Miguel 'Mike' Denyer

NEW RELEASE FROM CAPTURED WILDERNESS! I'm delighted to announce that my latest wildlife coloring collection, North American Mammals, is now available on Etsy! This collection features 12 detailed black-and-white wildlife illustrations, each created from one of my own original wildlife photographs. From white-tailed deer and red foxes to black bears, bobcats, raccoons, and more, every illustration offers an opportunity to explore the beauty and character of North America's wildlife through color. And there's a little something extra included! Every collection comes with a BONUS 14-page Photographic Colorist's Field Guide, featuring my original wildlife photographs, information about each species, and natural color references to help inspire your artwork. Of course, if you fancy coloring a bright purple bear or a fluorescent green fox, that's entirely your business. Creativity doesn't have to follow the rules of nature! 😂 The collection is supplied as an instant digital download, so you can print the illustrations at home and enjoy them at your own pace. If you enjoy wildlife, nature photography, or simply spending a little time away from the daily madness with something creative and relaxing, I'd love for you to take a look. Available now at my Captured Wilderness Etsy shop: etsy.com/listing/4599952759/… #CapturedWilderness #WildlifeColoring #AdultColoring #NorthAmericanWildlife #NaturePhotography

🔍 THE HIDDEN WORLD | NOW AVAILABLE! 🦋🐝🕷️ There's an entire world of extraordinary wildlife right beneath our noses, and most of us walk straight past it without ever noticing. From the intricate architecture of a spider's web to the extraordinary anatomy of a Praying Mantis, the shimmering wings of dragonflies, and the remarkable patterns of butterflies and beetles, nature's smallest inhabitants are often among its most fascinating. I'm pleased to announce the release of The Hidden World, the second collection in the Captured Wilderness Adult Wildlife Coloring Series! 🎨 12 Detailed Macro Wildlife Coloring Illustrations Every illustration is based on one of my own original wildlife photographs, transformed into detailed black-and-white artwork using AI-assisted illustration techniques. And because Captured Wilderness has always been about more than simply taking pretty pictures, I've included something extra. 📖 BONUS: 14-Page Photographic Colorist's Field Guide Featuring all twelve original color photographs, species identification, interesting naturalist notes, and authentic color references to help bring each illustration to life. Whether you're a coloring enthusiast, a nature lover, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys a little creative relaxation, this collection offers a different way to explore the natural world. You can recreate the creatures as nature intended, or let your imagination run wild. The choice is entirely yours! ✅ 12 individually printable coloring illustrations ✅ Original wildlife photography ✅ Bonus photographic field guide ✅ Instant digital download ✅ Print and color at your own pace 🛒 Available now on Etsy: etsy.com/listing/4599158319/… And if coloring isn't your thing, a share or repost would be greatly appreciated. Helping a small, independent wildlife photography business reach new audiences means more than you might imagine. Captured Wilderness | Nature • Photography • Art • Education Explore the wild. Appreciate the details. Bring nature to life through color. #CapturedWilderness #TheHiddenWorld #AdultColoring #WildlifePhotography #MacroPhotography #NatureArt #ColoringPages #NatureLovers #EtsyShop #SmallBusiness

