I recently had the pleasure of joining photographer Richard Bernabe on the Beyond the Lens podcast for a conversation about my new book, Acts of Faith: The Beauty of Belief. We talked about photography, religion and culture, and what I’ve learned from witnessing and photographing expressions of faith around the world.

Acts of Faith brings together photographs made over decades of travel, from large public celebrations and sacred ceremonies to pilgrimage, prayer, and much quieter moments of personal devotion. While the traditions themselves can be extraordinarily different, working on this collection has continually reminded me of the common threads of humanity that connect us.

The book includes hundreds of photographs from nearly forty countries, accompanied by a foreword from Pico Iyer and essays by Art Davidson that offer cultural and historical context for many of the traditions represented.

I hope you’ll listen to my conversation with Richard and learn a little more about the experiences and ideas behind the book!

Listen to Episode 122 of Beyond the Lens: Art Wolfe: Acts of Faith, Religion, Culture, and Celebrations of Humanity Through Photography

Acts of Faith is also available to preorder directly through my website. Copies ordered through the Art Wolfe store will be signed by me and include a bonus print.

1.) This first photo establishes where are, and our starting point. A pair of eagle hunters traverse the open landscape bordering western Mongolia and Kazakhstan with their avian assistant with horse in tow. While it does show the landscape, there is little drama and the other goals are not present.

2.) Here you can see I move in close to my subjects; I’m using a 16-35 wide angle lens which allows me to keep the three subjects in prominence while also capturing a dramatic background. The lighting looks a bit flat in this shot, but up close I am able to find better results. We keep the horse out of the shot – we don’t want competition for our focus – the men and their eagle.

3.) In my third image, which is at a right angle to the direction of the sun, I have attached a polarizer to my wide angle. You can see how much more dramatic the light appears. This image also highlights the problems of working with dramatic light – very harsh shadows were cast every time the eagle moved its wings.

4.) The wing of the eagle is now down, but the man that’s controlling the eagle is casting a shadow on his assistant. As my goal is to bring this culture into the light and share it, it’s not an ideal result to have half of my subjects in shadow.

5.) I decided to get lower and shoot upwards to bring in some of the openness of the sky in hopes of creating more of a story than in the previous shots. Always keep experimenting within your photographic goals!

6.) The result is that I don’t have nearly the problems of the previous images with the shadows. This is a very satisfying image to me and meets the goals I set for myself in terms of capturing the men, animal, and landscape. This is where some may stop, thinking they’ve captured the shot they are looking for. In an effort to see what else is achievable, I begin working the scene a bit more.

7.) I’m standing at eye level again with the hunters, but the problem with this shot is that the man closet to me is staring straight at me. I like to maintain anonymity when I am taking pictures, and would prefer that the subject is not staring straight into my camera.

8.) I ask him to look straight ahead, but now with movement of doing so, it’s the eagle mugging for the camera. This isn’t necessarily a bad composition, but I would prefer the eagle in a different position.

9.) I move a little bit further around and discover I love the way the light is falling across the main eagle hunter and his beautiful fox fur hat. However, as you can see, I have moved in too close to get all three subjects in the frame.

10.) I decide to back off a little bit, and now I am getting what I am looking for. I love the fact that the man in the middle is kind of looking my way without staring straight into the camera, the assistant is looking off to his left, and the eagle is conversely looking off in the opposite direction. There is a nice balance to this image, with no shadows on their faces. In addition, the eagle has nice light on his eye. This to me is a winner.

11.) I also like this last photo because it has a nice sense to it; the eagle is looking further opposite now, and is even more absorbed in what is going on in the landscape, rather than in what the photographer is busy trying to achieve. Both of these final two images are very strong photos for me, and I am very happy with the results.

A good balance of composition, dramatic light, openness of the land, traditional wardrobes – it all comes together in a very nice way in these last two images!

If Mongolia has long called to you, I invite you to join me in July 2027 for an unforgettable photographic journey through this extraordinary country. Together we’ll explore the sweeping landscapes and rich traditions that make Mongolia so compelling, from photographing Kazakh eagle hunters on horseback in the mountains of the west to experiencing the excitement of the Naadam Games, photographing wild horses on the steppe, and visiting with local shamans. This intimate trip is designed to give you exceptional photographic opportunities while allowing us to put these field techniques into practice in a truly remarkable setting.

