In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, Joe and Chris break down a recent, heart-pounding encounter with a lynx. Beyond the feline highlight, we’re catching you up on everything else in our world: • The Lynx Breakdown: A firsthand look at the gear used during this incredible sighting. • What’s New in the Bag: We’re discussing the latest photography gear we’ve been testing and how it’s holding up in the field. • On the Road: We have a lineup of upcoming speaking engagements! We’re sharing where we’ll be headed next and how you can join us. • Life on the Trail: A recap of our recent outings and a general "what’s up" with the duo as we navigate the current season. Whether you’re here for the wildlife stories or the technical talk, grab a seat and join the conversation. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!' Thanks for watching! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca Reflections: https://www.footprintsinnature.ca/reflections --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2026 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Imagine trading the industrial world for eleven years tracking wildlife through the remote corners of Vancouver Island. This unwavering patience has now culminated in our guest being named the 2025 Canadian Geographic Photographer of the Year. In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys, Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs sit down with acclaimed award winning Canadian wildlife photographer Anthony Bucci. Based in Port McNeill, British Columbia, Anthony has spent over a decade refining his craft along the rugged BC coastlines. Born and raised in the Fraser Valley, he transitioned to pursuing his craft full time over ten years ago and has since become widely recognized for his patient and behaviour focused style. Anthony is known for extreme patience, often waiting hours for the perfect light to capture unique animal behaviour rather than standard shots. His work specializing in bears, eagles, and owls has been published in prestigious outlets including National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Forbes, and Canadian Geographic. Beyond his own photography, he shares his passion for the Inside Passage by offering private guided marine photography tours around North Vancouver Island. *Anthony Bucci Show Links* • WEBSITE | https://www.abucciphotography.com • INSTAGRAM WILDLIFE | https://www.instagram.com/abucciphoto • INSTAGRAM ASTRO | https://www.instagram.com/a_bucci_landscapes • FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/A.Bucciphotography • YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@Abucciphoto Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:42 Welcoming Anthony Bucci 4:07 How Anthony Got Started in Photography 10:46 The Beginning of Photo Tours 17:15 Marine Wildlife Tours on Vancouver Island 22:55 Camera Gear and Shooting Nikon 25:00 Regulations for Photographing Marine Mammals 32:29 Taking International Guests on Tours 37:18 Giving Back to the Community 43:00 Raising Funds for a Local Family 46:46 Volunteering at the OWL Rehabilitation Centre 49:36 Field Process and Clean Backgrounds 54:15 The Quest for Coastal Wolves 1:03:10 Discovering Deep Sky Astrophotography 1:10:55 The Camera Store Sponsor Break 1:11:18 2025 Canadian Geographic Photographer of the Year 1:25:48 Defining Success and Keeping a Level Head 1:30:33 Exploring Diverse Photography Streams 1:36:00 Transitioning into Video and Going Viral 1:40:02 Building an Email List and Website 1:42:00 Selecting Images for Competitions 1:44:53 Keeping Locations Secret and Respecting Wildlife 1:48:18 Advice for New Wildlife Photographers 1:55:38 Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!' Thanks for watching! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2025 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How do you go from shooting the Olympics to tracking polar bears in the sub-Arctic? In this episode, legendary Canadian photojournalist Johnny Hayward shares his journey from the high-pressure world of professional sports and news photography to the frozen tundra of Churchill, Manitoba. After 28 years as a premier national photographer, Johnny now runs Bear Witness Photo, where he captures the quiet, powerful stories of the North. *JOHNNY HAYWARD LINKS* • Bear Witness Photo Website | https://www.bearwitnessphoto.com • Bear Witness Photo Tours | https://www.bearwitnessphoto.com/polar-bear-tours • Johnny Hayward Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bearwitnessphoto Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:44 Welcoming Johnny Hayward 4:53 How Johnny Got Started in Photography 7:18 What is a Wire Service? 