About Me
Hello, my name is Ryan Mense and I’m a wildlife cameraperson passionate about birds. Through bird photography and filmmaking, I seek to capture the fascinating details of their world and in turn captivate the people who collectively influence their well-being. These amazing animals are a status beacon of the planet’s health and in many cases, we find that help is needed. It’s my goal to work with conservation organizations and ethical companies to promote their efforts of service to nurturing wildlife.
My photography journey started in the early 2000s and my path has crossed several genres of focus. Today, I use the knowledge I’ve gained over the years to help others with the craft.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as a features editor and writer for Fstoppers, a free online resource for educating photographers and professional creatives. My contribution of over 600 articles largely includes camera gear reviews and industry news. You can check out my articles here on Fstoppers. I’m also in charge of selections for the Photo of the Day feature and manage the @officialfstoppers Instagram account.
In 2019, I began self-publishing educational video content to my YouTube channel which includes bird photography techniques and product reviews. I’ve collaborated with top brands such as Sony, Atomos, Tamron, Sigma, and Seagate.
Most recently in 2021, the most well-known online photography publication PetaPixel asked me to join the team. There, I write gear reviews for the latest photography products as well as conduct camera and lens comparisons based on real-world use. You can find a list of my published articles here. I also manage the @petapixel Instagram account.
Reviews
I’ve reviewed many cameras, lenses, and other photography-related accessories. Check them out below. Many of the "buy" links contain affiliate code that allows me to make a small amount of money on each purchase at no extra charge to you. For a list of the products I'm currently using, visit my gear list.
Cameras
Camera Bags
Tech
Lenses
Accessories
AUKEY Clip-on Circular Polarizer for Smartphones: Review