The Nature Photo Guys

What does it take to become Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year?In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs sit down with wildlife and conservation photographer David Sturge, the 2026 Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year.Based in Newfoundland and Labrador, David has built his photography around a deep connection with wildlife, wild places and conservation. He is also a provincial park ranger, wildlife guide, sea captain and expedition team lead, which gives him a unique perspective when working in the field.We talk with David about his journey into wildlife photography, the stories behind his images, photographing the incredible wildlife of Newfoundland and Labrador, conservation photography, fieldcraft, storytelling and what it means to have his work recognized by Canadian Geographic.David also shares the experiences, challenges and lessons that have shaped the way he approaches wildlife photography today.If you're interested in wildlife photography, nature photography, conservation, photographing Canadian wildlife or simply becoming a better visual storyteller, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Follow David and see more of his work:Website: https://www.sturgephotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sturgephotography/Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!#DavidSturge #WildlifePhotography #CanadianGeographic #WildlifePhotographerOfTheYear #NaturePhotography #ConservationPhotography #NaturePhotoGuys #CanadianWildlife #PhotographyPodcast #wildlifephotographer

This week on The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, we're leaving the wildlife behind for a while and pointing our cameras considerably farther away.We sit down with astrophotographer Bray Falls, Observatory Director at STARFRONT Observatories, to talk about the fascinating world of deep-sky astrophotography and what it takes to photograph objects millions of light-years from Earth.Bray's journey began with a passion for astronomy and a telescope as a teenager and eventually led to STARFRONT Observatories, a world-class remote telescope facility under the incredibly dark skies of Texas.We talk about Bray's journey into astrophotography, the technology and techniques behind photographing deep space, the challenges of capturing objects we can't see with our own eyes, and the incredible growth and story behind STARFRONT.For wildlife and nature photographers, this is a fascinating look at an entirely different side of photography, one where the subjects aren't running away, but they may be a few million light-years away.Whether you're an astrophotographer, nature photographer, or simply fascinated by what lies beyond our planet, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.

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.

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 outletsShane 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!

Join Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs from The Nature Photo Guys Podcast as they look back on an incredible year of wildlife photography adventures!From the frozen landscapes of Svalbard in July to the thundering elk rut in September and the wild caribou migrations in October, 2025 was packed with unforgettable moments behind the lens.This is your sneak peek into our year in the wild and a setup for what’s to come! In upcoming episodes, we’ll break down each of these adventures in detail: the gear, the challenges, the laughs, and the lessons learned.🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss those deep dives!📸 Follow along on Instagram: @thenaturephotoguyspodcast | @footprintsinnature | @joedesjardins.ca 🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

It’s a twofer, and this episode is part two of two simultaneously released episodes produced in collaboration with the Beyond The Wild podcast. This time, hosts Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs of The Nature Photo Guys turn the tables on Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft of Beyond The Wild. With the BTW crew now in the hot seat, Joe and Chris dig into their experiences, challenges, and passion for wildlife photography.Expect plenty of laughs, candid stories, and unique insights as the roles are reversed and the spotlight shines on the Beyond The Wild team.Haven’t heard part one yet? Head over to Beyond The Wild's channel to catch the first half of this fun collaboration. https://youtu.be/mjun09vUbKQDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

Witness the extraordinary work of Maxime Légaré-Vézina, the 2025 Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year.In this exclusive feature, we dive into his award-winning images, creative process, and the powerful stories behind his breathtaking wildlife photography.From the frozen landscapes of Canada’s North, to intimate moments with elusive animals, Maxime’s photography showcases both artistry and conservation.Learn how he captures rare behaviours, his techniques in the field, and what inspires him to push the boundaries of wildlife storytelling.📸 In this video, you’ll discover:• The story behind Maxime’s award-winning Canadian Geographic photographs• His approach to lighting, composition, and timing in the wild• Insights into the challenges and rewards of wildlife photography• How his work raises awareness for wildlife conservationWhether you’re a wildlife photography enthusiast, a nature lover, or inspired by Canada’s wild beauty, this is a deep dive into the vision of one of the country’s leading 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!

Meet Tracy Halladay, a nature and wildlife photographer based in British Columbia, whose breathtaking images are rooted in resilience, recovery, and a deep love for the natural world.After surviving four years on dialysis and receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, Tracey returned to the outdoors with a fresh vision, capturing everything from sweeping mountain landscapes to intimate details of feathers, frost, and flowing water. Her photography is a visual meditation, inspiring viewers to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace the beauty in the quiet moments.With features in international photo competitions, solo gallery shows, and recognition from the Kootenay Art Prize, Tracey’s story is as compelling as her images.In this episode, we delve into her creative process, personal transformation, and how adversity has shaped her as an artist.Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring conversation with one of Canada’s most soulful landscape and wildlife photographers.TRACEY HALLADAY SHOW LINKS• Tracey Halladay Photography Website | www.traceyhalladayphotography.com• Tracey Halladay Mentorship | https://traceyhalladayphotography.com/mentorship• Mindful-Lens Photography Retreat | https://mindful-lens.my.canva.site• Tracey Halladay Facebook Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/traceyhalladay_photography• Tracey Halliday Photography Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TraceyHalladayPhotography/Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!