Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast

In this most recent episode of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey sit down with special guest, landscape photographer Ben Horne, for a thoughtful conversation about how the way we see our own photographs changes over time. What starts as excitement or disappointment in the moment often shifts months or years later, sometimes in ways we never expect.

Ben shares stories from a recent trip to Zion, walks through his film and ...

Is photography better kept as a passion, or does turning it into a business change the relationship entirely?

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dig into the real-world tradeoffs between photography as a hobby and photography as a source of income. The discussion explores what monetization actually looks like for landscape photographers, why prints and education tend to be the most common paths, and how financ...

In Episode 19 of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey dig into how photography trips shape us far beyond the images we bring home. Travel can spark creativity and excitement, but it also introduces uncertainty, pressure, and the challenge of balancing expectations with reality.

We talk about what happens when you photograph unfamiliar places, how travel can help reconnect you with your original motivation for picking up a ca...

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey explore the often-overlooked power of local photography and why shooting close to home can make you a stronger, more fulfilled nature photographer.

Traveling for your nature photography is inspiring and iconic, but local landscapes offer something just as valuable: repetition, familiarity, and the chance to truly learn a place. We talk about how photographing nearby loc...

In Episode 17 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dive deep into the business side of selling photographic prints. From pricing and production choices to fulfillment and customer service, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make print sales work sustainably.

They discuss how to think about pricing beyond just cost, the pros and cons of printing your own work versus using a professional lab, and ...

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey take a candid look at imposter syndrome in photography. How it shows up, why it’s so common, and what you can actually do about it. From selling prints and filling workshops to navigating slow seasons and shifting economic realities, they unpack the pressures photographers face at every stage of their creative and business journeys.

Michael and Jeffrey share personal stories,...

In this episode, renowned nature photographer Alex Noriega joins the hosts Michael and Jeffrey. The trio delve into the critical importance of curating your nature photography to elevate it from good to memorable. 

The conversation covers a variety of topics, including the selection and refinement of images, social media’s impact on curation, balancing personal satisfaction with audience engagement, and the influence technology may...

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, join Michael and Jeffrey as they delve into the challenges and opportunities that arise when photographing in difficult weather conditions. From harsh midday light, heavy overcast skies, rain, snow, wind, and other less-than-ideal situations, nature photographers can face it all. 

They discuss their personal experiences and strategies for adapting to unforeseen difficulties, and turning infield ...

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey dive into the ever evolving debate of whether camera gear still matters in 2025 for nature photography. 

They discuss brand loyalty, the real-world benefits of upgrading, and how new technology impacts photography. They also highlight the common traps photographers fall into when upgrading their gear and offer advice on evaluating genuine needs versus fear of missing ou...

In Episode 12 of Shutter Nonsense, the hosts Michael and Jeffrey discuss their favorite apps for nature photographers to help with everything from pre-trip planning to campsite discovery and field navigation. 

Michael and Jeffrey provide insights on essential apps such as OnX Offroad, Google Earth, Gaia GPS, Windy, and more. They also share personal experiences and tips for maximizing the use of these apps to streamline photography...

Photographer Barbara Livieri joins hosts Michael and Jeffrey in this episode of Shutter Nonsense for an in-depth discussion of photography workshops and preparation tips. The trio talks about how to prepare for nature photography workshops, the good and bad experiences they've encountered, and why mindset is crucial for getting the most out of these immersive learning experiences. 

They also delve into the importance of building co...

In this milestone episode (Episode 10!!!) of Shutter Nonsense, we explore the evolution of post-processing techniques and style with our special guest, Murray Livingston. The discussion covers how our approaches to editing have changed over time, the merits of JPEG vs. RAW, black and white versus color photography, post-processing techniques, the importance of intentionality in editing, and more! 

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In episode 9 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey delve into photo printing, discussing the basics of getting started, the pros and cons of home printing versus using a professional lab, and how to choose the right paper for your prints. 

We also cover important considerations when editing for prints and share tips based on our personal experiences to help you make the best printing choices for your work. We also explore the to...

In this episode, Michael and Jeffrey dive deep into the world of photo contests with special guest Matt Payne, host of the 'F-Stop, Collaborate and Listen' podcast and co-founder of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA). 

The discussion covers the intricacies of entering photo contests, common pitfalls, and managing expectations. The trio also touches on the importance of preserving the realism in landscape photography, a...

In this inaugural guest episode, Michael and Jeffrey are joined by acclaimed nature photographer and educator Sarah Marino. They delve into the rising trend of photography eBooks, discussing personal and business experiences, the value of image sequencing, and the nuances of creating engaging content. Sarah shares insights from her journey, the importance of storytelling in photography, and offers valuable tips for anyone consideri...

In this episode, Michael and Jeffrey discuss everything you need to know about car camping. They cover topics such as setting up your vehicle, safety tips, essential gear, and personal experiences. 

Perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers, this episode explores the intricacies of transforming your vehicle into a comfortable, efficient, and safe adventure home. Join the conversation, get practical tips, and explore the w...

In the fifth episode of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey delve into the evolution of nature photographers over time, discussing the shift from capturing grand vistas to focusing on smaller, more intimate scenes. They debate the reasons behind this evolution, emphasizing the importance of photographing personal passions rather than chasing trends. 

Throughout the episode, they share personal experiences, discuss their app...

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey delve into the intricate relationship between authenticity, photography, and the rapidly evolving world of AI and digital art. They discuss issues surrounding honesty, integrity, and the impact of AI on the creative process and nature photography. 

The episode explores the challenges of defining authenticity in an increasingly artificial world and examines both the bene...

Join hosts Michael Rung and Jeffrey Tadlock as they dive into their personal photography journeys in this episode of Shutter Nonsense. They discuss everything from their first cameras to their biggest 'aha' moments, early influences, and how they balance life with their passion for photography. 

This episode also features a lightning-fast Q&A round covering first cameras, early influences, balancing life and photography, and mo...