Wildlife and Adventure Photography
Wildlife and Adventure Photography is a podcast for those who believe the best images are earned, not taken. Through field-tested insight and thoughtful reflection, each episode explores how preparation, patience, and creative awareness come together to produce photographs with lasting impact.
5 Wildlife Photography Mistakes That Ruin Your Composition
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Technically sharp. Perfectly exposed. And still not a good photo.
In Part 2 of our wildlife photography mistakes series, we're moving past the technical side and into composition — the five framing habits that quietly hold your shots back, even when everything else is dialled in:
Why centering your subject out of habit might be costing you impactThe background mistake most photographers don't notice until it's too lateHow framing too tight, too soon, cuts off the momentThe lead room trick that makes a static shot feel aliveWhy shooting from eye-level every time mi...5 Wildlife Photography Mistakes That Ruin Sharp Shots
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Wildlife Photography Mistakes - Part 1 of 4.
You nailed the composition. The light was perfect. The animal was close. And the shot still came back soft.
In this episode — the first in a 4-part series on wildlife photography mistakes — we're breaking down the five technical habits that quietly ruin sharpness in the field, and exactly how to fix each one:
Why your shutter speed might be wrong for the subject in front of youThe autofocus mode mismatch that locks focus on foliage instead of the eyeWhen shooting wide open is c...The Power of Underexposing on Purpose
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You've been taught to fear the dark frame. Check the histogram, brighten it up, protect the shadows — that's the rule, right? Except some of the most striking, memorable photographs ever taken broke that rule deliberately.
In this episode, we unpack why "correct" exposure and interesting exposure aren't always the same thing. We'll cover where the fear of underexposing actually comes from, what happens to a photo psychologically and visually when you let the shadows win, and exactly how to meter and shoot with intention instead of accident. Plus: where this technique sh...
Talking with Dr Cliff - The Adventures of the Worldwide Vet
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You may already know Dr Cliff Redford from his work in Canada, but his dedication to animals stretches far beyond his Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Markham, Ontario.
Cliff has become a passionate volunteer, travelling the globe to help people and their pets across Jamaica, the Arctic, Greece, India, Panama, Egypt, and Ukraine. From beloved family pets to unexpected wildlife encounters, his stories from the field are as heartwarming as they are extraordinary.
Now, Cliff has captured those adventures in a new documentary and his upcoming book, Far and Wild...
Should you buy a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera in 2026?
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In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest questions facing photographers in 2026: DSLR or mirrorless?
For years, DSLRs dominated the photography world, but mirrorless cameras have rapidly become the industry standard. We break down the key differences between these two camera systems, including how they work, image quality, battery life, viewfinders, lens options, and real-world performance.
We also take a deep dive into autofocus technology, explaining the difference between traditional DSLR phase-detection systems and the AI-powered subject tracking and eye-detection autofocus found in modern mirrorless cameras. If you've...
7 Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Photography (And How to Fix Them)
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Are your photos not turning out the way you imagined, even though you've invested in good gear and spend plenty of time behind the camera?
In this episode, we're breaking down seven common mistakes that hold photographers back—from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. These aren't technical camera settings or obscure photography tricks. They're the everyday habits, assumptions, and blind spots that quietly limit your creative growth.
We'll explore why better equipment won't necessarily make you a better photographer, how understanding light can transform your images, the importance of perspective an...
Why your camera is holding you back
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Why do your photos never look the way the moment felt in real life?
In this episode, we’re talking about the real reason so many beginner photographers feel disappointed with their photos — and why your camera might actually be holding you back.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by blurry shots, dull colours, flat lighting, or confusing settings, you are definitely not alone. Most people assume they need a better camera, but the truth is: the problem usually isn’t the gear — it’s relying on Auto mode to make crea...
Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos Episode 4/4: From Messy Scene to Strong Photograph
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In the final episode of the series, we bring everything together in real-world wildlife situations where decisions have to be made quickly and under pressure.
Wildlife photography rarely happens in perfect conditions. Subjects move unpredictably, backgrounds become messy, light changes constantly, and there’s often very little time to react. The challenge is learning how to stay intentional when scenes become chaotic.
In this episode, we discuss:
how strong photographers make decisions in fast-moving situationswhy field awareness matters more than reacting quicklythe importance of filtering distractions and simplifying sc...Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos E3/4: Why Your Photos Are Close—But Not There
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You review the photo later, and at first, it looks promising. The subject is sharp, the exposure is good, and technically everything seems fine — but somehow the image still doesn’t fully work.
