Hi! I am Desiree.

Picture of Desiree Hildenbrand holding a camera taken by Addyson Little Photography.

I grew up in the Inland Northwest and am based in Spokane, Washington. Being outdoors has always been a constant for me — a place to reset, notice small details, and feel more connected to the world around me. Wildlife photography grew naturally out of that love of being outside, becoming a way to slow down and spend more time paying attention.

I began exploring wildlife photography in early 2025, and I’m still very much in the learning phase. Rather than waiting until I felt “ready,” I chose to approach this work openly, learning through workshops, field time, and observation. I share my experience as it unfolds in the hope that it encourages others to try, experiment, and grow alongside me.

This site is a space for curiosity, encouragement, and a sense of shared journey — a place to document progress, celebrate small wins, and remind ourselves that every journey starts somewhere.

Ethics first • Wildlife photography learner • Workshop enthusiast

I’m learning out loud, building my skills through workshops and time in the field. Along the way, I’m paying attention not only to light and composition, but also to how my presence affects the wildlife and places I photograph.

Wildlife photography isn’t just about capturing moments — it’s about showing up with care, learning from each experience, and staying mindful of the responsibility that comes with being there at all.

  • My approach is simple: respect the animal and its space. No baiting, no crowding, no staged behavior — just honest moments in natural light. I keep a respectful distance, avoid sensitive areas, and pass on any shot that risks stress or harm.

    The more time I spend outdoors, the more aware I become of the places these animals depend on. I’m still learning how to move thoughtfully through these spaces, and I share that learning as part of photographing wildlife in a way that feels responsible and intentional.

  • I love learning through workshops, and over time I’ve found that not every experience is the same. Choosing the right workshop can be difficult, especially when you’re early in the learning process — and I’ve often struggled to find reliable, participant‑level insight when deciding which ones to attend.

    I started sharing workshop reviews to offer an honest look at what the experience was actually like. My goal is simple: to share practical observations so others can decide whether a workshop feels like a good use of their time, energy, and resources.

    In my journal, I write from a participant’s perspective, reflecting on things that mattered once I was in the field — how instruction was delivered, how groups operated around wildlife, how the pace and logistics felt, and whether the overall experience matched expectations.

  • Life outside photography is full and busy in the best ways. I’m a wife to my wonderful husband, Trevor, and a proud Mimi to our grandson, Bear. Trevor and I share a family with four incredible adults, Kolbi, Lexi, CJ, and Kate, each of whom has shaped our lives in different ways.

    Most days are a mix of work, family time, and getting outside with my dog, Muphey, along with quieter moments spent reading or simply slowing down. I work full‑time in product management within the fast-paced telecommunications industry, and photography has become my pause button, a way to step out of the noise, reconnect with nature, and pay attention in a different way.

Picture of Desiree Hildenbrand holding a camera taken by Addyson Little Photography.
During migration, sandhill cranes gather in large flocks, but they don’t move as a single mass. Within those flocks are smaller family units that stay together through the season, parents and offspring traveling side by side among many others.
Red‑necked grebes are seasonally monogamous, but during that time their bond is strong. Pairs work closely together to build their nest and actively defend their territory. As part of the courtship process, males bring vegetation to potential mates.
Sandhill cranes have been moving through landscapes like this for millions of years. Fossil records place their lineage at least 2.5 million years ago, with remarkably little change in their physical form or seasonal movement patterns. Along the Pac
Each spring, sandhill cranes pass through West Richland, Washington, using the open fields and nearby water to rest and refuel. They pause here briefly on their northbound migration, moving between wintering grounds farther south and breeding areas t
Red‑tailed hawks thrive year‑round in the Inland Northwest because this landscape fits them so well. Open shrub‑steppe, agricultural edges, and scattered snags provide wide hunting views and dependable prey, even through winter. We watched this guy
Lately, I’ve been spending some time looking back through photos from when I first started wildlife photography last year. As I was scrolling, I came across this image, a bluebird perched quietly in its environment, a photograph I had more or l
Well, hello, beautiful little girl. Mule deer doe in Riverside State Park, Spokane, WA Shot on: @Canonusa, R5 Mark ii, RF 100-300 F2.8 #muledeer #canonphotography #canonwildlife #pnwwildlife #spokanewa
“Lucky” the beautiful grizzly bear mama. Shot on: @CanonUSA, R5 Mark ii, RF 400 2.8 @KlahooseWildernessResort #grizzlybearsofbritishcolumbia #grizzlybearsofinstagram #canonwildlife #canonphotography #natgeoyourshot
That face you make when it’s Monday… again. Coffee hasn’t kicked in. It’s still February, it’s still cold, and motivation is clearly in hibernation. Shot on: @CanonUSA, R5 Mark ii, 100-500L #MondayMood #IsItMondayAlr
Common Gallinules Common Gallinules are closely associated with wetlands and rarely venture far north, breeding only along the southern edge of Canada. They prefer freshwater and brackish marshes with dense vegetation and open water, and their range
In proportion to its body, the Hawaiian stilt has the second-longest legs of any bird species in the world. The bird that ranks first—with the longest legs relative to its body size—is the black‑winged stilt, a close relative to the Hawa
Spent some time down in Las Vegas with my sister, who lives just a short distance from the Valley of Fire. We hiked like crazy and, while we didn’t see much in the way of wildlife, we did see some gorgeous scenery! Just took my breath away! S

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“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” - Albert Einstein