Podcasts about bird photography

Brad shares about his continued experimenting with a Roughed Grouse and a remote setup using his Nikon Z9 auto-capture. I share all about what it's like being in and photographing the wildlife in Nome, Alaska. I talk about working with a client, how we try to capture habitat and the approach to doing so in such a unique and scenic environment.

Albert Michaud joins me to chat about the Black Grouse project he has been shooting, we also discuss wildlife filmaking and his love for shooting the arctic habitat.

Brad shares about his amazing encounter with Common Loons on a foggy day in a stunning location. I share about my time in Alaska. Starting out with our mutual great friend Jamin Hunter Taylor and photographing around Anchorage Alaska, then flying to Nome where I spent the first 6 hours from 8pm to 2am photographing birds on the tundra right before recording this episode. Photos mentioned an additional notes at http://rayhennessy.com/wildlife-photo-chat/222-weekly-with-brad-james

State lawmakers have finally unveiled two reform bills for regional transit agencies to address a $700 million budget shortfall and create a new regional oversight board, which could change how transit decisions are made across the CTA, Metra, and Pace. We dive into the details with WTTW host and correspondent Nick Blumberg and South Side Weekly's investigations editor Jim Daley. Plus, we discuss gun violence interruption and prevention efforts on the West Side, the difficulties of navigating the state's post-conviction petition process, and we've got even more June events. Good News: ​Chicago International Film Festival's Free Summer Screenings, She Who Dared at Chicago Opera Theater, Bird Photography at Northerly Island, Karaoke Storytellers at Park West, and Chicago Gospel Music Event Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 30 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Brad shares about his trip to Terranceville with main targets being warblers and songbirds and how he did using both the 500mm and 100-400mm lenses. We talk about taking breaks from shooting the same thing and what to do to keep things fresh when you do shoot the same thing. Next I share about time in the Hilton Head marshes with Emilie. I also talk about how the Nikon Z9/Z8 are focusing betting for birds using the animal setting and playing around with a new 2x teleconverter. Then I share about the last part of my trip to Florida to photograph birds in and underwater. We wrap up the show answering a question from Michael Dreese about committing to a unique or different lens on a shoot instead of trying multiple. Travels and Wildlife Photography episode from Ray and Emilie about Florida Springs   Photos talked about on the show can be viewed on the podcast page

Brad shares about working with and still figuring out the 100-400mm lens for his songbird photography. I share about our current trip while we were recording from Rainbow Springs, Florida mainly photographing birds underwater and split level.

My guest Ganapathi Ram joins me to discuss how he is using in-camera multiple exposures for creative bird photography, how he is using a donut-bokeh lens as well, and how he loves using foreground and playing with aperture to get unique bird photos. Follow Ganapathi Ram at: Instagram: @ganapathi_ram_rs

This week Brad shares about his incredible success photographing Roughed Grouse with the Nikon Z9's auto-capture abilities. It's exciting to hear about his testing and multiple tries and getting some amazing results from it! I share about a recent morning out in the South Carolina marshes and at a wading bird rookery all shooting the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 TC lens. Lastly we wrap up with a listern question discussing what gear to buy in a certain situation.

I just returned from 10 days in Hawaii running my first workshop of the year there with Laysan Albatross and other seabirds and Brad shares about his experimentation with Nikon auto-capture to try to get some remote shots of a Roughed Grouse!

My guest Simon Ashfield-Smith joins me to discuss photographing his local plover pair year after year, how he puts emphasis on color in his photography, and how he found and is connecting and learning with a mentor. Follow Simon at: Instagram: @birding_with_simon Show Mentions: Plover bokeh image Crimson Chat with flowers Apostle Birds

This week Brad shares his experiences getting back to his waterfowl in Newfoundland as well as finding a new way of photographing gulls along the coastline. I share about my recent trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia to photograph shorebirds that were barely there and some fun working with warblers and other songbirds with new lenses. Then we wrap up the show with a listener question from Dave Acheson who asked if we decide to buy gear first and figure out how to capture creative shots with it, or do we have a concept in mind and buy the gear to fit that.

