Lifestyle Photography with Alanna O'Neill, Embracing Mother Maui, How To Become Your Own Creative Lighthouse, and the Power of Intuition.

Alanna O’Neil is a lifestyle photographer, designer, and author who left the runways of New York fashion for the slower, more intentional rhythm of Maui. Her work — including her books The Art of Picnics and The Outdoor Table — is rooted in visual storytelling, seasonal living, and a soulful connection to nature. But her journey wasn’t linear. From Vermont to Manhattan to Maui, she’s navigated imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the constant pull of outside expectations in order to find her own creative voice.

In this conversation we explore what it means to become your own creative lighthouse: learning to trust intuition, resisting comparison, and creating from a place of authenticity rather than approval. We talk about sensitivity as a superpower, why betraying yourself is always worse than betraying your audience, and the lessons Maui has taught her about resilience, growth, and building a life aligned with your values.

Notable Links:

Alanna O'Neil Website
Alanna O'Neil Instagram
Alanna's 2026 Paris Marathon Fundraiser for WWF

*****

If you’re looking for that next-level boost to your creativity and photography skills, you’ve got to check out my Beyond The Lens Newsletter on Substack.

 It’s like having a backstage pass to everything I explore with my guests here on the podcast - delivered straight to your email inbox.

Think practical photography tips, mind-expanding ideas for personal vision, and real-world tactics to level up your craft. Plus I’m sharing my thoughts on travel, conservation, creativity and more.

It’s straight to the point, super actionable, and it shows you how to see the world in an entirely new way. 

So if that sounds like your vibe, head on over to beyondthelens.fm/go and prepare to take your creative game to new heights. 

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Revolution Plus Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, Ultra-Low Reflectivity, zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.

And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Landscape Photography with Matt Payne, the Colorado Way, Personal Vision and Pride, Authenticity, and Vulnerability.

Matt Payne is a landscape photographer, accomplished mountaineer, podcaster, and now published author. He has climbed Colorado’s 100 highest mountains, completed the entire 500-mile Colorado Trail, and spent more than a decade building his landscape photography podcast, F-Stop, Collaborate and Listen. His new book, The Colorado Way, pairs his photography with essays on the lessons he’s drawn from a life in the high country—resilience, discipline, and the pursuit of meaning.

Matt’s accomplishments extend beyond the mountains and the camera. With a background in psychology and years in nonprofit work, he has woven service, art, and storytelling into a unique career. He leads workshops around the world with Muench Workshops and now steps into the role of author with a book that blends memoir, philosophy, and visual art. In our conversation, we talk about his journey to full-time photography, the rigors of climbing and trekking, the discipline behind his success, and why he believes the outdoors is the ultimate teacher.

Notable Links:

Matt Payne Website
Matt Payne Instagram
'The Colorado Way' Kickstarter Campaign
F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast

*****

If you’re looking for that next-level boost to your creativity and photography skills, you’ve got to check out my Beyond The Lens Newsletter on Substack.

 It’s like having a backstage pass to everything I explore with my guests here on the podcast - delivered straight to your email inbox.

Think practical photography tips, mind-expanding ideas for personal vision, and real-world tactics to level up your craft. Plus I’m sharing my thoughts on travel, conservation, creativity and more.

It’s straight to the point, super actionable, and it shows you how to see the world in an entirely new way. 

So if that sounds like your vibe, head on over to beyondthelens.fm/go and prepare to take your creative game to new heights. 

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Tiger Photography, Biology, and Ecology with Dr. Latika Nath.

Princess of India on Tiger Photography, Biology, Ecology and the Killer Tigress of Champawat

Dr. Latika Nath, often called the “Tiger Princess of India,” is a wildlife biologist, photographer, and conservationist who has spent her life studying and protecting one of the planet’s most elusive predators - the tiger. Featured by National Geographic as the first Indian woman to earn a doctorate on tigers, she has combined science, fieldwork, and art to tell the story of these extraordinary animals in ways few others can.

In this episode, we explore the ecological status of tigers today, how their strength and behavior compare to other apex predators, and what it takes to photograph an animal that doesn’t want to be seen. Latika also shares her personal journey—breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, balancing ethics with artistry, and building a life around the survival of a species that has come to define her own story.

Notable Links:

Latika Nath Website
Latika Nath Instagram
Bandhavgarh National Park

*****

If you’re looking for that next-level boost to your creativity and photography skills, you’ve got to check out my Beyond The Lens Newsletter on Substack.

 It’s like having a backstage pass to everything I explore with my guests here on the podcast - delivered straight to your email inbox.

Think practical photography tips, mind-expanding ideas for personal vision, and real-world tactics to level up your craft. Plus I’m sharing my thoughts on travel, conservation, creativity and more.

It’s straight to the point, super actionable, and it shows you how to see the world in an entirely new way. 

So if that sounds like your vibe, head on over to beyondthelens.fm/go and prepare to take your creative game to new heights. 

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Photography with Jim Wright: Camera Adventures from Hollywood to Nashville, Celebrities, Music, Creative Collaborations, and Americana Photography.

Jim Wright is an internationally recognized photographer who has traveled the world photographing some of the most celebrated names in the movie, fashion, music, and pop culture industries.