🦅 INTRODUCING SOMETHING NEW FROM CAPTURED WILDERNESS! 🦉 I'm pleased to announce the launch of my very first Birds of Prey Adult Coloring Collection, now available on Etsy! But before you dismiss this as just another coloring book, there's something rather different about this one. Every single illustration began life as an original wildlife photograph that I took myself. Using AI-assisted illustration techniques, I've transformed twelve of my original photographs into highly detailed black-and-white coloring illustrations, capturing the intricate feather patterns, distinctive features, and character of these magnificent birds. These aren't randomly generated images of imaginary wildlife. They're artistic interpretations of real birds I've photographed. And I wanted to offer something more than just a collection of coloring pages. 📖 INCLUDED FREE: A 14-PAGE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLORIST'S FIELD GUIDE! This companion guide features the original color photographs that inspired each illustration, along with the birds' common and scientific names and interesting information about each species. Want to reproduce the authentic colors and markings of a Bald Eagle, hawk, or owl? The original photographs are right there for reference. Want to exercise a little artistic license instead? Go right ahead. It's your coloring masterpiece! 🎨 HERE'S WHAT YOU GET: 🦅 12 intricate Birds of Prey coloring illustrations. 📸 Original wildlife photography as color references. 📖 A beautifully presented, 14-page photographic field guide. 🎨 High-resolution, individually printable illustrations. 📥 Instant digital download, allowing you to print your favorites whenever you wish for personal use. IMPORTANT: This is a PRINT-YOUR-OWN digital collection, not a physical coloring book. The illustrations are best printed on standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11 inches). 💰 Just $9.99 for the complete collection! 👉 AVAILABLE NOW ON ETSY: etsy.com/listing/4598834264/… This project represents something of a new direction for Captured Wilderness, combining my passion for wildlife photography with art, education, and a little creative relaxation. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, birdwatcher, coloring hobbyist, or simply someone who appreciates the natural world, I hope you'll take a look. And if coloring isn't your particular cup of tea, a repost would be greatly appreciated. Helping this independent photographer reach people beyond his usual audience makes a genuine difference. Thank you for supporting Captured Wilderness! CAPTURED WILDERNESS Nature | Photography | Art | Education #CapturedWilderness #BirdsOfPrey #AdultColoring #WildlifePhotography #WildlifeArt #ColoringPages

CAPTURED WILDERNESS | A LITTLE MARKET RESEARCH I'm considering introducing something new to Captured Wilderness, and I'd appreciate some genuinely honest feedback. I've been experimenting with transforming my original wildlife and nature photographs into intricate, adult coloring illustrations. The attached image is an example, based on one of my own wildlife photographs. The idea is to produce themed collections featuring North American wildlife, birds, woodland creatures, landscapes, and other subjects from the natural world. These could be available as downloadable PDF collections for printing at home, professionally printed coloring books, or both. But before I invest considerable time developing them, I want to establish whether people would actually BUY them. So, a few questions: Would you purchase a wildlife or nature-themed adult coloring book, either for yourself or as a gift? Would you prefer a physical paperback or a downloadable PDF collection? What would you consider a reasonable price for a collection of approximately 20 detailed illustrations? Are there particular wildlife or nature subjects you'd be interested in? And please, don't tell me you'd buy one just to be nice! I'm looking for genuine consumer interest, not compliments or encouragement. If this isn't something you'd spend money on, that's equally valuable information. I'm trying to determine whether there's a viable market before committing to production. Thanks for helping me test the waters! Captured Wilderness Nature Through a Different Lens #CapturedWilderness #WildlifeArt #AdultColoringBooks #NaturePhotography #MarketResearch

