Wildlife and Adventure Photography
Graham 223 episodes Nov 6, 2026
Wildlife and Adventure Photography is a podcast for those who believe the best images are earned, not taken. Through field-tested insight and thoughtful reflection, each episode explores how preparation, patience, and creative awareness come together to produce photographs with lasting impact.
Episodes
You Own a Camera — But Do You Know How to Use It?
Send us Fan MailHave you ever taken a photograph that looked nothing like you expected? Perhaps the image is too dark, the subject is out of focus, or the moment you wanted to capture has disappeared in a blur.Before you blame your camera — or decide you need a better one — it’s worth understanding how your camera makes decisions.In this episode, we explore the camera settings that really matter,
Photography After 50: What Camera Do You Really Need?
Send us Fan MailHave you ever thought about getting into photography, but felt overwhelmed by the choice of cameras, lenses and accessories? Or perhaps you've owned a camera for years but never really learned how to get the best from it.In this episode, I explain why it's never too late to start photography — and why you don't need expensive equipment, complicated software or years
Finding Wildlife: How to Track Animals and Anticipate Their Behaviour
Send us Fan MailFinding wildlife to photograph is often the first and biggest challenge. But simply locating an animal isn't enough. How do you work out where it is likely to be, understand what it is doing and anticipate what it might do next?In this episode, I take a look at the practical skills that can make wildlife photography more successful: tracking animals, reading signs in the lands
The 10 photography mistakes that are holding you back
Send us Fan MailYou have a good camera. You may even have some great lenses. But are you actually getting better at photography?Sometimes the problem isn't your equipment. It's the habits and approaches that are holding you back.In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at 10 common photography mistakes that can prevent photographers from improving—from beginners who are overwhelmed by their
Your camera isn't the problem - Here's what is
Send us Fan MailStop letting your camera make all the decisions. So, what settings should you use for a photograph?It sounds like a simple question—but it's often the wrong place to start.In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at five important camera decisions and explains why better photography isn't about memorising the "right" settings. It's about understanding what you
Your photos aren't sharp - 7 mistakes you're probably making
Send us Fan MailYou've taken the photograph, but when you look at it afterwards, it isn't as sharp as you expected.Before you blame your camera or lens, there are seven common photography mistakes you should check first.In this episode, Graham Elliott explains why photographs can look soft, covering shutter speed, camera movement, subject movement, autofocus, depth of field, camera techn
Exposure Compensation: Take Control of Your Exposure
Send us Fan MailThe + and – Button on Your Camera ExplainedEver taken a photograph that looks too dark or too bright, even though your camera seemed to get the exposure right?That's where exposure compensation comes in.In this episode, we take a simple, practical look at what exposure compensation is, why your camera sometimes gets exposure wrong, and when you should use the + and – controls
What Wildlife Taught Me About People
Send us Fan MailWhat Wildlife Taught Me About PeopleSpending time photographing wildlife has taught me a lot about photography. But it has also taught me something I didn't expect: quite a lot about people.Wildlife doesn't follow a script. You can't tell an elephant where to stand, ask a lion to wait for better light, or persuade a bird to do something interesting just because you&a
Photography Advice That Can Make You Worse
Send us Fan MailThe Photography Advice I Wish I'd IgnoredThere’s a lot of photography advice out there — but does following all the rules actually make you a better photographer?In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at some of the photography advice he’s followed, questioned and ultimately learned to ignore during his years as a photographer, including wildlife photography and working in the
Its never too late to start photography - But avoid these 7 mistakes
Send us Fan MailIt's Never Too Late to Start Photography — 7 Traps to AvoidHave you always wanted to take photography more seriously but wondered whether you've left it too late?Perhaps you've recently bought your first camera, returned to photography after many years away, or finally have the time to explore something you've always wanted to do. The good news is that you'
Why some photographers improve, and others don't
Send us Fan MailWhy Some Photographers Improve — and Others Stay StuckWhy do some photographers seem to improve rapidly while others take thousands of photographs yet feel as though they're making little progress?It's easy to assume that better photographers simply have more expensive equipment, more natural talent or more experience. But is that really the difference?In this episode, I
Buying Your Next Camera Part 2: Building the Complete Kit
Send us Fan MailBuying Photography Gear Without Wasting Your Money — Part 2: Building the Complete KitChoosing the right camera and lens is only the beginning. In Part 2 of this series, we look at the rest of your photography kit — and, more importantly, whether you actually need it.We explore how to build a practical photography system around the lenses you choose, including:How to build a comple
Buying Your Next Camera Part 1: Lenses and Bodies
Send us Fan MailBuying Photography Gear Without Wasting Your Money — Part 1: The Lens Comes FirstThinking about upgrading your camera? Before you spend your money on the latest body, stop and think about the lens.In the first of this two-part series, we look at how to make smarter decisions when buying photography gear — starting with what is arguably the most important part of your kit: the lens.
