One thing that strikes uninitiated photographers about the tropics – for instance, some parts of South America – is how surprisingly unusual it is to encounter an animal. Now, you may be shaking your head and wondering if I’ve gone mad. Are we talking about the same tropics? It’s a place teeming with life! Yes it is, but even so, seeing the animals yourself can be quite rare.

Before we get into the news of this week, let me ask you a question. How do you prepare for a photographic expedition? For example, I clean my equipment, charge all my batteries, and sharpen my machete – but most importantly, I study the resources available to get the most out of the place I’m going.