For over four decades, Art Wolfe has traveled across continents documenting the many ways people express devotion, reverence, and spiritual connection. His forthcoming book, Acts of Faith: The Beauty of Belief, brings this extensive body of work together in a visually powerful journey through sacred ceremonies, pilgrimage sites, vibrant festival processions, contemplative monastic rituals, and quiet moments of prayer.

Sacred Traditions Across the World

Captured across six continents, these photographs explore how faith shapes identity, strengthens communities, and influences the rhythms of everyday life. Widely recognized traditions appear alongside rituals rarely witnessed beyond the cultures that sustain them. A foreword by acclaimed travel writer and cultural observer Pico Iyer considers the broader themes of spirituality and human connection, while essays by Art Davidson provide historical and cultural context for the practices depicted.

ACTS OF FAITH: The Beauty of Belief

Featuring over 225 color photographs from nearly forty countries, this 272-page clothbound hardcover includes two eight-page gatefolds and measures 11 × 14 inches. Published in English by Mandala Publishing / Insight Editions, Acts of Faith will be released October 20, 2026.

Pre-order through artwolfe.com to receive a signed copy and a bonus print!

Reserve Your Signed Edition

Published by Mandala Publishing and Insight Editions, Acts of Faith is a substantial 272-page clothbound volume featuring two eight-page gatefolds. The book will be published on October 20, 2026, and is now available for pre-order.

Pre-order today to receive a signed copy and a bonus print, and experience this reverent celebration of the beauty, diversity, and shared humanity found in spiritual traditions around the world.

Madagascar is a place of extraordinary contrasts, where richly layered cultures, everyday life, and some of the world’s most distinctive wildlife exist side by side. These photographs offer a glimpse into the rhythms of the island—from its people, communities, and landscapes to the remarkable animals found nowhere else on Earth. At the heart of the collection are Madagascar’s many species of lemurs, each uniquely adapted to the island’s forests and ecosystems, alongside other wildlife that reflects its exceptional biodiversity. Together, the images form a portrait of a country defined by natural wonder, cultural depth, and an enduring connection between people and place.

“A common mistake many photographers make is finding a subject they really like, but then failing to spend time refining the image. Often, there is a shot within a shot within a shot–but rarely does the observer see the photographer’s intent. What I have learned over the years is that if the subject is worthy of shooting, make it clear and unequivocal: this is the subject!

Here is a prime example. In this series of three photos, the first (above) was taken with a wide-angle and includes open sky, middle horizon, and the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, but it lacks a clear sense of what the subject is.

In the second shot I let go of the bright cumulus clouds, and started to zoom in. There is still a bit of clutter, including several cars, but I am on my way. This image may be fine as an editorial illustration in a guidebook, but it doesn’t convey what I was trying to get out of the landscape.

The last shot, however, creates a strong abstraction, combining the brilliant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring with the weathered pines that died in the great fires of 1988.”

This is a classic landscape dilemma most photographers face, and a perfect example of making order out of chaos. If you don’t have the luxury of moving to a new vantage point from which to photograph, then you have to think of an alternate way to make the image say what you want.

In the second image, Art decided to shift to a vantage point that gave him a clearer view of the pool, the color of which dominates the otherwise monochromatic surroundings. In the final image, he has removed all distractions and emphasized the colorful spring, while still keeping a hint of the charred landscape, distilled to its most important elements. The result is a strong graphic combination of the pool in all its vibrancy, in the context of a landscape in eternal flux.

The past few months have taken me across an extraordinary range of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife—from the windswept expanses of Patagonia to the autumn color of New Zealand’s South Island, from the familiar forests and shorelines of the Pacific Northwest to the remarkable biodiversity of Madagascar. Each destination offered its own rhythm: the quiet presence of guanacos beneath the peaks of Torres del Paine, the luminous ice of Perito Moreno Glacier, the soft fall light around Mount Aspiring, and the intricate natural details found close to home on the Olympic Peninsula.

This collection reflects the variety that continues to inspire me after so many years in the field: rare wildlife encounters, sweeping landscapes, cultural moments, and the small abstract patterns that often reveal the character of a place. In Madagascar, lemurs, chameleons, baobabs, and daily life around Morondava offered a vivid reminder of how deeply connected people and place can be. Together, these images are a look back at a rich quarter of travel, observation, and discovery.

Enjoy the photos, and check out the full slate of remaining 2026 and 2027 workshops!

