The Camera Cafe Show

Wondering if your pictures are trying to tell you a secret? You’re in the right place! In the conclusion of our special two-part series, we follow Sarah Leen into her "new chapter." After making history at National Geographic, Sarah returned to her first love: the direct, creative process of working with photographers. We explore the fascinating world of photo book editing and how she helps photographers decode the "hieroglyphics" of their own work. Sarah opens up about her passion for mentorship, her work with the Visual Thinking Collective, and the energy she finds in teaching at the Eddie Adams Workshop, the Missouri Photo Workshops , and many more. We talk about the importance of being a "maker", and why she believes the best stories are the ones that take the longest to tell. Don't miss this inspiring look at life after the magazine and the art of lifting the next generation of visual storytellers! ***** 📸 See more of Sarah's work: https://www.sarahleen.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

From Sneaky Rebel to National Geographic Trailblazer! This is the start of a special two-part series with the amazing Sarah Leen, a woman whose name is synonymous with the iconic yellow border of National Geographic. In this first part, we trace Sarah’s historic journey: from being a "rebellious" student to becoming the first female College Photographer of the Year and, eventually, the first female Director of Photography in the magazine's 125-year history. We dive into the reality of the freelance life, shooting 16 stories across the globe from Siberia to Mali, and the "tough lessons" learned on her first assignments. Sarah shares her philosophy on being a "problem solver" rather than a "problem maker," her love for the physical page, and why she eventually decided to step down from the top office to return to the creative "jigsaw puzzle" of editing. Coming next week: Stay tuned for Part 2, where we follow Sarah into her life after the magazine, focusing on the art of photo books editing, her mission with being a mentor at amazing workshops and some good laughs of course too! ***** 📸 See more of Sarah's work: https://www.sarahleen.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

This is Part 2 of our special series with Pete Souza, the former Official White House Photographer for Presidents Reagan and Obama. In case you missed it, listen to Part 1 first! In this second part, we talk about the personal and physical side of the job, how Pete spend those eight years living alongside his blackberry 24/7 and being a fly on the wall in the White house. We talk about amazing fun, but brutal at times travel schedules, flights on board of Air Force One playing cards with President Obama, stories behind some of his most iconic photographs, and the profound moments for a photographers eye that reveal the President's true character. Stick around until the end as we follow Pete as he leaves the White House bubble, becoming a best-selling author and public voice using his images on social media now to compare two very different administrations. Grab that coffee, settle in, and let's go behind the scenes of history one last time! ***** 📸 See more of Pete Souza: https://www.petesouza.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

We begin a special two-part series with Pete Souza, the former Official White House Photographer who holds one of the most unique resumes in history. In Part 1, we trace his journey right back to the beginning, starting with his early days working for Kansas newspapers, how he broke into photojournalism, and the unexpected opportunity that led to his first stint in the White House, documenting President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. Pete shares great stories from the Reagan years (yes, even about Michael Jackson) and we follow his career up to the assignment that put him in the path of a young, then still unknown Senator named Barack Obama. Next week in Part 2, we dive into the emotional reality of documenting the world's most powerful man every day, we get some full stories behind iconic pictures, and follow Pete as he transitions from White House observer to a best-selling author and outspoken advocate. ***** 📸 See more of Pete Souza: https://www.petesouza.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Behind the Curtains of World Press Photo and its 70 Anniversary! This week we go behind the scenes with Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director of the World Press Photo Foundation, to discuss the past, present, and future of photojournalism and the foundation. This year marks WPP's monumental 70th Anniversary, and Joumana reveals the major changes she implemented with her team, including a regional judging model that now sees 80% of winners being local photographers. We pull back the curtain on how WPP actually works: how to apply and get your image seen, how the judging rounds are done, how the Joop Swart Masterclass was revamped to give mentees a sustainable survival toolkit, the immense challenge of maintaining trust in an age of generative AI and the major celebrations for the 70th Anniversary. This is an inspiring, and fun at times of course, talk about the immense responsibility of curating the world’s most powerful visual stories. Grab that coffee, settle in, and let's go behind the scenes of the World Press Photo Foundation with the wonderful Joumana El Zein Khoury. ***** 📸 See more of World Press Photo: https://www.worldpressphoto.org/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Multiple award winner Lee-Ann Olwage from South Africa joins us today to discuss her incredible journey from film set decorator to winning in the Sony World Photography Awards and World Press Photo. Her powerful approach is rooted in collaborative storytelling, giving marginalized voices agency and celebrating their identity on the African continent. We dive into her project "#BlackDragMagic", where she collaborated with amazing drag artists to champion the queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans community and confront the daily threat of violence in South African townships. We also discuss her uplifting series, "The Right to Play," which visualizes the dreams of young girls in Kenya avoiding FGM and child marriage by proudly setting their sights on becoming lawyers and pilots, and her newest documentation of the "State Ballet of Georgia". Don't miss this profound conversation on ethics, purpose, and the language of the image—and stick around to hear the wonderful moment her assistant got a marriage proposal while surrounded by amazing drag queens! Enjoy it. ***** 📸 See more of Lee-Ann’s work: https://www.leeannolwage.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