In this episode, we explore why some wildlife photos feel close to being strong but never quite get there. We look at the subtle problems that hold images back and why editing often fails to fix them.
We discuss:
why “almost good” photos are so frustratingthe importance of clarity and subject separationhow timing affects emotional impactth...Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos E2/4: How to stop guessing in the field
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In the first episode, we explored why so many wildlife photos feel random and inconsistent. But once you stop reacting and start shooting intentionally, a new challenge appears: how do you make strong decisions quickly in the field?
In this episode, we look at a simple field process that helps reduce chaos and improve clarity when everything is happening at once. Instead of trying to manage every variable simultaneously, we focus on a practical way to prioritise what matters most in a wildlife scene.
We discuss:
why photographers...Stop Taking Random Wildlife Photos E1/4: Why Some Wildlife Photos Work (And Most Don't)
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Most wildlife photographers think inconsistent photos come from bad luck, missed focus, or not having the right gear. But often the real problem is much simpler: shooting without a clear intention.
In this episode, we explore why so many wildlife photos feel random — even when the technical settings are correct — and the mindset shift that changes everything. Instead of reacting to every wildlife encounter and hoping something works, we look at how stronger photos begin with clearer decisions before the shutter is pressed.
We discuss:
why “spray and pray”...Why Your Wildlife Photos Look Flat (And How to Fix Them in the Field)
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Struggling with wildlife photos that look flat, washed out, or just not how you remember the moment? In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood tools in photography—exposure compensation—and show you how to use it with intention in the field.
Rather than treating exposure as a technical setting, you’ll learn how to use it as part of your creative process—helping you control light, shape your subject, and guide the viewer’s eye.
We walk through a simple, practical 5-step approach you can use on eve...
The Creative Process
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Step inside the real creative process behind photography—beyond inspiration, beyond perfect conditions.
In this episode, we explore how ideas actually take shape across four distinct genres: wildlife, portrait, street, and landscape photography. From waiting on unpredictable moments in the wild to building connection in portraiture, from observing fleeting street scenes to returning to the same landscape in search of light, each discipline reveals a different side of creativity.
You’ll learn why inspiration often comes after you begin, how collecting small moments builds your visual voice, and why failu...
Finding inspiration and developing your style
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Are you struggling to find inspiration or define your photography style? In this episode, we break down how to consistently spark new ideas and turn them into a visual identity that feels authentic to you.
You’ll learn why inspiration isn’t something you wait for, but something you actively build through what you see, shoot, and study. We also explore how limitations can boost creativity, why shooting without pressure matters, and how to train your eye by analysing the work you admire.
On the style side, we unpack how...
How high should you push ISO (and other things)?
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In this episode, I break down the balancing act at the heart of wildlife photography: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. How high should you push your ISO?
I talk about the trade-off between freezing action with faster shutter speeds and keeping noise under control—and why a sharp, slightly noisy image often beats a blurry one.
I also highlight how aperture isn’t just about exposure, but a creative tool for isolating subjects and shaping your image.
Plus, I cut through the hype around megapixels and explain why fu...
The secrets to choosing the right gear for wildlife photography
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In this episode, we break down the real secrets to choosing the right camera gear for wildlife photography. From camera bodies and autofocus to lenses, reach, and essential accessories, you’ll learn what actually matters in the field—and what doesn’t.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade, this episode will help you make smarter gear decisions based on your environment, subjects, and shooting style. Stop wasting money on hype and start building a setup that works.
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Composition in the Wild E4/4: The 3 skills that transform wildlife photography
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Most wildlife photographers think better gear will fix their photos… but it won’t.
In this episode, you’ll learn the 3 skills that actually transform wildlife photography:
field decision-making, light mastery, and a simple system for consistent improvement.
If you want sharper images, better compositions, and more keeper shots—this is where it starts.
In this episode:
How to stop missing great shots in the field Why light matters more than your camera The simple system pros use to improve faster👍 Like & sub...
Composition in the Wild E3/4: Why most wildlife photos feel random (and how to add purpose)
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Why do so many wildlife photographs feel random?
A bird appears, you lift the camera, take the shot… and the moment is gone. Later, the photo feels more like a snapshot than something intentional.
In this episode, we explore why that happens — and how a small shift in approach can dramatically improve your wildlife photography.
You’ll discover how observation, patience, and a simple intention can transform the way you photograph wildlife. Instead of reacting to every moment, you’ll learn how to recognise patterns, anticipate behaviour, and crea...
