Justin Pitschmann
Justin grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where his parents nurtured his passion for wildlife and nature. Family trips to the Rocky Mountains sparked a lifelong fascination with the outdoors and set him on a path toward a career in ecology.
He earned a biology degree with an emphasis in ecology from Sterling College, publishing research on black-tailed prairie dog behavior. He later received a master’s in marine science from Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography in Florida. Summers spent working near Yosemite introduced him to California’s Sierra Nevada, where he eventually became a backcountry and photography guide.
A self-taught photographer, Justin spent eight years shooting 35mm and medium format film to master the fundamentals. He now uses both digital and film equipment and believes in a minimalist approach—carrying just three lenses (wide, midrange and telephoto), a sturdy tripod and one camera body to stay nimble and focused on the scene.
He has traveled to over 30 U.S. states, 20 national parks and eight countries, capturing remote wilderness and wildlife along the way. Now based in Oakhurst, California—just 15 miles from Yosemite—he spends his free time hiking, backpacking and photographing the Sierra.
Justin guides several Nat Hab adventures, including Ultimate Winter Yellowstone: Wolves & Wildlife, Ultimate Yellowstone & Grand Teton Safari, Grand Canyon to Zion, Glacier & Waterton, and the Desert Southwest Photo Expedition.
What's in My Camera Bag
Although it is important to make sure you have the appropriate gear for what you intend to shoot, too much gear tends to slow you down. In my opinion, it is better to work the shot with the lens that is on your camera, than to spend time constantly rooting through an over-packed bag while the light on the scene comes and goes. I only carry two lenses with me: a 24-200mm and a 180-600mm. The range provided with these two lenses is exceptional and covers almost every situation I could want to photograph, and it makes my pack much easier to travel with. Add in a sturdy, compact tripod, and you have all you need to compose a beautiful photo.
Cameras
Nikon Z8
Lenses
Nikkor 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Nikkor 24-200mm f/4-6.3
Nikkor 1.4x Teleconverter
Other
Samsung T7 Shield SSD
SD and CF Express Cards
Manfrotto 3030 Bogen Tripod
Lexar Card Reader
Extra batteries and charger
B+W Master 95mm Circular Polarizing Filter
B+W Master 58mm Circular Polarizing Filter
Lens Cleaning Supplies
What Our Guests Say
Justin is a superb guide: knowledgeable, friendly, great personality. He seems to be a natural leader and was able to adjust the schedule due to weather easily and calmly. I knew we were in excellent hands with Justin!
Justin's gift of positive inclusion and nonjudgmental presence is the secret sauce for any trip. I cannot fully clothe his special emotional IQ with words. We all agreed it was remarkable. His gentle manner and knowledge added greatly to the group's experience.
Justin was a pleasure to get to know. He has a thoughtful demeanor and is always friendly and willing to offer insight or advice. He is a skilled photographer and willingly offers instruction or a suggestion to get just the right angle on a photo. I really liked his spiritual side that helped us relate to our expansive desert surroundings.