What is the secret to 15 years of trust and slow, ethical work inside the Hutterite communities? Canadian photographer Tim Smith shows us exactly how he built the deep, long-term relationships that define his career. Tim spent years immersed in these communal, traditional societies across the Canadian Prairies, perfecting a slow-work philosophy that allows him to portray their lives with the depth and nuance they deserve. His images have appeared in major magazines, including National Geographic, and his work has been exhibited in many countries to date. In this warm and honest talk, we dive into the challenges of that commitment. Tim opens up about why he now questions the pressure of the "all-in" photojournalism lifestyle and the essential need to prioritize family life. Hear about his wonderful crazy new project “Chaff”, the secret joy of eating supper in a combine during harvest, listen to some wonderful stories about the amazing Hutterite communities, where we talk about emotional moments or have a good laugh too of course. Hit play for a masterclass in wonderful patient and empathetic documentary work. Enjoy it! ***** 📸 See more of Tim’s work: https://www.timsmithphotography.ca/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

What's harder to photograph: adrenaline-fueled Kid Jockeys in Indonesia, or the silent, restricted streets of North Korea? Today, we sit down with Belgian documentary photographer Alain Schroeder, traveling around the globe, looking for the next thing that piques his interest. He is honored for his amazing work with a long list of awards, including multiple World Press Photo awards, Picture of The Year, Travel Photographer of the Year, Visa pour l’image, Siena or Nikon Press Photo Awards, to name just a few, with of course countless major exhibitions around the world. Alain walks us through his incredible career shift—from covering 500 magazine sports covers, starting his own photo agency to dedicating his life to deep personal stories. We dive into the chaos of the Kid Jockeys in Sumbawa, the unique challenges of shooting Kim City in North Korea, and the resilient Grandma Divers (Haenyeo) of South Korea. Tune in for a powerful, fun conversation with great advice on what separates an award-winning picture from an ordinary one, how to get your work seen these days, and how to stay creatively fresh after decades in the business. Enjoy it! ***** 📸 See more of Alain’s work: https://alainschroeder.myportfolio.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Can a single photographer help feed 9 billion people? In the second and final part of our chat with National Geographic legend Jim Richardson, we follow his lens into the biggest stories of his career. We talk about the massive challenge of food and farming, the urgent crisis of water scarcity, and why he keeps finding community and wildness on the remote islands of Scotland. Jim shares his best, no-nonsense advice on how a photographer can still pursue a long-form, meaningful story today, proving that a great photo is always worth the time it takes to capture it. Tune in for another fun and inspiring masterclass in purpose-driven photography. Enjoy it! ***** 📸 See more of Jim’s work: https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

When a young farm kid from Kansas picks up a pawn-shop camera, you don’t immediately picture him becoming one of National Geographic’s most respected photographers. But that’s exactly what happened to Jim Richardson, whose career has now spanned more than 35 years, over 50 National Geographic and Traveler magazine stories, on countless journeys across the globe. In this first part of our two-part conversation, Jim takes us back to where it all began — to those early Kansas wheat fields, the small-town life that shaped his storytelling, and the moment when photography stopped being just a hobby and became a calling. From shooting local news in the seventies to landing his first National Geographic assignment, Jim’s journey is packed with grit, humor, and honest reflection. We talk about how he stumbled into the magazine, the story that cemented his place there and what it was really like working during the golden era of National Geographic. Along the way, we share a few laughs over haggis, whiskey, and the odd surprises behind distillery doors in Scotland. It’s an episode filled with nostalgia, insight, and plenty of warmth — the kind that comes only from a lifetime spent behind the camera. And don’t go too far — next week, in Part 2, Jim and I continue our chat with stories from a few unforgettable moments from his travels around the world. ***** 📸 See more of Jim’s work: https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

What happens when you bring together not one, but the two Winners of the Amateur Photographer of the Year magazine 2024 awards!? You get a conversation filled with laughs, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really feels like to have your work recognized in one of the most competitive photography contests out there! In this episode we chat with Lynn Fraser, the overall APOY 2024 winner, and Lucy Monckton, crowned Young APOY 2024. From their very different journeys into photography to the moment they found out they’d won, they share the stories, surprises, the nerves, and of course, some great hints & tips behind their success! It’s a mix of honesty, fun, and practical wisdom that proves great photography doesn’t come from gear alone. Grab a coffee, tune in, and meet two amazing photographers who prove that passion really does get noticed! ***** 📸 See more of Lynns’s work: https://www.lynnfraserphotography.com/ 📸 See more of Lucy’s work: https://lucymonckton.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