5 Wildlife photography Mistakes After The Shutter
Send us Fan MailThe shoot felt great. So why does the final gallery disappoint?In the final part of our wildlife photography mistakes series, we're covering the mistakes that happen after you've already got the shot — in your review and editing process:The culling mistake that means you might be missing your actual best frameWhy over-sharpening in post can do more harm than goodThe cropp
5 Wildlife Photography Mistakes Before You Shoot
Send us Fan MailSome of the best shots you never got were lost before the animal even appeared.In Part 3 of our wildlife photography mistakes series, we're going back to the beginning — the field-craft decisions that set up (or sabotage) everything that follows:The scouting mistake that has you in the right place at the wrong timeWhy leftover settings from your last outing might already be wo
5 Wildlife Photography Mistakes That Ruin Your Composition
Send us Fan MailTechnically sharp. Perfectly exposed. And still not a good photo.In Part 2 of our wildlife photography mistakes series, we're moving past the technical side and into composition — the five framing habits that quietly hold your shots back, even when everything else is dialled in:Why centering your subject out of habit might be costing you impactThe background mistake most photo
5 Wildlife Photography Mistakes That Ruin Sharp Shots
Send us Fan MailWildlife Photography Mistakes - Part 1 of 4.You nailed the composition. The light was perfect. The animal was close. And the shot still came back soft.In this episode — the first in a 4-part series on wildlife photography mistakes — we're breaking down the five technical habits that quietly ruin sharpness in the field, and exactly how to fix each one:Why your shutter speed mig
The Power of Underexposing on Purpose
Send us Fan MailYou've been taught to fear the dark frame. Check the histogram, brighten it up, protect the shadows — that's the rule, right? Except some of the most striking, memorable photographs ever taken broke that rule deliberately.In this episode, we unpack why "correct" exposure and interesting exposure aren't always the same thing. We'll cover where the fear
Talking with Dr Cliff - The Adventures of the Worldwide Vet
Send us Fan MailYou may already know Dr Cliff Redford from his work in Canada, but his dedication to animals stretches far beyond his Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Markham, Ontario.Cliff has become a passionate volunteer, travelling the globe to help people and their pets across Jamaica, the Arctic, Greece, India, Panama, Egypt, and Ukraine. From beloved family pets to unexpected wildlife enco
Should you buy a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera in 2026?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we tackle one of the biggest questions facing photographers in 2026: DSLR or mirrorless?For years, DSLRs dominated the photography world, but mirrorless cameras have rapidly become the industry standard. We break down the key differences between these two camera systems, including how they work, image quality, battery life, viewfinders, lens options, and real-world
7 Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Photography (And How to Fix Them)
Send us Fan MailAre your photos not turning out the way you imagined, even though you've invested in good gear and spend plenty of time behind the camera?In this episode, we're breaking down seven common mistakes that hold photographers back—from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. These aren't technical camera settings or obscure photography tricks. They're the everyday habits,
Why your camera is holding you back
Send us Fan MailWhy do your photos never look the way the moment felt in real life?In this episode, we’re talking about the real reason so many beginner photographers feel disappointed with their photos — and why your camera might actually be holding you back.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by blurry shots, dull colours, flat lighting, or confusing settings, you are definitely not alone. Most peopl
Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos Episode 4/4: From Messy Scene to Strong Photograph
Send us Fan MailIn the final episode of the series, we bring everything together in real-world wildlife situations where decisions have to be made quickly and under pressure.Wildlife photography rarely happens in perfect conditions. Subjects move unpredictably, backgrounds become messy, light changes constantly, and there’s often very little time to react. The challenge is learning how to stay int
Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos E3/4: Why Your Photos Are Close—But Not There
Send us Fan MailYou review the photo later, and at first, it looks promising. The subject is sharp, the exposure is good, and technically everything seems fine — but somehow the image still doesn’t fully work.In this episode, we explore why some wildlife photos feel close to being strong but never quite get there. We look at the subtle problems that hold images back and why editing often fails to
Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos E2/4: How to stop guessing in the field
Send us Fan MailIn the first episode, we explored why so many wildlife photos feel random and inconsistent. But once you stop reacting and start shooting intentionally, a new challenge appears: how do you make strong decisions quickly in the field?In this episode, we look at a simple field process that helps reduce chaos and improve clarity when everything is happening at once. Instead of trying t
Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos E1/4: Why Some Wildlife Photos Work (And Most Don't)
Send us Fan MailMost wildlife photographers think inconsistent photos come from bad luck, missed focus, or not having the right gear. But often the real problem is much simpler: shooting without a clear intention.In this episode, we explore why so many wildlife photos feel random — even when the technical settings are correct — and the mindset shift that changes everything. Instead of reacting to
Why Your Wildlife Photos Look Flat (And How to Fix Them in the Field)
Send us Fan MailStruggling with wildlife photos that look flat, washed out, or just not how you remember the moment? In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood tools in photography—exposure compensation—and show you how to use it with intention in the field.Rather than treating exposure as a technical setting, you’ll learn how to use it as part of your creative process—helping yo
The Creative Process
Send us Fan MailStep inside the real creative process behind photography—beyond inspiration, beyond perfect conditions.In this episode, we explore how ideas actually take shape across four distinct genres: wildlife, portrait, street, and landscape photography. From waiting on unpredictable moments in the wild to building connection in portraiture, from observing fleeting street scenes to returning
Finding inspiration and developing your style
Send us Fan MailAre you struggling to find inspiration or define your photography style? In this episode, we break down how to consistently spark new ideas and turn them into a visual identity that feels authentic to you.You’ll learn why inspiration isn’t something you wait for, but something you actively build through what you see, shoot, and study. We also explore how limitations can boost creat
How high should you push ISO (and other things)?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I break down the balancing act at the heart of wildlife photography: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. How high should you push your ISO? I talk about the trade-off between freezing action with faster shutter speeds and keeping noise under control—and why a sharp, slightly noisy image often beats a blurry one.I also highlight how aperture isn’t just about exposure,
The secrets to choosing the right gear for wildlife photography
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we break down the real secrets to choosing the right camera gear for wildlife photography. From camera bodies and autofocus to lenses, reach, and essential accessories, you’ll learn what actually matters in the field—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade, this episode will help you make smarter gear decisions based on your environment,
Composition in the Wild E4/4: The 3 skills that transform wildlife photography
Send us Fan MailMost wildlife photographers think better gear will fix their photos… but it won’t.In this episode, you’ll learn the 3 skills that actually transform wildlife photography: field decision-making, light mastery, and a simple system for consistent improvement.If you want sharper images, better compositions, and more keeper shots—this is where it starts.In this episode: How to stop miss
Composition in the Wild E3/4: Why most wildlife photos feel random (and how to add purpose)
Send us Fan MailWhy do so many wildlife photographs feel random?A bird appears, you lift the camera, take the shot… and the moment is gone. Later, the photo feels more like a snapshot than something intentional.In this episode, we explore why that happens — and how a small shift in approach can dramatically improve your wildlife photography.You’ll discover how observation, patience, and a simple i
Composition in the Wild E2/4: How to prepare a wildlife shoot (without over-thinking it)
Send us Fan MailHave you ever packed for a wildlife photography outing and felt slightly overwhelmed before you even left the house?In this episode, we simplify the process.Preparation should create calm — not stress. And yet many photographers overthink wildlife shoots, worrying about settings, gear, missing the moment, or not knowing enough. The result? Mental clutter before you’ve even taken yo
Composition in the Wild E1/4: Great Wildlife Photography begins at home
Send us Fan MailMany people think wildlife photography starts on safari… or in Africa… or in a national park. It doesn’t. It starts in your backyard. You can develop all the vital skills you need for great wildlife photography before you leave home. Here's how...It's time for another podcast... Travelling overseas? Holafly offers eSIMs covering over 200 destinations, helping you stay connecte
Observation and Composition Ep 4: How to build a photograph from start to finish
Send us Fan MailGreat photographs are built through a sequence of decisions. Structure, rules, and techniques only matter insofar as they serve intent.In this final part, we look at how to put everything together and create compelling images. It's time for another podcast... ... And... just before I go...How would you like to improve your photography today?If you would, I have a free PDF that take
Observation and Composition Ep 3: How viewers actually move through an image
