028 Brenda Tharp on Being Popular vs Being Yourself

028 Brenda Tharp on Being Popular vs Being Yourself

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey are joined by nature photographer Brenda Tharp for a thoughtful conversation about finding your own creative voice in landscape and nature photography. Brenda shares her perspective on the pressure to photograph popular locations, follow trends, chase social media approval, and balance personal expression with the realities of building a photography business. The conversation moves from iconic landscapes and intimate scenes to print sales, creative confidence, and the ongoing challenge of staying true to what actually excites you behind the camera. Brenda also shares stories from her own career, life on the road, photographing beyond the obvious view, and why the most meaningful work often comes from slowing down, looking deeper, and trusting what resonates with you. In this episode, we talk about: * Why iconic landscape locations can still be worth photographing * The pressure photographers feel from social media trends * Finding your own creative voice instead of chasing likes * Balancing personal passion with the business side of photography * Why intimate landscapes and grand views both have value * The challenge of sharing work that feels personal * How photographers can avoid creative burnout * Why staying true to your own vision is a lifelong 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. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense [https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense] Related Links: Brenda’s website: https://www.brendatharp.com/ [https://www.brendatharp.com/] Brenda’s Substack: https://brendatharp.substack.com/ [https://brendatharp.substack.com/]  Pacific Northwest Art School: https://pacificnorthwestartschool.org/product-category/400-photography/ [https://pacificnorthwestartschool.org/product-category/400-photography/] Michael’s free Featured Frames series on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/500898 [https://www.patreon.com/collection/500898] Northern California Council of Camera Clubs: https://n4c.org/ [https://n4c.org/] Richard Martin: https://www.richardmartinphoto.com/ [https://www.richardmartinphoto.com/] Michael’s PhotoPack Pro App: https://www.photopackpro.com [https://www.photopackpro.com] Michael’s Print Box Set: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/limited-edition-print-folios [https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/limited-edition-print-folios]  Ben Horne: https://www.benhorne.com/ [https://www.benhorne.com/]  Ernst Hass: https://ernst-haas.com/ [https://ernst-haas.com/] Sammy Davis Jr, I’ve Gotta Be Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYndNL4Mu8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYndNL4Mu8] Freeman Patterson: https://www.freemanpatterson.com/ [https://www.freemanpatterson.com/] Ansel Adams quote: https://photographylife.com/two-people-in-every-photo-ansel-adams [https://photographylife.com/two-people-in-every-photo-ansel-adams] Jay Maisel: https://www.jaymaisel.com/ [https://www.jaymaisel.com/]   Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com [http://www.michaelrung.com] Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com [http://www.jeffreytadlock.com]

027 Working a Scene vs. Moving On in Nature Photography

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey talk about one of the trickier decisions in landscape and nature photography - knowing when to keep working a scene and when it is time to move on. Sometimes staying longer helps you find stronger compositions, better light, and quieter details you would have missed at first glance. But sometimes you are not really working the scene anymore, you are just standing there pressing the shutter over and over because you feel like you should be doing something. We talk through the difference between patience and getting stuck, the temptation to keep photographing the same frame, how a second camera body can help you keep exploring, and the FOMO that comes with wondering if the best light is about to happen right after you leave. We also share a few stories from Death Valley, Lost Dutchman, Colorado, the Grand Canyon, and other photography outings where the decision to stay or move on shaped the images we came home with. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members.   https:// [https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense]www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense [https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense] Highlights: * The difference between working a scene and repeatedly pressing the shutter * Why the “obvious shot” is often just the starting point * How staying longer can reveal smaller details and better compositions * The role of patience when waiting for light or changing conditions * Why dynamic light makes the decision to move on so difficult * How a second camera body can help you keep exploring * Photographing alone versus working around other photographers * The regret of leaving too early or not refining a composition enough Related Links: Jeffrey’s Trail Ready Guide: https://jeffreytadlock.com/ebook-store/p/trail-ready-ebook [https://jeffreytadlock.com/ebook-store/p/trail-ready-ebook] Lost Dutchman State Park: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman [https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman] PhotoPack Pro App: https://www.photopackpro.com [https://www.photopackpro.com]  Johnny Carson: https://www.youtube.com/user/johnnycarson [https://www.youtube.com/user/johnnycarson] Foqos App: https://www.foqos.app/ [https://www.foqos.app/] Matt Payne: https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/ [https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/]  Richard Bernabe: https://beyondthelens.fm/ [https://beyondthelens.fm/] Cameron in Ferris Bueller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XC1fGYWLCE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XC1fGYWLCE] Michael’s Wildfire Blog Post: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/the-power-of-regret [https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/the-power-of-regret] Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com [http://www.michaelrung.com] Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com [http://www.jeffreytadlock.com]

