A photographer's brief for each place — the season, the light, six shots worth making, and the gear that earns its weight.
When to photograph the Masai Mara — migration and river crossings Jul–Oct, big cats year-round — plus the six shots to come home with, the light, and the gear.
Where and when to photograph the Serengeti — calving in the south Jan–Mar, northern crossings Aug–Oct, Seronera cats year-round — with six shots and the gear.
The best season for Pantanal jaguars is the July–October dry season, peaking Aug–Sep around Porto Jofre. Six shots from the boat, the light, and the gear to bring.
When to photograph Sossusvlei and Deadvlei — May to September mornings, the first 40 minutes of light — with six shots to make, the light, and the gear to carry.
The best season for Ranthambhore tigers is March to June, peaking in April and May. Six shots to make, the light on each drive, and the gear that works in a Gypsy.
When to photograph Costa Rica's cloud forest birds — December to April, quetzals peaking February to May — with six shots, the light, and the gear for wet forest.
When to photograph the Galápagos — wildlife year-round, warm season Dec–May and cool season Jun–Nov — the six shots to make, the light, and why you should pack wide.
When to photograph Svalbard's polar bears — the June to August pack-ice window with 24-hour daylight — the six shots to make, the midnight light, and the gear.
When and where to photograph Iceland's puffins — mid-May to mid-August at Látrabjarg and Borgarfjörður Eystri — the six shots, the golden evening light, and the gear.
When to photograph Amboseli's elephants beneath Kilimanjaro — dry seasons Jun–Oct and Jan–Feb, clearest at dawn — the six shots, the light, and the gear.