Guiding the Lens: Wild Landscapes and Mindful Photography with Fiona McLean

In this episode of Shutter Trails, Drake sits down with landscape and outdoor photographer Fiona McLean, who splits her time between Scotland and Canada. Fiona shares her incredible journey—from discovering photography in Sedona over 25 years ago to leaving a career in sustainable transport due to burnout and rediscovering purpose through the camera.They dive into:🌄 How travel and nature photography shaped Fiona’s career🌍 Shooting across 40+ countries and balancing life between two continents📸 Her evolution from grand landscapes to waterfalls, wildlife, macro, and abstract work🚁 The creative highs (and nerve-wracking lows) of drone photography🥾 Becoming a certified hiking guide and combining outdoor leadership with photography💬 The realities of running a photography business and social media challenges⚖️ Ethical photography practices—wildlife, geotagging, and environmental impact👩‍🎨 Advocacy for women in photography and barriers in the industry🌿 Using photography as a tool for healing through grief and burnoutFiona also shares practical advice for beginners—why gear doesn’t matter as much as you think, and why you should always shoot for yourself, not for social media.👉 A powerful, honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding your path through photography.📷 Follow Fiona:Instagram: @fionamcleanphotoWebsite: fionamcleanphotography.comSubstack: Fiona McLean Photo👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more conversations with photographers from around the world.