Composition in the Wild E2/4: How to prepare a wildlife shoot (without over-thinking it)
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Have you ever packed for a wildlife photography outing and felt slightly overwhelmed before you even left the house?
In this episode, we simplify the process.
Preparation should create calm — not stress. And yet many photographers overthink wildlife shoots, worrying about settings, gear, missing the moment, or not knowing enough. The result? Mental clutter before you’ve even taken your first photograph.
Wildlife photography isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about knowing what matters today.
Next Friday, we’ll explore why many wildlife photos feel rando...
Composition in the Wild E1/4: Great Wildlife Photography begins at home
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Many people think wildlife photography starts on safari… or in Africa… or in a national park. It doesn’t. It starts in your backyard.
You can develop all the vital skills you need for great wildlife photography before you leave home. Here's how...
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Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".
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Observation and Composition Ep 4: How to build a photograph from start to finish
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Great photographs are built through a sequence of decisions. Structure, rules, and techniques only matter insofar as they serve intent.
In this final part, we look at how to put everything together and create compelling images.
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Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?
Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".
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Observation and Composition Ep 3: How viewers actually move through an image
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Strong photographs lead the viewer. Composition is about directing visual movement.
In part 3, we look at what draws the eye and how we can use that information to construct photographs that fully engage the viewer.
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Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?
Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".
Support the...
Observation and Composition Ep 2: Why Compositions Fail (and the fix most people miss)
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Most compositions fail because multiple visual messages compete. This episode teaches diagnosis first, then simplification with intent.
In part two, we'll look at how you can take photographs that are fine, technically, but just don't work.
It's time for another podcast...
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Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?
Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".
Support...
Observation and Composition Ep 1: The observation skill that changes every photograph
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Two people can stand in the same place, at the same time, and come away with completely different photographs. Why?
This four-part series examines how observation drives composition and how you can construct photographs designed to elicit a specific response in the viewer.
In this first part, we examine the importance of observation.
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Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?
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7 more mistakes that photographers often make
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In this second podcast, I run through 7 more mistakes it's easy to make:
1. Shooting in Auto Mode
Shooting in Auto severely limits your creative options.
2. Not checking settings
It’s easy to forget to check settings in the heat of the moment. Stay on top of your settings, especially when conditions are changing quickly.
3. Housekeeping
Keep your camera equipment cleaned and properly stored. Mould in lenses will not help your photography.
4. Rushing the...
How to deal with 6 common photography mistakes
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We all make mistakes, and this week I run through 6 common mistakes photographers make and talk through how to handle them:
1. Poor Composition
Centred subject: Placing the subject in the centre of the image. Try the rule of thirds as a way of creating a more interesting image.
Cluttered backgrounds: Distracting elements in the background take attention away from the subject. Be a ‘Visual Storyteller’ and look at the whole scene before pressing the shutter button.
2. Over- or Underexposure
Failing to adjust for ligh...
Steve and Nicole Gettle Wildlife Photographers
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For over 40 years, Steve Gettle has dedicated his life to capturing the stunning beauty of nature through his lens. With countless hours spent photographing wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes that surround us, Steve’s work radiates his deep love for the natural world. His vibrant images invite viewers to appreciate the wonders of wildlife and wild places like never before.
Steve has had his work featured in a variety of esteemed publications, such as National Geographic, Canadian Geographic, Audubon Magazine, and the BBC. His photographs have also been featured in calendars an...
Trusted the Meter
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Last week, we looked at what happens when there is a failure of perception. This week, we look at the opposite problem: when the camera tells you exactly what to do, but the result is incorrectly exposed.
Are you asking the right question?
This is the final part of the three-podcast series looking at exposure issues.
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Where light tricks you
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In part two of this exploration of exposure, we look at situations where everything looks great, but when you look at the image in the camera, it is nothing like what you saw.
We’ll look at why this happens and what you can do about it.
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Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?
Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Ph...
The Exposure Mistake I Still Make When Shooting Wildlife
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Have you ever had a situation where a shot looks good, but when you check the photo, the exposure is off? Well, I’m sure we’ve often experienced it, and it’s one of those mistakes you only make once. Except… you don’t.
I had a similar situation recently. Nothing went wrong… except I forgot one thing. This is how our cameras work.
Getting the correct exposure is one of the most important aspects of photography. You have much greater latitude and creative potential in post with a correctly...