026 Growth Through Constraints in Nature Photography

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dig into the idea of growth through limitation in nature photography. What happens when you intentionally narrow your options instead of keeping every possibility open? They talk about one-lens outings, local shooting, black and white challenges, slowing down in the field, and how removing certain choices can actually help you see more clearly. The conversation also gets into the difference between a constraint that helps you grow and one that just leaves you frustrated. If you have ever felt stuck, burned out, or too dependent on your usual habits in the field, this one may give you a few ideas to shake things up. 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 [http://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense]   Episode Highlights * How a one-lens outing can help you learn to truly see in a new focal length * Why local photography can become a powerful tool for growth instead of feeling limiting * The difference between a helpful challenge and a frustrating restriction * Thoughts on trying black and white only for 30 days as a way to train your eye * How reducing gear and decisions can help break creative ruts and burnout * Why slowing down in the field can improve both composition and intention * Michael’s story of avoiding sunrise and sunset photography to force a different way of seeing * How to choose challenges that push your photography without ruining the experience Related Links: * Moterra Vans: https://alnk.to/1N5B0k5 [https://alnk.to/1N5B0k5] * Thomas Heaton: https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasHeatonPhoto [https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasHeatonPhoto]  * Gavin Hardcastle (Fototripper): https://www.youtube.com/fototripper [https://www.youtube.com/fototripper]  * Alan Ross: https://www.alanrossphotography.com/ [https://www.alanrossphotography.com/]  * Ephemeral / Permanence: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/product-page/ephemeral-permanence [https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/product-page/ephemeral-permanence]  Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com [http://www.michaelrung.com] Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com [http://www.jeffreytadlock.com]

025 Cole Thompson & John Barclay On Color vs. Monochrome

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 [http://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/ [https://johnbarclayphotography.com/] * Cole Thompson: https://colethompsonphotography.com/ [https://colethompsonphotography.com/] * The Cole & John Photography Show: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoleandjohnshow7236 [https://www.youtube.com/@thecoleandjohnshow7236] * Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/] * Sarah Marino: https://www.smallscenes.com/ [https://www.smallscenes.com/] * Matt Payne: https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/ [https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/] * Murray Livingston: https://www.murraylivingston.com/ [https://www.murraylivingston.com/] * Jack Curran: https://jackcurranphotography.store/ [https://jackcurranphotography.store/] * Joshua Cripps: https://www.joshuacripps.com/ [https://www.joshuacripps.com/] * Mitch Dobrowner: http://mitchdobrowner.com [http://mitchdobrowner.com]/ * Chuck Kimmerle: https://www.chuckkimmerle.com/ [https://www.chuckkimmerle.com/] * Michael Kenna: https://www.michaelkenna.com/ [https://www.michaelkenna.com/] Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com [http://www.michaelrung.com] Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com [http://www.jeffreytadlock.com]

024 Does Hit Rate Matter in Nature Photography?

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey talk about nature photography hit rate, keeper rate, and whether taking fewer photos actually means you are becoming a better landscape photographer. They dig into the difference between intentional landscape photography and the old spray and pray approach, how culling photos after a trip can shape your view of success, and why a low hit rate is not always a bad thing. If you have ever wondered how many photos you should come home with, how many should be keepers, or whether your process in the field is actually helping you grow, this one is for you. This episode also gets into creative experimentation, slowing down in the field, using your phone to test compositions, revisiting old files, and why comparing your photography process to someone else usually is not very helpful. 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 [http://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense] Highlights * What photography hit rate really means * Whether a higher keeper rate actually matters * The difference between intentional shooting and spray and pray * Why experimentation can lower your hit rate for good reasons * How Michael and Jeffrey think about culling after a trip * Why revisiting old images can change what counts as a keeper * Why your photography process has to work for you Related Links: * Michael’s Lightroom Classic Start-to-Finish Walkthrough: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145865590 [https://www.patreon.com/posts/145865590] * Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaNickellHappinessHour [https://www.youtube.com/@LindaNickellHappinessHour] * Gavin Hardcastle (Fototripper): https://www.youtube.com/fototripper [https://www.youtube.com/fototripper] * Lost Dutchman State Park: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman [https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman] * Michael’s Lightroom Compare Photos Demo: https://www.patreon.com/posts/125609814 [https://www.patreon.com/posts/125609814] * Landscape Photographers Worldwide: https://discord.gg/GxE7HWc9 [https://discord.gg/GxE7HWc9] * PhotoPack Pro: https://www.photopackpro.com [https://www.photopackpro.com]  Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com [http://www.michaelrung.com] Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com [http://www.jeffreytadlock.com]