Nicole and I were recently honoured to be guests on the Wildlife and Adventure Photography Podcast, where we had the opportunity to talk about our work photographing wildlife around the world and share some of the experiences that have shaped our journey as photographers.
The Wildlife and Adventure Photography Podcast explores the craft, mindset, and field experiences behind compelling wildlife imagery.
Hosted by photographer, Graham Elliot, it features conversations with photographers who spend significant time in the field pursuing wild subjects and documenting nature through their lens.
Listen to the Interview
You can listen to the episode here
The Secret to Successful Wildlife Photography
During the conversation we discussed many aspects of wildlife photography that have become central to our approach over the years. Topics ranged from anticipating animal behaviour and positioning yourself for the decisive moment, to the importance of patience and persistence when working with unpredictable wild subjects.
One of the recurring themes throughout the discussion is something we often emphasise during our workshops and photo tours: successful wildlife photography is rarely about luck alone. It comes from spending time observing animals, learning their behaviours, and putting yourself in the right place when something special unfolds.
The Technical and Artistic Sides of Photography
We also talked about the balance between the technical and artistic sides of photography.
- On one hand, there are the technical considerations such as exposure, shutter speed, and choosing the right equipment.
- On the other hand, there is the creative side of the process. Composition, light, storytelling, and emotion all play an equally important role in creating images that resonate with viewers.
Spending Time in the Wild
Another area we touched on was the incredible privilege of spending time in wild places around the world. Whether photographing local wildlife and nature at home in Michigan or leading photography tours to destinations like Africa and South America, each experience offers new opportunities to learn from nature and refine our craft.
Lessons Learnt from Four Decades of Wildlife Photography
Conversations like this are always enjoyable because they allow us to step back and reflect on the lessons we have learned from decades of working in the field.
If you are interested in wildlife photography, travel photography, or the stories behind some of the images we create, we hope you will enjoy listening to the episode.
You can find the full conversation on the Wildlife and Adventure Photography Podcast using the link above. Plus, while you’re there, be sure to check out all the other fascinating episodes on Graham’s show.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve and Nicole
Related: Travel Africa Magazine Features Steve’s Photography of African Wildebeest