Impact: The Conservation Photography Podcast

#154: Explore the inspiring journey of Dudley Edmondson—a master of many arts—as he passionately delves into discussions on conservation, diversity, education, and the compelling reasons behind why we must protect our ecosystem.

#153: Discover three proven strategies to maintain focus, improve your skills, and bring your photography projects to life, even when faced with creative blocks or dwindling enthusiasm.

#152: Rekindle your creative spark in your nature photography with five strategies to boost your skills and elevate your photos from “nice” to “wow, did you take that??”

#151:  Dive into this enlightening conversation with Allen Murabayashi, co-founder of PhotoShelter, as he unravels the intriguing intersections of Artificial Intelligence and photography, navigating its societal impact, potential pitfalls, and the unexpected opportunities lying ahead.

#150: In conservation photography, the lines between objective observation and passionate action often blur. Get clarity on the intertwining realms of photojournalism and advocacy. Explore how these two roles impact storytelling and influence the perception and protection of our natural world.

#149: You've already perfected the easy wildlife portraits. Now it's time to kick your photos up a notch. Dive in to explore the five crucial elements of photography that can turn simple snapshots into emotionally charged storytelling masterpieces.

#148: Ever wonder how nature photographers get those amazing wide-angle wildlife shots captured when no one is around? Dive into the intriguing world of camera trap photography, where technology meets nature, and learn how to create awesome images of animals while also contributing to preserving our natural world.

#147: Take your nature and wildlife photography skills to the next level without having to travel far! Learn how local stories can help you develop photography techniques and up your game.

#146: Learn how to explore the power of photo essays! We demystify the process, purpose, and potential of crafting impactful photo essays that can drive conservation efforts and fuel your nature photography journey.

#145: Curious about being part of a photography collective? Maybe you've wanted to create a group of change-making creatives in your area. Learn what it takes to launch a thriving, impactful conservation photography collective with Josh DeLeenHeer from the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective. Discover how this remarkable organization promotes its cause while also promoting photography as a profession.

#144: Ready for a photography adventure with one of the coolest raptor families out there? Let's dive into the captivating world of owls, learn their behaviors, and master the art of shooting in low light. Whether you're a novice or pro, this journey will enhance your skills and provide stunning owl images.

#143: If you've been dreaming about turning your love for nature and photography into a rewarding career, and you're thinking assignment photography is right up your alley, then today's episode is tailor-made for you. We're taking a dive into how to land assignments in this field.

#142: Night sky photography is an adventure in and of itself. Not only does it push your creativity to exciting new places, but it also opens up new opportunities for conservation visual storytelling. Learn how it'll break open your creativity, plus get our complete guide to getting started!

#141: Journey with us from the ocean's depths to squirrel-filled forests in this conversation with Tony Wu, a unique conservation photographer based in Japan. Known for his deep focus on individual species, Tony's approach to photography is a lesson in patience, ethics, and the importance of shining a light on underappreciated creatures.

Grab your personalized playlist at JaymiH.com/Playlist

Conservation Photography 101 is open for enrollment!Enroll at https://ConservationVisuals.com/Enroll✨✨ Conservation Photography 101 is OPEN for enrollment https://ConservationVisuals.com/Enroll

Conservation Photography 101 opens May 2nd! Enroll at https://ConservationVisuals.com/Enroll

#140: Are you curious about conservation photography, but you're not quite sure what it's all about or - more importantly - if it's a fit for you? This episode will give you the clarity you need to know for sure!

# 139: Overwhelmed by all you want (and need) to learn to become a better photographer? Zero in on just these 5 things and you'll see lightning-speed improvement in the images you're creating

#138: Photo projects are so exciting! That is until overwhelm, confusion, insecurity, scope creep, busy schedules, and so much else get in the way. Here are the 3 most common stumbling blocks conservation photographers face with a new project and HOW to overcome them - with advice straight from my own project management mentor, Jo. 

#137: How do you go from a passionate hobbyist to a full-time professional nature and wildlife photographer? Alyce Bender launched a growing photo business and walks us through the exact steps she took to do it PLUS how she infuses conservation values into her work. 