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: DEER HUNTERS, THE RUT, AND THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SMELLING LIKE A HORNY DOE. OK people... given that we're now well into Michigan's archery deer season, the rut is getting underway, and firearm season is rapidly approaching, I feel it's time to impart another wee nugget of wisdom to those of you who occasionally venture into the woods. Particularly those of you who have decided that spraying yourselves with deer urine is a perfectly reasonable thing to do on a Saturday morning. Now, before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, I fully understand the purpose of deer scent attractants. Used appropriately, they can be effective hunting tools. HOWEVER... There is a rather significant difference between attracting the attention of a mature whitetail buck and becoming the object of his undivided attention. You see, during the rut, a mature buck is essentially a 200-pound, testosterone-fuelled, four-legged collection of exceptionally poor decisions, equipped with a set of fucking great antlers, powerful legs, and an overwhelming biological desire to perpetuate the species. And unlike your average bloke who's had six pints and suddenly believes he's God's gift to women, a rutting buck actually has the physical equipment to make his intentions a VERY serious problem. Which brings me to the subject of doe urine. Some hunters spray this stuff on their clothing, boots, or surrounding vegetation in the hope of attracting a mature buck. Now, ordinarily, this might seem like a perfectly sensible strategy. UNTIL YOU CONSIDER WHAT YOU'RE ACTUALLY ADVERTISING. Imagine, if you will, wandering into the woods wearing the olfactory equivalent of a flashing neon sign that reads: "HOT SINGLE DOES IN YOUR AREA — CLICK HERE!" Except there's no bloody computer. There's just you, a tree, and potentially a very large, very enthusiastic woodland ungulate who hasn't the faintest idea what personal boundaries are. And THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is where we need to discuss the subtle difference between two seemingly innocent situations. Hearing the words **"Jesus loves you"** during Sunday morning church services is generally considered a rather beautiful and comforting experience. Hearing those exact same words whispered into your ear in a federal penitentiary shower block, however, may inspire an entirely different emotional response. Now imagine the individual expressing that affection weighs 200 pounds, has four legs, can run at approximately 30 miles per hour, and is wearing a fucking medieval weapons rack on his head. WELCOME TO THE RUT! For the record, I'm not suggesting that every buck encountering a hunter wearing doe urine is going to mistake him for a potential romantic partner. Deer aren't quite THAT stupid. But mature bucks during the breeding season can be aggressive, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous when approached, cornered, or provoked. And deliberately introducing sexual attractants into that equation without considering your surroundings is potentially asking for a spectacularly unpleasant encounter. So, a few words of advice: 1. Use scent attractants intelligently. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, check Michigan DNR regulations, and remember that attractants are generally intended to be deployed strategically, not used as fucking aftershave. 2. Give mature bucks plenty of room. Particularly during the rut. Those antlers aren't decorative Christmas ornaments. 3. Never approach, corner, or attempt to intimidate an agitated buck. If one starts displaying aggressive behaviour, put a substantial obstacle between yourself and the animal and retreat when safe. 4. Remember that deer are considerably faster than you. Unless your surname is Bolt, your escape plan should NOT involve challenging a whitetail to a footrace. 5. And finally, understand the difference between attracting wildlife and inviting it to participate in an unscheduled close-quarters encounter. Because while your original intention may have been to bring home a magnificent trophy buck, there's a considerable difference between having a twelve-point rack mounted above your fireplace and having that same twelve-point rack forcibly introduced to your arse. BE SMART. BE SAFE. AND FOR FUCK'S SAKE, REMEMBER THAT WILD ANIMALS ARE WILD ANIMALS. The objective of deer hunting is to bring home some venison, perhaps a decent set of antlers, and hopefully a good story. NOT to provide the emergency department with an entertaining explanation as to why you're lying face down on a hospital trolley while a surgeon attempts to remove half of Michigan's woodland ecosystem from your backside. STAY SAFE OUT THERE, PEOPLE!

RIGHT THEN, YOU LOT... YOUR TURN! 📷📷 As I mentioned recently, I'm shifting more of my attention back toward two subjects that have been lifelong passions of mine: photography and practical outdoor skills. Through Captured Wilderness and Great Lakes Fieldcraft, I have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and educational material that I'd like to share. But rather than simply deciding what I think everyone might find interesting, I thought I'd try something rather novel. I'll ask YOU! Whether you're an experienced photographer, an outdoor enthusiast, someone interested in personal safety, or simply curious about learning something new, I'd genuinely appreciate your input. So, here's a little poll to help me decide what sort of content you'd most like to see in the coming weeks and months. WHAT INTERESTS YOU MOST? 📷 A. PHOTOGRAPHY & WILDLIFE Photography tips, camera techniques, wildlife encounters, landscapes, night sky photography, and behind-the-scenes adventures. 📷 B. OUTDOOR SKILLS & FIELDCRAFT Navigation, survival skills, wilderness safety, practical preparedness, and outdoor know-how. 📷 C. PERSONAL SAFETY & DEFENSIVE TRAINING Situational awareness, threat recognition, defensive tactics, responsible firearms education, and personal protection. 📷 D. TUTORIALS, COURSES & WORKSHOPS Practical demonstrations, instructional videos, online learning, and opportunities to develop new skills. 📷 E. STORIES, OPINIONS & GENERAL MIG-ERY Military experiences, life lessons, observations, occasional rants, dry humor, and the usual assortment of sarcasm. 📷 F. ALL OF THE ABOVE! Because apparently some of you are gluttons for punishment! And here's where I'd really appreciate your participation. Don't just vote and disappear into the digital wilderness! Tell me WHY you chose your answer. Is there something you've always wanted to learn? A question you've never had answered? A particular skill you'd like to develop? Perhaps you've always wanted to photograph the Milky Way, improve your wildlife photography, learn wilderness navigation, understand situational awareness, or develop some practical outdoor skills. Whatever it might be, I'd love to hear about it. And please don't feel you need any previous experience to participate. Some of the most interesting discussions begin with someone asking a perfectly reasonable question. Feel free to tag friends who might be interested, too. The more perspectives we have, the better. Your responses will help me decide what subjects to explore in future posts, articles, tutorials, videos, online courses, and workshops. After all, there's little point in having several decades of experience if I can't put some of it to good use helping others. SO, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF? Drop your letter (or letters) in the comments, along with any ideas or suggestions you might have. Let's see where this takes us! That'll be all... for now.