The Print Is Why

A powerful image begins in the field with light, composition, patience, and the willingness to keep seeing the world in new ways. Whether I am photographing wildlife, landscapes, cultures, or abstract patterns in nature, I approach each subject with the eye of an artist and the curiosity of an explorer.

But the final expression of that work happens in print.

A fine art print transforms a photograph from something seen briefly on a screen into something lasting, tangible, and deeply personal. It brings forward the full intent of the image: the light, the atmosphere, the detail, the emotion, and the experience of being there.

That is why my partnership with Epson has been so meaningful. Epson’s fine art printers, papers, and inks allow my photographs to be presented with exceptional depth, clarity, contrast, and richness. The blacks are deeper, the details are crisper, and the tones have a presence that helps the image come fully to life.

To me, a print is not simply a reproduction. It is the final step in the creative process.

A beautifully made print invites people to slow down, look closer, and bring the beauty of the natural world into their own homes. It allows the image to live beyond the moment it was captured.

Join Art in the Field for Creative Photography Tours and Workshops

There is nothing quite like being in the field with a camera in hand, surrounded by light, texture, wildlife, landscape, and a group of people who are just as eager to see the world in a more creative way. In the coming year, I’ll be leading a series of photography tours and workshops designed to help you slow down, look deeper, and come away with images that feel personal, expressive, and alive.

Explore Coastlines, Wildlife, Autumn Landscapes, and Abstract Photography

These upcoming experiences range from the abstract possibilities of the California and Oregon coasts to the vast open landscapes and cultural traditions of Mongolia. We’ll also explore the creative potential of nature close to home in the Seattle area, chase autumn color through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and photograph the golden aspens and mountain air of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Each workshop has its own rhythm, but the goal is always the same: to help you strengthen your eye, refine your technique, and discover new ways of translating the world into art.

Reserve Your Spot Before June 30 to Save!

Whether you are an experienced photographer or simply ready to reconnect with your creative side, these trips offer the chance to learn in inspiring locations with thoughtful instruction, field sessions, critiques, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. I hope you’ll consider joining me for one of these journeys. The early bird specials are only available through June 30, so now is the time to reserve your spot and save a bit of cash before prices go up.

Sign up before June 30 to take advantage of early bird savings on select upcoming photography tours and workshops!

California Coast: Otters and Abstracts
Monterey, CA | June 16-20, 2027

The Art of Coastal Light
Bandon, OR | June 24-27, 2027

Mongolia: Eagle Hunters, Naadam Games, and Shamans
July 6 – 16, 2027

Creative Sessions: Through the Abstract Lens
Seattle, WA | September 3 – 5, 2027

Yellowstone & Grand Teton: An Autumn Photography Retreat
September 22-26, 2027

Golden Light & Mountain Air: Colorado Fall Photography Retreat
September 30 – October 4, 2027

Rain Forests, Waterfalls, and Coastal Light

This spring, our Olympic Peninsula Photography Retreat brought us into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most lush and visually expressive landscapes in one of our nation’s many beautiful national parks. From dense rain forests and cascading water to coastal forms, textures, flora, fauna, and shifting light, the region offered endless opportunities to slow down, look more carefully, and create with intention. Having been here so often, you might think the appeal would wane. Instead, I managed to capture some of my personal favorite abstract images of the year thus far!

For me, this retreat is about more than simply visiting beautiful locations. It is about helping photographers refine the way they see, both in the field and later during the editing process. The images featured here reflect that process: creative exploration, and the inspiration that happens when we spend focused time immersed in nature.

We’ll be heading back to the Peninsula this October, when fall color and autumn weather can transform this location into a completely different yet equally stunning experience. Space is still available, so sign up and reserve your spot!

We had an absolutely fantastic fall color photo journey in New Zealand. The weather was perfect—even the last day when it was raining buckets because it allowed for us to settle in an do image critiques. The itinerary was perfect planned with longer stays and less moving from one destination to the next. We were able to capture the autumn drama of the Central Otago landscape with the views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. We explored the breathtaking vistas of the Milford Sound and even took a helicopter flight high into the Fjordland mountains for sunrise. Finally we spent a few days in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park photographing stunning views of New Zealand’s highest peaks. Because of the more leisurely pace, we were able to focus on creating abstract images as well as the grand landscapes.

Enjoy the photos! Just a reminder that just about any photo in my collection can be turned into a beautiful fine art print for your home, workspace, or gift for that special someone! If you don’t see something already available on my online store, check out the stock site or drop us a line with what you have in mind and we can help you out.