Wildlife Photo Chat

My guest Annalise Kaylor joins me to chat all about her preparation for an upcoming floating hide workshop she is running and all the challenging logistics dealing with that. We then dive deep into an article she wrote on her website all about what we are saying about our photography if we aren't willing to be transparent about the stories behind what we share. We wrap up the conversation talking all about the differences between wildlife photo workshops and photo tours and how important it is for leaders to be transparent about what they are offering as well. Follow Annalise at: Instagram: @annalisekaylor Show Mentions: Her article we talked about in the show

My guest Brian Matthews joins me to discuss how he got into bird photography starting in his childhood, spending time with a subject to learn more and build a portfolio of images vs. just passing through an area, and he shares all about his experience and the challenges of photographing puffins and other seabirds from in the water with an underwater housing. Follow Brian at: Instagram: @bwmphoto  

Rich returns to the show 5 years later and 5 years into his full-time wildlife photography career. We start the show talking about challenges and rewards of making photography your job. Rich also shares how he works hard to make all of his tours an experience in addition to teaching his guests how to get amazing photos. We wrap up the show talking about some of his favorite birds to spend time with and photograph, Dippers! Follow Richard at: Instagram: @mywildlifeimages Website: www.richardcampionphotography.com

Richard is back for a 3rd time on the show and it's an amazing conversation as always! Richard shares about how this past year and the coming one has had a bunch of firsts for him including launching a leadership coaching business, putting together a signature trip for 2 of his mentorship students, and the upcoming launch of a documentary about critically endangered Blue Swallow which will be released on March 10, 2026! We of course talk about all sorts of other things as we always do, hope you enjoy! Follow Richard at: Instagram: @theflacksphotography

Aaron Todd joins me for a second time on the show to talk all things waterfowl! He shares about getting in the water in the winter and the challenges around it. Aaron shares about his love of using his floating hide along with fun stories around that and then we talk about what he hopes to do during his trip to Newfoundland this year. We wrap up the conversation talking about how he is working to donate towards conservation efforts on his own and with others. Follow Aaron at: Instagram: @aaronktodd Show Mentions: www.aarontodd.ca Canadian Conservation Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective

My guest Chiara Talia joins me to share the story of how she got into photography while going to school and how it helped her mental health. We also dive into her recent move back to Italy from Belgium where she started her wildlife photography. We wrap up the show talking about how she wants to combine her science background with more conservation photography. Follow Chiara Talia at: Instagram: @chiaratalia_birds

Maceo Susi joins me this week to discuss photographing seaducks along the Massachusetts coasline, learning his subjects deeply and spending a lot of time with them when possible, and he shares his reasons for photographing such diversity in his wildlife photography and how it helps him in the long term. Follow Maceo at: Instagram: @maceosusi Show Mentions: Story about Eider slow shutter shot Tree Frog photo

Trond joins the show for a second time and we talk about getting stuck in the same patterns and what Trond has been doing to avoid that. He also shares about his experience tracking and trying to photograph Black Grouse and Capercaillie in a new area. Trond share a great story about photographing a Black-throated Loon in a very remote area and we chat about plenty of other things.

Lots of laughs, great stories, contest talk and more with the amazing Rob Read and Georgina Steytler who joined me while they were hanging out together and it was such a fun episode! Follow Rob & Georgina at: Instagram: @georgina_steytler and @robreadphotos

My guest Karim Bouzidi Idrissi joins me to share about how he goes out every day for bird photography and is enjoying local fall migration currently. We also get into his incredible trip to Middleton Island, Alaska where he spent 3 months living and studying the birds as well as photographing them. We wrap up the show talking about how he is working on creating a book of these images. Follow Karim at: Instagram: @southshore_raptors Website: www.karimbouzidi.ca Show Mentions: Kittiwake and urinals - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKuelN3Rv2I/?img_index=1 Kittiwake hung by line - https://www.instagram.com/p/DN5pjW7DU2A/?img_index=1 Puffin out of a door - https://www.instagram.com/p/DMDds1yRNUf/ Favorite images from Middleton Island - https://karimbouzidi.ca/my-best-shots/middletonisland

My guest Vince Maidens joins me to chat about working with Swifts and Swallows during some recent downtime and how he enjoys capturing the behavior and predatory nature of smaller birds. We also chat about the importance of pushing yourself creatively and wrap up the show talking about sharing strong opinions and his recent move into writing. Follow Vince at: Instagram: @vincemaidens Website: www.vincemaidensphotography.com Writing on Substack: @vincemaidens