Send us Fan MailStrong photographs lead the viewer. Composition is about directing visual movement.In part 3, we look at what draws the eye and how we can use that information to construct photographs that fully engage the viewer.It's time for another podcast... ... And... just before I go...How would you like to improve your photography today?If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through
Observation and Composition Ep 2: Why Compositions Fail (and the fix most people miss)
Send us Fan MailMost compositions fail because multiple visual messages compete. This episode teaches diagnosis first, then simplification with intent.In part two, we'll look at how you can take photographs that are fine, technically, but just don't work.It's time for another podcast... ... And... just before I go...How would you like to improve your photography today?If you would, I hav
Observation and Composition Ep 1: The observation skill that changes every photograph
Send us Fan MailTwo people can stand in the same place, at the same time, and come away with completely different photographs. Why?This four-part series examines how observation drives composition and how you can construct photographs designed to elicit a specific response in the viewer.In this first part, we examine the importance of observation. It's time for another podcast... ... And... just b
7 more mistakes that photographers often make
Send us Fan MailIn this second podcast, I run through 7 more mistakes it's easy to make: 1. Shooting in Auto ModeShooting in Auto severely limits your creative options.2. Not checking settingsIt’s easy to forget to check settings in the heat of the moment. Stay on top of your settings, especially when conditions are changing quickly.3. HousekeepingKeep your camera equipment cleaned and proper
How to deal with 6 common photography mistakes
Send us Fan MailWe all make mistakes, and this week I run through 6 common mistakes photographers make and talk through how to handle them:1. Poor CompositionCentred subject: Placing the subject in the centre of the image. Try the rule of thirds as a way of creating a more interesting image.Cluttered backgrounds: Distracting elements in the background take attention away from the subject. Be a ‘Vi
Steve and Nicole Gettle Wildlife Photographers
Send us Fan MailFor over 40 years, Steve Gettle has dedicated his life to capturing the stunning beauty of nature through his lens. With countless hours spent photographing wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes that surround us, Steve’s work radiates his deep love for the natural world. His vibrant images invite viewers to appreciate the wonders of wildlife and wild places like never before.Ste
Trusted the Meter
Send us Fan MailLast week, we looked at what happens when there is a failure of perception. This week, we look at the opposite problem: when the camera tells you exactly what to do, but the result is incorrectly exposed.Are you asking the right question?This is the final part of the three-podcast series looking at exposure issues.It's time for another podcast... Travelling overseas? Holafly offers
Where light tricks you
Send us Fan MailIn part two of this exploration of exposure, we look at situations where everything looks great, but when you look at the image in the camera, it is nothing like what you saw.We’ll look at why this happens and what you can do about it.It's time for another podcast... Travelling overseas? Holafly offers eSIMs covering over 200 destinations, helping you stay connected without swappin
The Exposure Mistake I Still Make When Shooting Wildlife
Send us Fan MailHave you ever had a situation where a shot looks good, but when you check the photo, the exposure is off? Well, I’m sure we’ve often experienced it, and it’s one of those mistakes you only make once. Except… you don’t.I had a similar situation recently. Nothing went wrong… except I forgot one thing. This is how our cameras work.Getting the correct exposure is one of the most import
7 Wildlife Photography Mistakes Even Experienced Photographers Still Make
Send us Fan MailMost people think wildlife photography is about having the longest lens and the most expensive camera. But the truth is, some of the biggest mistakes happen after you’ve been doing this for years. Today I’m breaking down seven wildlife photography mistakes even experienced photographers still make — and how to fix them.Chasing Gear Instead of Mastering TechniqueIgnoring Animal Beha
Why your photographs don't look sharp
Send us Fan MailPerfectly exposed images can appear to be soft or out of focus. There are two contributing factors that play a part in this:How our eyes and brain perceive sharpnessThe role of contrast in the image.It’s important to remember that RAW files are not photographs. And that the JPG we see on the back of the camera has already gone through a process that includes sharpening.In this podc
Where does AutoFocus struggle?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I'll look at four scenarios that are likely to throw off your AF system:Low Light or Low Contrast ConditionsWrong AF Area Mode for the SituationFast or Unpredictable MovementExtremely Shallow Depth of FieldI'll talk you through different AF systems and what you can do to get the best results from each scenario.It's time for another podcast... Travelling o
Do you need expensive camera gear to take great photos?
