Shutter Trails Podcast

Landscape photographer? Wildlife photographer? Portrait photographer? Wedding photographer? Viktoria Haack would probably rather not choose. In this episode of the Shutter Trails Podcast, I sit down with the British Columbia photographer, educator and Nikon Ambassador to talk about a career built on curiosity, observation and a refusal to be confined to a single photographic genre. Viktoria shares how ten years living on a small nature reserve in the UK shaped her relationship with photography and taught her to notice the subtle changes in light, weather and the seasons. We explore her fine art background, her distinctive images that blend people and landscape, her growing interest in wildlife photography, conservation and ethical photography, and what she has learned from judging major photography competitions. We also talk about why technical perfection isn't always enough, the importance of patience with wildlife, how different photographic genres can influence one another, and why Viktoria believes photographers should remain free to follow whatever captures their interest. A thoughtful conversation about landscape photography, wildlife, creativity, artistic influence, curiosity and developing your own way of seeing. Learn more about Viktoria and her photography on her website: viktoriahaackphotography.ca

Steve Brazill has spent over 40 years in radio and is one of today's most respected concert photographers, but the lessons he shares go far beyond photographing musicians on stage. In this episode of Shutter Trails , Steve explains why the best photographers learn from every genre. Through a series of remarkable images—including concert photography, landscapes, aerial photography, astrophotography, and travel—he demonstrates how composition, light, storytelling, and careful observation connect every style of photography. We also discuss handling difficult lighting, mastering dynamic range, shooting at high ISO, why photographers worry too much about noise, and how learning to truly analyze an image can dramatically improve your own work. Whether you're a landscape photographer, wildlife photographer, street photographer, or simply someone who wants to become a stronger visual storyteller, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply on your very next outing. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about photography, be sure to follow Shutter Trails for more interviews and episodes exploring the people, places, and techniques behind great photographs. Make sure to check out the photos on the Shutter Trails Blog.

Australian nightscape photographer, Richard Tatti, joins Drake on Shutter Trails to share his remarkable journey from the first time he photographed the stars to becoming one of the world's leading educators in Milky Way photography. Richard discusses the evolution of nightscape photography, his YouTube channel with more than 300 instructional videos, creative lighting techniques, image blending, star trackers, AI in photography, and why strong composition always outweighs expensive gear. He also opens up about avoiding creative burnout, balancing photography with family life, and the sense of wonder that still keeps him looking up at the night sky. Whether you're passionate about astrophotography or simply love hearing how great photographers think, this conversation is filled with practical advice and lasting inspiration. Topics: Nightscape photography • Milky Way photography • Light painting • Astrophotography • Photoshop • Star trackers • AI • Creativity • Photography education • Landscape photography

In this quick Trail Marker episode, Drake talks about what a photography project is, or could be and some reasons why you should try one.

In this episode of Shutter Trails, Drake sits down with landscape and outdoor photographer Fiona McLean, who splits her time between Scotland and Canada. Fiona shares her incredible journey—from discovering photography in Sedona over 25 years ago to leaving a career in sustainable transport due to burnout and rediscovering purpose through the camera.They dive into:🌄 How travel and nature photography shaped Fiona’s career🌍 Shooting across 40+ countries and balancing life between two continents📸 Her evolution from grand landscapes to waterfalls, wildlife, macro, and abstract work🚁 The creative highs (and nerve-wracking lows) of drone photography🥾 Becoming a certified hiking guide and combining outdoor leadership with photography💬 The realities of running a photography business and social media challenges⚖️ Ethical photography practices—wildlife, geotagging, and environmental impact👩‍🎨 Advocacy for women in photography and barriers in the industry🌿 Using photography as a tool for healing through grief and burnoutFiona also shares practical advice for beginners—why gear doesn’t matter as much as you think, and why you should always shoot for yourself, not for social media.👉 A powerful, honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding your path through photography.📷 Follow Fiona:Instagram: @fionamcleanphotoWebsite: fionamcleanphotography.comSubstack: Fiona McLean Photo👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more conversations with photographers from around the world.

In this Trail Marker episode of Shutter Trails, Drake talks about something every photographer faces sooner or later — falling into a creative rut. When photography starts to feel repetitive, uninspiring, or more like a chore than an adventure, how do you rediscover that spark? Drake shares personal experiences with landscape, street, and nature photography, along with practical ways to break out of a photographic slump. From shooting with friends and joining group outings to exploring completely different genres of photography, this episode focuses on reigniting creativity and making photography fun again. The conversation also dives into Drake’s recent experience trying motorsport photography for the first time — and how learning new techniques like panning has already influenced his landscape, wildlife, and street photography. Whether you’re feeling burned out, uninspired, or just looking for fresh creative energy, this episode offers encouragement to step outside your comfort zone and see photography differently again. This episode is a reminder that inspiration often comes from simply getting back out there and trying something new. #photographypodcast #LandscapePhotography #StreetPhotography #CreativePhotography #PhotographyTips #MotorsportPhotography #PhotographyInspiration #PhotographyRut #NaturePhotography #ShutterTrails

In this episode of the Shutter Trails Podcast, Drake sits down with Vancouver Island photographer Pascale from Photo Rando to explore her unique journey through photography—from childhood inspiration to professional teaching and award-winning creative work. Pascale shares how her father’s photography sparked her passion at a young age, and how personal challenges—including his illness—shaped her artistic path. She reflects on her early days shooting film, studying photography in Quebec, and working in emotionally intense environments like hospitals as a medical photographer. The conversation dives into: The power of film photography and why it’s making a comebackHer transition from structured jobs to a creative, independent careerTeaching photography to both adults and kids (and why kids often take better photos!) Creative techniques like in-camera double exposuresThe beauty and inspiration of Vancouver Island landscapesHer honest take on AI in photography and its impact on authenticity. Pascale also talks about building a photography business from the ground up, the importance of creativity over perfection, and why staying curious is key to growth. Whether you're a beginner or experienced photographer, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and thoughtful discussion about what photography really means in today’s world.

