About

Mike Elfner is a nature and wildlife photographer driven by a lifelong fascination with the wild places of our planet. His work is rooted in patience, respect, and a deep sense of connection to the animals and landscapes he photographs. For Mike, every image begins long before he lifts the camera—out in the field before sunrise, listening, observing, and waiting for nature to reveal an unguarded moment.

Although photography is his deepest passion, Mike is an amateur by choice. Professionally, he leads the DACH region for an international IT solution provider—an environment of strategy, technology, and leadership that stands in stark contrast to the quiet solitude of the wilderness. Photography is his counterbalance: a way to reconnect, breathe, and find harmony beyond the corporate world.

Inspired by the strong ethical foundations championed by National Geographic, Mike follows the guiding principle expressed by photographer Beverly Joubert: “The ethics of photography are the same as the ethics of life, and all revolve around respect.”

He is committed to the five core principles of National Geographic’s photography ethics:

• Do not harm – The welfare of wildlife always comes before the photograph.

• Keep it wild – Natural behavior must never be disturbed, manipulated, or staged.

• Follow the laws – Local regulations and conservation rules are non-negotiable.

• Consider the captive – When photographing animals under human care, transparency and sensitivity are essential.

• Caption with honesty – Every image is presented truthfully, without exaggeration or misleading context.

When it comes to equipment, Mike believes that gear is not the most important element in nature and wildlife photography—but using the right tool at the right moment certainly helps. Far more crucial is knowing your equipment deeply: understanding the possibilities and limitations of each camera body and lens, and being able to operate them instinctively, even without looking. This level of familiarity allows the photographer to stay focused on what matters most: the moment unfolding in front of the lens.

Mike currently uses:

• Sony A1 Mark II

• Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM

• Sony 70–200mm f/2.8 GM II

• Sony 20–70mm f/4 G

• Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM

• Sony 1.4× and 2.0× Teleconverters

• Viltrox 85mm f2.0

• Leofoto Ranger LS-365CEX with PG-1

• HEIPI 3-IN-1 W28 and leofoto LH-40

• Gura Gear Kiboko V2 30+

Specializing in wildlife behavior and intimate portraits of animals in their natural habitats, Mike’s photography combines technical precision with a strong emotional narrative. His images aim not only to document, but to evoke: the quiet tension before a predator moves, the tenderness of a mother with her young, the vast silence of dawn rolling over an untouched landscape.

Whether deep in the Maasai Mara, trekking through mountain forests, or exploring the wetlands close to home, Mike follows one guiding principle: to tell honest, powerful stories of the natural world and the creatures who share it with us.

Through his work, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for wildlife, foster awareness for conservation, and encourage others to seek meaningful experiences in nature—responsibly, thoughtfully, and with wonder.