Send us Fan MailOne of my pet hates is people coming up to me and saying something along the lines of “that’s a great picture, you must have a really good camera”. To me, it’s a little like someone going up to Shakespeare and saying, “That was a great play, you must have a really good quill”!Cameras are tools, and the fact is that if you are taking boring pictures now and you buy an expensive came
How to break through creative blocks
Send us Fan MailAre you tired of feeling stuck following endless photography rules, resulting in images that just… exist? What if I told you there's a way to unlock a deeper, more intuitive connection with your camera, allowing you to capture photographs that truly speak to the soul? In this podcast we’ll look at how you can move beyond rigid guidelines and embracing the organic flow of visua
Which is best - YouTube or Courses?
Send us Fan MailWith so much free material available immediately on YouTube, is there any place for formal photography courses? That’s what I’ll be looking into in this podcast.Please add your thoughts and comments in the comments section, or send an email to graham@ge.photography The Appeal of Free YouTube Learning Advantages:Accessibility & CostBreadth of ContentEntertaining & Bite-Sized
Wildlife and landscapes with Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove
Send us Fan MailMy guest on this podcast is Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove. Jeroen describes himself as a hybrid photographer, shooting both wildlife and landscapes. In this podcast, we talk about how he started in photography and he shares some of his experiences photographing wildlife in Iceland, where he lives, Greenland and Antarctica.Jeroen shoots with both Canon mirrorless cameras and drones. He des
How to Avoid the Biggest Low-Light Photography Mistakes
Send us Fan MailUnderstanding low-light photography opens up another world of possibilities for wildlife photography. The fact is that a good deal of activity happens once the sun has gone down, and it is very rewarding to be able to share the world that comes to life with people who might not be aware of it.However, as always, there are a few things to remember and some mistakes to avoid. Here ar
Why you should become an urban wildlife photographer
Send us Fan MailA major part of a successful wildlife photography experience is preparation. Doing the right preparation can make the difference between having a great experience and a frustrating one. The problem is that most of us do not have access to wildlife every day, or do we?Getting to know your own area and the wildlife in it can give you access to all the wildlife you need to become conf
The future of wildlife photography, AI and ethics
Send us Fan MailAI has already had a big impact on digital photography, and you may be using it without realising it. If you're using a smartphone, AI is driving scene recognition, HDR and exposure, and modes. For DSLR and Mirrorless users, it may well be driving your tracking and autofocus. It is widely used in post-processing to enhance images through noise reduction and the removal of unwa
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 8: How to showcase your best images
Send us Fan MailSo you’ve taken your photographs and the adventure is over (for now). So what do you do with your images?This is what we'll look at in this final episode:Sharing Through Social MediaBuilding a Personal Website or PortfolioPrint Media: Books and MagazinesWall Art and Home Décor* CreativeHub recommends the largest print size for each print file you submit. This maintains print q
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 7: The Secret to Post-Processing Wildlife Images
Send us Fan MailYou've got the shot, but there's more work to do. The first thing that you might notice is that what's in the camera isn't quite what you saw. And, you might not be happy with the actual image (vs what you had in you mind's eye). This is the starting point for post processing.In this episode we look at the importance of post-processing:Start with basic RAW
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 6: How to Capture Wildlife Portraits With Personality
Send us Fan MailIn my opinion, portraits can be the most powerful way for someone to connect with an animal. And possibly feel a real connection with it for the first time. So, mastering animal photography is possibly the most important aspect of wildlife photography to master.In this episode we'll look at: What is a wildlife portrait?Capturing Emotion & Personality Field Techniques &
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 5: The Secret of Photographing in Harsh Environments
