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.Â
Finding Wildlife: How to Track Animals and Anticipate Their Behaviour
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Finding wildlife to photograph is often the first and biggest challenge. But simply locating an animal isn't enough. How do you work out where it is likely to be, understand what it is doing and anticipate what it might do next?
In this episode, I take a look at the practical skills that can make wildlife photography more successful: tracking animals, reading signs in the landscape, understanding behaviour and developing the fieldcraft needed to observe wildlife without disturbing it.
We will look at how to identify promising locations, recognise...
The 10 photography mistakes that are holding you back
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You have a good camera. You may even have some great lenses. But are you actually getting better at photography?
Sometimes the problem isn't your equipment. It's the habits and approaches that are holding you back.
In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at 10 common photography mistakes that can prevent photographers from improvingâfrom beginners who are overwhelmed by their camera to more experienced photographers who have fallen into habits that limit their creativity.
You'll discover why it's important to:
Stop trying to learn everything at...Your camera isn't the problem - Here's what is
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Stop letting your camera make all the decisions. So, what settings should you use for a photograph?
It sounds like a simple questionâbut it's often the wrong place to start.
In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at five important camera decisions and explains why better photography isn't about memorising the "right" settings. It's about understanding what you want your photograph to look like and then choosing the settings that help you achieve it.
Should you use a fast or slow shutter speed? How much de...
Your photos aren't sharp - 7 mistakes you're probably making
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You've taken the photograph, but when you look at it afterwards, it isn't as sharp as you expected.
Before you blame your camera or lens, there are seven common photography mistakes you should check first.
In this episode, Graham Elliott explains why photographs can look soft, covering shutter speed, camera movement, subject movement, autofocus, depth of field, camera technique and post-processing.
But sharpness isn't simply about focus.
You'll also learn about the difference between technical sharpness and perceived sharpness...
Exposure Compensation: Take Control of Your Exposure
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The + and â Button on Your Camera Explained
Ever taken a photograph that looks too dark or too bright, even though your camera seemed to get the exposure right?
That's where exposure compensation comes in.
In this episode, we take a simple, practical look at what exposure compensation is, why your camera sometimes gets exposure wrong, and when you should use the + and â controls on your camera.
You'll learn:
What exposure compensation actually doesWhat +1, â1 and â -stop adjustments meanWhy...What Wildlife Taught Me About People
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What Wildlife Taught Me About People
Spending time photographing wildlife has taught me a lot about photography. But it has also taught me something I didn't expect: quite a lot about people.
Wildlife doesn't follow a script. You can't tell an elephant where to stand, ask a lion to wait for better light, or persuade a bird to do something interesting just because you've got your camera ready.
You have to watch. You have to wait. You have to notice the small changes in behaviour...
Photography Advice That Can Make You Worse
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The Photography Advice I Wish I'd Ignored
Thereâs a lot of photography advice out there â but does following all the rules actually make you a better photographer?
In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at some of the photography advice heâs followed, questioned and ultimately learned to ignore during his years as a photographer, including wildlife photography and working in the field.
We explore some familiar photography rules and assumptions: why buying better camera gear won't necessarily make you a better photographer, why shooting at the...
Its never too late to start photography - But avoid these 7 mistakes
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It's Never Too Late to Start Photography â 7 Traps to Avoid
Have you always wanted to take photography more seriously but wondered whether you've left it too late?
Perhaps you've recently bought your first camera, returned to photography after many years away, or finally have the time to explore something you've always wanted to do. The good news is that you're never too old to start photography.
But getting started can come with a few traps that make the learning process more difficult than it needs to...
Why some photographers improve, and others don't
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Why Some Photographers Improve â and Others Stay Stuck
Why do some photographers seem to improve rapidly while others take thousands of photographs yet feel as though they're making little progress?
It's easy to assume that better photographers simply have more expensive equipment, more natural talent or more experience. But is that really the difference?
In this episode, I look at why simply taking more photographs doesn't necessarily make you a better photographer. I look at the difference between repeating the same habits and genuinely learning fr...
