Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast

This is a special excerpt from the bonus episode we released on Patreon. We share some exciting updates about our 2027 workshops and we didn't want to keep them from you!

Can a landscape photograph do more than show people a beautiful place? And if you care deeply about wilderness, how do you move beyond saying it matters and actually become useful to the work of protecting it? In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, we sat down with nature photographer, author, and conservationist Eric Bennett to talk about the relationship between photography and conservation. Eric shares how years of exploring Utah changed both the way he photographs and the way he thinks about wilderness, why he believes affection and reverence matter alongside legal protection, and how photographers can help people care without pretending a photograph can solve every environmental problem. We also get into the harder parts of advocacy: misinformation, audience fatigue, choosing issues you actually understand, and resisting the pressure to weigh in on everything. Eric explains why he focuses close to home, how writing and self-initiated projects led to relationships with conservation organizations, and why sending one email can sometimes be more useful than waiting around for an invitation. A major part of the conversation centers on something that is easy to leave outside the frame entirely - natural silence. Eric talks about the ideas behind Space, Stillness, Silence, his work with Quiet Parks International, and why protecting a place should include more than preserving what it looks like. Join the free Shutter Nonsense community on Patreon and tell us about the place you feel most protective of. What changed your relationship with it, and have you found a way to contribute beyond making photographs there? 👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Focused Fan members and above get each new episode before the public release and without the public-release ads. Free followers can upgrade whenever they want early, ad-free access while still joining the same community discussion. Highlights How Eric moved from destination-driven photography toward a more responsive 'conversation with nature' Why familiarity with one place can make conservation work more credible and useful How photographs can build emotional connection without replacing policy, science, or stewardship Why exaggeration and misinformation can undermine a conservation message Why Eric doesn't wait for organizations to invite him before starting a project Natural sound, solitude, and silence as conservation resources How photographers can contribute through writing, field knowledge, fundraising, documentation, and outreach Why one small, informed action can be a better starting point than trying to solve everything at once Related Links Eric Bennett: https://www.bennettfilm.com/ Conservation is Not Enough: https://www.bennettfilm.com/ConservationIsNotEnough Factory Butte Article: https://www.bennettfilm.com/ProtectingBeautyAndSolace Silence: The World's Scarcest Resoource: https://www.bennettfilm.com/SilenceProject Escalante Photo Essay: https://medium.com/@wilderness/photo-essay-touring-the-areas-to-lose-protections-at-utahs-grand-staircase-escalante-eb04b5140b65 Escalante Boundary Reductions: https://www.bennettfilm.com/TheTragicUndoingofEscalante Wilderness Society: https://www.wilderness.org/ Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance: https://suwa.org/ Grand Staircase Escalante Partners: https://gsenm.org/ Quiet Parks International: https://www.quietparks.org/ Eric's Book Recommendations We may earn a small commission from purchases made through the provided links. "One Square Inch of Silence" by Gordon Hempton: https://amzn.to/3UpZh02 "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey: https://amzn.to/3V34U4k "The Voice of the Desert" by Joseph Wood Krutch: https://amzn.to/4x0Gk1E "Downriver" by Heather Hansman: https://amzn.to/4xoY9IB "The Solace of Open Spaces" by Gretel Ehrlich: https://amzn.to/3T0EXlu "The Quiet Crisis" by Steward L Udall: https://amzn.to/4gtqQ0Y "The Desert" by John C Van Dyke: https://amzn.to/4qGGiu0 Learn more about Michael's photography: www.