10:06 Walking Away from Photojournalism 11:05 Photographing the 2010 Olympics 15:20 The Draw to Polar Bears 21:00 The Origin of Bear Witness Photo 23:01 Promoting Client Photography 29:00 Ethical Polar Bear Viewing 37:13 Looking for Other Wildlife in Churchill 40:18 The Stolen Trail Camera Story 43:00 Essential Cold Weather Gear 51:17 Understanding Polar Bear Behaviour 56:15 A Business Class Tour Experience 59:00 The Sensory Experience of Churchill 1:03:55 The Camera Store Sponsor Break 1:04:18 Who Can Attend the Workshops 1:06:13 Finding a Reset in Churchill 1:14:10 Water Skiing Photography 1:23:34 The Real Danger of Polar Bears 1:30:00 Enforcing Safety Expectations on Tours 1:35:37 Shifting to Video in Wildlife Photography 1:42:00 Sharing Photos and Enjoying the Moment 1:47:25 Career Highlights: The Olympic Torch and the Royals 1:53:06 Advice for Visiting Churchill 1:57:43 Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!' Thanks for watching! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2026 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What if the most powerful part of photography happens before you ever press the shutter? In this episode, world-renowned nature photographer Ian Plant shares why he believes the true magic of photography isn’t created on a computer, it’s experienced in the field. We talk about presence, patience, light, timing, and why chasing real moments will always matter more than chasing perfection. This is a conversation about slowing down, paying attention, and reconnecting with why we picked up a camera in the first place. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your photography, burned out on editing, or tired of chasing trends, this one’s for you. *IAN PLANT SHOW LINKS* • Website | https://ianplant.com • Photo Masters | https://www.photomasters.com • Workshops | https://www.photomasters.com/workshops Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:42 Welcoming Ian Plant 2:17 From Law to Professional Photography 8:50 Expanding Beyond Landscape Photography 14:06 Capturing the True Magic in Camera 20:06 The Fine Line of Editing and Masking 24:19 The Monochrome Project 31:00 Why You Should Keep All Your RAW Files 36:11 Camera Gear and Third-Party Lenses 38:52 The Challenge of Balancing Video and Photography 49:19 The Camera Store Sponsor Break 49:45 Learning the "Why" of Photography 54:00 The Defining Light Table Story 1:02:26 Dispelling the "Rules" of Photography 1:08:58 Favourite Techniques and Creative Evolution 1:16:35 The Terror of Underwater Wildlife Photography 1:23:25 Teaching Workshops and Photo Masters 1:26:06 The Most Common Landscape Photography Mistake 1:29:53 The Value of Knee Pads and Getting Low 1:32:56 Using Platypods for Ground-Level Perspectives 1:36:31 Advice for Escaping a Creative Rut 1:37:57 Upcoming Workshops and Final Thoughts Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!' Thanks for watching! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2026 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fall in the Canadian Rockies means one thing, The elk rut. In this episode, Chris and Joe head into the mountains to experience one of nature’s most intense and dramatic wildlife events, the elk rut. From echoing bugles in the dark to quiet moments waiting for light, this is what it’s really like to be out there during peak season. It’s not about trophies or checklists. It’s about patience, presence, and being part of the wild, even if only for a moment. If you love wildlife photography, elk behaviour, cinematic nature films, or the raw beauty of autumn in the Rockies, this one’s for you. Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:27 Fall Elk Recap and Recent Trips 2:24 Photography Events and Current Projects 4:45 Managing Photo Volumes with Burst Mode 5:42 Timing the 2025 Elk Rut 7:27 Bull Fights and Photographer Crowds 8:26 Muscle Memory and Switching Camera Bodies 10:47 Comparing the Canon R5, R5C, and C80 13:23 Stabilization and Using a Monopod for Video 16:29 The Camera Store Sponsor Break 16:55 Creative Camera Settings for the Rut 18:15 Video Settings and Building a Cinematic Story 19:38 Impressive Sony Autofocus Capabilities 21:52 The Challenge of Separate Video Record Buttons 23:43 Favourite Images from the Trip 26:47 Observing Unique Elk Behaviour 27:55 Meeting Up with Photography Friends 30:27 Aggressive Elk and Park Safety Protocols 32:32 The Impact of Wildfires on the Herds 35:17 Upgrading Camp Power with EcoFlow Stations 38:31 Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!' Thanks for watching! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2026 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What does it take to photograph wildlife in extreme environments, from the Rocky Mountains to the remote wilds of Alaska? Photographer, writer, and conservation advocate Dawn Wilson joins The Nature Photo Guys to share how a lifelong connection to animals and a move from New Jersey to Colorado reshaped her career behind the lens. Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Rockies, Dawn developed a deep focus on photographing wildlife in high-altitude and high-latitude environments, documenting animal behavior, conservation stories, and the wild places that shape them. Now a full-time photographer and writer, her work has appeared in more than 600 published pieces, including Outdoor Photographer, Colorado Outdoors, and National Geographic Digital. Her dedication to wildlife storytelling extends beyond photography through published books, guided workshops, and spending 15 months on the road in an RV photographing wildlife across North America. Dawn has also served two terms as President of NANPA, worked as a Master Naturalist, and continues to advocate for wildlife conservation through education and storytelling. 📸 Please welcome to the show, Dawn Wilson. *DAWN WILSON SHOW LINKS* • Website | https://www.dawnwilsonphotography.com/ • Creeks and Critters Nature Tours | https://www.ccnaturetours.com/ • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnwilsonphoto • Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DawnWilsonPhotography Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:56 Welcoming Dawn Wilson 2:48 How Dawn Got Started in Photography 6:20 The 15 Month RV Journey 11:00 The Importance of Business and Marketing Skills 14:13 Thoughts on Social Media and Vertical Video 24:00 The Relevance of Blogs and Writing 26:55 Why You Need an Email Newsletter 34:30 Camera Gear and Dabbling in Video 37:47 The Draw to Extreme Cold Environments 48:40 Early Photography Influences 53:17 The Camera Store Sponsor Break 53:40 The Shift to Environmental Storytelling 59:30 Capturing Behind the Scenes Content 1:02:00 Dealing with Photography FOMO 1:15:38 Teaching Workshops and Tours 1:18:00 Upcoming Tours and Bucket List Destinations 1:22:42 Advice for New Wildlife Photographers 1:25:30 The Value of Photography Organizations 1:28:30 Future Goals and Conservation Writing 1:33:46 Where to Find Dawn Online 1:35:40 The Impact of AI on the Photography Industry 1:38:13 Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!' Thanks for watching! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2025 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join Chris and Joe as they dive into Joe’s 2025 photography expedition to Svalbard, one of the wildest, most unpredictable, and awe-inspiring places on the planet. From life on the ship and long days on the pack ice to polar bears, walrus encounters, dramatic Arctic light, and those surreal moments that only happen miles from anywhere, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to photograph in the High Arctic. Joe shares what worked, what didn’t, the gear that earned its keep, and the lessons he’s bringing forward into future workshops. Chris jumps in with the questions every photographer wants answered, keeping things honest, practical, and entertaining along the way. If you love wildlife photography, adventure travel, expedition life, or the challenge of photographing in remote Arctic environments, this episode is for you. In this episode: • Polar bear photography in extreme conditions • Walrus encounters and pack-ice wildlife • What it’s like living and shooting from an expedition ship • Gear that survived (and gear that didn’t) • Lessons for future Svalbard workshops • How to prepare for Arctic wildlife photography 📸 Svalbard 2025 a place where light, ice, and wildlife come together like nowhere else. Enjoyed the episode? Like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future adventures with The Nature Photo Guys. Thanks for watching! Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:57 The Svalbard Icebreaker Trip 2:23 Lost Luggage and AirTags 4:35 Exploring Longyearbyen 9:32 The Husky Cafe Experience 10:48 Boarding the Icebreaker 14:26 The Ship's Crew and Accommodations 18:05 Polar Bears on the Pack Ice 23:55 Ethical Polar Bear Encounters 32:56 Encountering Giant Walruses 35:21 Photographing from Zodiacs 39:13 The Camera Store Sponsor Break 39:41 Bearded Seals and Hooded Seals 44:26 Photographing Atlantic Puffins 47:33 Guillemots and Bird Cliffs 49:52 Northern Fulmars and Parasitic Jaegers 53:39 Ivory Gulls and Aggressive Arctic Terns 57:33 Glaucous Gulls and Barnacle Geese 59:35 Little Auks in the Scree 1:01:27 First Encounter with a Blue Whale 1:05:08 Minke, Fin, and Beluga Whales 1:08:58 The Arctic Fox 1:11:08 Svalbard Reindeer 1:14:33 Svalbard