Send us Fan MailWildlife doesn’t always live in comfortable places. Sometimes, the most incredible images come from the toughest conditions: cold, blistering heat, or sudden storms. Today, we’ll uncover the secret of thriving in those environments.These conditions test photographers both physically and mentally. But fewer people are willing to endure them, so you have a great opportunity to shoot
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 4: How to Freeze Fast Action in Wildlife Photography
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we'll take a look at the best ways to capture fast-moving action.The Challenge of Wildlife Action Shots Camera Settings for Freezing MotionAnticipating the ActionPanning & TrackingGear ConsiderationsCreative Motion ChoicesShare your experiences and images in the Facebook Group.Next time, we’ll talk about how to handle harsh environments.Check out my PDF “
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 3: How to Use Light to Capture Wildlife at Its Best
Send us Fan MailThis episode is about using light. Using it well can make the difference between a magical shot and one that is flat and uninteresting. Here's what I'll cover in this episode: The Role of Light in Wildlife Photography Golden Hours & Blue HoursMidday Light ChallengesBacklighting, Side Lighting & Front Lighting Weather & Light Conditions Camera Settings for Lig
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 2: The Secret to Getting Close Without Disturbing Wildlife
Send us Fan MailLast time, we looked at preparation and the important things to consider before you go. In this episode, I share some of the ways that you can get ‘close’ to wildlife ethically.Here's what I'll cover in this episode:Ethics Understand animal behaviour Stealth techniques Using Distance & LensesLet wildlife come to youNext episode:Next time, we’ll look at how to use natu
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 1: How to prepare for a wildlife photography adventure
Send us Fan MailThis is episode one of eight, where we will take a deeper dive into how to take great wildlife photographs.We’re going to start with preparation. Good preparation can make all the difference between a successful shoot and a complete disaster. Here are the key things I'll cover in this episode:Research & Planning Gear & Equipment Health & Safety Mindset & Patien
Why the 'Perfect' shot is overrated
Send us Fan MailDo you ever feel stuck, endlessly tweaking photos, searching for that 'perfect' look that seems just out of reach? You're not alone. We've all been conditioned to believe in a singular ideal of photographic perfection. But what if I told you that once you understand the truth about the 'perfect shot,' you'll not only take better photos but also fi
The beauty of the unseen: Everyday scenes through a photographers eyes
Send us Fan MailI used to use Circular Quay in Sydney quite regularly, but never noticed the little dolphins in the railing by the ferry terminal. The first part of photographing the “unseen” is to see it! And we covered that to some extent in the last podcast.If you’ve tried the exercises from the previous podcast, you may well have found that there are a lot of details in your everyday environme
See the world like a photographer
Send us Fan MailHave you ever walked past something beautiful without even noticing it?If you have, you’re not alone, and this is a skill that separates great photographers from the people who take snapshots.Great photographers really look and see what is there. And it goes beyond simply seeing something. They take it further and apply the important elements that make up a great photograph:They’r
How Creative Constraints can improve your photography
Send us Fan MailI often recommend that you practice as often as possible to improve your photography. But what do you do when you hit a mental blank?One idea I suggest in this podcast is to shoot a series of photos, or a collection. And, to make them more coherent, and to challenge yourself, I suggest you use a Creative Constraint.So what is a Creative Constraint? Here are some examples:Technical:
The Secrets to Great Wildlife Photography
Send us Fan MailIf you’re listening to this podcast, it’s probably safe for me to assume that you want to take great wildlife photographs. So what are the things you need to think about?I’ve tried to run through an almost step-by-step guide based on my own recent experience of photographing wildlife in Zimbabwe, Australia and Finland.Camera: Take the body and lens (possibly plural) that most suits
Speaking with Kara Sheldon - Project Ecologist
Send us Fan MailKara Sheldon is the ecologist and one of the directors of the Southern Africa Field Conservation Project. SAFCP was formed following the participation of the directors in a local conservation project largely run by Dean and Justine McGregor. I joined it as a ‘guinea pig’ for the first run of a conservation programme that they hope with contribute significantly to local conservation
