Shutter Trails Podcast

In this episode of the Shutter Trails Podcast, Drake sits down with Vancouver Island photographer Pascale from Photo Rando to explore her unique journey through photography—from childhood inspiration to professional teaching and award-winning creative work.Pascale shares how her father’s photography sparked her passion at a young age, and how personal challenges—including his illness—shaped her artistic path. She reflects on her early days shooting film, studying photography in Quebec, and working in emotionally intense environments like hospitals as a medical photographer.The conversation dives into:The power of film photography and why it’s making a comebackHer transition from structured jobs to a creative, independent careerTeaching photography to both adults and kids (and why kids often take better photos!)Creative techniques like in-camera double exposuresThe beauty and inspiration of Vancouver Island landscapesHer honest take on AI in photography and its impact on authenticity.Pascale also talks about building a photography business from the ground up, the importance of creativity over perfection, and why staying curious is key to growth.Whether you're a beginner or experienced photographer, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and thoughtful discussion about what photography really means in today’s world.

In this Trail Marker episode of the Shutter Trails podcast, Drake explores the power of leading lines in photography. He discusses how natural and man-made lines—such as trails, rivers, roads, branches, and architectural elements—can guide a viewer’s eye through an image, create depth, and strengthen composition. Drake also shares practical tips for finding and using leading lines in the field, along with common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re photographing landscapes, forests, or urban scenes, learning to recognize and use leading lines can add structure, flow, and impact to your photos.

In this episode of Shutter Trails, I sit down with Colorado-based landscape photographer, adventurer, educator, and podcast host Matt Payne.Matt is the creator of the long-running photography podcast F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, co-founder of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, and an accomplished mountaineer who has climbed the 100 highest peaks in Colorado. His passion for adventure and photography has taken him across the world teaching workshops and exploring wild landscapes.We discuss Matt’s journey from working in clinical psychology to becoming a full-time photographer and educator, how climbing Colorado’s highest mountains shaped his photographic vision, and what he’s learned after interviewing hundreds of the world’s best photographers.We also dive into:The biggest lessons Matt has learned from 460+ photography interviewsWhy authentic landscape photography mattersThe ethics of editing, composites, and AI in photographyHow the Natural Landscape Photography Awards promote honesty in nature photographyTeaching workshops and finding unique compositions at iconic locationsMatt’s new book “The Colorado Way”, inspired by hiking the 500-mile Colorado TrailMatt also shares advice for photographers looking to develop their own creative voice and improve their work.If you care about landscape photography, creativity, ethics, and the experience of photographing nature, this conversation is packed with insights.🎧 Topics coveredLandscape photography inspirationPhotography ethics and editingThe Natural Landscape Photography AwardsTeaching photography workshopsClimbing Colorado’s highest mountainsHiking the Colorado TrailBuilding a photography podcastFinding your creative voiceFor more about Matt and his various projects check out:Matt's WebsiteThe Colorado WayNatural Landscape Photography AwardsMuench WorkshopsInstagramBlue SkyYouTubeYou can contact me or get more information at: Sooke Photography AdventuresThis video was recorded using my Canon R5 camera.

In this short episode, I tell you how to prepare for photography on a rainy day and why it's a great time to shoot. You get some tips to keep your gear dry as well as things that can take your wet weather photography to a higher level.

In this episode of Shutter Trails, I sit down with nature photographers Dave & Kelly Hutchison to talk about their journey from creative partnership to publishing a bestselling Vancouver Island photography book.We explore:• How Dave transitioned from hobbyist to professional landscape photographer;• Kelly’s path into forest therapy and how it influences her creative writing• The process of self-publishing a high-quality photo book;• Working with editors, designers, and printers in Canada;• Building a photography business through bookstores, Amazon, art cards, and calendars;• The realities of stock photography (including Getty Images)• Hosting private photography workshops and whale tours; and• Their honest thoughts on AI in photography and creative authenticity.If you’re interested in landscape photography, nature photography, self-publishing, creative entrepreneurship, or building a photography career in Canada, this conversation offers some great insight from two working artists who are actively doing it.We also talked about:• Shooting with drones in natural environments;• Ethical wildlife photography;• Forest therapy;• Slowing down to see more creatively; and• The challenges of consistent art sales.Dave & Kelly share practical lessons from creating their Vancouver Island photography book — from researching market demand to printing with a Canadian publisher and distributing through bookstores across British Columbia.To learn more about Dave and his photography, please check out his website:davehutchisonphotography.comKelly has a forest therapy website:salishseaforesttherapy.caand she has a more personal one as well:kellylovesnature.com If you enjoy this thoughtful conversations about outdoor photography and the creative life, please consider subscribing for future interviews and solo episodes.

In this short episode, I talk about some common reasons your photos may have a flat feel, even though when you were there, the scene was beautiful. I'll also give some tips to help improve your shots, so that you can add depth to them and make them feel more immersive.

In this episode, I discuss various aspects of planning a photography trip, from a short day trip to a long excursion. I take you through the way I planned for a recent trip to the north end of Vancouver Island, and then show you how my plans worked out.

This Trail Marker episode is a little longer, but it is worth it as I discuss a large topic: Rainforest Photography. I'll let you know some techniques and tips that work well in challenging conditions, so you can enjoy being on the forest trail with your camera.

Welcome to the premier episode of the Shutter Trails podcast. Sit back and relax, or bring this episode along with you as you wander the trails with your camera. In this episode, you'll learn more about your host, Drake, and how he came to create this podcast. It's aimed at anyone who has a love for the outdoors and photography. The episode presents the philosophy that will be followed as we discuss various aspects of photography both in solo episodes and in interviews with some very interesting and experienced photographers. I hope you enjoy what you hear (and see) and look forward to some feedback.

This is the first short 'Trail Marker' episode of Shutter Trails, the podcast all about outdoor photography. It's a brief intro into what the podcast is all about and where we're headed. The first full episode will be posted on 7 January 2026. I hope you enjoy following the Shutter Trails podcast to some great interviews and photography talk!