#136: It's incredible how many image licensing opportunities have landed in my inbox because I've made it easy for editors to find my photos in Google searches. Here are 3 super simple things to do on your website starting today to improve the chances of photo editors finding your amazing work online. 

#135: A stunning new publication has entered the world. Mother is a passion project by photographer Melissa Schäfer. Bringing together visually captivating stories of connection with Mother Nature, this dreamy new magazine features the work of 15 photographers from around the world and underscores how conservation photography is not a style. It is a statement. Best part? Melissa had NEVER made a magazine before.  It was a project full of firsts. And despite having no idea about the "how", she charged forward. Melissa talks about how she pulled it all off, and her experience is sure to deeply inspire you if you have a passion project you want to pursue but feel a little nervous about.View the publication online, or order your free copy of Mother Volume 1 before they disappear:  https://www.themotherbear.com/mother

#134: Enjoy this special encore of a fan-favorite episode! Conservation photographers at all stages of their careers dish on experiences, insights and advice that'll help you in your own journey as a photographer. In this episode, which features key moments from many of the inspiring interviews we've aired the show, we're walking along the career path of a conservation photographer – from launching into a very first project, to finding your style, to raising huge amounts of money for conservation as a seasoned professional.You'll discover sources for creative inspiration, key moments of persistence and humor in photography, to skills and tips you need in the conservation photography field.QUIZ: What's Your Hidden Visual Storyteller Personality? ➡️ https://JaymiH.com/QuizNever miss an episode by signing up at JaymiH.com/ImpactLove listening to the podcast? Drop a rating or review.

#133: Making awesome nature photos is the "easy" part. The hard part is getting people who see the photos to care and make a behavior change. How do we do that?? Conservation communication expert Brooke Tully breaks down fascinating insights and ideas that'll get you fired up for how you'll use your photos to shake things up. 

#132: From diving with sharks to publishing books, from co-founding a collective to taking out a car loan for camera gear, Shane's journey as a professional underwater and ocean conservation photographer is packed with smart tips and invaluable resources for your own adventure in this field.

#131: Today is February 14th, and for many this Day of Love is a reminder to take some time for ourselves.As conservation photographers, we all carry a strong emotional load with our projects, so taking time to practice self-love and self-care is essential.Anna Pantano, an expert in mindfulness, stress reduction, and tools to help step out of tough moments.Get the insight you need to manage the stress of your conservation photography projects and find out how to create personalized boundaries of self-care.

#130: What does mentorship in photography look like? How does one find a mentor? What's it like to be a really great mentee? This conversation illuminates just how diverse and powerful mentorship is, and what it can look like for you.This is a recording of a bonus event I held about how to craft a mentorship. I invited six pro photographers and photo editors to share the way that our mentorships were structured and do a Q&A session.You'll hear from: Suzi Eszterhas and Susan McElhinney, Photo Editor of Ranger Rick MagazineMorgan Heim and Jen GuytonJaymi Heimbuch (that's me!!) and Sabine Meyer, Photography Director for National Audubon SocietyEach of us shaped very different mentor-mentee relationships based on what we most needed help with. There's SO much great information and insight in here that can help you shape your own mentorships.

#129: Even though professional conservation photographer Roy Toft travels the world throughout the year, he still is laser-focused on this backyard photo project. Learn what he's up to with camera traps in his southern California backyard, and why it matters so much to local conservation efforts. Prepare to be inspired to start your own project at home!

#128: Whether conservation photography is a hobby, a side-gig or you're a full-time pro, you need to know how to document income and expenses for tax season. (Even if this work is a "hobby" for you, the IRS might not see it that way and you need to have your ducks in a row come tax time. )It's my mission to help you feel organized and prepared in ALL aspects of this field - including the biz side - so today I'm excited to talk with Tiffany Bastian from Bastian Accounting for Photographers!Tiffany dives into what we need to know to prepare our businesses for tax season, and other aspects of running a successful conservation photography business, including: Why a separate bank account is the BEST thing you can have (even if photography is a hobby)Tips to set yourself up for a stress-free tax timeThe benefits of using accounting software like QuickbooksHer membership that teaches you how to build the structure of your photography businessand moreTiffany is passionate about helping photographers reach their dreams and becoming more proactive instead of reactive by making finance management accessible and not anxiety-driven.As she puts it, "If you can show people how to do this stuff and that it's not hard, it doesn't become so anxiety-driven."With energy and infectious enthusiasm, Tiffany opens up the dialogue on how we can make finance-related matters less overwhelming, so that workloads become more streamlined and proactive in the long run.

