Guiding the Lens: Wild Landscapes and Mindful Photography with Fiona McLean

Guiding the Lens: Wild Landscapes and Mindful Photography with Fiona McLean

In this episode of Shutter Trails, Drake sits down with landscape and outdoor photographer Fiona McLean, who splits her time between Scotland and Canada. Fiona shares her incredible journey—from discovering photography in Sedona over 25 years ago to leaving a career in sustainable transport due to burnout and rediscovering purpose through the camera.They dive into:🌄 How travel and nature photography shaped Fiona’s career🌍 Shooting across 40+ countries and balancing life between two continents📸 Her evolution from grand landscapes to waterfalls, wildlife, macro, and abstract work🚁 The creative highs (and nerve-wracking lows) of drone photography🥾 Becoming a certified hiking guide and combining outdoor leadership with photography💬 The realities of running a photography business and social media challenges⚖️ Ethical photography practices—wildlife, geotagging, and environmental impact👩‍🎨 Advocacy for women in photography and barriers in the industry🌿 Using photography as a tool for healing through grief and burnoutFiona also shares practical advice for beginners—why gear doesn’t matter as much as you think, and why you should always shoot for yourself, not for social media.👉 A powerful, honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding your path through photography.📷 Follow Fiona:Instagram: @fionamcleanphotoWebsite: fionamcleanphotography.comSubstack: Fiona McLean Photo👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more conversations with photographers from around the world.

TM - 06 - Breaking Out of a Photography Rut

In this Trail Marker episode of Shutter Trails, Drake talks about something every photographer faces sooner or later — falling into a creative rut. When photography starts to feel repetitive, uninspiring, or more like a chore than an adventure, how do you rediscover that spark? Drake shares personal experiences with landscape, street, and nature photography, along with practical ways to break out of a photographic slump. From shooting with friends and joining group outings to exploring completely different genres of photography, this episode focuses on reigniting creativity and making photography fun again. The conversation also dives into Drake’s recent experience trying motorsport photography for the first time — and how learning new techniques like panning has already influenced his landscape, wildlife, and street photography. Whether you’re feeling burned out, uninspired, or just looking for fresh creative energy, this episode offers encouragement to step outside your comfort zone and see photography differently again. This episode is a reminder that inspiration often comes from simply getting back out there and trying something new. #photographypodcast #LandscapePhotography #StreetPhotography #CreativePhotography #PhotographyTips #MotorsportPhotography #PhotographyInspiration #PhotographyRut #NaturePhotography #ShutterTrails

Outdoor Photography & Creative Learning with Pascale Isabelle Navarro

In this episode of the Shutter Trails Podcast, Drake sits down with Vancouver Island photographer Pascale from Photo Rando to explore her unique journey through photography—from childhood inspiration to professional teaching and award-winning creative work. Pascale shares how her father’s photography sparked her passion at a young age, and how personal challenges—including his illness—shaped her artistic path. She reflects on her early days shooting film, studying photography in Quebec, and working in emotionally intense environments like hospitals as a medical photographer. The conversation dives into: The power of film photography and why it’s making a comebackHer transition from structured jobs to a creative, independent careerTeaching photography to both adults and kids (and why kids often take better photos!) Creative techniques like in-camera double exposuresThe beauty and inspiration of Vancouver Island landscapesHer honest take on AI in photography and its impact on authenticity. Pascale also talks about building a photography business from the ground up, the importance of creativity over perfection, and why staying curious is key to growth. Whether you're a beginner or experienced photographer, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and thoughtful discussion about what photography really means in today’s world.

Trail Marker - 05 - Leading Lines in Landscape Photography

In this Trail Marker episode of the Shutter Trails podcast, Drake explores the power of leading lines in photography. He discusses how natural and man-made lines—such as trails, rivers, roads, branches, and architectural elements—can guide a viewer’s eye through an image, create depth, and strengthen composition. Drake also shares practical tips for finding and using leading lines in the field, along with common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re photographing landscapes, forests, or urban scenes, learning to recognize and use leading lines can add structure, flow, and impact to your photos.

Matt Payne on Landscape Photography, The Colorado Way & the Natural Landscape Photography Awards

In this episode of Shutter Trails, I sit down with Colorado-based landscape photographer, adventurer, educator, and podcast host Matt Payne. Matt is the creator of the long-running photography podcast F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, co-founder of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, and an accomplished mountaineer who has climbed the 100 highest peaks in Colorado. His passion for adventure and photography has taken him across the world teaching workshops and exploring wild landscapes. We discuss Matt’s journey from working in clinical psychology to becoming a full-time photographer and educator, how climbing Colorado’s highest mountains shaped his photographic vision, and what he’s learned after interviewing hundreds of the world’s best photographers. We also dive into: * The biggest lessons Matt has learned from 460+ photography interviews * Why authentic landscape photography matters * The ethics of editing, composites, and AI in photography * How the Natural Landscape Photography Awards promote honesty in nature photography * Teaching workshops and finding unique compositions at iconic locations * Matt’s new book “The Colorado Way”, inspired by hiking the 500-mile Colorado Trail Matt also shares advice for photographers looking to develop their own creative voice and improve their work. If you care about landscape photography, creativity, ethics, and the experience of photographing nature, this conversation is packed with insights. 🎧 Topics covered * Landscape photography inspiration * Photography ethics and editing * The Natural Landscape Photography Awards * Teaching photography workshops * Climbing Colorado’s highest mountains * Hiking the Colorado Trail * Building a photography podcast Finding your creative voice For more about Matt and his various projects check out: Matt's Website [https://www.mattpaynephotography.com] The Colorado Way [hffps://www.mattpaynephotography.com/product/the-colorado-way/] Natural Landscape Photography Awards [https://naturallandscapeawards.com] Muench Workshops [https://www.muenchworkshops.com/our-team/matt-payne/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mattpaynephoto/] Blue Sky [https://www.bsky.app/profile/mattpaynephoto.bsky.social] YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/@MattPayne] You can contact me or get more information at: Sooke Photography Adventures [https:SookePhotographyAdventures.com] This video was recorded using my Canon R5 camera [You can contact me or get more information at: SookePhotographyAdventures.com This video was recorded using my Canon R5 camera. Check it out on Amazon at this link: https://amzn.to/4ruqnxG].