7 Wildlife Photography Mistakes Even Experienced Photographers Still Make
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Most people think wildlife photography is about having the longest lens and the most expensive camera. But the truth is, some of the biggest mistakes happen after you’ve been doing this for years. Today I’m breaking down seven wildlife photography mistakes even experienced photographers still make — and how to fix them.
Chasing Gear Instead of Mastering TechniqueIgnoring Animal Behaviour PatternsPoor Ethics and Disturbing WildlifeShooting in Bad Light Without a PlanOver-Reliance on Autofocus and Auto ModesNot Preparing for the EnvironmentOvershooting and Under-EditingAnd remember:
The best lens is the one yo...Why your photographs don't look sharp
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Perfectly exposed images can appear to be soft or out of focus. There are two contributing factors that play a part in this:
How our eyes and brain perceive sharpness
The role of contrast in the image.
It’s important to remember that RAW files are not photographs. And that the JPG we see on the back of the camera has already gone through a process that includes sharpening.
In this podcast, I’ll talk through these processes and the importance of post-processing RAW images.
Where does AutoFocus struggle?
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In this episode, I'll look at four scenarios that are likely to throw off your AF system:
Low Light or Low Contrast ConditionsWrong AF Area Mode for the SituationFast or Unpredictable MovementExtremely Shallow Depth of FieldI'll talk you through different AF systems and what you can do to get the best results from each scenario.
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Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?
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Do you need expensive camera gear to take great photos?
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One of my pet hates is people coming up to me and saying something along the lines of “that’s a great picture, you must have a really good camera”. To me, it’s a little like someone going up to Shakespeare and saying, “That was a great play, you must have a really good quill”!
Cameras are tools, and the fact is that if you are taking boring pictures now and you buy an expensive camera without changing anything else, you will still take boring pictures.
In this podcast, I’l...
How to break through creative blocks
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Are you tired of feeling stuck following endless photography rules, resulting in images that just… exist? What if I told you there's a way to unlock a deeper, more intuitive connection with your camera, allowing you to capture photographs that truly speak to the soul? In this podcast we’ll look at how you can move beyond rigid guidelines and embracing the organic flow of visual storytelling.
We will look at:
The Illusion of Rules; rules (like the rule of thirds) are often misinterpreted as unbreakable laws rather than help...
Which is best - YouTube or Courses?
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With so much free material available immediately on YouTube, is there any place for formal photography courses? That’s what I’ll be looking into in this podcast.
Please add your thoughts and comments in the comments section, or send an email to graham@ge.photography
The Appeal of Free YouTube Learning
Advantages:
Accessibility & CostBreadth of ContentEntertaining & Bite-SizedLimitations
Lack of structure; scattered lessonsQuality varies drasticallyRisk of “learning mode” without real skill progressionAlgorithm-driven rather than curriculum-drivenThe...
Wildlife and landscapes with Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove
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My guest on this podcast is Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove. Jeroen describes himself as a hybrid photographer, shooting both wildlife and landscapes. In this podcast, we talk about how he started in photography and he shares some of his experiences photographing wildlife in Iceland, where he lives, Greenland and Antarctica.
Jeroen shoots with both Canon mirrorless cameras and drones. He describes the difference that using drones has made to his photography and the equipment he currently uses.
He also runs workshops and shares his insights into the most common mistakes...
How to Avoid the Biggest Low-Light Photography Mistakes
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Understanding low-light photography opens up another world of possibilities for wildlife photography. The fact is that a good deal of activity happens once the sun has gone down, and it is very rewarding to be able to share the world that comes to life with people who might not be aware of it.
However, as always, there are a few things to remember and some mistakes to avoid. Here are the ten most common low-light photography mistakes:
Using Too Low an ISOShutter Speed Too SlowNot Using a Fast LensRelying Too...Why you should become an urban wildlife photographer
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A major part of a successful wildlife photography experience is preparation. Doing the right preparation can make the difference between having a great experience and a frustrating one. The problem is that most of us do not have access to wildlife every day, or do we?
Getting to know your own area and the wildlife in it can give you access to all the wildlife you need to become confident when you do travel for your big trip. Most of us have our eyes wide open when we visit a new...
The future of wildlife photography, AI and ethics
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AI has already had a big impact on digital photography, and you may be using it without realising it.
If you're using a smartphone, AI is driving scene recognition, HDR and exposure, and modes. For DSLR and Mirrorless users, it may well be driving your tracking and autofocus. It is widely used in post-processing to enhance images through noise reduction and the removal of unwanted objects.
So what are the considerations for photographers? I'll share some ideas with you in this podcast and take a look at the ethical i...
