What's harder to photograph: adrenaline-fueled Kid Jockeys in Indonesia, or the silent, restricted streets of North Korea? Today, we sit down with Belgian documentary photographer Alain Schroeder, traveling around the globe, looking for the next thing that piques his interest. He is honored for his amazing work with a long list of awards, including multiple World Press Photo awards, Picture of The Year, Travel Photographer of the Year, Visa pour l’image, Siena or Nikon Press Photo Awards, to name just a few, with of course countless major exhibitions around the world. Alain walks us through his incredible career shift—from covering 500 magazine sports covers, starting his own photo agency to dedicating his life to deep personal stories. We dive into the chaos of the Kid Jockeys in Sumbawa, the unique challenges of shooting Kim City in North Korea, and the resilient Grandma Divers (Haenyeo) of South Korea.  Tune in for a powerful, fun conversation with great advice on what separates an award-winning picture from an ordinary one, how to get your work seen these days, and how to stay creatively fresh after decades in the business. Enjoy it! *****📸 See more of Alain’s work:https://alainschroeder.myportfolio.com/ *****🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

Can a single photographer help feed 9 billion people? In the second and final part of our chat with National Geographic legend Jim Richardson, we follow his lens into the biggest stories of his career. We talk about the massive challenge of food and farming, the urgent crisis of water scarcity, and why he keeps finding community and wildness on the remote islands of Scotland.  Jim shares his best, no-nonsense advice on how a photographer can still pursue a long-form, meaningful story today, proving that a great photo is always worth the time it takes to capture it.  Tune in for another fun and inspiring masterclass in purpose-driven photography. Enjoy it!*****📸 See more of Jim’s work:https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/ *****🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

When a young farm kid from Kansas picks up a pawn-shop camera, you don’t immediately picture him becoming one of National Geographic’s most respected photographers. But that’s exactly what happened to Jim Richardson, whose career has now spanned more than 35 years, over 50 National Geographic and Traveler magazine stories, on countless journeys across the globe. In this first part of our two-part conversation, Jim takes us back to where it all began — to those early Kansas wheat fields, the small-town life that shaped his storytelling, and the moment when photography stopped being just a hobby and became a calling. From shooting local news in the seventies to landing his first National Geographic assignment, Jim’s journey is packed with grit, humor, and honest reflection. We talk about how he stumbled into the magazine, the story that cemented his place there and what it was really like working during the golden era of National Geographic. Along the way, we share a few laughs over haggis, whiskey, and the odd surprises behind distillery doors in Scotland. It’s an episode filled with nostalgia, insight, and plenty of warmth — the kind that comes only from a lifetime spent behind the camera.And don’t go too far — next week, in Part 2, Jim and I continue our chat with stories from a few unforgettable moments from his travels around the world. ***** 📸 See more of Jim’s work: https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

What happens when you bring together not one, but the two Winners of the Amateur Photographer of the Year magazine 2024 awards!? You get a conversation filled with laughs, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really feels like to have your work recognized in one of the most competitive photography contests out there! In this episode we chat with Lynn Fraser, the overall APOY 2024 winner, and Lucy Monckton, crowned Young APOY 2024. From their very different journeys into photography to the moment they found out they’d won, they share the stories, surprises, the nerves, and of course, some great hints & tips behind their success! It’s a mix of honesty, fun, and practical wisdom that proves great photography doesn’t come from gear alone. Grab a coffee, tune in, and meet two amazing photographers who prove that passion really does get noticed!*****📸 See more of Lynns’s work:https://www.lynnfraserphotography.com/ 📸 See more of Lucy’s work:https://lucymonckton.com/ *****🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

From Orangutans in the rainforests of Sumatra to Badgers on the streets of England — Ian Wood has seen it all through his lens. In this episode, we sit down with Conservation and Nature photographer Ian Wood, winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPOTY) People’s Choice Award, to talk about how his journey began in the jungles of Indonesia, his conservation work with the Orangutan Foundation and the Badger Trust, or that unforgettable moment he first met the incredible Jane Goodall.  It’s a conversation that moves easily between humor and heartbreak, about life, photography, conservation, even poetry — proving that sometimes one image can start a change in the way we see the world. Tune in now and enjoy this inspiring talk with the amazing Ian Wood. Enjoy it! ***** 📸 See more of Ian’s work: https://www.agoodplace.co.uk/  📸 Check out the “Orangutan’s World” book: https://www.orangutan.org.uk/shop/the-orangutans-world-a-photographic-celebration-of-bornean-wildlife-book ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Legendary National Geographic photographer Bob Krist is back for Part 2! — and if you thought the first half was good, this one goes even deeper. We talk about what it was really like to live life constantly on the road for magazines — the adventure, the exhaustion, and the family sacrifices that rarely make it into the photos. Bob also opens up about finding his creative footing again after personal loss, and how storytelling helped him reconnect with the world. He shares why he traded some years ago, stills for moving images, what he discovered through video, and the joy of reinventing yourself after decades behind the camera. Of course, there are more of those unforgettable National Geographic tales — the kind only someone with 37 years of assignments can tell. This episode is about resilience, humor, and the soul of travel photography in a world drowning in Instagram likes. Expect wisdom, honesty, and plenty of laughs (trust us — this one had us cracking up more than any other). ***** 📸 See more of Bob’s work: https://bobkrist.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

