Field Notes & F-Stops

What if your camera could capture not just how a moment looked—but how it felt? Tia Abbott is the kind of photographer who doesn’t just stand behind the lens—she dives headfirst into the joy, the chaos, the emotion of it all. Based in Cape Breton but often chasing love stories across provinces (and snack-fueled road trips), Tia brings her full, sentimental, wildly enthusiastic self to every wedding she photographs. In this episode, we talk about why photos matter so much more than a pretty shot. Tia shares what it means to be a true visual storyteller—how she connects deeply with her couples, tunes into the energy of the day, and captures images that feel like time travel back into the emotions of a moment. We explore the power of presence, letting go of perfection, and trusting your intuition when documenting real life. Whether she’s tearing up behind the lens or dancing on the edge of the action, Tia’s work is rooted in heart, movement, and connection. If you believe photography should feel like something, you’re going to love this conversation. 🔗 See more of Tia’s work on her website tialoryssaphotography.com or follow Tia on Instagram @tialoryssaphotography. 📸 Join an upcoming Spark Adventure Photography Workshop: sparkadventurephotog.com

We've all been on a trip where we wanted to capture the raw feeling of the wilderness. Dedicated landscape photographer Ariel Estulin started his journey documenting long canoe trips, but he quickly learned that just 'snapping' the journey wasn't enough. In this episode, we dive into the essential difference between just looking at a scene and truly seeing it. This conversation is an essential guide to infusing your photography with patience and mindfulness. Ariel shares his personal philosophy: how he approaches the landscape with intention, steps back, and allows the scene to speak its own truth before he ever lifts the camera. This practice is the key to creating work that isn't just a record of a place, but a piece of meaningful storytelling. Tune in to learn how to slow down, embrace the value of waiting, and elevate your work by letting the landscape dictate your next move. Learn more about Ariel Estulin Photography at https://www.arielestulin.com. Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography Workshops at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com.   Thanks for listening!

We often talk about the camera as a tool for seeing, but what if it was also a tool for healing? In this essential episode, I sit down with Claire Beach from The Wild Edge to explore how deep nature immersion and forest therapy revolutionize both our photography and our well-being. Claire shares her journey into nature-based practice, emphasizing that the biggest breakthroughs come when we finally slow down and connect with all five senses. We dive into the profound benefits of nature therapy—from easing stress to fuelling creativity—and discuss practical ways to move past "snapping" and truly feel connected to your subject. Tune in to discover how stillness can make your portfolio come alive. Learn more about The Wild Edge at https://www.thewildedge.ca. Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography Workshops at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com.   Thanks for listening!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Alyssa Bardy, an Indigenous photographer whose work is deeply rooted in the unceded territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and Huron-Wendat peoples. We dive into the necessity of ethical storytelling and what it truly means to feel connected to your subject—whether that's a person, the landscape, or a cultural narrative. Alyssa shares how her mother’s inspiration launched her photography journey, and how her lens became a vital tool for connecting with her culture and language. This conversation is essential listening for anyone who wants to move beyond simply documenting nature. We explore the profound, powerful interconnectedness of motherhood, creativity, and the Land. Alyssa challenges us to use our cameras to build awareness, honour our subjects, and see the seasons not just as pretty backdrops, but as anchors for deeper meaning. Tune in to learn how to infuse integrity and purpose into every frame you take. Learn more about Alyssa Bardy Photography at https://alyssabardyphotography.com. Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com.   Thanks for listening!

Welcome back! In this season two opener, we’re putting down the lens cap and picking up the pen with Chris Fraser, founder of Firefly Creative Writing. We’re diving deep into the honest, messy intersection of creative writing and photography. We talk about the moment Chris found her own creative freedom and why, in this digital age of endless comparison, nurturing your inner artist is less of a hobby and more of a non-negotiable act of mindful presence. This episode is a truth-telling conversation about the walls we all hit: the fear of external validation, the struggle to find your unique voice, and the power of finding a community that truly sees you. If you’ve ever felt like your art—whether words or photos—is technically fine but emotionally empty, this episode is your compass back to meaningful creation. It's time to redefine what it means to create.   Learn more about Firefly Creative Writing at https://fireflycreativewriting.com. Sign up for their mailing list https://fireflycreativewriting.com/mail-list Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography Workshops at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com.   Thanks for listening!

Host Cobi Sharpe is joined by Kielyn Marrone, an adventure guide, wilderness living and traditional skills instructor, amateur photographer, writer, and now potter. Kielyn and her husband operate Lure of the North Expeditions which attracts participants from around the world. Learn more about Kielyn at lureofthenorth.com.

Amy Vincent joins host Cobi Sharpe on the podcast this week. She's a photographer based out of Parry Sound, Ontario who is happiest being barefoot and dancing in the rain. Amy believes a still-frame just has this power to teleport you back to that moment in time, giving you the gift to relive it all over again. To learn more about Amy's work visit her at www.amyvincentphotography.com or follow her on Instagram @amyvincent.photography.

Host Cobi Sharpe sits down with Canadian-famous Tori Baird, Owner and Founder of Paddle Like a Girl. Tori's no stranger to the camera and she shares how capturing all the little moments make a big difference. Learn more about  Tori Baird and Paddle Like a Girl at: www.instagram.com/paddlelikeagirl_ www.instagram.com/torigoesoutside www.paddlelikeagirl.com  

Amina Mohamed of Camera for Girls joins host Cobi Sharpe on this episode of the podcast. Learn how Amina rediscovered her passion for photography and how she shares that passion to promote gender equality and poverty.  Take the Cameras for Girls quiz to unlock $5 for girls in poverty. Learn more about Cameras for Girls at: https://www.camerasforgirls.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/cameras-for-girls/ https://www.instagram.com/camerasforgirls/ Become a Creator and join the monthly giving program to help students find employment in Uganda: https://the-creators.raiselysite.com/

Ann joins host Cobi Sharpe to discuss photography as a mindfulness practice and more. Ann is an outdoorswoman, a photographer, and a four-season angler who's afraid to hold fish. She wants you to get outside a try the thing already. Follow Ann on Instagram at @its_ann_calling or learn more about her work: Blog/Reviews www.dothedamnthing.ca Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@unpluggedadventuring   Photography Site www.annabisphotography.com

In this episode of Field Notes & F-Stops, host Cobi Sharpe sits down with Oleksandra Budna, a Ukrainian-born writer, photographer, and self-proclaimed “rooted wanderer.” Now based in Toronto, Oleksandra shares her journey of weaving together memory, migration, and meaning through words and images.  Follow Oleksandra on Instagram at @lesyabudna or visit these links to learn more: Gone Camping https://gonecamping.blog/  Stories of Entangled Life https://storiesofentangledlife.com/   Oleksandra's photo essay in Explore Magazine about visiting her grandparents village after the start of the war: https://explore-mag.com/photos-in-bold-reclaiming-light-under-the-shadow-of-war/