From Orangutans in the rainforests of Sumatra to Badgers on the streets of England — Ian Wood has seen it all through his lens. In this episode, we sit down with Conservation and Nature photographer Ian Wood, winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPOTY) People’s Choice Award, to talk about how his journey began in the jungles of Indonesia, his conservation work with the Orangutan Foundation and the Badger Trust, or that unforgettable moment he first met the incredible Jane Goodall. It’s a conversation that moves easily between humor and heartbreak, about life, photography, conservation, even poetry — proving that sometimes one image can start a change in the way we see the world. Tune in now and enjoy this inspiring talk with the amazing Ian Wood. Enjoy it! ***** 📸 See more of Ian’s work: https://www.agoodplace.co.uk/ 📸 Check out the “Orangutan’s World” book: https://www.orangutan.org.uk/shop/the-orangutans-world-a-photographic-celebration-of-bornean-wildlife-book ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Legendary National Geographic photographer Bob Krist is back for Part 2! — and if you thought the first half was good, this one goes even deeper. We talk about what it was really like to live life constantly on the road for magazines — the adventure, the exhaustion, and the family sacrifices that rarely make it into the photos. Bob also opens up about finding his creative footing again after personal loss, and how storytelling helped him reconnect with the world. He shares why he traded some years ago, stills for moving images, what he discovered through video, and the joy of reinventing yourself after decades behind the camera. Of course, there are more of those unforgettable National Geographic tales — the kind only someone with 37 years of assignments can tell. This episode is about resilience, humor, and the soul of travel photography in a world drowning in Instagram likes. Expect wisdom, honesty, and plenty of laughs (trust us — this one had us cracking up more than any other). ***** 📸 See more of Bob’s work: https://bobkrist.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

What does Authentic Travel Photography mean in the age of Instagram and filters? For Bob Krist, it was nearly 40 years of globetrotting with National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler — capturing authentic moments on film in more than 150 countries. In Part 1 of our conversation, Bob takes us back to the Golden days of Travel Photography: assignments that dropped him into big cities and rural back roads with nothing but some rolls of film and a good sense of humor. He shares how he stumbled into former editor Bob Gilka's office with some photographs under his arm, what it was really like to shoot for NatGeo in those days, the challenges of working with film on tight deadlines being surrounded by the world greatest photographers, and why travel photography has always been more about patience, trust, and storytelling than about staging the perfect shot. It’s a conversation full of wanderlust, authenticity, and behind-the-scenes tales from someone who’s lugged gear across every corner of the globe. And make sure to come back for Part 2 next week — where we dive a bit into Bob’s personal life and how it intertwined with his career, his switch from stills to video, publishing his books, and more unforgettable NatGeo stories. Pour yourself a cup, settle in, and let’s journey together (plus — it’s the episode we had the most laughs recording!). Be ready for it! ***** 📸 See more of Bob’s work: https://bobkrist.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

We’re back with the second part of our conversation with award-winning Indigenous photojournalist Pat Kane — Algonquin Anishinaabe, a proud member of the Timiskaming First Nation and a tireless visual storyteller based in Yellowknife, Canada’s Northwest Territories, focusing on preserving cultures, communities, and our connection to place. In this second half, we dive into Pat’s National Geographic story “The Last Trappers,” exploring the history and uncertain future of this northern tradition. We also talk about his latest Caribou Conservation project, supported by the Vital Impacts' Environmental Grant in honor of Jane Goodall, and why Indigenous-led storytelling is essential for the North’s future. Pat shares what it’s like co-founding the Far North Photo Festival, building platforms for other voices and mentoring Indigenous youth to inspire the next generation of photographers. Of course, yes — there are tales of braving –40°C with five battery packs tucked into your jacket, a camera in hand, and a quiet prayer to the shutter gods that it keeps on clicking. This is a conversation about purpose, resilience, and community — with plenty of warmth behind the lens. ***** 📸 See more of Pat’s work: https://www.patkanephoto.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Today’s guest is a photographer whose work isn’t just beautiful — it’s vital, especially in a world where conservation isn’t just about nature, but also about us — our cultures, communities, and connection to place. Pat Kane is an Indigenous Algonquin Anishinaabe photojournalist based in Yellowknife, in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and a proud member of the Timiskaming First Nation. His powerful work documents the lives and stories of Indigenous people across the North — from traditional knowledge keepers to modern youth shaping their own narratives. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we explore Pat’s journey into photojournalism, the importance of community collaboration, and how he builds long-term trust in the places he photographs. He talks about his project made for the Joop Swart Masterclass -the World Press Photo’s best-known educational program for emerging photographers-, navigating identity, responsibility, and representation — all while working in some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Coming next week in the second part, will dive into his National Geographic assignment, working in the deep cold with photography gear, his latest caribou conservation project supported by the 2024 Jane Goodall Vital Impacts Grant, and about co-founding the amazing Far North Photo Festival in Yellowknife. This is a conversation about identity, environment, purpose — and photography in -40 degrees Celsius — told through the lens of a powerful, grounded voice in contemporary documentary work, with of course some good laughs at times too. ***** 📸 See more of Pat’s work: https://www.patkanephoto.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com

