NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION

Free Photography Learning Guides

Sensible, honest guidance on creativity, technique, fieldcraft, editing, gear, workshops, and the realities of building a photographic life.

We're in the process of rewriting all of our past articles to upgrade them from simple summaries of our podcast episodes to standalone educational resources for each topic. Look for the 💫 icon to find the newly updated posts as we continue to work through this project!

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Creativity & Technique

Explore insights on creativity & technique in nature and landscape photography. Dive into expert articles and learn useful tips to enhance your photography skills.

Aerial view of turquoise surf sweeping around dark coastal rocks.

💫 How to Define Success and Find Your Voice in Photography

When technical progress leaves you wondering what's next, connect your goals, influences, and field decisions to the photography you actually want to make.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Oct 209 min read

💫 Documentary vs. Interpretive Nature Photography: How to Find Your Own Line

A practical framework for deciding how much to interpret a nature photograph, what to disclose, and how to keep the result true to your intent.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Oct 69 min read

💫 How to Chase Epic Landscapes Without Limiting Your Creative Growth

Epic conditions can sharpen planning and weather skills. Learn how to keep the chase from narrowing your practice, expectations, and creative growth.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Sep 811 min read

💫 How to Find Hidden Gems in Your Photo Archive

Your first cull isn't a final verdict. Learn how to revisit older photos, spot overlooked potential, and review your archive without getting overwhelmed.

CURATION

Jul 2811 min read

💫 Carbon Transfer Printing with Michael Strickland: An Art Like No Other

Michael Strickland provides insights into carbon transfer printing, color separations, handmade photographic prints, and the craft of printmaking.

PRINTING

Jul 148 min read

💫 How to Evaluate Your Own Photography: Culling, Editing, Critique, and Growth

A practical process for culling photos, testing feedback, judging finished edits, and measuring your growth without chasing perfect objectivity.

CURATION

Jun 3013 min read

Photography Trends vs. Personal Vision: Staying True to Your Work

Brenda Tharp joins us to talk about photography trends, iconic locations, social media pressure, personal vision, print sales, workshops, and how to keep making work that feels true without pretending business pressure doesn't exist.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Jun 28 min read

Episode 26 - Using Constraints to Improve Your Photography

Michael and Jeffrey discuss how creative constraints can improve nature photography by sharpening vision, reducing decision fatigue, and pushing photographers out of familiar habits.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

May 56 min read

John Barclay and Cole Thompson: Black and White vs Color Photography

Michael and Jeffrey sit down with Cole Thompson and John Barclay for a thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about black and white versus color photography. What starts as a discussion about when to choose monochrome over color quickly opens into a much bigger exploration of vision and creative intent.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Apr 217 min read

Episode 24 - Does Hit Rate Matter in Nature Photography?

In episode 24, Michael and Jeffrey take a closer look at the idea of hit rate in nature photography and whether it is actually a meaningful measure of success.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Apr 77 min read

Episode 23 - Minimalism and Maximalism in Nature Photography

Michael and Jeffrey explore minimalism vs. maximalism in nature photography, with tips on composition, editing, and finding your visual style.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Mar 247 min read

How Your Perception of a Photograph Changes Over Time

Ben Horne joins Shutter Nonsense to talk about how photographers judge their images after a trip, why perception changes over time, and how memory, editing, film, digital workflow, and emotional connection all shape the finished photograph.

CREATIVITY & TECHNIQUE

Feb 247 min read

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION

Free Photography Learning Guides

Creativity & Technique

💫 How to Define Success and Find Your Voice in Photography

💫 Documentary vs. Interpretive Nature Photography: How to Find Your Own Line

💫 How to Chase Epic Landscapes Without Limiting Your Creative Growth

💫 How to Find Hidden Gems in Your Photo Archive

💫 Carbon Transfer Printing with Michael Strickland: An Art Like No Other

💫 How to Evaluate Your Own Photography: Culling, Editing, Critique, and Growth

Photography Trends vs. Personal Vision: Staying True to Your Work

Episode 26 - Using Constraints to Improve Your Photography

John Barclay and Cole Thompson: Black and White vs Color Photography

Episode 24 - Does Hit Rate Matter in Nature Photography?

Episode 23 - Minimalism and Maximalism in Nature Photography

How Your Perception of a Photograph Changes Over Time

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