Landscapes and Glaciers 1:21:26 Camera Gear and Managing Data Storage 1:25:28 Camera Settings for Svalbard 1:31:33 Long Hours and 24 Hour Daylight 1:33:17 The 2026 Svalbard Workshop 1:35:25 Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2025 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Turgeon, Canadian Geographic’s 2024 Photographer of the Year, to talk about his incredible journey in nature photography. What began in 2015 as simple iPhone snapshots during difficult times, quiet walks with his dogs that helped him reconnect with nature, has grown into a body of work celebrated across Canada and beyond. Since then, Shane’s images of landscapes, night skies, storms, and wildlife have been featured by: • NASA • Canadian Geographic • Natural Landscape Photography Awards • PhotoLife Magazine • Numerous national media outlets Shane continues to explore western Canada, creating images that reflect both the beauty of the land and his deep personal connection to it. His work ranges from intimate, subtle scenes to dramatic storm filled vistas, always carrying a sense of honesty and presence that sets him apart. He is also the creator of the Lightchasers Nature Photography Conference, which has grown from its first event in 2022 into one of Canada’s premier nature photography gatherings. The 2026 conference marks its fifth year. Join us as we talk about creativity, personal growth, perseverance, and the story behind Shane’s rise to becoming one of Canada’s most respected nature photographers. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!' Thanks for watching! **Show Links** Shane Turgeon Website | https://shaneturgeonphotography.com/ Shane Turgeon Worksops | https://shaneturgeonphotography.com/workshops/ Lightchasers Nature Photography Conference | https://lightchasersconference.com/ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:57 Welcoming Shane Turgeon Back 4:00 The Solo Drive to Tuktoyaktuk 8:20 Finding Gratitude in Bad Weather 10:28 The Benefits of Wild Camping 15:46 Plans for Lightchasers 2026 17:30 Switching to Nikon Camera Gear 21:50 The Lightchasers Venue Change Story 27:26 Fostering the Canadian Photo Community 30:30 Standing Out as an Exceptional Photographer 35:35 Overcoming Impostor Syndrome 39:40 Winning 2024 Canadian Geographic Photographer of the Year 44:35 The Camera Store Sponsor Break 45:00 Staying True to the Art of Photography 53:05 Refining a Personal Photographic Vision 58:10 Taking Photos for Better Mental Health 1:02:24 Shane's Go-To Camera Gear 1:08:24 Astro Modified Cameras and Star Trackers 1:15:40 Photographing Storms and Tornadoes 1:18:49 Creating Time Lapse Films 1:21:13 Dream Photography Destinations in Canada 1:24:28 Moving Towards Nature Filmmaking 1:27:59 Rewiring the Brain Through Learning 1:32:43 Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up ----------- *Disclosure:* Some of the links are partner links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ may earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you; in fact, in some cases, you may even receive a discount. Your support through these links help ‘The Nature Photo Guys’ to continue creating valuable content. Thank you! *TCS | The Camera Store | Get the picture* Title Sponsor | https://thecamerastore.com/ *f-stop | Elevate Your Photography with Premium Modular Bags and Backpacks!* Ambassadors | https://shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=5647323.2f459e *MotionHeat | Face the winter head on with Heated Wear Essentials!* Ambassadors | https://www.motionheat.ca/?ref=TNPGP15 Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPGP15 at checkout *Kase Filters Canada | Unleash the Brilliance of True Colours!* Pro Partners | http://www.kasefilterscanada.com *DxO photo editing software | For the passionate photographer* Affiliates | https://tidd.ly/4nhPwLe Save 15% off by using coupon code TNPG15 at checkout --------------- *The Nature Photo Guys* Email: info@thenaturephotoguys.ca Website: http://www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenaturephotoguyspodcast *Joe Desjardins* Email: joe@joedesjardins.ca Website: http://www.JoeDesjardins.ca Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joedesjardins.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joedesjardins.ca *Chris Gibbs* Email: chris.gibbs@footprintsinnature.ca Website: http://www.footprintsinnature.ca YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ @FootprintsInNature Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/footprintsinnature.ca Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/footprintsinnature.ca ---------- © 2025 The Nature Photo Guys | Thank you for watching! Please Like, Share & Subscribe to see new content! ----------