Goldfish, Geisha and Views of Mt Fuji from Bed

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:02:57 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Park Hotel Tokyo Walking into a room filled with goldfish swimming across the walls, Geisha smiling from behind the bed, and a view towards Mt Fuji, it felt like I’d stepped into a colourful dream of all things quintessentially Japanese. Perched in the Shiodome Media Tower, Park Hotel Tokyo offers more than just a luxurious stay—it provides an immersive journey into Japanese art and culture. With panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and an artistic ethos that permeates every corner, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional aesthetics. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, while its unique art-focused concept ensures a stay that’s as inspiring as it is comfortable. Location Situated in the heart of Tokyo’s Shiodome district, Park Hotel Tokyo occupies the upper floors of the Shiodome Media Tower, offering guests panoramic views of the city skyline. The hotel is conveniently connected to Shiodome Station, providing easy access to Tokyo’s extensive public transportation network. Ginza, renowned for its shopping and dining, is within walking distance, and other major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara are easily accessible. From Haneda Airport, the hotel is a 20-minute taxi...

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Books and Beds in the Heart of Tokyo – Visual Hotel Review

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:32:57 +0000

Shiba Park Hotel: A Haven for Book Lovers in the Heart of Tokyo Imagine a hotel where you can wander the hall to find a curated library just waiting to provide a book for the evening. If you can’t find an ideal book on your floor, you can venture down to the lobby or second floor for even larger areas designated to books from around the world, covering topics of art, travel, culture and more. Shiba Park Hotel combines contemporary comfort with a unique literary concept, creating a welcoming space where guests can unwind and explore the world through books. It’s a concept I believe should be replicated in cities around the world, I would happily stay at a library hotel wherever I travel! Located in a quiet yet central area of Tokyo, this boutique-style hotel offers a distinctive experience for those seeking a retreat that inspires both relaxation and curiosity. The Location Situated in Tokyo’s Minato district, Shiba Park Hotel is ideally positioned for both leisure and exploration. The hotel is within walking distance of major attractions such as Zōjō-ji Temple and Tokyo Tower, offering guests the chance to discover the city’s cultural and architectural highlights. Shiba Park itself...

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Ilimanaq Lodge – Greenland’s Idyllic Seaside Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 06:16:23 +0000

Drift to sleep as icebergs float by your bungalow There are few places where waking up feels like an instant adventure. At this lodge, not only does the day ahead present the possibility of whale sightings, photogenic huts and hiking trails, but it also starts with an iceberg check. Before brushing your teeth, a peek out the window will reveal how many icebergs have floated into the bay overnight, or perhaps, even drifted out. The thrill is that it all depends on the seas, the wind, and those big floating beauties. You could wake to a 50ft frozen monster in front, or a whole bunch of bergy bits, bobbing around in a variety of shapes and sizes. Ilimanaq Lodge is located on the southern side of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO site on Greenland’s west coast. Open from mid-June to early September, the lodge is remote, relaxing but oh so effortlessly luxurious. It’s easy to think a remote lodge will lean more toward the rustic side, but here, the beds are comfy, the lounge is spacious, the meals are world-class and the little extras, architecture and stylish decor all make for one of the best experiences you can have if you’re seeking...

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Adventure, Art and Altiplano Wonders at Awasi Atacama

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:47:37 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama There’s an atmosphere inside the walls of Awasi Atacama that’s hard to describe. A type of calm that allows you to breathe deeper and refresh. A warmth that makes you feel at home amongst carefully curated décor, cuisine and design. Then there’s the beautiful balance of immersive adventure, art and relaxation. It’s the type of place you’ll forever be grateful you stayed, somewhere so unlike anywhere else. For me, it was an artistic escape, a chance to explore the wildlife and natural wonders of the desert and Andean Altiplano, while focusing on my creative process, slowing things down and really taking the time to let it all soak in. Places like this are few and far between, and the Atacama Desert has continued to be somewhere that fuels my creativity, a stay at Awasi took that one step further. Take a peek at my experience below… ————- Let’s skip to the first evening, for which we’d arranged with our guide and private driver, Cecilia, to spend overlooking Lincancabur Volcano and the Mars Valley, just outside San Pedro de Atacama. Photographing sunset is something I always try and do on the first...

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Photographing the Kings of Madikwe Game Reserve

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:47:10 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Madikwe Safari Lodge Five years ago, I photographed the King. The Lion King to be precise. It’s a moment I remember so intensely, even shedding a tear or two at the time. The gazing eyes of a male lion, peering directly into my lens, were so overwhelming, all-consuming and wildly wonderful. It remains one of my favourite images to date and was taken in the wilderness of Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North-West province of South Africa. As luck would have it, I was invited back to photograph the reserve with Adventure World and South Africa Tourism, only this time, we stayed at the luxurious Madikwe Safari Lodge, a collection of private villas perched above the expansive plains. With 75,000 hectares to explore again, what do you think my chances were of photographing the same lion? Within moments of touching down on our charter flight from Johannesburg with Federal Air, I was taking photos of Giraffe, Impala and warthogs (I find them extremely cute). I’m talking mere minutes of stepping off the plane with the safari jeep still on the runway. The feeling of adventure strikes instantly. From my previous trip, I knew the photography opportunities commence...

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