✨✨ Conservation Photography 101 is OPEN for enrollment!✨✨https://ConservationVisuals.com/Enroll

#127: Finding out your photo story idea has been done can definitely be disheartening. But don't despair! It doesn't mean the end for your story. (In fact, as a conservation photographer it's a good thing. I explain why in this episode!)By taking a "quarter pivot" on the idea, you can keep moving forward confidently. Here are 5 strategies that'll help you find a new approach (and new excitement!) for your photo story idea.

#126: Have you ever wished you could see inside the mind of a photo editor? To understand why they make the decisions they make about stories and know what it's like to actually work alongside them? Or have you dreamed of assisting on a photo story so that you could witness the ins and outs of how it all works? This honest, wide-ranging conversation with Sabine Meyer of  Audubon Magazine and conservation photographer Morgan Heim gives you surprising insights into the work of visual storytelling while encouraging you to follow your creative instincts.We cover: finding joy in arthow Sabine chooses photographers for stories what goes into selecting which stories to publish in the magazinewhy working locally is critical to photographers landing assignmentsthe role of trust between photographer and editorthe surprising things to highlight about yourself on social mediaembracing the freedom to break rules and explore creativity in photojournalismbold creative choices to bring life to seemingly "been done" and controversial storieshow to stay top-of-mind with editors by helping out other photographersand oh my goodness so, so, so much more

#125: A big challenge nature photographers face is feeling overwhelmed by the thought of photographing people.It's intimidating to capture a moment with someone if you don't have much experience in portrait photography or shooting for a story.Yet, people are often a crucial element of effective, compelling conservation photo stories. After all, many conservation stories are about volunteers, activists, scientists, community members... Luckily, there's an easy 1-hour exercise that helps to build confidence and overcome this fear so you can create beautiful stories with your images.Simply photograph someone you already know doing something. That's it! I know it sounds too easy, but trust me when I tell you that this exercise will work wonders for you. In this episode I take you behind the scenes of a short photo shoot of my partner, Nick, doing a craft.I walk you through: why it's important to do zero-pressure photo shoots to build your creative musclesthe difference between photo stories and photo essaysexactly what I was thinking as I was photographing so I could make interesting, diverse imageswhat I was looking for as I composed imagesworking with what you have when you're a "fly on the wall" photographerhow many images I took in one hour (!!!)how I edited a big set of images down to only the best 26This episode is filled with insights to use next time you pick up the camera  -- and I hope it's to do this very exercise! - that'll help you break through barriers you might be feeling about photographing people. Curious to see the images that I made in this shoot? See some at https://JaymiH.com/125

#124: Great photographs stem from great opportunities. And when you're photographing people, great opportunities stem from great conversations. Interviewing your story characters is your chance to build a relationship and uncover important storytelling details that'll inform your images. Here are essential interview skills that'll smooth the way to outstanding photos for your stories - straight from a professional ghost writer who has spent thousands of hours interviewing characters!Liz Green of Green Goose writing is here to teach you her top 4 strategies for fun, joyful, stress-free interviews. What you learn in this episode is useful for ANY time you're going to photograph a person, from volunteering at local nonprofits to assignment work!

#123: You spend a lot of time and effort creating beautifully crafted photo stories about conservation issues that are REALLY important.So it's no wonder you want to make sure those stories get in front of as many eyes as possible. Understanding how to repurpose your photo stories, or come up with fresh ways to get that out into the world in front of different audiences, will help you accomplish MORE impact with LESS work. You'll Learn: - why it's important to tell a story over and over (but differently each time!)- why considering different audiences matters to conservation- how to think about story angles and framing- and we break down a case study from one of my Conservation Photography 101 students so you can see allllll these steps in action! Make the most of EVERY story you photograph! This episode shows you how.