Speaking with Dean McGregor - Professional Guide
Send us Fan MailIn today’s podcast, I talk to professional guide, Dean McGregor. Dean has a vast knowledge of the flora and fauna of his native Zimbabwe. I first met him in early 2020 and spent as much time as I could learning from him.In this podcast, I talk to Dean about what got him interested in becoming a professional guide, how he goes about guiding clients and what you should expect as a cl
Top tips for great smartphone photography
Send us Fan MailA few podcasts ago I spoke about what to think about when buying a camera. However, most of us carry around a smartphone and some of these cameras can outperform pro cameras.So here are some tips to help you to get the most from your smartphone:Keep your lenses clean!When you have your subject where you want it, tap on the subject on the smartphone screen. That tells the camera whe
The secrets to great night photography
Send us Fan MailNight photography can be incredibly rewarding, and it's a great way to improve your general photographic skills. So what do you need to think about?Equipment:A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with manual mode.A fast lensA tripodA Remote Shutter ReleaseExtra batteries for cold conditionsCamera settings:Use the widest aperture you canExperiment with shutter speedExperiment with ISO (t
The Secret to Finding Your Unique Style Through Projects
Send us Fan MailI've spoken about style and creativity in recent podcasts and I realise that some people don't think of themselves as creative and feel they don't have a style at all. So, my suggestion to you is that you accept that you are creative (possibly not the most creative person you know, but it's there all the same) and that you give yourself permission to try some ne
How to choose your next camera
Send us Fan MailChoosing your next, or possibly first, camera is a big decision. You might have some experience of photography, through either a camera system or your smartphone, or you might be completely new to it.Here are some key considerations:Budget - this will be a big factor for most of us. It will also depend upon your commitment; are you serious about photography, or just trying it out?
How to create blurry photos and why you might want to
Send us Fan MailCreating blurry photographs is not necessarily at the top of things you want to achieve during a shoot. However, as with other 'problem' areas, understanding what causes blur can open up a whole range of creative options, and that is the focus of this podcast.The type of blur you have can usually be reduced to one of the following causes:Motion blur: Where either the subj
What is your photographic style and does it matter?
Send us Fan MailDo you have a style?Have you even thought about it?Whether we know it or not, we all have a photographic style, and, the chances are that the style you have today is not the same as it was when you started. So, does it really matter? If you want to develop a particular style, there's a lot of inspiration out there. One of the popular trends at the moment is to shoot photograph
How to overcome common photography issues
Send us Fan MailThese are some of the most common issues faces many photographers... and what you can do about them:Gear ObsessionLack of Clear VisionInconsistent QualityOvereditingDifficulty Building a PortfolioFear of CriticismTime ManagementFinancial ChallengesComparisons and Imposter Syndrome I hope you enjoy the podcast!It's time for another podcast... ... And... just before I go...How would
The secrets to great wildlife photographs
Send us Fan MailWhat are the most important things to focus on when you are planning a wildlife photography shoot?Here are my suggestions:Research - The better you know your subject, the better the chances that you can create stunning images that create a strong emotional connection with the viewer.Local Guides and Safety - You want to have the best possible experience. Good local guides will know
How to Tell Powerful Stories with Your Camera
Send us Fan MailWe love stories. So, if you use a storytelling approach to your photography, you are more likely to create images and sequences of images that engage viewers.There are two aspects to storytelling; the story of each image itself (and I’ve spoken about this in other podcasts), and the story that ties together a sequence of images.A good way to approach this is to think of each stage
The secrets to great black-and-white photography
Send us Fan MailIf you've never tried black-and-white photography before, I recommend it as a great way to broaden your creativity.We are used to seeing things in colour, so black and white photography lets us see things differently, perhaps seeing aspects of things around us that we've never appreciated before.These are the things to be conscious of when shooting in black and white:Shap