A brief advisory regarding the apparent increase in profanity in some of my recent posts... A few people may have noticed that my vocabulary of late has contained rather more occurrences of words such as fuck, fucking, bollocks, bullshit, arse, fuckery, horsefuckery, horseshit, clusterfuck, and various imaginative combinations thereof. There are two principal reasons for this. Firstly, experience is increasingly teaching me that profanity is apparently the only fucking language some people understand. I have tried reason. I have tried evidence. I have tried logic. I have tried explaining things calmly, carefully, politely, and occasionally with diagrams that I would have previously considered unnecessary for any adult human being possessing opposable thumbs and a functioning cerebral cortex. Apparently, I was being wildly optimistic. Secondly, and considerably more importantly, profanity has become something of a pressure-release valve for the absolutely devastating level of frustration I experience while witnessing what can only be described as a cataclysmic outbreak of weapons-grade fucking stupidity. For most of my 56 years on this spinning ball of shite, I operated under the assumption that human beings represented some of the most intelligent life in the known Universe. I am increasingly concerned that I may have been working from insufficient data. We put human beings on the Moon. We split the atom. We decoded the human genome. We built machines capable of detecting gravitational waves produced by black holes colliding billions of light-years away. We created a global communications network capable of placing virtually the entirety of accumulated human knowledge into a device small enough to fit inside your fucking pocket. And yet, somehow, armed with instantaneous access to almost everything our species has ever learned, a truly astonishing number of people appear to have decided: “Nah. Fuck that. I'll just make something up.” And THAT is where the profanity comes in. Because sometimes “I respectfully disagree with your interpretation” simply doesn't adequately communicate the sheer magnitude of the intellectual catastrophe unfolding before you. Sometimes “That assertion appears inconsistent with the available evidence” doesn't quite cover it. And sometimes even “What the fuck?” is woefully inadequate. This is why the English language has blessed us with an entire escalation ladder: Fuckery: Something stupid, dishonest, ridiculous, or unnecessarily complicated is occurring. Horseshit: The explanation being offered for said fuckery is demonstrably nonsense. Horsefuckery: The fuckery has now exceeded normal operating parameters and entered territory previously thought achievable only through deliberate effort. Clusterfuck: Multiple independent sources of fuckery have converged simultaneously, producing a situation so comprehensively fucked that identifying the original source of the fucking problem has become largely academic. These are not merely swear words. They are precision linguistic instruments. There are circumstances in life where saying “This situation appears to have been handled rather poorly” is technically accurate, but hopelessly insufficient. “This is a fucking clusterfuck of weapons-grade horsefuckery” conveys considerably more useful information. So, if you've noticed an increase in profanity recently, rest assured that I have not suddenly suffered some catastrophic collapse in vocabulary. Quite the fucking opposite. I possess an extensive vocabulary. I simply recognize that language is a toolbox, and sometimes the situation calls for a precision screwdriver... and sometimes it calls for a fucking sledgehammer. Thank you for attending my fucking TED Talk.