Ray shares about his recent time in Florida, specifically his trip to Huguenot Memorial Park, then we have some follow up about in-camera multiple exposures and competitions from listener Jannico Kelk. Next we discuss a listener topic from Peter about adding music to Instagram posts. Lastly we discuss another listener topic from Mark Deschne about getting stuck shooting in harsh mid-day sunlight.

My guest Rob Read joins me to discuss his introduction into wildlife photography, how he is playing with slower shutter speeds and movement in his photography lately, and how and the creation of wildlife photography competitions and his latest venture with the Wild Art Photo Contest. Follow Rob Read at: Instagram: @robreadphotos Wild Art Photographer of the Year

Brad has just returned from his 10 day trip to Florida and shares all about his experience and some amazing bird encounters!

Emilie and I catch up about our past couple of days shooting in Florida including Burrowing Owls at night and two outings for shorebirds and wading birds. Then we finish the show with a listener question about how to deal with all the photos you have after a big trip or workshop. This episode is also available to watch on YouTube for all those interested. 

My guest Mark Smith joins me to discuss all things creative. He shares about his time traveling across the country in a camper, creative writing and how that has connected to his photography and especially his wildlife video creation. He also shares about his inspiration to get started sharing his videos online, and we discuss sticking to your own creative spirit when sharing content online. Follow Mark at: Instagram: @mark.smith.photography YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/marksmithphotography Website: https://photoworkshopsandtours.com

Some changes to the podcast are announced this week, hope you all enjoy!  For the first time in the history of this podcast, this episode is also available to watch on YouTube if you are intrested.  TT Artisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex

Brad shares about his experience working hard to capture a specific style of image of Red-breasted Mergansers and how long he had to keep trying ot finally be succcessful. I share about my past 2 weeks in Costa Rica. Enjoy the show everyone!

My guests Kyle Boehm and Matt Parish from the Angry Bird Pod Show join me to discuss their podcast, laying around for ducks, Kyle's love of new gear, and Matt's appreciation for plumage and detail in some of his bird photography. Follow Kyle & Matt at: Instagram: @_mattparish Instagram: @kyle.boehm.photography Podcast: Angry Bird Pod Show Show Mentions Fighting Mice in Subway

Emilie joins this weekly episode and we have a conversation all about shooting new lenses, techniques, and other gear and what that is like, how it feels, the challenges, the rewards and the fun of it all.

Brad shares about a couple of recent waterfowl outing, playing with a different approach at a somewhat new location, and mixing in some motion blur. I then share about all the new stuff I've been working on in Florida with a donut bokeh lens, a variable ND filter, and an underwater housing.

My guest Ben Knoot joins me to discuss his amazing travel schedule, working with OM systems gear to capture the wildlife photos he does, and his new venture starting his own wildlife photography tour company Experience Nature Tours. Follow Ben Knoot at: Instagram: @benknoot Website: Experience Nature Tours

