Today’s story is about one of the most elusive, elegant creatures in the jungle – the ocelot – and how one (or maybe two) has made this hillside part of their path.

My little house is perched high on the mountain, backed right up against a reserve, so the backyard isn't just a yard – it's a highway for everything from agoutis to coatis, toucans and so much more. I set up a trail cam to see what wanders through at night, and one morning I checked the footage. There it was in all its cat glory, a sleek ocelot strolling casually away from the camera, spots glowing like a living leopard print under the moonlight.

I was hooked. As a massive cat lover, I couldn't believe it. This wild beauty of perfection weaving through the trees like it's always belonged here. But it didn't stop there…

Follow the wild on Instagram, X and TikTok: @sarahlutkewild

Prints & more: SarahLutkeWild.com

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Standing on the edge of a black sand beach in Costa Rica, where the ocean meets the jungle and every morning holds a potential spectacle.

It was an early start a couple of weeks ago as I went down to the shore before the sun climbed too high. I arrived as the first light painted the waves gold, the air still cool with salt and promise.

Walking quietly along the shoreline, camera ready, I suddenly heard them… that unmistakable raucous squawk echoing from the trees. A small flock of five or six scarlet macaws swooped down to the beach almond trees in a burst of color. Brilliant red bodies with blue and yellow wings flashing like living fireworks.

But the real moment came as I watched them lift off together, wings beating in sync, disappearing into the trees. Hiking back sweaty and smiling, it left me thinking…

Episode Wild Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUyE_GzEWhh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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It starts as the first light hits the treetops… A low vibration that builds until the whole Costa Rican canopy is singing.

I spotted a cicada clinging to a giant leaf, taking a rest from singing endlessly. Green and blue, almost metallic, wings like stained glass. I got low, held my breath and captured the fleeting moment. From the intricate patterns, to the tiny eyes that see everything.

But the real adventure was staying out there for hours, just listening…

Episode Wild Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcUbhckbo8/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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Prints & more: sarahlutkewild.com

#WildlifePhotography #CostaRicaWild #PuraVida

Hi, I’m Sarah and welcome to this incredible adventure!

Twenty two years of photographing everyone’s happiest days in New England. Then one hummingbird in Corcovado looked me right in the eye and everything changed.

This is the real story of how I went from 40+ weddings a season to barefoot coffee on a jungle deck inside the rainforest, from perfect timelines to toucan breakfast clubs at 10 a.m., from “maybe someday” to “this is my life now.”

I still photograph a handful of dream weddings and portraits (because I love it), but most mornings you’ll find me chasing light, frogs and whatever the Costa Rican rainforest feels like showing me.

This podcast is me sharing those moments out loud, the same way I used to whisper them to the monkeys at sunrise.

One life. One wild yes. One heart finally wide awake.

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Prints & more: sarahlutkewild.com

#WildlifePhotography #CostaRicaWild #PuraVida

Early 2023. I’m driving through the bumpiest of dirt roads, overthinking every real estate listing and heading to the first of a long list… When I spot a flash of water through the trees.

I slam the brakes, scramble down a little slope and there it is… A perfect miniature waterfall singing over mossy rocks into a small pool. No sign. No trail. Just pure, secret jungle magic.

I stood there, shoes soaked, grinning like an idiot and knew in my soul: this is home.

Some decisions don’t need spreadsheets. They just need bare feet on river stones and water loud enough to drown out every doubt.

One photograph. One yes. And one place that chose me and I choose it, every single day.

Episode Wild Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHB8FAPRVnZ/

Follow the wild on Instagram @sarahlutkewild

Prints & more: sarahlutkewild.com

#WildlifePhotography #CostaRicaWild #PuraVida

Meet Larry.

He’s the Laughing Falcon who decided my mountain in Costa Rica is his stage and my coffee time is his cue.

Some days he’s a distant echo bouncing off the ridge. Other days he lands fifteen feet away, throws his head back and belts out that wild “ha-ha-ha-HAAA-ha” like the jungle hired him for comic relief.

I’ve started talking back: “Good morning, Larry.” I swear he answers.

A daily reminder that happiness doesn’t always whisper. Sometimes it lands on the branch in front of you and laughs loud enough to shake the leaves.

Episode Wild Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/p/DS4uOkjkabo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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An early morning beach walk…

I’m creeping toward a quiet group of birds when a heron owns the top branch like a king on his throne. Next second: a Great Egret comes in like a missile and literally body checks him off the perch. The heron flips and flaps, wings flaring in the most graceful, accidental ballet I’ve ever seen. The egret slides in, calm as you like and claims the precious spot.

Sometimes the most stunning moments happen right after you get beautifully knocked out of the way.

One photograph. One wild reminder. One perfect sunrise.

Episode Wild Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRkiET7ETmo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Follow the wild on Instagram @sarahlutkewild

Prints & more: sarahlutkewild.com

#WildlifePhotography #CostaRicaWild #BirdsOfCostaRica

Every morning, right around ten, two collared aracaris drop out of nowhere onto the cecropia tree off my deck. Silent approach. Rainbow beaks glowing. Then the fruit starts falling and the show begins…

Two minutes of pure magic, then they’re gone like nothing happened.

This is my daily reminder that the best things in life don’t need an invitation. They just show up, eat breakfast, and leave you smiling for the rest of the day.

One photograph. One wild routine. One heart full.

Episode Wild Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRuHtMokXUX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Follow the wild on Instagram @sarahlutkewild

Prints & more: sarahlutkewild.com

#WildlifePhotography #CostaRicaWild #BirdsOfCostaRica