In this Trail Marker episode of the Shutter Trails podcast, Drake explores the power of leading lines in photography. He discusses how natural and man-made lines—such as trails, rivers, roads, branches, and architectural elements—can guide a viewer’s eye through an image, create depth, and strengthen composition. Drake also shares practical tips for finding and using leading lines in the field, along with common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re photographing landscapes, forests, or urban scenes, learning to recognize and use leading lines can add structure, flow, and impact to your photos.

In this episode of Shutter Trails , I sit down with Colorado-based landscape photographer, adventurer, educator, and podcast host Matt Payne . Matt is the creator of the long-running photography podcast F-Stop Collaborate and Listen , co-founder of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards , and an accomplished mountaineer who has climbed the 100 highest peaks in Colorado . His passion for adventure and photography has taken him across the world teaching workshops and exploring wild landscapes. We discuss Matt’s journey from working in clinical psychology to becoming a full-time photographer and educator, how climbing Colorado’s highest mountains shaped his photographic vision, and what he’s learned after interviewing hundreds of the world’s best photographers . We also dive into: The biggest lessons Matt has learned from 460+ photography interviews Why authentic landscape photography matters The ethics of editing, composites, and AI in photography How the Natural Landscape Photography Awards promote honesty in nature photography Teaching workshops and finding unique compositions at iconic locations Matt’s new book “The Colorado Way” , inspired by hiking the 500-mile Colorado Trail Matt also shares advice for photographers looking to develop their own creative voice and improve their work. If you care about landscape photography, creativity, ethics, and the experience of photographing nature , this conversation is packed with insights. 🎧 Topics covered Landscape photography inspiration Photography ethics and editing The Natural Landscape Photography Awards Teaching photography workshops Climbing Colorado’s highest mountains Hiking the Colorado Trail Building a photography podcast Finding your creative voice For more about Matt and his various projects check out: Matt's Website The Colorado Way Natural Landscape Photography Awards Muench Workshops Instagram Blue Sky YouTube You can contact me or get more information at: Sooke Photography Adventures This video was recorded using my Canon R5 camera .

In this short episode, I tell you how to prepare for photography on a rainy day and why it's a great time to shoot. You get some tips to keep your gear dry as well as things that can take your wet weather photography to a higher level.

In this episode of Shutter Trails, I sit down with nature photographers Dave & Kelly Hutchison to talk about their journey from creative partnership to publishing a bestselling Vancouver Island photography book.We explore:• How Dave transitioned from hobbyist to professional landscape photographer;• Kelly’s path into forest therapy and how it influences her creative writing• The process of self-publishing a high-quality photo book;• Working with editors, designers, and printers in Canada;• Building a photography business through bookstores, Amazon, art cards, and calendars;• The realities of stock photography (including Getty Images)• Hosting private photography workshops and whale tours; and• Their honest thoughts on AI in photography and creative authenticity.If you’re interested in landscape photography, nature photography, self-publishing, creative entrepreneurship, or building a photography career in Canada, this conversation offers some great insight from two working artists who are actively doing it.We also talked about:• Shooting with drones in natural environments;• Ethical wildlife photography;• Forest therapy;• Slowing down to see more creatively; and• The challenges of consistent art sales.Dave & Kelly share practical lessons from creating their Vancouver Island photography book — from researching market demand to printing with a Canadian publisher and distributing through bookstores across British Columbia.To learn more about Dave and his photography, please check out his website: davehutchisonphotography.com Kelly has a forest therapy website: salishseaforesttherapy.ca and she has a more personal one as well: kellylovesnature.com If you enjoy this thoughtful conversations about outdoor photography and the creative life, please consider subscribing for future interviews and solo episodes.

In this short episode, I talk about some common reasons your photos may have a flat feel, even though when you were there, the scene was beautiful. I'll also give some tips to help improve your shots, so that you can add depth to them and make them feel more immersive.

In this episode, I discuss various aspects of planning a photography trip, from a short day trip to a long excursion. I take you through the way I planned for a recent trip to the north end of Vancouver Island, and then show you how my plans worked out.

This Trail Marker episode is a little longer, but it is worth it as I discuss a large topic: Rainforest Photography. I'll let you know some techniques and tips that work well in challenging conditions, so you can enjoy being on the forest trail with your camera.

Welcome to the premier episode of the Shutter Trails podcast. Sit back and relax, or bring this episode along with you as you wander the trails with your camera. In this episode, you'll learn more about your host, Drake, and how he came to create this podcast. It's aimed at anyone who has a love for the outdoors and photography. The episode presents the philosophy that will be followed as we discuss various aspects of photography both in solo episodes and in interviews with some very interesting and experienced photographers. I hope you enjoy what you hear (and see) and look forward to some feedback.

This is the first short 'Trail Marker' episode of Shutter Trails, the podcast all about outdoor photography. It's a brief intro into what the podcast is all about and where we're headed. The first full episode will be posted on 7 January 2026. I hope you enjoy following the Shutter Trails podcast to some great interviews and photography talk!