I sometimes wonder, while writing these guest photographer posts, how many listeners or viewers actually read them. The truth is it doesn't matter to me, I write them for myself more than anyone else, and I find that trying to put someone's talent into written words really helps me distill my thoughts about their work. Take today's guest, Melody Mellinger, for example... I think my first introduction to Melody's work was back in February of 2020, for Episode 4 of the monthly Behind the Shot Critique shows I used to do with Don Komarechka - damn I miss doing those. After that, I think Melody must have had an image in at least 7 of the critique shows. What she doesn't know is that in every critique show, 28 in all, I always tried to have a mix of shots, so that there would be a few that we might have a lot to contribute to, and others that could work as a reference point, a baseline for what a great shot looks like. Her images were part of that later category. One image I distinctly remember was in critique show 5. It was called Open Wide, and it is a magnificent shot. My first thought was that I wouldn't have anything to say about it - yeah, it's that good - but when I brought it on screen during the show a few things came to mind, and Melody actually went and redid the image with our suggestions. Here's the BEFORE and AFTER for you. Since those first introductions to Melody's work I have become such a fan. What I find fascinating is that Melody's adventures in nature photography didn't begin until 2015, with her first DSLR, a Canon Rebel T6i. What led her to bird photography? Her children. She knew they were going to get tired of being models much faster than she was going to master that Canon, so she moved on to flowers and butterflies, before moving on again to the challenge of backyard songbirds. Since 2022 she has used a Canon 5D Mark IV, and for her bird photography she pairs it with a 100-400mm and a 1.4x extender. Yes, you read that right... a DSLR, not some new mirrorless body, and the shots she is making with it will blow your mind. Next time you think you need new gear, go browse Melody's Instagram. You'll quickly realize that you probably don't, and you can thank her for saving you money. Back in January, Melody posted that she'd won something from FStoppers, and the shot that was featured in their Best Images of 2024 Critique show stopped me in my tracks. I mean, wow... just wow. I knew right then I needed to get her on the show. Join nature and wildlife photographer Melody Mellinger and me as we discuss her amazing bird photography, and as we take a deep dive into the shot that she had featured in the FStoppers Best Images of 2024 Contest. Connect with Melody Portfolio: melodymellingerphotography.mypixieset.com BlueSky: @melodymellinger.bsky.social Instagram: @melody_anne_m X / Twitter: @MelodyAnneM FStoppers Contest Best Images of 2024: fstoppers.com Melody's Photographer Pick Issac Grant: isaacgrantphotography.com | @isaacagrant Melody's Other Work

Brad shares about photographing waterfowl in the rough surf and playing with slower shutter speeds for unique effects. Brad also shares about a side-project he is working on attaching stuff near the front of his lens to create foreground bokeh. I share about my outing that morning using the underwater housing again and also doing some more normal bird photography with the 28-400mm lens that I'm loving! We wrap up the show talking about sharing photos on Instagram with a carousel or small collection of photos and how that is perceived when viewed.

#541 Erika Greco is a passionate amateur photographer from Charleston, South Carolina. Erika shares her unique journey into photography, which began in a magnet high school for the arts and evolved alongside her professional career in theater. A central theme in her story is the decision to keep photography as a creative outlet rather than a business, an approach that aligns with her desire to serve and connect with her community.KEY TOPICS COVEREDJourney into Photography - Erika shares how her high school exposure to photography sparked a lifelong passion, illustrating the importance of exploring different artistic mediums.Photography as Art vs. Business - Erika discusses her struggles with the pressure to monetize photography and her conscious decision to maintain it as a hobby, offering a perspective on the value of art for self-expression.Overcoming Technical Challenges - Erika elaborates on her transition from film to digital photography and how she navigated the technical challenges she encountered, providing insights into the learning process.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSVergleichungsspiel: The concept of the "comparison game," highlighting the issues of self-doubt and standards in creative fields.Photography for Service: Using photography to connect with others and support community needs, showcasing its role beyond personal artistic expression.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow can photographers balance the pressure to monetize their skills with their passion for the craft?In what ways can photography serve as a tool for community engagement and service?RESOURCES:Follow Erika Greco on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikadgreco/Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Brad shares about some ideas and plans to photograph Purple Sandpipers along the rugged coast of Newfoundland. I share about an outing photographing Florida Scrub Jays, then I photographed Night Herons in the dark at night, and I wrapped up my past week with my first outing using a dome port on the underwater housing and trying to photograph split-level shots of wading and shorebirds in Florida. We wrap up the show answering a listener question from Nathan Watson who asked: I always enjoy your podcasts with Brad, and in a recent episode there was a bit of conversation about aches and pains and generally getting older. I could relate, but it also got me thinking about the inevitable end we all face in life, and what would happen with my photography. I thought it might make an interesting discussion topic for your podcast, not from a morbid perspective, but to encourage genuine thought about what our end of life wishes for our images would be given we put so much energy, passion and creativity into them. Over decades we accumulate galleries of many thousands of images. These images have value - sentimental value to our families, commercial value as art, or educational value that could support conservation causes. What would you and Brad want to happen to your image libraries? Do you want your family to have them, or would you prefer to leave them to a charitable conservation organization that could use them towards good causes?

