Wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and educator Aaron Baggenstos has been a longtime customer of Allen’s Camera, and we’re proud to support his work in the field and behind the lens. We’re excited to share what inspires him, how he approaches his craft, and the philosophy behind the images he’s known for.
Award-winning and internationally recognized, Aaron has built a career at the intersection of art, adventure, and conservation. His work has been featured by National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, while his workshops and tours have inspired photographers around the world. Aaron recently added the title of Award Winning Filmmaker with soon to be released "The Shot List". The documentary follows Aaron into the field as he documents the Alaska Brown Bears and other iconic wildlife, using photography and film to tell conservation-driven stories. (Trailer Coming Soon)
“When I started my photographic journey I often grabbed the longest lens I could find and tried to fill the frame with my subjects.” “I still take a lot of portraits, but nowadays I am much more intentional about including the landscape in my images to create a sense of place.” Aaron has said that his goal is for his images to tell stories that help protect, preserve, and conserve biodiversity and habitats worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of emotional impact:
“I believe that emotional impact is the most important element to think about. Think about how the viewer feels when they look at your photograph.”
This balance of aesthetics and message drives his work — not only creating striking wildlife portraits, but also fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
Gear
Aaron often stresses that equipment is not the defining factor in a photographer’s growth:
“Every quantum leap I have had in my career came out of the knowledge I obtained, not from the gear I had.”
That said, his toolkit is designed for flexibility in demanding environments — long telephoto lenses for wildlife portraits, versatile zooms for dynamic scenes, and lightweight mirrorless systems for speed and mobility. For Aaron, the gear supports the story, but never replaces vision or skill.
Instructor/Guide
Over the last decade, Aaron has led hundreds of photography tours in destinations ranging from Alaska to Africa. Teaching is woven into his professional identity. He not only instructs in the field but also developed The Ultimate Wildlife Photography Course, sharing his process with students worldwide.
He encourages photographers to think broadly and draw inspiration across genres:
Cross-train: Pick a field you have never worked in … I’ve taken countless ideas from different genres of photography that I have been able to apply to my work in the field.”
This teaching philosophy pushes students to expand beyond technical mastery toward personal creative growth.
Change your crowd: Who you photograph with will dramatically change the way you see the world.
What is Aaron Up To
Aaron has also launched a new YouTube series: Journeys Into the Wild
Join wildlife photographer and filmmaker Aaron Baggenstos as he ventures into the world’s wildest places to capture rare encounters with iconic animals. Each episode combines cinematic storytelling, conservation insights, and behind-the-lens adventure, showing not just how these animals survive, but how protecting them safeguards entire ecosystems.
Best places people can follow, contact, and keep up with Aaron Baggenstos and his work:
Main Portfolio, Tours & Workshops:
https://www.aaronbaggenstos.com
https://www.aaronstours.com
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@aaronbaggenstos
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/aaronbaggenstos
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/aaronbaggenstos