My guest Emily Tornga joins the show to chat about her enjoyment of fall migration in her back yard, the joy she finds from connecting with and creating community on social media, and she shares about her first experience photographing a seabird colony which is where we met in person for the first time. Follow Emily at: Instagram: @the_peck_deck

Kate and Adam Rice join the show to chat about balancing personal and client work, they share about their approach to teaching during their workshops, and we talk about opening and running their gallery in Anchorage, Alaska! Follow Kate and Adam at: Instagram: @karphotography Website: www.karphotography.net  

Tobias Yoder joins the show again! It's been 6 years since he was on the show and I'm so excited to have him back again. This time around we chat about making a detailed plan for a shot, especially one with incredibly unique weather conditions, in this case including an erupting volcano with a bird! We also talk about the joys of photographing things that cannot be planned and how emotional attachment often makes photos better to the person who captured them. We wrap up the discussion talking about Tobias' time away from sharing on social media and how very recently has started sharing more again.

My guest Justin Theurer joins me to discuss spending more time working with owls, specifically Northern Pygmy Owl, keeping a positive attitude about going out and working on project focused outings, and his transition and push to be a full-time professional wildlife photographer. Follow Justin at: Instagram: @theurerguidedwildlifetours

My guest Matthew Dolkart joins me to chat about spending time and really working your local patch to gain knowledge and understanding to help betting your photography. We also discuss how seeing a hummingbird building a nest in urban Chicago sparked his interest in bird photography and how cool it was to see that bird return to the same spot year after year. Then we wrap up the conversation talking about his push towards more moody photos lately, what that means, how he is trying to achieve it, EMO bird week, and many other fun topics, hope you all enjoy the show! Follow Matthew at: Instagram: @thebirdherder Show Mentions: Black-crowned Night Heron with moving water Great Blue Heron with moving water Audrey & Jason Vicks - @birdnerdphotogs

My guest Levi Fitze joins me to discuss wrapping up shooting on his multi-year project about Grouse in the Alps, we talk about where his love of the mountains and harsh weather came from, and his focus on capturing images that move people and tell a story and how to go about doing that. Follow Levi Fitze at: Instagram: @levifitze Show Mentions: Vincent Munier

Richard Flack joins me to discuss how he has put less pressure on his own photography lately and how many of his favorite images are all from near his home. We also have a conversation about the personal challenges I've been going through and struggles I've felt over the last year with my wildlife photography business. It's an in-depth conversation about this side of being a full-time wildlife photographer and we think you will connect with many aspects of it even though it's likely not your profession. Thanks as always for all of your support and for following along. Follow Richard Flack at: Instagram: @theflacksphotography

My guest Rain Saulnier joins to chat about what he enjoys about shooting prairie locations, having an experience with a very cooperative tern, shooting high frame rate, and we wrap up talking about composition. Follow Rain Saulnier at: Instagram: @wingsbyrain Show Mentions: Red-winged Blackbird riding Canada Goose Wide angle Puffin Bushtit White-tailed Ptarmigan wide angle  

A different episode where I invite Jacob Begis, Jianing Zeng, Michelle Mackenzie, and Patricia Constance who all joined me on my workshop in Nome, Alaska in the spring of 2025. They each share their about their experience, some favorite moments and even challenges of the workshop. I hope you enjoy this one! Follow this episode's guests on Instagram: @begisjacob @michellemackenzie_wildlife @patti_c123

My guest Andy Bruner joins me to discuss how he got into wildlife photography and how that connects to his Instagram name, how he is enjoying macro photography during the summer and learning along the way, and lastly we discuss using unique lenses and techniques to capture different photos and how and when are they successful. Follow Andy Bruner at: Instagram: @andys_crappy_photos Website: www.featheredforcefotography.com Show Mentions: Swallowtail over sunflower Orbweaver with blue white balance

My guest Peter Sülzle joins me to share about his recent encounter photographing an American Kestrel nest. We then chat about how he finds inspiration from painters and how he is hoping to work on a magazine to distribute locally. Follow Peter Sülzle at: Instagram: @pjadventuresincanada Show Mentions: American Kestrel nest Bighorn Sheep with movement Robert Bateman