My guest Steve Perry joins me to share about his trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park where he photographed a Prairie Dog wide angle with auto capture on a Nikon camera. We also chat about always looking around for other options when shooting, specifically on workshops. We talked about his take on being creative with wildlife photography and wrap up talking about how much less attention his videos about field-craft and techniques get compared to videos about gear. Follow Steve at: Website: www.backcountrygallery.com Instagram: @backcountrygallery Show Mentions: Prairie Dog shot Bison photo Anhinga backlit

It's the 200th episode! A huge thanks to all of you listeners both new and old that have been listening to the show. This week Brad shares about his time photographing surfing ducks, and his time with friendly Cormorants. I share about my first time swimming with sharks in the Bahamas and then we wrap up the show talking about how our photography and approach to it has changed since 2019 when the first episode of this podcast came out! Luca Lorenz - Tufted Duck ICM Brad's surfing duck Brad's closeup Cormorant

Brad shares about photographing some waterfowl and the Sparrow that was almost perfect until another person showed up. I share about my morning using the drone to photography and video wading birds in the marsh, as well as a recent visit to the beach in Hilton Head, and wrap up with an amazing 4 day trip to Jekyll Island in Georgia. We wrap up the show answering a listener question from Cody who asks: Hey Ray, I don't stay up to date on all your podcasts but here's a topic idea I had recently - have there been any times where you've said to yourself, “this idea did not work as well as I thought it would.”? What were some of the lessons learned, did you abandon the idea or push forward with it? It sounds like you like to plan out a lot of your shots, how often does it not work out the way you thought it would?

John Alessi joins me to discuss his recent outings making sparrows look beautiful in a meadow, the challenges of winter waterfowl with a local drought, and trying to push himself and at the same time find balance in his photography life. Follow John Alessi at: Instagram: @photomaticjohn

Brad shares about his experience photographing waterfowl specifically through foreground bushes and trees, I share about all the gear I keep buying and testing as well as all the work that went into updating my Lightroom course. Then we both discuss the profile grid changes from Instagram this past week. Brad's Cormorant Photo

Brad and I do our short (long) catch up for the past week, then we talk about the struggles and frustration that Brad is feeling with his photography lately, and we wrap up the show chatting about how some birds don't seem to get the same uproar when people bait them as others and why is that.

Brad and I do a catch up on our past week with Brad getting another chance at the holiday urban light waterfowl photos, and I shares about my upcoming projects I am starting to work on. Then we discuss our issues with using AI for sharing conservation messages. We wrap up the show talking about respect and appreciation for photos that were hard earned and what that means as a follow up to the previous episode.

My guest Khaldoon Aldway joins me to discuss the joys of shooting the desert of Dubai, photographing extreme closeup details of colorful birds, he shares the story of how he captured a stunning image of a Sand Gazelle small in frame in the desert dunes. Follow Khaldoon at: Instagram: @khaldoon.aldway Show Mentions: Pharaoh Eagle Owl Sand Gazelle

It's our first recording of the new year and it's been two weeks since Brad and I talked so this is a longer one! Brad shares about his first experince with his new Nikon Z 100-400mm lens. Ray shares about his past two weeks of travels from Caddo Lake in Louisiana and Texas wrapping up in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Brad's Ptarmigan photo

Maxime joins me to discuss his love of photographing wildlife in the winter and snow and we talk a lot about what it's like to be a full-time wildlife photographer. 

