The Lakescape Photography Podcast

The Decisive Moment: From Lake Superior to the Sardine Run with Ian Plant In this episode of the Lakescape Photography Podcast, Nick sits down with photographer, educator, and author Ian Plant for a practical, field-focused conversation about decision-making in landscape photography. The real stuff that separates "pretty scenes" from photographs that actually stand on their own. Together, they break down what the decisive moment looks like in nature: recognizing visual energy, anticipating change, committing to a composition, and making confident choices when conditions are moving fast. From the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior to the chaos and intensity of the Sardine Run, Ian shares how to read a scene, simplify the noise, and build frames with intention. If you've ever come home with a full card and still felt like you missed something, this episode will help you slow down mentally, sharpen your instincts, and start making photographs that feel deliberate. Resources & Links Mentioned Ian Plant Ian's portfolio Photo Masters (Ian's education platform) Photo Masters Workshops + tours eBooks + videos (free + premium) Webinars + opportunities to interact directly Interviews with other photographers Software / Tools Referenced Adobe Camera Raw Adobe Lightroom Photoshop   Connect With The Host - Nicholas Albert👋🏼 Website  YouTube  Instagram  The Lakescape Photography Podcast 🎙️ Great Lakes Photo Collective - Discord  Support the Show Website Instagram  Email    

Your Reality, Your Art: Editing as Expression with Blake Rudis In this episode of the Lakescape Photography Podcast, Nick sits down with Blake Rudis. Professional photography educator, landscape photographer, and founder of F64 Academy, for a deep, practical conversation about artistic vision, editing as translation, and why your photos deserve more than "driving north" with no plan in post-processing. Together, they unpack the tension between "purism" and creative expression, how our brains actually see a scene versus what a sensor records, and why the final image is often a gift of experience to the viewer, not a literal document of reality. They also tackle the modern landscape: AI accusations, authenticity, ethics, critique, jealousy, and how to stay grounded while still making work you're proud to share. If you've ever looked at your RAW files and thought, "This doesn't match what I felt," this one's for you. Resources & Links Mentioned F64 Academy (Blake's education + newsletter): https://f64academy.com F64 Academy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@f64Academy F64 Elite (Blake's community + critiques + roundtables): https://f64elite.com Recommended Ansel Adams books: The Camera, The Negative, The Print   Connect With The Host - Nicholas Albert👋🏼 Website  YouTube  Instagram  The Lakescape Photography Podcast 🎙️ Great Lakes Photo Collective - Discord  Support the Show Website Instagram  Email

Finding Your Photographic Voice with Craig Blacklock (Lake Superior, Style, Composition & Creative Freedom)   Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 Blacklock Gallery (books / store): https://www.blacklockgallery.com  Craig's fine art prints: https://www.craigblacklock.art  Singulart profile (search his name): https://www.singulart.com Season Two kicks off with renowned Minnesota-based landscape photographer, author, educator, and gallery owner Craig Blacklock, a lifelong photographer of Lake Superior. Craig shares the throughline of his 50+ year career (from large-format landscapes to intimate projects and modern abstract work), and breaks down what it actually means to develop a photographic voice, separate from "vision," separate from trends, and often separate from what performs online. This conversation is packed with practical field and creative guidance: how to spot your patterns, why constraints make you more creative, how to slow down and refine composition, and why social media engagement is a terrible measuring stick for meaningful work. In this episode, you'll learn The difference between photographic vision (what you want your work to do) and photographic voice (how your work sounds/feels). How Craig's long-term Lake Superior projects evolved: Lake Superior Images (4x5 transparencies + kayak circumnavigation writing) A Voice Within: The Lake Superior Nudes (metaphor, humanity, emotion) North Shore / Apostle Islands / Pictured Rocks work Horizons and the shift toward minimalism and abstraction Light Waves and the current abstract "resistance arts" direction Why your best work may get less engagement online, and why that can be a good sign. A compositional approach that helps complex scenes read clearly: separation of elements (the "loose jigsaw puzzle" idea). How to stop shooting "14mm panic photos" and start making wide angles work.   Next Episode Next up: "Your Reality, Your Art." A digital darkroom conversation with Blake Rudis about interpretation, style, and creating work that reflects your experience (not the internet's expectations).   Connect with the Host - Nicholas Albert 👋🏼 Website  YouTube  Instagram  _____________________________________________________ The Lakescape Photography Podcast 🎙️ Great Lakes Photo Collective - Discord  Support the Show Website Instagram  Email 