Malini Chandrasekar joins me to discuss her recent work photographing urban wildlife and how she got started during COVID. We also discuss how Malani connects her wildlife photography with what she currently enjoys in life. Follow Malani at: Instagram: @_thunderboltphotography_ Show Mentions: Kittiwake with chick

My guest Asher Lee joins me to discuss his transition from birder to photographer, a wild story of getting stuck in the mud at low tide, and his joy for shooting low-key birds are darker backgrounds. Follow Asher Lee at: Instagram: @asherleephotography Show Mentions: Kaisa Lee (Asher's mom): @kaisaleephotography back-lit American Avocet mating Cannon Beach Oregon Bald Eagle Lazuli Bunting Burrowing Owl in flight

This week we wrap up our discussion about our second seabirds workshop in Newfoundland and talk all about the experience and the feedback we got from the guests who joined us. Also a big announcment about the weekly show with Brad, we are moving it YouTube so we can show and discuss photos in more depth! We hope many of you will join us on this new YouTube venture and our weekly show there!

Brad and Emilie join this week's episode to recap the Puffins and Gannets workshop Brad and I just finished running. Emilie adds in another perspective and we share about the challenges and amazing times of the first workshop this year.

This week we record in person at Brad's home in Newfoundland! Emilie joins in the discussion as well and we talk all about our upcoming Puffins and Gannets workshop as well as some advice for those thinking of joining a workshop. We also touch on Emilie being in a funk and how she got out of it.

Ed Dailey joins me to chat about his recent trip to Africa and working through some of the challenges there, how he tried to get out every day for some photography, what he thinks about when out in the field to try to push his creativity. Instagram: @the.dailey.ed View photos mentioned during the show on the podcast page.

Brad photographed some fledged Great Horned Owlettes in a well known local location. He then went and found some Black-throated Green Warblers in a wonderful spot and got some great images. Next up was heading back to his local Common Loon spot which might have some Spotted Sandpipers, sure enough it did and things got epic for him! I share about my experience traveling from Maine to Newfoundland including warblers along the way and my attempts to photograph them with a Lensbaby tilt lens and the TT Artisan 250mm donut bokeh lens. I also share about our first time encountering icebergs along the coast of Newfoundland and the joys of van life. We wrap up the show discussing the topic of including man-made and urban elements in wildlife photography. View photos mentioned during this episode at http://rayhennessy.com/wildlife-photo-chat/226-weekly-with-brad-james

We are back after a 1 week break! Brad shares about photographing warblers with the sun and how wildfire smoke makes unique conditions that can be fun and creative. I share all about my 3 week trip to Nome, Alaska and what the experience was like running workshops up there for 20 days!

Brad shares about his continued experimenting with a Roughed Grouse and a remote setup using his Nikon Z9 auto-capture. I share all about what it's like being in and photographing the wildlife in Nome, Alaska. I talk about working with a client, how we try to capture habitat and the approach to doing so in such a unique and scenic environment.

Albert Michaud joins me to chat about the Black Grouse project he has been shooting, we also discuss wildlife filmaking and his love for shooting the arctic habitat.

Brad shares about his amazing encounter with Common Loons on a foggy day in a stunning location. I share about my time in Alaska. Starting out with our mutual great friend Jamin Hunter Taylor and photographing around Anchorage Alaska, then flying to Nome where I spent the first 6 hours from 8pm to 2am photographing birds on the tundra right before recording this episode. Photos mentioned an additional notes at http://rayhennessy.com/wildlife-photo-chat/222-weekly-with-brad-james

Brad shares about his trip to Terranceville with main targets being warblers and songbirds and how he did using both the 500mm and 100-400mm lenses. We talk about taking breaks from shooting the same thing and what to do to keep things fresh when you do shoot the same thing. Next I share about time in the Hilton Head marshes with Emilie. I also talk about how the Nikon Z9/Z8 are focusing betting for birds using the animal setting and playing around with a new 2x teleconverter. Then I share about the last part of my trip to Florida to photograph birds in and underwater. We wrap up the show answering a question from Michael Dreese about committing to a unique or different lens on a shoot instead of trying multiple. Travels and Wildlife Photography episode from Ray and Emilie about Florida Springs   Photos talked about on the show can be viewed on the podcast page

Brad shares about working with and still figuring out the 100-400mm lens for his songbird photography. I share about our current trip while we were recording from Rainbow Springs, Florida mainly photographing birds underwater and split level.