What does Authentic Travel Photography mean in the age of Instagram and filters? For Bob Krist, it was nearly 40 years of globetrotting with National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler — capturing authentic moments on film in more than 150 countries. In Part 1 of our conversation, Bob takes us back to the Golden days of Travel Photography: assignments that dropped him into big cities and rural back roads with nothing but some rolls of film and a good sense of humor. He shares how he stumbled into former editor Bob Gilka's office with some photographs under his arm, what it was really like to shoot for NatGeo in those days, the challenges of working with film on tight deadlines being surrounded by the world greatest photographers, and why travel photography has always been more about patience, trust, and storytelling than about staging the perfect shot. It’s a conversation full of wanderlust, authenticity, and behind-the-scenes tales from someone who’s lugged gear across every corner of the globe. And make sure to come back for Part 2 next week — where we dive a bit into Bob’s personal life and how it intertwined with his career, his switch from stills to video, publishing his books, and more unforgettable NatGeo stories. Pour yourself a cup, settle in, and let’s journey together (plus — it’s the episode we had the most laughs recording!). Be ready for it! ***** 📸 See more of Bob’s work: https://bobkrist.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

We’re back with the second part of our conversation with award-winning Indigenous photojournalist Pat Kane — Algonquin Anishinaabe, a proud member of the Timiskaming First Nation and a tireless visual storyteller based in Yellowknife, Canada’s Northwest Territories, focusing on preserving cultures, communities, and our connection to place. In this second half, we dive into Pat’s National Geographic story “The Last Trappers,” exploring the history and uncertain future of this northern tradition. We also talk about his latest Caribou Conservation project, supported by the Vital Impacts' Environmental Grant in honor of Jane Goodall, and why Indigenous-led storytelling is essential for the North’s future. Pat shares what it’s like co-founding the Far North Photo Festival, building platforms for other voices and mentoring Indigenous youth to inspire the next generation of photographers. Of course, yes — there are tales of braving –40°C with five battery packs tucked into your jacket, a camera in hand, and a quiet prayer to the shutter gods that it keeps on clicking. This is a conversation about purpose, resilience, and community — with plenty of warmth behind the lens. ***** 📸 See more of Pat’s work: https://www.patkanephoto.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

Today’s guest is a photographer whose work isn’t just beautiful — it’s vital, especially in a world where conservation isn’t just about nature, but also about us — our cultures, communities, and connection to place. Pat Kane is an Indigenous Algonquin Anishinaabe photojournalist based in Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and a proud member of the Timiskaming First Nation. His powerful work documents the lives and stories of Indigenous people across the North — from traditional knowledge keepers to modern youth shaping their own narratives. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we explore Pat’s journey into photojournalism, the importance of community collaboration, and how he builds long-term trust in the places he photographs. He talks about his project made for the Joop Swart Masterclass -the World Press Photo’s best-known educational program for emerging photographers-, navigating identity, responsibility, and representation — all while working in some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Coming next week in the second part, will dive into his National Geographic assignment, working in the deep cold with photography gear, his latest caribou conservation project supported by the 2024 Jane Goodall Vital Impacts Grant, and about co-founding the amazing Far North Photo Festival in Yellowknife. This is a conversation about identity, environment, purpose — and photography in -40 degrees Celsius — told through the lens of a powerful, grounded voice in contemporary documentary work, with of course some good laughs at times too. ***** 📸 See more of Pat’s work: https://www.patkanephoto.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com