In Episode 25 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey are joined by Cole Thompson and John Barclay to talk about color versus monochrome photography, and how to know when each one makes sense. The conversation goes way beyond editing choices and gets into vision, intention, creativity, and why black and white can be either a distraction-free tool or a deeply personal way of seeing. Along the way, they talk about learning to see in black and white, how personal vision shapes the work we make, the difference between photographing for likes versus photographing for meaning, and why this choice often goes much deeper than simple aesthetics. There’s plenty of humor in this one too, which is probably exactly what you’d expect when these four get together. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: Cole explains why black and white is not a style choice for him, but simply how he sees the world John talks about using both color and monochrome, and how he decides which serves the image best Michael and Jeffrey reflect on using black and white as a beginner “save” versus making a deliberate creative choice The group discusses whether color or black and white is actually harder to do well A conversation on vision, imitation, and finding your own voice as a photographer Why color can sometimes overpower a photograph instead of helping it The role age, experience, and older darkroom exposure may play in how photographers connect with black and white A bigger conversation about social media, likes, and making work that feels personal and meaningful Related Links: John Barclay: https://johnbarclayphotography.com/ Cole Thompson: https://colethompsonphotography.com/ The Cole & John Photography Show: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoleandjohnshow7236 Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/ Sarah Marino: https://www.smallscenes.com/ Matt Payne: https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/ Murray Livingston: https://www.murraylivingston.com/ Jack Curran: https://jackcurranphotography.store/ Joshua Cripps: https://www.joshuacripps.com/ Mitch Dobrowner: http://mitchdobrowner.com/ Chuck Kimmerle: https://www.chuckkimmerle.com/ Michael Kenna: https://www.michaelkenna.com/ Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, we dig into minimalism vs maximalism in landscape photography and talk through what those ideas actually mean in practice. We start by catching up on the usual behind-the-scenes chaos: preparing for the long drive from Ohio to Death Valley for an upcoming workshop, building landing pages for holiday promotions, launching a new iPhone photo app, and squeezing in a last-minute presentation for Angel McNeese’s 2025 landscape photography summit. From there, we get into the main topic and explore the difference between minimalist and maximalist photography, why “small scenes” are not automatically minimalist, and how the places you shoot can heavily influence the way you see and compose images. We also talk about reducing visual confusion, managing visual weight, why minimalist images are often harder to pull off than they look, and how editing can either strengthen or completely undo a simple composition. We also get into the role social media plays in what photographers choose to share, and how that can shape perceptions of style more than we might realize. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights Include: Defining minimalist vs maximalist landscape photography Why small scenes are not automatically minimalist How your environment can influence your natural shooting style The challenge of simplifying chaotic scenes into stronger compositions Using visual weight to create balance and clarity in an image Why minimalist photography is often harder than it first appears The difference between an image feeling empty versus intentionally minimal How editing and processing can strengthen or weaken minimalist photographs Social Media Influence Related Links: PhotoPack Pro App John Barclay and Cole Thompson YouTube Channel Jennifer Renwick Sarah Marino Anna Morgan Eric Bennett Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

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 large-format workflow, and reflects on what it’s like to revisit older work with fresh eyes. Together, they talk openly about creative doubt, the tension between technical perfection and emotional impact, and why some images only reveal their value long after they were made. This episode is an honest discussion about growth, patience, and learning to trust the photographic process. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights How photographers’ perceptions of their own work evolve over time Revisiting older images and seeing them differently years later Creative doubt and its role in long-term growth Balancing technical perfection with emotional impact Film photography, large format workflow, and slowing down Why some images take time to reveal their value Related Links Ben Horne’s Website: https://www.benhorne.com/ Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

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 camera, and why growth often comes from being uncomfortable. Along the way, we share personal travel stories, discuss planning versus spontaneity, explore solo versus group travel dynamics, and reflect on how revisiting familiar locations compares to chasing something new. This episode is less about destinations and more about intention, awareness, and the long-term impact photography trips can have on your creative life. Whether you travel often or only occasionally, this conversation is about making those trips more meaningful. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: Why photography trips often change how we think about photography, not just what we photograph The creative benefits and mental challenges of working in unfamiliar locations How travel can help reconnect you with your original motivation for picking up a camera Planning versus spontaneity, and why both matter on photography-focused trips Solo travel compared to group trips, and how each shapes the experience differently Balancing photography goals with simply being present while traveling The role of repeat visits versus constantly chasing new destinations How deeper connections to places can influence conservation awareness and advocacy Practical advice for photographers planning their first trip centered around photography Relevant Links: Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

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 how different sales channels like online stores and art fairs shape your strategy. The episode also explores presentation, shipping, refunds, replacements, and the ongoing debate around limited edition prints. If you are a photographer who sells prints or is thinking about adding print sales to your business, this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical considerations. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights Include: • Pricing photographic prints realistically • Self-printing vs third-party labs • Selling online vs art fairs • Presentation and display choices • Shipping and fulfillment workflows • Customer service, refunds, and replacements • Limited edition prints and whether they make sense Related Links: Red River Paper (affiliate link) NMFA Shiny Prints (affiliate link) Matt Payne's print lab reviews Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

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 have on future curation. Alex shares his insights and experiences, offering listeners a new perspective on curating their work. Whether a hobbyist, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this episode highlights the significance of a well-curated portfolio and how thoughtful curation can improve one’s photographic journey Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights Include: Welcoming Alex Noriega Diving into Curation Emotional Attachment in Photography The Curation Struggle Building Excitement Through Tighter Curation Standing Out in a Saturated Market Social Media and Mediocre Work Curation for the Hobbyist and Professional The Role of AI in Photography Relevant Show Notes Links Alex’s Newsletter Signup: https://www.alexnoriega.com/subscribe Alex’s Website: https://www.alexnoriega.com/ Chrissy Donadi’s Lightroom Organization Course: https://chrissydonadi.com/lets-get-organized-course Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com