The RAW Journal
Unfiltered stories from the field.
The RAW Journal brings you dispatches from the wild — insights, reflections, and behind-the-scenes looks from our expeditions and photo tours.
Real experiences. Real photography. No filters.
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Don’t Miss the Moment: How to Use Focus Recall for Wildlife Photography
Wildlife rarely gives second chances. Whether it’s a golden eagle swooping into a fjord or a shy leopard approaching a waterhole, you need to be ready the instant the subject enters your frame. One often overlooked but incredibly powerful feature that helps with this is Focus Recall (called Focus Preset on Canon lenses). This tool…
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Why You Should Join Us in the Pyrenees to Photograph All Four Vultures of Northern Spain
When was the last time you stood eye-to-eye with a raptor mid-flight, talons forward, in perfect light? Welcome to the Pyrenees. At Focus RAW, we don’t just offer trips—we craft high-yield, high-impact photographic expeditions for serious photographers who want more than just pretty landscapes. Our Pyrenees vulture tour is a raw, high-adrenaline encounter with all…
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Why Experimentation Is the Secret to Finding Your Unique Wildlife Photography Style
Why Experimentation Is the Secret to Finding Your Unique Wildlife Photography Style Every serious wildlife photographer starts with a similar journey: learning the gear, understanding light, nailing focus, and chasing the perfect moment. But once you’ve checked all the technical boxes, the real challenge begins—developing a style that is unmistakably yours. That’s where experimentation becomes…
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The Best Time for a Photo Safari: A Photographer’s Seasonal Guide
The Best Time for a Photo Safari: A Photographer’s Seasonal Guide Timing is everything in wildlife photography—especially on safari. Where you go certainly matters, but when you go is what separates good trips from unforgettable ones. The season you choose will influence not just what you see, but how you see it—lighting, animal behavior, landscapes,…
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Zimanga – What to bring?
What Lenses to Bring to Zimanga — And Other Essential Gear Packing for a photo expedition to Zimanga requires thoughtful planning. The hides and game drives offer a wide range of photographic opportunities — from intimate bird portraits to fast-paced predator encounters. Choosing the right gear can make all the difference. While you’re free to…