Season 2 Kickoff: Great Lakes Landscape Photography, YouTube Adventures & the Great Lakes Photo Collective Season Two of the Lakescape Photography Podcast is officially here, and it's bigger, more visual, and more community-driven than ever. In this season opener, Nick shares the incredible growth of Season One, explains the biweekly Thursday release schedule, and announces two major expansions: a YouTube companion series (Nicholas Albert Photography on YouTube) and the launch of the Great Lakes Photo Collective (free Discord community). You'll also learn how the new "From the Collective" segment works, where listener images and stories get featured on the podcast and on Instagram. New episodes every two weeks on Thursdays through November 19, 2026. YouTube Companion Series Channel: Nicholas Albert Photography Great Lakes Photo Collective (Discord) A free community focused on Great Lakes + Midwest landscape photography (open to anyone who connects with the show). Great Lakes Photo Collective - Discord _____________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH THE HOST NICHOLAS ALBERT 👋🏼 Website  YouTube  Instagram  _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Great Lakes Photo Collective - Discord  Support the Show Website Instagram  Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

The Lost and Forgotten Waterfalls of Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula with Jake Ring Jake Ring joins us for a discussion on his journey to finding 1,000 waterfalls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and shares details about his newly released book, The Lost and Forgotten Waterfalls of Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula.  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH JAKE RING 📸 Website | Instagram Purchase Lost & Forgotten Waterfalls of Michigan's Western Upper Pensinsula  Wow Creek Andrew Morrissey (Kayaker over Tahquamenon)  Geology Books Geology of Michigan Geology and Landscapes of Michigan's Pictured Rocks _____________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Shoulder Seasons and Landscape Photography This week, I share some takeaways from my recent shoulder season trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Autumn met winter, and it was a beautiful thing! Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Lessons Learned! Recap of Fall Colors 2025 This week, I share the challenges that came with my 2025 Fall Colors Trip, and the lessons I learned in the process. I hope you have all had an outstanding fall color season!  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Fall Color in Illinois & Three of my Favorite Autumn Photography Tips This week, I share five of my favorite locations to experience fall color in Illinois, and three of my best pieces of advice about making the most out of your fall color adventures wherever you might be! I hope you all have an outstanding autumn season!!  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 Starved Rock Color Progression _____________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Fall Color in Wisconsin with Douglas Jones This week, Douglas Jones joins us for a discussion on the autumn landscapes of Wisconsin, and Door County. From enjoying the experience to getting out of your comfort zone, Doug shares some of his favorite moments exploring all the region has to offer. Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH DOUGLAS JONES 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram  _____________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Fall Color in Indiana with Kyle Doles This week, Kyle Doles joins us for an adventure through Indiana! Join us as we discuss fall colors in the Hoosier State, as Kyle shares some of his favorite locations, moments, and memories over the years as a landscape photographer.  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 Images Discussed: Shakespeare the Owl The Buck Misty Morning Buck Fisherman on Bridge Light - Science and Magic  CONNECT WITH KYLE DOLES 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram  _____________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Preparing for Fall Color Adventures This week I share some tips and advice about preparing for your fall color adventures out in the wilderness! From photography gear to hiking and safety essentials, I share some of my essential items that I rely on out in the field to create the photographs that I share with you!    CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Capturing Fall Color in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with Neil Weaver This week, Neil Weaver joins us as we discuss fall color in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. From our mindset to the tools that help us achieve our vision, to dealing with challenging weather and having authentic adventures, we discuss it all! Join us as Neil shares his insights from over 20 years of exploring some of the most beautiful areas of the Great Lakes State! Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH NEIL WEAVER 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Workshops  _____________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Fall Color in The Upper Peninsula - The Fall Color Report with Yooper Steve  Join Yooper Steve and I as we kickoff the 2025 Countdown to Fall Color! In this episode, Steve shares some excelent tips, tricks, and advice for finding the best color in the Upper Peninsula. Expanding on his annual Fall Color Report, Steve shares details about his adventures behind the report, and how it can help you plan out your fall colors trip this season!  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH YOOPER STEVE 📸 The Fall Color Report | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Experiences on The Lakes with Keith Blaske Join Keith Blaske and I as we discuss some of our journey into photography and favorite adventures throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond.  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH KEITH BLASKE 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Warren Dunes Moon Image _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

