Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast

Does landscape photography need a dramatic sky to be worth the trip? And what happens when chasing rare light becomes the only reason you pick up the camera? In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, we take a deliberately balanced look at epic landscape photography - why dramatic conditions are so appealing, the real skills the chase can build, and the creative tradeoffs that can appear when great weather or rare light becomes a requirement. We talk about weather forecasting, scouting, route planning, remote locations, social media expectations, and the value of simply getting more repetitions with the camera. Michael looks back at the year he stopped chasing sunrise and sunset and how that helped lead him into woodland photography. Jeffrey explains what repeated failed sunsets at Lindy Point have taught him about patience, adaptability, and finding photographs when the sky refuses to cooperate. Highlights: What we mean when we talk about an "epic" landscape or epic conditions Why rarity, dramatic weather, and the chase itself can be so rewarding How forecasting, planning, scouting, maps, and location research become part of the skill set Why photographing only rare conditions can reduce practice and raise expectations When specialization strengthens your work and when it may start feeling repetitive How failed sunsets and fogged-in overlooks can train adaptability and observation  Why a temporary creative constraint can expose subjects you never knew you liked How we think about social-media response, personal fulfillment, and joy as measures of growth Join the free Shutter Nonsense community on Patreon and tell us your thoughts. Do you love the planning and adrenaline of the epic chase, or has your photography become more reactive over time? 👉  https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Related Links: Photography Workshop Selection Checklist - https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/finding-the-right-nature-photography-workshop-checklist Planning and Scouting for Photography Trips - https://www.shutternonsense.com/post/episode-22-planning-and-scouting-for-photography-trips Does Hit Rate Matter in Nature Photography? - https://www.shutternonsense.com/post/episode-24-does-hit-rate-matter-in-nature-photography Continue with the educational guide, where we turn the conversation into a practical framework for balancing epic conditions with regular practice, adaptability, creative experiments, and a definition of growth that still leaves room for joy. 👉  https://www.shutternonsense.com/learn Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

What happens when a place becomes more than a backdrop for your photography? In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, we sat down with nature photographer Andrew Baruffi to discuss his relationship with Zion National Park and the role the park, photography, and writing have played throughout his struggles with mental health. Andrew shares how repeated visits to Zion gave him a place to redirect his attention, why small scenes offered a manageable sense of focus, and how adding context to his photographs eventually led to his book, Heal.  We also talk about returning to familiar routes, seeing beyond Zion's grand landscapes, the importance of creative community, and why the process of photography can matter as much as the finished image. Join the free Shutter Nonsense community on Patreon and tell us about a place that has become meaningful to you, whether or not it is famous or far from home. 👉  https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense   Content note: This episode includes candid discussion of depression and experiences with mental health, including a brief reference to suicidal thoughts. If you are struggling, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis or concerned that you may harm yourself, call or text 988 in the United States. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Highlights: How Zion became deeply connected to Andrew's life and creative identity Why repeated visits and familiar routes can change the way a photographer sees a place How small-scene photography gave Andrew a contained creative focus Why he often photographs details, ice, reflected light, wildlife, and the ground beneath his feet How simple contextual writing became part of every image he shared The story behind Heal. and its combination of photographs and personal writing Why the process of photographing can matter beyond the final file How photography can create community and make adult friendships easier to begin Why nature and creative practice can support well-being without replacing professional care Related Links & Resources Andrew Baruffi Photography https://www.andrewbaruffiphoto.com/ About Andrew Baruffi - https://www.andrewbaruffiphoto.com/about Heal. - https://www.andrewbaruffiphoto.com/10947229-heal Andrew Baruffi on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewbaruffi/ Andrew Baruffi on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@andrewbaruffi Morten Hilmer https://mortenhilmer.com/ Thomas Heaton https://thomasheaton.co.uk/ Ben Horne https://www.benhorne.com/ Mountain Trail Press http://www.mountaintrailpress.com/ Zion Forever Project https://www.zionpark.org/ Joe Allam https://www.youtube.com/c/joeallam Courtney Victoria https://www.youtube.com/@CourtneyVictoria Grainydays (Jason Kummerfeldt) https://www.youtube.com/@grainydaysss Camera Conspiracies https://www.youtube.com/@cameraconspiracies 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ NIMH: Help for Mental Illnesses - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help Continue with the educational guide, where we explain how to build a gentle relationship with a familiar place through repetition, attention, creative practice, community, and clear boundaries around when more support is needed: 👉 https://www.shutternonsense.com/learn