We talk with Travis Layton, known online as "Trav in the Bush", all about bird photography, Canada, being a social media influencer, and more! Get Trav's free photography guide here: travinthebush.com/badgerland Link to Trav's workshops: https://www.travinthebush.com/photography-workshops-2025

Emilie joins me this week to share about our last week at Caddo Lake in Louisiana, then we chat about exploration vs. shooting the same places over and over again.

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Pau Vilanova joins me to discuss photographing wildlife during this favorite time of day dusk and dawn, how he prefers to scout and area and then sit and wait motionless to photograph wildlife, and using movement to help capture a feeling or the soul of wildlife in the final photo. Follow Pau at: Instagram: @pauvilanova_photography Website: www.pauvilanovaphotography.com Show Mentions: Eagle Owl silhouetted in the moon ICM Iberian Ibex Ibex small in frame Fallow Deer small in frame silhouette Ibex with lights

Brad joins me to discuss our past week with Brad shooting urban light waterfowl and I spent some time in Big Bend National Park, Texas. We then share our year end review which covers our top 3 moments as well as how we felt we grew over the past year and what we hope to work on in the coming year. A huge thanks to every listener for supporting us and we are excited for another year of shows to come! Trippy lights Duck Wider Waterfowl Shot Brad's favorites from the year Yellowlegs wider Yellowlegs in Fog Ruddy Turnstone Ray's favorites from the year Mountain Goat in Glacier National Park Loon and Moon Bisti Wren - not shared yet

This week we have a special guest Sergius Hannan join us to talk about what it's like to go viral on Instagram. Sergius has has multiple reels go viral with one topping 160 million views!! We talk about all the ups and downs and misconceptions of having this happen as a wildlife photographer. Follow Sergius on Instagram at @sergiushannan_photography

Kieran Barlow joins me to discuss photographing Black-crowned Night Herons at night, his move into including more habitat in his photography, and we touch on a bit of travel for wildlife photography. Night Heron - https://www.instagram.com/p/C_IpF2dxLIk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Ruddy Duck - https://www.instagram.com/p/C84R7EDRuCW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Great Blue Heron - https://www.instagram.com/p/C_-3HsDRVNO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Brad joins for our usually weekly catch up, we chat waterfowl, Purple Sandpiper, and desert photography, then wrap up talking about our process of entering wildlife photography contests this past week.

Brad shares about his recent outing with waterfowl and urban lights, I share about my recent experience with some birds in one of the most amazing habitats in New Mexico, then we wrap up the show with the topic of shooting for the edit, such as severe under or over exposure or compositional choices.

My guest Sonder Selvig joins me to discuss desert bird photography, space and depth in compositions, and his use of dramatic light and backgrounds in his photography. Follow Sonder at: Instagram: @swswildlife Show Mentions: Black-throated Blue Lazuli Bunting Red-headed Woodpecker Ring-billed Gull

Brad shares about his challenges with bad weather lately, then suprised me with his purchase of a new lens! Emilie joins in for a little bit to share her thoughts on the new lens Brad purchased and I wrap up with what I've been shooting lately in the desert.

Brad shares about his experience with a Great Egret, I share about our last bit of travel along the California coastline, then we answer a listener question from Gurnit Atwal. He asks “ Do you guys think that certain genres of wildlife/bird photography (and photography more generally) are more technical than others? For example, I feel like macro photography of insects is more technical in a way that limits creativity. If you agree, does that influence your decision to engage/not engage with that genre of photography? And second part: Do you think that certain groups of subjects inspire greater creativity when shooting? For example, is it easier to be more creative with a shorebird than a moose? And if so, does that influence the subjects you want to shoot?”

This week it's mostly catch up from me then Brad and I discuss my new Nikon 28-400mm lens and how it worked out on the last couple of outings.

Brad shares about his short waterfowl outing this past week, then I share about the few things I have been up to traveling from Oregon to California and about my experience photographing Black Oystercatchers with huge waves from above and creating two composite images from the outing. Lastly we discuss the new Nikon 28-400mm lens I ordered!