The Split Rock Lighthouse with Light Keeper Hayes Scriven In this episode, Hayes Scriven joins us for a discussion on the Split Rock Lighthouse on Minnesota's North Shore. One of the most iconic lighthouses on the Great Lakes, Hayes shares the history, experiences, and photographic opportunities at the lighthouse as both the light keeper, and practicing professional photographer. Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH HAYES SCRIVEN 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Workshops _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Absence and Fondness  In this episode I share some of my reflections on my recent trips to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the importance of allowing your absence from your favorite places to inspire your fondness of them.  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH ME 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Group | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Where the Wild Things Roam with Craig Sterken In this episode, Craig Sterken joins us for an exciting discussion on wildlife photography in the Great Lakes region. With over ten years of photography experience, Craig shares his lessons and learnings as a wildlife and landscape photographer, and how the two influence each other but remain independent all the same! Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH CRAIG STERKEN 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Image Discussed _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH THE HOST 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Patreon | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Aerial Landscape Photography with Cameron Wilcox In this episode, Cameron Wilcox joins us for an exciting discussion on aerial landscape photography and the many challenges, rewards, and perspectives it provides! Cameron shares his knowledge and some tips for those interested in getting started, and how he crafts the images that he shares!  Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH CAMERON WILCOX 📸 Threads | Instagram  _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH ME 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ EXPLORE THE GREAT LAKES 🥾 Series | Gallery | YouTube | Trail Notes Blog _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Group | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Spring Landscapes with Chris Noronha In this episode professional landscape photographer Chris Noronha joins us to discuss the challenges and rewards of chasing what each season offers. Sharing some excellent advice, Chris explains how he approaches the seasons and embraces the changes that come with each! Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH CHRIS NORONHA 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram  _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH ME 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ EXPLORE THE GREAT LAKES 🥾 Series | Gallery | YouTube | Trail Notes Blog _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Group | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com. 

Chasing the Aurora with Melissa F. Kaelin Join Melissa F. Kaelin and Nicholas Albert as they discuss chasing the Northern Lights throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond. From understanding the forecast data to getting to the best viewing locations, Melissa shares some excellent advice for those looking to get out and enjoy the marvels of the night sky! Please don't forget to rate and subscribe! 🙂 CONNECT WITH MELISSA F. KAELIN 📸 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Michigan Aurora Chasers | Aurora Summit | Books _____________________________________________________  CONNECT WITH ME 👋🏼 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | Email _____________________________________________________ EXPLORE THE GREAT LAKES 🥾 Series | Gallery | YouTube | Trail Notes Blog _____________________________________________________ THE LAKESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST 🎙️ Website | Group | Instagram | Email  _____________________________________________________ All Content © Nicholas Albert Photography & The Lakescape Photography Podcast - All Rights Reserved. The Lakescape Photography Podcast name, artwork, logo, audio and associated content are property of Nicholas Albert Photography. Reproduction, modification, or any use of the podcast name, artwork, logo, audio, and associated content must receive prior written authorization. For inquiries, please reach out: lakescapepodcast@gmail.com.