Meet Michelle Theall of Wild Departures in Boulder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Theall.

Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been in publishing for twenty-five years in various capacities, even starting my own magazine in 2003. It was because of that experience that I landed a job as interim editor in chief for Alaska magazine, which allowed me to stay based in Colorado while they looked for a local editor to run the title. In the ensuing three years, I traveled to every corner of that massive state on press trips, which allowed me to get to know the best of the best in terms of locations, lodges, tours, seasonal attractions, and more. I was sad when I heard people tell me that they’d been to Alaska and left disappointed because they didn’t see a bucket list item, like a bear or a bald eagle.

As I’m also a professional wildlife photographer, I decided to start taking small groups of clients on “home-run” wildlife viewing excursions in Alaska, and then beyond. I run grizzly bear trips, polar bear trips, bald eagle trips, wild mustangs, and African safaris. While my guests certainly see other creatures, cultures, and events on those trips (such as whales, the northern lights, and calving glaciers), they’re guaranteed to spend time with the trip’s designated wildlife and bring home exceptional images.

To me, a photograph is like a present, and every time you look at it, it brings back the feeling of the amazing, pinch-me moment when you took it. Since I began my work as a photographer, I’ve been featured in Oprah, and had images in titles all over the globe and purchased for private collections. I feel incredibly blessed to have found a way to do what I love, make a living at it, and share it with others.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve had some backlash from men in my profession, especially since I’m one of the only women running photo tours in Arctic Alaska. It was unexpected, but it hasn’t stopped me. I believe there’s room for everyone and that no one owns this planet or the “secret” wildlife viewing or photo locations. Everyone deserves to see a polar bear nursing her cubs or a grizzly snagging a leaping salmon from a waterfall. We just have to make sure we’re good stewards in safeguarding the health of those locations and minimizing our impact when we’re there.

Other obstacles I’ve faced are mostly logistical ones: getting weathered in or out of a location, hotels being sold or closing without notice, ice coming in or out too quickly or salmon not running when they’re supposed to be. In addition, I have multiple sclerosis, so I deal with that privately while traveling. I try to get enough sleep and lessen the weight of my gear each year, as I’m plagued with muscle spasms and cramps that I try to ignore. It’s not been unusual for my camera gear to weigh over 50 pounds. Plus, I’m not getting any younger. At the same time, I see all of those things as reasons to go and do and see everything while I can.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wild Departures – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m most proud of what I do when I see the looks on clients’ faces when they are standing in front of a mom with two cubs who are playing in front of them, or when two lions face off with each other, or when the northern lights dance overhead. To be allowed to be a part of an animal’s world and observe it intimately without interfering in it is a life-changing experience.

As I mentioned before, we specialize in home-run wildlife viewing: meaning that if you go on one of our polar bear viewing trips (for example), you’ll spend several days with them in the field, truly watching them and getting immersed in their environment and behavior (in a safe way, always). I teach all my guests photography based on their level and interests. I want everyone to return home with gallery-worthy images from my trips, but if they just want to post them on Instagram, that works too. Almost all of my clients have become repeat customers with Wild Departures, so I’m proud of that too.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m looking to add a few more trips in the next few years, including more polar bear destinations, India’s tigers, Antarctica’s penguins, and whales with calves in Baja.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wilddepartures.com
• Email: info@wilddepartures.com
• Instagram: wilddepartures
• Facebook: @wilddepartures

Image Credit:
Michelle Theall

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