Pete Scott didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a photographer — he never even went to art school. But over the last decade, he’s quietly built a stunning wildlife and landscape portfolio, capturing everything from owls to kingfishers to badgers to foxes to coastal starry night shots or even swallows in flight. In our talk, Pete shares how it all started — how a misty morning with a fox changed his life behind the lens. We talk about the slow approach to wildlife, how patience beats gear, and what it really takes to photograph wild animals without disturbing them. He also walks us through his gear choices, how he films his peaceful YouTube wildlife vlogs, opposing the UK’s controversial badger culls and fox hunting practices — and using his voice and images to speak up for the nature he spends so much time with, in Dorset’s forests, fields, or coastline which offer endless inspiration. But Pete also opens up about something more personal: his volunteer initiative AIM, which renovates homes for families with terminally ill children — at no cost but making a huge impact outside the spotlight... It’s a photography podcast, yes, but we also need to talk about about purpose, compassion, and showing up for the world in quiet, powerful ways. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your photography journey, Pete’s story is a reminder that beautiful images — and meaningful lives — don’t require a rule book. ***** 📸 See more of Pete’s work on Instagram: @naturehawk 📸 Follow Pete on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@naturehawk1 ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com

Graham Watson didn’t just photograph bike races — he lived them, from the back of a motorbike, chasing the world’s Greatest Cyclists through cobbled streets, Alpine climbs, and chaotic sprints for over 40 years. In this episode, Graham joins us from his porch in New Zealand to reflect on a career that started in a London portrait studio and somehow led to shooting legends like Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Lance Armstrong, Tom Boonen, Greg LeMond, Marco Pantani, Bernard Hinault and many more — often at 50 km/h, with a camera in hand and no second chances. We talk about how photography evolved over four decades on the road — from film to digital, darkroom prints to wireless image delivery, Nikon FM2s to the D5. Graham shares how he handled pressure, what made a good race a photographer’s dream, great personal stories and why chasing light and landscapes was just as important as chasing the riders. We also talk about a photographer's retirement, life in New Zealand, Belgian beer, and the making of his beautiful book 40 Years of Cycling Photography — a visual time capsule of a life spent chasing moments most of us only ever see from the sidelines. Whether you're a photographer who loves cycling, or a cyclist who loves photography — this one’s for you. ***** 📸 See more of Graham’s work: https://www.grahamwatson.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com

What happens when a small town Welsh girl travels the world and takes a photo that gets published in National Geographic? For Claire Thomas, it launched a career in global conflict and humanitarian photojournalism. In this episode, Claire takes us behind the images — into her life photographing trauma centers during the battle for Mosul, documenting the lives of the wives and mothers of ISIS fighters, and spending years embedded in the Middle East, covering war, migration, and survival with deep empathy. We also talk about her love of horses, how she finds balance in such intense photojournalistic work, what it's like to shoot from horseback across the Mongolian steppe, or the moment she realized a single photo could help save a child’s life. This episode is raw, inspiring, honest — and yes, between the heavy topics, we also shared a few good laughs. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will challenge, move, and remind you what photography can truly do. ***** 📸 See more of Claire’s work: https://www.clairethomasphotography.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/

Ready to further plan your Alaskan Photo Adventure?📸 In Part 2 of our Mini Guide to Wildlife Photography in Alaska, Ken Marsh takes us season by season through the Best Spots, Animals, and Tips to help you Capture the Wild — from salmon-hunting Bears to rutting Moose 🦌 We talk about Timing, Travel, Safety (when something comes running at you), Clothing, essential Bug Spray, Roads, Weather, what to Eat when the day is done and which Photography Gear to bring of course! It’s practical, personal, fun and packed with insight from a lifelong Alaskan 🚀🐻 🎧 Hit play — and if you missed Part 1, start there first! ***** 📸 See more of Ken’s work: www.wildcountryreflections.com ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/

If you’ve ever dreamed of Photographing in Alaska — this is where you start! In Part 1 of this special two-part Mini-Guide to Alaska Wildlife Photography, we’re joined by Alaskan photographer, writer, and natural-born storyteller Ken Marsh 📷 We talk about how growing up in the Alaskan wild and working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game shaped his eye for photography, what gear (and mindset) you really need, and why understanding animals always comes before the shot. There’s talk of foxes, moose, bears, close calls, and the kind of advice you only get from someone who’s spent a lifetime in the field. Step one in Alaskan wildlife photography: Know your subject. Step two: Don’t get trampled over. 🎧 Hit play — and stay tuned for Part 2 next week! *****📸 See more of Ken’s work:https://wildcountrywithkenmarsh.wordpress.com/  *****🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:https://thecameracafeshow.com/  

