Few places offer the photographic variety and complexity of Costa Rica. With its dense biodiversity, moody rainforests, and ever-changing light, it’s both a technical challenge and an artistic gift.
We spoke with Adi Ringer, our Costa Rica-based photography guide, about what it means to document nature here, what gear is worth bringing, and what lessons come from photographing in a place where the subject always comes first.
“Every day. Being in nature, experiencing true local hospitality, and seeing photographers’ reactions experiencing it for the first time is priceless. It doesn’t feel like work, yet it’s the best job ever.”
“There are so many beautiful small birds, it’s hard to see them all. And with such dense vegetation, there is always a new opportunity to find them on the perfect perch. A nice branch with shallow vegetation, good lighting, and a distant background for a great bokeh. I love the challenge and opportunity to get a better shot, and it happens every day, just about everywhere we go.”
→ Interested in photographing Costa Rica’s smallest subjects? Explore how macro photography brings insects, frogs, and other tiny creatures into focus in Costa Rica Through a Macro Lens
“Don’t sacrifice sharpness for low ISO. Under the canopies it gets pretty dark, and too often photographers will lower shutter speed to keep ISO low. With the advances in post processing software and in-camera options, high ISO is not as big of an issue as it used to be. So use appropriate shutter speeds for small non static birds, no less than 1/1,200 and ideally above 1/2500. Also, use the tripod more than you think you need to. Birds are likely to return to the perch in many situations, so be patient. That will help with lower shutter speeds.”
“I always take two cameras. Not just for backup, but I use one with a long lens and the other with a macro or wide-angle lens. Most of what you’ll see are birds, so a long lens is a must. A minimum of 400 but ideally longer. And add a TC (teleconverter) if you can. For mammals, a 70-200 2.8 is great, and for frogs and other small critters, a 24-70 or macro lens. The 24-70 is also great for landscapes or you can use a wide angle for that. I like my Nikon 24-120 f4, which has a short minimum focal distance, so it’s great for macro, landscapes and small critters.
I bring a tripod or a monopod, even though I love to handhold. There are just too many times where you’re just waiting for the perfect shot or tracking the subject. Make sure the gear is weatherproof or that you have rain cover for them. A few backup batteries and memory cards. A flashlight or flash, and cloth to wipe down the lens when you first walk outside. A laptop or device to review images and backup external portable drives.
It’s hard to say what to leave behind with such diverse opportunities. But if weight is an issue, or you only have a couple of lenses, I’d bring the following in priority order: one camera, long lens, landscape or macro lens (depending on your priority), tripod. As weight/space allows: 70-200, monopod, wide angle.”
“I’ve been reminded that it’s not necessary to have the perfect gear to get good images. It’s ok if they’re not perfect, that’s what the next trip is for. As long as I enjoyed the moment and had a good image to remind me of the experience, it was a good trip.”
“I would say it’s the mama white-faced monkey with the baby in the rain. We were at the lodge having breakfast when a bunch of white-faced monkeys stormed the tree right by the viewing deck looking for fruit. Everybody got up and started photographing the monkeys in front of them. What I noticed was a mama with a tiny monkey on her back observing cautiously from the distance. I kept my eyes on her as she made her way slowly towards the commotion and finally grabbed a piece of plantain from the floor, sat in the corner of the deck, and ate the banana while it was raining pretty good. I love one of the images, which I printed and is hanging at home. I love the mood of the rain, and the expression of the monkeys. I think it represents what wildlife is like; take care of the young, be cautious, and eat what you can.
“It has deepened my connection to wildlife. I used to see wildlife as separate from me, interesting subjects to be photographed. Now I feel connected with it, with a better appreciation for how they interact with the environment and how they behave. I feel thankful that I get to document it and share my images and experience with others.”
Costa Rica is not just photogenic—it’s demanding. It rewards patience and punishes shortcuts. But if you’re willing to adapt to the pace of the rainforest, you’ll come away with more than sharp images. You’ll leave with a different way of seeing.
If you’re planning your first—or fifth—photo trip to Costa Rica, take the time to prepare! Then, once you’re here, take the time to wait. That’s when the good shots come.
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