#122: What category of images are you primarily creating, and is that in alignment with the photographer you aspire to be?In this episode, I talk about the 4 categories in the Visual Impact Quadrant™ and how you can shift focus depending on your goals as a conservation visual storyteller. 

#121: Good news and bad news. The bad news is, there's no magic bullet solution for time management. There's no one strategy you can flip on and swoosh, your calendar is cleared for creativity. The good news is, there are LOTS of solutions available that you can build a time-strategy tool kit out of. This means you can pull the just-right-for-right-now solution from the kit when you need it. We dive into 4 of these options in this episode PLUS mindset strategies that make the time strategies actually work. 

#120: There's an inevitable question that comes up when you're working on a photo story or project that you know you want to get published: what images can you share on social media? What's smart to share and what's oversharing that could shoot you in the foot later on? We tackle this conundrum by asking one simple but essential question.

#119: Achieving success in conservation photography is simple as long as you have these three ingredients: curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to pivot. As Jules Jacobs proves, these traits help you make bold moves, open doors to opportunities you'd only ever dreamed about, and find surprising friendships along the way.

#118: It could have gone all wrong. But this savvy Conservation Photography 101 student turned it into an exceptional opportunity (and one we can ALL learn from).

#117: Imposter syndrome. Self-doubt. Uncertainty. It's all super familiar territory to *everyone* in our field. Yes, even the pros feel it (all the time!). So if you're feeling it, know you're not alone. Hit play on this episode for a comforting reality check and - as always - helpful strategies that help you to cut through the noise and the nerves so you can focus on confident creativity.

#116: There are BIG perks to making small additions to the agreements you use with nonprofits when you donate images. This one simple tweak sets expectations, underscores your value as a photographer, and sets the stage for future paid work with the nonprofits you're volunteering with.

#115: Turning your passionate hobby into something that not only pays for itself but brings in a sustainable income is not nearly as complex or confusing as you might think. Start with these simple, straightforward steps, and grow from there.

#114: The camera is just one tool we use to capture images of wildlife. There's another toolkit that is, frankly, even more important than what lens you bring with you into the wild.Because without this toolkit, you won't have anything to aim that lens at! This quick-tip episode covers what the toolkit is, and includes a free downloadable gift

#113: I get it. There's always a twinge of nervousness - even guilt - when it comes to spending money on your photography dreams. Thankfully, I've found a system that bypasses alllllll that and makes it possible and FUN to spend money on the tools and education you need to advance your skills and opportunities as a conservation photographer.I've used this system for years now and it's utterly transformed my business AND the way I feel about investing in myself as a photographer. Jo and I walk you through it step by step - and dig into WHY this works so well - in today's episode.

#112: Narrowing down a portfolio of images to ONLY your best shots is tough! You might spend hours agonizing over two shots that, well, look pretty much the same.Choosing between your favorites, or feeling confident you're picking the best and only the best (because what if someone else likes this other image better???), or feeling overwhelmed with all the images you're deciding among that you can't see the forest for the trees ... the struggle is real. Here are two different approaches to make the process much, much easier. One option removes images by focusing specifically on similars.The other option - brought to you courtesy of one of my Conservation Photography 101 students - adds images by making "mini portfolios" of the best options, one small handful at a time. Pick which one works best for you and start flying through the portfolio editing process with confidence  - and kick decision fatigue to the curb!I also mention my 5-Step portfolio editing process. You can get the worksheet and walkthrough at JaymiH.com/3

#111: Your personal perspective and experiences can be a powerful storytelling strategy. But there are ways to do it right (and wrong). Here are my top 3 tips for what to keep in mind when photographing a story that's your own personal narrative so that your story is engaging and effective (rather than an eye-roller). If you do these 3 things, you'll have a share-worthy story your viewers feel connected to and inspired by.

#110: Do the portfolios on your photography website open doors for you... or slam them shut? Here are 3 simple steps to ensure you're not only publishing your best work, but the work that makes the most *sense* for your photography goals. 

#109:  You might wonder, "Ok so conservation photographers use their images to help the environment. I get that. But what does that LOOK like? And, can you make money at it?" This episode breaks down 3 of the most common types of work we do both as volunteers and paid creatives.