Pete Scott didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a photographer — he never even went to art school. But over the last decade, he’s quietly built a stunning wildlife and landscape portfolio, capturing everything from owls to kingfishers to badgers to foxes to coastal starry night shots or even swallows in flight. In our talk, Pete shares how it all started — how a misty morning with a fox changed his life behind the lens. We talk about the slow approach to wildlife, how patience beats gear, and what it really takes to photograph wild animals without disturbing them. He also walks us through his gear choices, how he films his peaceful YouTube wildlife vlogs, opposing the UK’s controversial badger culls and fox hunting practices — and using his voice and images to speak up for the nature he spends so much time with, in Dorset’s forests, fields, or coastline which offer endless inspiration. But Pete also opens up about something more personal: his volunteer initiative AIM, which renovates homes for families with terminally ill children — at no cost but making a huge impact outside the spotlight... It’s a photography podcast, yes, but we also need to talk about about purpose, compassion, and showing up for the world in quiet, powerful ways. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your photography journey, Pete’s story is a reminder that beautiful images — and meaningful lives — don’t require a rule book. ***** 📸 See more of Pete’s work on Instagram: @naturehawk 📸 Follow Pete on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@naturehawk1 ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com

Graham Watson didn’t just photograph bike races — he lived them, from the back of a motorbike, chasing the world’s Greatest Cyclists through cobbled streets, Alpine climbs, and chaotic sprints for over 40 years. In this episode, Graham joins us from his porch in New Zealand to reflect on a career that started in a London portrait studio and somehow led to shooting legends like Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Lance Armstrong, Tom Boonen, Greg LeMond, Marco Pantani, Bernard Hinault and many more — often at 50 km/h, with a camera in hand and no second chances. We talk about how photography evolved over four decades on the road — from film to digital, darkroom prints to wireless image delivery, Nikon FM2s to the D5. Graham shares how he handled pressure, what made a good race a photographer’s dream, great personal stories and why chasing light and landscapes was just as important as chasing the riders. We also talk about a photographer's retirement, life in New Zealand, Belgian beer, and the making of his beautiful book 40 Years of Cycling Photography — a visual time capsule of a life spent chasing moments most of us only ever see from the sidelines. Whether you're a photographer who loves cycling, or a cyclist who loves photography — this one’s for you. ***** 📸 See more of Graham’s work: https://www.grahamwatson.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com

What happens when a small town Welsh girl travels the world and takes a photo that gets published in National Geographic? For Claire Thomas, it launched a career in global conflict and humanitarian photojournalism. In this episode, Claire takes us behind the images — into her life photographing trauma centers during the battle for Mosul, documenting the lives of the wives and mothers of ISIS fighters, and spending years embedded in the Middle East, covering war, migration, and survival with deep empathy. We also talk about her love of horses, how she finds balance in such intense photojournalistic work, what it's like to shoot from horseback across the Mongolian steppe, or the moment she realized a single photo could help save a child’s life. This episode is raw, inspiring, honest — and yes, between the heavy topics, we also shared a few good laughs. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will challenge, move, and remind you what photography can truly do. ***** 📸 See more of Claire’s work: https://www.clairethomasphotography.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/

Ready to further plan your Alaskan Photo Adventure?📸 In Part 2 of our Mini Guide to Wildlife Photography in Alaska, Ken Marsh takes us season by season through the Best Spots, Animals, and Tips to help you Capture the Wild — from salmon-hunting Bears to rutting Moose 🦌 We talk about Timing, Travel, Safety (when something comes running at you), Clothing, essential Bug Spray, Roads, Weather, what to Eat when the day is done and which Photography Gear to bring of course! It’s practical, personal, fun and packed with insight from a lifelong Alaskan 🚀🐻 🎧 Hit play — and if you missed Part 1, start there first! ***** 📸 See more of Ken’s work: www.wildcountryreflections.com ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://thecameracafeshow.com/