The Cipollite Classification Scale Some time ago, I became rather fond of the work of Italian economic historian Carlo M. Cipolla, particularly his wonderfully cynical Basic Laws of Human Stupidity. Cipolla's definition of a stupid person wasn't simply somebody who lacks intelligence, education, or knowledge. It was much more useful than that. In essence, a stupid person is someone whose actions cause harm or loss to other people while producing no corresponding benefit to themselves. Sometimes they even manage to fuck themselves over in the process. And therein lies the problem. Stupidity isn't binary. There is an enormous difference between somebody who makes the occasional spectacularly daft decision and somebody who has achieved such an advanced state of fuckwittery that facts, evidence, logic, self-interest, cause and effect, and observable reality have all ceased to influence their decision-making. Hence, I present: THE CIPOLLITE CLASSIFICATION SCALE. At Cipollite I, we have the Mildly Daft. Generally harmless. Usually salvageable. A diagram may help. Crayons remain an option. By Cipollite III, we have Advanced Fuckwittery. Confidence has begun substantially exceeding competence, and other people are now experiencing collateral damage. At Cipollite IV, stupidity becomes weaponized. This is particularly dangerous when accompanied by authority, influence, money, or access to a fucking microphone. By Cipollite VI, contradictory evidence no longer corrects the belief. It actually reinforces it. The Cipollite simply constructs an alternative explanation in which they remain correct. Then comes Cipollite VII: The Batshit Singularity, where stupidity collapses beneath its own gravitational field and neither logic nor observable reality can escape. Beyond even that lies CIP-Ω: The Cipollite Event Horizon. At this point, the individual isn't merely wrong anymore. Being wrong has become the operating system through which all incoming information is processed. And while the scale is obviously intended to be funny, the rationale behind it really isn't. One of Cipolla's most important observations was that we routinely underestimate the number of stupid people around us and underestimate the damage they are capable of causing. Intelligence, education, social status and professional credentials don't necessarily provide immunity either. Someone can be extraordinarily knowledgeable in one area and still make catastrophically stupid decisions elsewhere. So perhaps the useful lesson isn't simply learning how to identify a Cipollite. It's periodically asking ourselves where we might currently sit on the fucking scale. Because every one of us is capable of visiting Level I occasionally. The important thing is not taking up permanent residence there and subsequently beginning the long, terrifying migration toward CIP-Ω. Recognize the signs. Manage your exposure. And for the love of God, occasionally question your own fucking certainty.

I have a small favor to ask of the people who follow me here. As some of you already know, I’ve started turning a rather ridiculous collection of knowledge and experience accumulated over the last few decades into books and online courses. Apparently, living several lifetimes inside 56 years does occasionally have its advantages. The first course is now available: Beginner’s Guide to Photographing the Night Sky It’s designed for people who want to photograph the night sky but don’t necessarily know where to start. No assumption that you already speak fluent photographer, no drowning people in unnecessary technical jargon, just practical instruction intended to get someone from “I’d love to be able to do that” to actually getting outside and doing it. And this is only the beginning. I have considerably more planned covering nature and wildlife photography, fieldcraft and survival, personal security, threat management, professional investigation, close protection, defensive firearms, and a few other subjects I’ve picked up along the way. But here’s where I could use your help. You don’t have to buy anything. What would genuinely help me right now is getting the word out. If you know somebody who might enjoy learning night sky photography, please share this post, tag them, send it to them, or otherwise help me get the course in front of people who might actually benefit from it. Organic reach on social media can be an absolute bastard, and a share from someone who knows somebody interested in the subject is worth considerably more to me than throwing money blindly at advertising and hoping for the best. If you’d like the direct link to the course to share separately, send me a private message and I’ll happily send it to you. I’ve spent a large part of my life learning things. Now I want to spend some time passing those things on. And if you can help me reach the people who want to learn them, I’d genuinely appreciate it. Thank you.