My guest Ganapathi Ram joins me to discuss how he is using in-camera multiple exposures for creative bird photography, how he is using a donut-bokeh lens as well, and how he loves using foreground and playing with aperture to get unique bird photos. Follow Ganapathi Ram at: Instagram: @ganapathi_ram_rs

This week Brad shares about his incredible success photographing Roughed Grouse with the Nikon Z9's auto-capture abilities. It's exciting to hear about his testing and multiple tries and getting some amazing results from it! I share about a recent morning out in the South Carolina marshes and at a wading bird rookery all shooting the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 TC lens. Lastly we wrap up with a listern question discussing what gear to buy in a certain situation.

I just returned from 10 days in Hawaii running my first workshop of the year there with Laysan Albatross and other seabirds and Brad shares about his experimentation with Nikon auto-capture to try to get some remote shots of a Roughed Grouse!

My guest Simon Ashfield-Smith joins me to discuss photographing his local plover pair year after year, how he puts emphasis on color in his photography, and how he found and is connecting and learning with a mentor. Follow Simon at: Instagram: @birding_with_simon Show Mentions: Plover bokeh image Crimson Chat with flowers Apostle Birds

This week Brad shares his experiences getting back to his waterfowl in Newfoundland as well as finding a new way of photographing gulls along the coastline. I share about my recent trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia to photograph shorebirds that were barely there and some fun working with warblers and other songbirds with new lenses. Then we wrap up the show with a listener question from Dave Acheson who asked if we decide to buy gear first and figure out how to capture creative shots with it, or do we have a concept in mind and buy the gear to fit that.

Ray shares about his recent time in Florida, specifically his trip to Huguenot Memorial Park, then we have some follow up about in-camera multiple exposures and competitions from listener Jannico Kelk. Next we discuss a listener topic from Peter about adding music to Instagram posts. Lastly we discuss another listener topic from Mark Deschne about getting stuck shooting in harsh mid-day sunlight.

My guest Rob Read joins me to discuss his introduction into wildlife photography, how he is playing with slower shutter speeds and movement in his photography lately, and how and the creation of wildlife photography competitions and his latest venture with the Wild Art Photo Contest. Follow Rob Read at: Instagram: @robreadphotos Wild Art Photographer of the Year

Brad has just returned from his 10 day trip to Florida and shares all about his experience and some amazing bird encounters!

Emilie and I catch up about our past couple of days shooting in Florida including Burrowing Owls at night and two outings for shorebirds and wading birds. Then we finish the show with a listener question about how to deal with all the photos you have after a big trip or workshop. This episode is also available to watch on YouTube for all those interested. 

My guest Mark Smith joins me to discuss all things creative. He shares about his time traveling across the country in a camper, creative writing and how that has connected to his photography and especially his wildlife video creation. He also shares about his inspiration to get started sharing his videos online, and we discuss sticking to your own creative spirit when sharing content online. Follow Mark at: Instagram: @mark.smith.photography YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/marksmithphotography Website: https://photoworkshopsandtours.com

Some changes to the podcast are announced this week, hope you all enjoy!  For the first time in the history of this podcast, this episode is also available to watch on YouTube if you are intrested.  TT Artisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex

Brad shares about his experience working hard to capture a specific style of image of Red-breasted Mergansers and how long he had to keep trying ot finally be succcessful. I share about my past 2 weeks in Costa Rica. Enjoy the show everyone!

My guests Kyle Boehm and Matt Parish from the Angry Bird Pod Show join me to discuss their podcast, laying around for ducks, Kyle's love of new gear, and Matt's appreciation for plumage and detail in some of his bird photography. Follow Kyle & Matt at: Instagram: @_mattparish Instagram: @kyle.boehm.photography Podcast: Angry Bird Pod Show Show Mentions Fighting Mice in Subway

Emilie joins this weekly episode and we have a conversation all about shooting new lenses, techniques, and other gear and what that is like, how it feels, the challenges, the rewards and the fun of it all.

Brad shares about a couple of recent waterfowl outing, playing with a different approach at a somewhat new location, and mixing in some motion blur. I then share about all the new stuff I've been working on in Florida with a donut bokeh lens, a variable ND filter, and an underwater housing.