Wheelchair Wildlife Photography: Adapting to Adversity With Sebastian

Curious how someone can dive into wildlife and macro photography from scratch and start creating powerful images in just a year, in a wheelchair?

We sat down with Bavarian-based nature photographer Sebastian (@sbastn.frdl), who picked up a camera in April 2024 and quickly found his passion in the forests and fields around his home. From wild boars to deer, rams, and flowers, his images prove that you don’t need decades of experience to capture striking wildlife moments.

Balancing creativity with the challenges of navigating nature in a wheelchair, Sebastian takes an experimental, no-limits approach, adapting his setup and always finding a way to connect with the environment.

In this Q&A, Sebastian shares how he explores Bavaria, adapts to challenges, and keeps photography simple, joyful, and full of possibility.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how you got into nature photography, and what keeps you excited to keep going?

Well, I am 33 years old and started in April 2024. I was searching for a new hobby. Being outside is what I love, so I got me a camera and tried. 

It's always exciting because every moment will never be the same, and you never know what is going to happen.

Being based in Bavaria, how has living there shaped your work as a nature photographer? Any secret spots you keep going back to?

The scenery here in Bavaria is amazing, so you can go wherever you want; you will always find something to capture with your camera.

I’m not going for the perfect shot.

I go, and when a good picture comes out..I’m happy. 

If not, well, I had a good time anyway.

How does your wheelchair setup influence your photography workflow, in terms of mobility and in both technical and creative approach?

It's tricky rolling around with my cam and the big lens… but there's always a way, you just have to be experimental.

Nothing is impossible; you just have to want it.

But I have to say.. It's not that easy, as I thought it would be. It's never boring when you have to find your way.

The hardest thing was to find the best setup. Since I am using a wheelchair, I can't come that close to the subject like others can, so I need to cover a good distance, but I’m happy with my setup.

What does your typical workflow look like, from heading out on a shoot to editing your final image?

Well, I mostly go out in the morning for around 4-5 hours, taking my pictures, looking around, trying out new things.. 

Then I will head back home and edit the pictures using Woodland Presets.

There's no crazy workflow. 

Go out, take pics, edit them, post. That's it.. simple but I love it.

What gear are you currently using, and is there any piece of equipment that’s been a game-changer for you? Have you adapted your gear or style to suit your own way of navigating nature?

I use a Sony Alpha 7 IV and my Sony 100-400mm G-Master lens.

That was the best decision to buy. It covers a good distance to subjects..

 I can also do macros with it. That lens is so perfect in my opinion.

You also shoot drone and macro shots, how do you approach shooting and editing those differently compared to your wildlife work?

There's not a big difference, well, of course, you have to be quiet when shooting wildlife.

Besides that, my workflow is the same.

I still have to train my eye to spot the things while rolling around.

My drone is mostly my third eye, to get somewhere where I can't go with my wheelchair and take pictures.

What’s one photo that means something personal to you, either because of the moment, the subject, or what it took to get the shot?

There is a picture where you can see baby wild boars sleeping next to their mommy.

In that moment, I thought, "Yep, you can do that, although you are sitting in a wheelchair”.

Your work is incredibly inspiring. What advice would you give to someone facing similar challenges who’s interested in getting started with nature or wildlife photography?

My advice is to all who wanna start: just do it, do not compare to others, if you like what you do, it's perfect - that's it.

Where can people find more of your amazing work and follow along with your photography?

At the moment I’m active on Instagram.. I do have TikTok, but I post mostly on Instagram.

You can find my journey sbastn.frdl (TikTok is the same).

Bonus question: Anything you’d like to share about yourself or your work that we didn’t cover?

Thanks for these questions, I liked it! Woodland Presets are amazing!

Thanks for reading! Sebastian’s journey is a reminder that nature photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about getting outside, staying curious, and letting the day unfold. Despite his challenges, he finds a way through Bavaria’s forests and fields, waits for quiet moments, and lets patience do the heavy lifting.

His advice says it best: don’t compare, just do it. If you like what you made, that’s enough.

Big thanks to Sebastian (@sbastn.frdl) for sharing his story with us, and for showing how far heart and persistence can take you. We can’t wait to see what you create next.