Shooting in Mongolia

As photographers, we often encounter unexpected experiences along our journey. Michael and I set out for Mongolia in search of the elusive snow leopard, considered the holy grail of big cats. Although we didn’t succeed in capturing a photograph of one, our adventure offered countless other astonishing discoveries. Arriving from the warm climate of Florida, we were immediately confronted with the biting cold, as temperatures plunged to -35 degrees and relentless winds whipped at 35 mph. After a chilly night in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, we took a flight to the breathtaking Altai Mountains in the western part of the country.

Stepping off the plane in Olgiy (Ölgii), our adventure truly began. Olgiy serves as the cultural heart of Mongolia’s Kazakh population, a community rich in predominantly Muslim, nomadic traditions and renowned for its eagle hunting practices. With our guides awaiting us, we set off into the majestic mountains, and within just half an hour, we found ourselves immersed in the wild, leaving behind all signs of civilization.

We stayed in a ger.  A Mongolian yurt, known locally as a ger (meaning “home”), is a traditional, portable, circular dwelling made of a wooden lattice frame, felt covering and, often a stove.  The stove took a bit getting used to as once the coal or wood burned out, it would go from 90 degrees inside our ger to 0 quickly.  Also going to the bathroom outside in -30 degree weather and 30 mph winds took a bit of practice.  But our guides were wonderful and helped us every step of the way.  

Despite our extensive efforts and careful planning, we were unable to capture a photograph of the elusive snow leopard. While we did come across evidence of its presence, including a fresh kill, tracks, and a cave that likely serves as its shelter, the actual sighting remained out of reach. This experience serves as a reminder that even the most meticulous preparations can yield unpredictable outcomes in the pursuit of wildlife photography.

The breathtaking scenery of the Altai Mountains was truly remarkable. It offered an almost dreamlike experience, with vibrant colors and intricate patterns that were nothing short of extraordinary.

The photograph featured in this article, titled Bitter Cold, was captured during my hike in the breathtaking Altais and was honored as one of the Top 200 Landscape Photographs of the Year in 2025 by the International Landscape Photographers Association.

Mongolia can be a challenging environment, especially during the harsh winter months, yet its people are incredibly warm, welcoming, and friendly. Their laughter comes easily, and they will go out of their way to help you. In photography, the focus often shifts from merely capturing the perfect shot to forging connections and building friendships in the most unexpected places.