About me

I’m Erik Hyypia, a Washington State–based wildlife photographer focused on capturing the natural beauty of the Western United States. My photography is rooted in decades of outdoor experience that began in the 1980s as an adventure travel photographer, when I traveled extensively through Nepal, Tibet, and many other countries. During that period, I also taught rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, spelunking, and mountaineering—experiences that continue to shape my approach to working in wild places.

Today, I photograph wildlife, landscapes, and astrophotography, with a particular focus on Western Washington—especially Skagit Bay for its rich wildlife—and the red rock desert country and national parks of Utah. I shoot with a Sony A1, using a range of Sony prime and zoom lenses. All images shown are my own and are edited in Adobe Lightroom, with Topaz used for sharpening. I do not use generative AI, sky replacement, or AI-based processing beyond noise reduction. I do not use Photoshop.

About my Gear

I shoot using the Sony eco-system, which has been a joy to use. As a camera store employee once quipped, “You date your camera but you marry your glass.” Since folks always ask, here’s my gear list to inspire you to use up your own disposable income.

• Sony A1 body

• Sony 200-600 zoom (wildlife)

• Sony 100-400 zoom (landscapes and close action wildlife)

• Sony 24-105 zoom (daily driver)

• Sony 24 f1.4 (astro)

• Sony 12-24 zoom (astro and landscape foregrounds)

• Sony 90mm Macro (bugs)

• Sony HVL-F60RM2 Flash

• Benro TMA39CL Tripod

• Manfroto ball head and 200 PL RC2 quick release mount

• Atlas camera backpack

• The Merlin Bird app from Cornell University

• Wingspan 8x42 ED binoculars

• Adobe Lightroom (editing)

• Topaz Photo Studio (sharpening)