Wildlife photography can create a deeper connection with nature, but what happens when that connection begins before bad habits have a chance to take hold? In this episode, Shutter Nonsense hosts, Michael and Jeffrey, are joined by Utah wildlife photographer and conservation advocate Shauna Hart to discuss her work helping young photographers learn photography, understand wildlife, and develop ethical habits in the field. Shauna shares how a personal experience with a moose changed the direction of her photography and eventually led to her involvement with the Utah Wildlife Federation. The conversation explores her Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation program, why understanding the “why” behind wildlife guidelines matters, how to recognize signs of stress in animals, and how photographers can use their work to support conservation. They also discuss equipment barriers, wildlife crossings, local advocacy, and the small steps each of us can take to make a difference where we live. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. 👉  www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: How Shauna found her way from landscape photography to wildlife photography The encounter with a familiar moose that changed the direction of her work The growing problem of unethical wildlife viewing and photography Creating Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation Why teaching young photographers may create lasting change Recognizing when an animal is stressed or changing its behavior Making photography accessible regardless of someone’s equipment or budget Wildlife crossings, vehicle collisions, and the importance of slowing down Building relationships and taking action at the local level Shauna’s goal of expanding the youth program beyond Utah Related Links: Shauna’s website: https://www.shaunalhart.com/  Utah Wildlife Federation: https://www.utahwildlifefederation.org/ Jason Loftus: www.untamedimagesbyjl.com  Beyond the Wild podcast: https://www.beyondthewildpodcast.com/ Youth Photography Camp: https://www.utahwildlifefederation.org/post/youth-conservation-photography-camp-offers-rare-opportunity-to-learn-from-top-utah-wildlife-photogra Local article on the camp: https://www.ksl.com/article/51336771/photographer-launches-ethical-photography-program-to-help-utah-wildlife-thrive Fossim Rim Wildlife Center: https://fossilrim.org/ Save People Save Wildlife: https://www.savepeoplesavewildlife.org/ Shauna’s recognition for wildlife crossing advocacy: https://www.savepeoplesavewildlife.org/post/local-photographer-shauna-hart-earns-national-recognition-and-highlights-the-need-for-wildlife-cross Crossings by Ben Goldfarb: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/crossings  Lydia Ripplinger: https://www.instagram.com/lydebug/?hl=en  National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/ Bertie Gregory Nat Geo profile: https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory/bertie-o-gregory Utah’s new rules for accessing wildlife refuges: https://www.ksl.com/article/51492990/utah-plans-to-adjust-wildlife-management-area-access-heres-what-is-changing Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

What happens to the photographs that do not make your first edit? In Episode 32 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey take on the archive dilemma. Defining what a photo archive actually is, deciding what is worth keeping, and explaining why older files are often more valuable than they first appear. They talk through the practical and creative sides of holding on to your work. That includes revisiting older images with a more experienced eye, using newer editing tools to rescue files that once felt unusable, and accepting that a technically imperfect image can still be a successful photograph. They also compare their very different approaches to Lightroom ratings, folders, collections, storage, and backups. Have a different archive workflow? Join the conversation with us over on Patreon. Free members can participate in the post-episode discussion, while paid supporters help keep Shutter Nonsense going and get early access, bonus episodes, and more. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights What separates a true archive from photos that are still waiting to be edited Why photographers should not automatically treat older work as junk How a fresh perspective, changing style, and better software can reveal overlooked images When it makes sense to delete a photo and when it is better to keep it Michael and Jeffrey’s very different systems for star ratings, labels, filters, and culling Why an image does not have to be technically perfect to be worth sharing or printing The argument for keeping RAW files, even after an edit is complete Folder structures, Lightroom collections, and backup strategies for a growing archive Related Links PhotoPack Pro FAQ: https://www.photopackpro.com/faq Landscape Photographers Worldwide: https://discord.gg/xnJs9vXjJ Murray Livingston: https://www.murraylivingston.com/ Michael’s free ebooks: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/free-ebooks Michael’s Hidden Gold blog post: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/finding-gold Michael’s Lightroom organization guide: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/pro-tips-for-using-ratings-color-labels Michael’s Survey View tutorial: https://youtu.be/VUJOCmXdwZc “Into the Shadow Realm”: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/product-page/into-the-shadow-realm Suzanne Mathia’s Lightroom organization: https://suzannemathiablog.com/exploring-efficient-folder-organization-in-lightroom-classic/ Chrissy Donadi’s Lightroom organization course: https://chrissydonadi.com/lets-get-organized-course Michael’s article on backup solutions: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/photography-backup-workflow  Backblaze backup service: https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

Carbon transfer printing is one of those processes that somehow feels more complicated the longer you talk about it, and that is exactly why we wanted to have Michael Strickland on the show. Michael is a photographer and printmaker based in Kansas who specializes in carbon transfer printing, platinum-palladium printing, and drum scanning. He joins Michael and Jeffrey to break down what carbon printing actually is, how pigment, gelatin, UV light, and multiple transfers come together, and why the finished prints have a depth that is difficult to describe until you see one in person. But this is not just a technical conversation. Michael also talks about the challenge of building a business around a demanding handmade process, balancing the studio with family life, stepping back from his own landscape photography for a while, and finding creative satisfaction in helping other artists bring their work to life. From printing with soil collected from meaningful places to experimenting with gold leaf, glow-in-the-dark pigments, glass, and dimensional textures, this one goes well beyond what most of us think of when we hear the word “print.” Join the conversation over on Patreon. Free members and paid supporters can jump into the post-episode discussion, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on culling, editing, critique, printing, creative growth, or anything else this episode brings up. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: Michael Strickland shares his path from music and engineering into film photography, drum scanning, and alternative-process printing. A plain-English explanation of carbon transfer printing and why it is a pigment-based transfer process. How color carbon prints are built through multiple layers, careful color separation, and extremely precise registration. Why one print can take days to prepare and complete, even before accounting for the trial and error involved. The role that materials, humidity, temperature, and consistency play in a successful print. Michael talks about taking a step back from personal landscape work and giving himself room to reconnect creatively. Why digital files, film originals, water, rich tones, and physical depth can all work beautifully in carbon. The wild creative possibilities of the process, including earth pigments, soil, gold leaf, glow-in-the-dark layers, glass, and custom materials. Related Links: Michael Strickland’s website: https://www.michaelstricklandimages.com/ Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstricklandimages/?hl=en Overview of Carbon Transfer Printing: https://www.michaelstricklandimages.com/the-carbon-transfer-service Ansel Adams book “The Print”: https://amzn.to/4weyEso (affiliate link) Edward Weston: https://www.westongallery.com/original-works-by/edward-weston  Edward Burtynksy: https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/  Cody Cobb: https://www.codycobb.com/  Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com