We recently returned from a fantastic trip to the bottom of the world – yes – we were in Patagonia – where our main focus was photographing Pumas!
Beyond the incredible photographic opportunities in the dramatic landscape of Torres del Paine, this trip is just a fantastic experience. Just imagine getting to spend the entire day in the company of Pumas that are completely acclimated to your presence. It is a photographic slam dunk.
In fact, we enjoyed this adventure so much that as we wrapped up this trip, we immediately booked two more trips – one in June 2027 and another in December of 2026 that will be paired with a brand new destination for us, the Falkland Islands.
Photographing Patagonia Pumas
Both of these new trips are small groups of just 5 participants. Our 2026 trip filled in less than a day. So, if you would like to join us on one of these two new adventures, which will be officially open for registration within the next few months, we highly recommend that you get on our pre-announcement list to receive an early notification before our public announcement. Let us know which one you are interested in.
Visit Torres del Paine: The highest density of pumas in the world
Journey to the edge of the earth where the snow-covered peaks of Torres del Paine tower over the land. It is within this stunning landscape that you will find the highest density of pumas in the world and some of the most stunning and intimate opportunities to photograph them in the wild. Join us on this amazing nature photography tour where you will photograph pumas on foot. Coming face to face with these impressive predators in this gorgeous setting is an unforgettable experience.
This was our first time going to Patagonia in June and we loved it!! The light was perfect – maintaining a lower angle, the wind was minimal and there were no crowds. It was just us, the pumas and the great expanse of Torres del Paine. Simply magical.
Photographs of Pumas from the trip
“The Look” This image is all about the gesture and pose and of course that sideways look that connects the cat with the viewer.
Nikon Z9, 200-400mm, 1/320th @ f9, ISO 800 Image cropped 5% for final composition.
“Puma Peek-a-boo” I really love how all the lines and forms come together in this shot. This young male spent the day resting here with his mother.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/40th @ f16, ISO 1000, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“A Refreshing Morning Sip” These two pumas stopped by a waterhole to wet their whistle. Images like this are the reason I lug around a tripod. Low light combined with the need for a little more depth of field to keep both cats sharp required a very slow shutter speed.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm 1/25th @ f/11, ISO 1000, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Up on the Ridge” Guanacos like to stop on top of ridges as they cross to get a good look at what dangers may exist on the other side. Knowing this allows a photographer to anticipate and set up for images like this. Then it is just a matter of spinning the dials to get an exposure that works in this crazy light. Checkout that crazy exposure below LOL!
Nikon Z9, 600mm PF with 1.4 TC, 1/32,000 @ f25, ISO 80, Image cropped 10% for final composition.
“Time to get Moving” A Puma gets up from her nap and is off to do some hunting for the evening. It is such a privilege to spend time with these amazing cats. To have them be so accepting of our presence is a real treat.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm 1/250th @ f10, ISO 800, Image cropped 5% for final composition.
“Reflections of Paradise” Patagonia is a place that is known for being very windy, but of course it is a land of contrast. We had many days of absolute dead calm where images like this were possible.
Nikon Z9, 24-70mm, 1/5th @ f22, ISO 64, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Siblings” We spent quite a bit of time with this brother and sister who were alone part of the time and with their mother for some of the time as well. These two are just about to leave their mother and start their life on their own.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/250th @ f8, ISO 800, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Love is in the Air” This female is looking for love, and she has just come across the scent of a potential suitor. She is taking a good deep sniff of his scent trying to determine when he last passed this way. That question will soon be answered as you will see in the next image.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/320th @f5.6, ISO 500, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“The Suitor Appears” This image was made about 15 minutes after the previous. The cat in the foreground is the female, and the one in back is “The Dark” a very famous and imposing male who is the undisputed king of this area. He is about to pass on his genes to another generation. We had many excellent opportunities with “the Dark” but unfortunately, he was collared by scientist which does not make for good wildlife images.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/100th @ f10, ISO 800 Image cropped 10% for final composition.
“Evening Overlook” This cat in beautiful light is overlooking a huge valley where it has commanding views of hundreds of acres. One of the benefits of going at this time of year is the light has a wonderful warm glow the entire day.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/50th @ f14, ISO 400, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Tomfoolery” This makes me smile, I think the sister must have known I was making a picture and she is holding up rabbit ears behind her brother’s head!?!
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/60th @ f11, ISO 800, Image cropped 5% for final composition.
“Family Portrait” This is Petaka and her two grown cubs. They are just getting off on their own, but she stops by for a visit now and again. On this day they spent most of their time together.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/400th @ f10, ISO 1,250, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Patagonia Featherbed” These two pumas spent the entire day lounging and sleeping on this beautiful soft bed. I think they are both hyper-focused in on a Guanaco off in the distance.
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/250th @ f8, ISO 320, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Morning Stroll” This Guanaco takes in the view as it comes over a ridge. I was able to line up the iconic three towers of Torres del Paine National park with some alpine glow for a splash of color.
Nikon Z9, 24-70mm, 1/8th @ f20, ISO 125, Image cropped 5% for final composition.
“Biiiig Stretch” This young male has spent the mid-day just lounging around. Like most cats a full-body stretch is required before he can get up and about to start the evening activities.
Nikon Z9 180-400mm, 1/160th @ f10, ISO 800, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“In for a Closer Look” This beauty is an Austral Pygmy Owl. We spent a lot of time and threw a lot of glass at this image to get this very tight portrait. I love how the background color really compliments the eyes!
Nikon Z9, 600mm PF with 1.4 TC, 1/8th @ f16, ISO 1000, Image cropped 0% for final composition.
“Thank you Light!” This image is really made by the magic light. This cat paused here to check out a scent on the rock. At that very moment the low light peeked out from behind a cloud bathing the cat in it’s warm glow while leaving the cool background in shade… MAGIC!
Nikon Z9, 180-400mm, 1/320th @ f9, ISO 1,250, Image cropped 5% for final composition
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve and Nicole