What if photography wasn’t about capturing the world — but listening to it?📷 That’s the approach Argentinian photographer, and National Geographic Explorer, Sofía López Mañán brings to her work, blending visual storytelling with philosophy, ecology, and deep empathy. In this episode, we talk about her current project with bees (supported by the 2024 Vital Impacts Grant), the relocation of elephants, her work with Andean condors, and how she approaches photography more like a ritual than a recording. We also dive into her long-term project 'El Libro de la Naturaleza' (The Book of Nature), and how she explores what “Nature” even means in the first place. It’s a conversation full of unexpected stories, reflections on human-animal relationships, and a fresh take on what it means to be part of the story — not just an observer. 🎧🎙️ Listen now!*****📸 See more of Sofia’s work:http://www.sofialopezmanan.com/  *****🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:https://thecameracafeshow.com/

What happens when a drone meets a school of fish… and one whale? 🐋🛸 Photographer Joanna Steidle has the answer — and the stories to match 📷 A longtime friend and someone who I admire immensely, Joanna is an award-winning drone photographer whose work has been published by media such as CNN, The New York Times, The Smithsonian Magazine or even Forbes, and her drone footage has aired on Disney, National Geographic and Discovery Channel. Joanna is also, to date, the only female DJI-drones Creator (Ambassador) in the USA. In this episode, Joanna shares how she went from a love to race drones to creating jaw-dropping aerial art. We talk about what gear she uses, about what gear you need to start out (and regulations you must know), how to get started in drone photography, what it's like to go viral (after working for long hours every day though), a word about marine life and conservation — and why seagulls might just be her spirit animal. Whether you're drone-curious or just need a dose of inspiration for your next flight, Joanna's stories will have you seeing the world a little differently — from a few hundred feet up and with some good laughs! ***** 📸 See more of Joanna’s work: https://joannasteidle.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/

What does it take to tell stories that don’t just inform—but truly connect? 📸  Photographer, Leica Oskar Barnack Winner, National Geographic Explorer and a fighter for Women’s Rights, Ana María Arévalo Gosen shares her journey through slow, thoughtful storytelling. From documenting life inside Venezuelan detention centers, to capturing the quiet Resilience of Teenage Mothers, to telling her own personal family story in The Meaning of Life—Ana's work is Raw, Empathetic, and deeply Human. We talk about trust, ethics, personal healing through photography, and why today, more than ever, storytelling needs Real Heart even before you take that first picture.   Stick around until the very end for a Beautiful Surprise 🎧 Grab a coffee, take your time, and hit play! ***** 📸 See more of Ana Maria’s work: https://anamariaarevalogosen.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/    

Jen Rozenbaum is in the house—and she brought Boldness, Boudoir Photography, and a whole lot of unapologetic Honesty. Nikon Ambassador and all-around Powerhouse, Jen joined us for a wildly Honest, Funny, and Empowering conversation about Life Behind the Lens and in Front of it. We talked about how she built a Boudoir business out of her bedroom, what it really means to help women Feel Seen—not just sexy—and how photography became her anchor through Breast Cancer, Divorce, and Personal Reinvention. This isn’t just a chat about Posing and Lighting—it’s about Confidence, Identity, and using Jokes to start off your boudoir photography session. Jen held nothing back, and neither did we. If you're into real talk, big laughs, and powerful stories from someone who truly walks the walk—this one’s for you. Oh—and yes, she had a cold while recording, but she still absolutely crushed it. A total Rock Star! Hit play now and join the conversation. It’s raw, funny, and seriously inspiring. ***** 📸 See more of Jen’s work: https://jenrozenbaum.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/

Photojournalism is changing, but what does that mean for Photographers today? In this episode, Award-winning photojournalist Francesco Anselmi joins us to talk about his career, winning the Visa d’Or Award for Photojournalism, his Leica Oskar Barnack award finalists work, his long-term project Borderlands and the reality of Documenting History as it unfolds.   From covering the Greek economic crisis to Exploring Border communities across the U.S. and Europe, Francesco shares what it takes to tell real, impactful stories. We also discuss the challenges of Modern Photojournalism, the Ethics of Documentary work, and the hard Truths about breaking into the Industry.   ***** 📸 See more of Francesco’s work and Book: Website: https://francescoanselmistudio.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/

We’re back with Part 2 of our chat with Street Photography legend Harvey Stein—and it’s another gem!  In this episode, Harvey talks about engaging with strangers to get the shot, even in the middle of COVID, and what it really means to build a lasting photographic voice. We chat about working in series, making photo books, the evolution of photography, and wrap things up by flipping through some of his incredible images from Mexico together. 📸 Haven’t heard Part 1? Go back and check it out first!🎧Hit play for more wisdom, wit, and stories from the streets.  ***** 📸 See more of Harvey's work, books or enroll in his workshops: https://www.harveysteinphoto.com ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/