Buying Your Next Camera Part 2: Building the Complete Kit
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Buying Photography Gear Without Wasting Your Money â Part 2: Building the Complete Kit
Choosing the right camera and lens is only the beginning. In Part 2 of this series, we look at the rest of your photography kit â and, more importantly, whether you actually need it.
We explore how to build a practical photography system around the lenses you choose, including:
How to build a complementary lens collection rather than simply accumulating lensesWhen image stabilisation matters â and when it doesn'tAutofocus performance in lenses and camerasFlashguns and the basics of get...Buying Your Next Camera Part 1: Lenses and Bodies
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Buying Photography Gear Without Wasting Your Money â Part 1: The Lens Comes First
Thinking about upgrading your camera? Before you spend your money on the latest body, stop and think about the lens.
In the first of this two-part series, we look at how to make smarter decisions when buying photography gear â starting with what is arguably the most important part of your kit: the lens.
We explore:
Why the lens can have a greater impact on your photography than the camera bodyChoosing the right foca...5 Wildlife photography Mistakes After The Shutter
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The shoot felt great. So why does the final gallery disappoint?
In the final part of our wildlife photography mistakes series, we're covering the mistakes that happen after you've already got the shot â in your review and editing process:
The culling mistake that means you might be missing your actual best frameWhy over-sharpening in post can do more harm than goodThe cropping decision that costs you more than you thinkHow inconsistent colour and white balance can undercut an entire seriesThe one habit that turns every missed shot into your next im...5 Wildlife Photography Mistakes Before You Shoot
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Some of the best shots you never got were lost before the animal even appeared.
In Part 3 of our wildlife photography mistakes series, we're going back to the beginning â the field-craft decisions that set up (or sabotage) everything that follows:
The scouting mistake that has you in the right place at the wrong timeWhy leftover settings from your last outing might already be working against youThe approach mistake that spooks wildlife before you get the shotHow wind, light, and position all need to line up â and what happens when they don...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 â 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 â the first in a 4-part series on wildlife photography mistakes â 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 â 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 backâfrom 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, weâre talking about the real reason so many beginner photographers feel disappointed with their photos â and why your camera might actually be holding you back.
If youâve 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 isnât the gear â itâs 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 thereâs 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 CloseâBut 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 â but somehow the image still doesnât 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 âalmost goodâ 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 â even when the technical settings are correct â 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 âspray and prayâ...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 photographyâexposure compensationâand show you how to use it with intention in the field.
Rather than treating exposure as a technical setting, youâll learn how to use it as part of your creative processâhelping you control light, shape your subject, and guide the viewerâs 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 photographyâbeyond 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.
Youâll 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.
Youâll learn why inspiration isnât 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?Â
I talk about the trade-off between freezing action with faster shutter speeds and keeping noise under controlâand why a sharp, slightly noisy image often beats a blurry one.
I also highlight how aperture isnât just about exposure, but a creative tool for isolating subjects and shaping your image.Â
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, youâll learn what actually matters in the fieldâand what doesnât.Â
Whether youâre 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.Â
It's time for another podcast...
... And... just before I go...
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 wonât.
In this episode, youâll 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 shotsâthis 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 fasterÂđ 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 â and how a small shift in approach can dramatically improve your wildlife photography.
Youâll discover how observation, patience, and a simple intention can transform the way you photograph wildlife. Instead of reacting to every moment, youâll 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 â 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 youâve even taken your first photograph.
Wildlife photography isnât about knowing everything. Itâs about knowing what matters today.
Next Friday, weâll 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 doesnât. It starts in your backyard.Â
You can develop all the vital skills you need for great wildlife photography before you leave home. Here's how...
It's time for another podcast...
... And... just before I go...
How would you like to improve your photography today?
If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will cr...
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.Â
It's time for another podcast...
... And... just before I go...
How would you like to improve your photography today?
If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your p...
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.
It's time for another podcast...
... And... just before I go...
How would you like to improve your photography today?
If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.<...
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...
... And... just before I go...
How would you like to improve your photography today?
If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your...
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.Â
It's time for another podcast...
... And... just before I go...
How would you like to improve your photography today?
If you would, I have a free PDF that t...
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
Itâs 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 âVisual Storytellerâ 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, Steveâs 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...