An award-winning photographer, Jim has shot hundreds of magazine covers, including Rolling Stone, GQ, People, Town & Country, and InStyle, to name a few. Some of the celebrities and pop icons he has photographed include Beyoncé, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, Jeff Bridges, Luke Bryan, Kevin Costner, Sheryl Crow, Claire Danes, Sanjay Gupta, Scarlett Johansson, Miranda Lambert, Michelle Obama, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shania Twain, Bruce Willis, and Jay-Z.

But capturing the beauty of American life is his true passion. Whether it’s landscapes, seascapes, or visions of a bygone America, Jim captures them in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Notable Links:

Jim Wright Website
Jim Wright Gallery
Instagram
Bruce Springsteen: Darkness on the Edge of Town 

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Luis Benitez: Conquering Everest and the Seven Summits, Life Advice from the Dalai Lama, and Outdoor Recreation Evangelism.

Luis Benitez has worked as a high-end international mountain guide, with six Everest summits to his name, as well as having conquered the "Seven Summits" — the highest mountains on each of the world's continents. He’s also an outdoor educator and a policy leader in the outdoor industry. In 2015, Benitez was appointed by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper to lead the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He is currently the Vice President of Government Affairs for Lululemon.

Benitez holds an executive MBA from the University of Denver, with an emphasis certification in behavioral sciences and public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He is also the author of Higher Ground.

Notable Links:

Luis Benitez Website
Higher Ground Book

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Fine Art Photography with Brooks Jensen: The Making of LensWork, Lessons in Finding Your Photographic Voice, Creative Constraints, and Seeing in Sixes

Brooks Jensen is a fine art photographer, publisher, teacher, and writer. He's best known as the founder, editor, and publisher of LensWork, an award-winning periodical dedicated to fine art photography with subscribers in more than 70 countries. Under his leadership, Lens Work has become one of the most respected photography publications in the world. 

His online platform, LensWork Online, offers a staggering amount of material, literally terabytes of content, including videos, podcasts, workshops, and creative inspiration for photographers of all levels.

Brooks' personal photographic work is featured in Kokoro, an ongoing downloadable PDF journal that reflects his thoughtful and poetic approach to image-making. 

Brooks is also the author of 13 books on photography and the creative process, including Looking At Images, The Creative Life in Photography, Letting Go Of The Camera' and many others.

Notable Links:

Brooks Jensen Arts
LensWork Online

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Landscape photography with Marc Adamus: Chasing the Light, the Magic of Discovery, Essential Wilderness, and His New Book 'The Way Home.' 

Marc Adamus is one of the most celebrated landscape photographers working today. Known for his dramatic compositions and fearless pursuit of remote wilderness, Marc has carved out a unique space at the intersection of fine art and adventure. He spends 300 days each year making images, often in extreme conditions and far-flung locations, which have been featured in National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Digital Camera, and Photo District News, among many others.

His new book, The Way Home, was released this week and features twenty years worth of Marc's photography captured from remote locations around the world.

Notable Links:

Marc Adamus Website
Marc Adamus Instagram
Marc's New Book, The Way Home

*****

This episode is brought to you by Lexar.

For more than 25 years, Lexar has  been trusted as a leading global brand of memory solutions so they know first-hand just how quickly content is transforming our world.

Their award-winning lineup performs second-to-none and includes professional memory cards, card readers, and solid-state drives for creators of all skill levels.
Whether shooting photos, capturing video, or transferring content on the go, Lexar provides the quality and performance you can rely on to get the shot with confidence.

I’ve been using the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B GOLD memory cards with my Canon mirrorless cameras for years and they deliver the blazing speed and durability for the extreme weather conditions I encounter anywhere in the  world.
To learn more about Lexar memory solutions, visit www.lexar.com.

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Adventure photography with Chris Burkard: Adventure Photographer and Filmmaker on Embracing Uncertainty and Discomfort to Discover Creativity and Joy.

Chris Burkard is an American adventure and landscape photographer, filmmaker, speaker, creative director, and explorer now living with his family in Reykjavik, Iceland. He is best known for his inspiring photojournalistic work that weaves together the stories of surfing, adventure, and travel to cold and foreign places. His work has led him to deliver TED talks, partner with Fortune 500 companies, and to create films like Under an Arctic Sky and The Forgotten Coast.

Notable Links:

Chris Burkard Website
Chris Burkard Instagram
TED Talk: The Joy of Surfing in Ice Cold Water
Under an Arctic Sky
The Forgotten Coast

*****

This episode is brought to you by Lexar.

For more than 25 years, Lexar has  been trusted as a leading global brand of memory solutions so they know first-hand just how quickly content is transforming our world.

Their award-winning lineup performs second-to-none and includes professional memory cards, card readers, and solid-state drives for creators of all skill levels.
Whether shooting photos, capturing video, or transferring content on the go, Lexar provides the quality and performance you can rely on to get the shot with confidence.

I’ve been using the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B GOLD memory cards with my Canon mirrorless cameras for years and they deliver the blazing speed and durability for the extreme weather conditions I encounter anywhere in the  world.
To learn more about Lexar memory solutions, visit www.lexar.com.

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Wildlife and travel photography with Sue Flood: Lessons From David Attenborough, Blue Planet, The Perfect Penguin, and a Life of Polar Photography Travel.

Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker, zoologist, adventure travel leader and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women professional photographers who returns again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.

Her first visit to the Poles happened during her 11 years in the BBC’s prestigious Natural History Unit, working on such global hits as The Blue Planet and Planet Earth, with Sir David Attenborough; on National Geographic and Discovery Channel co-productions and on the Disneynature movie Earth. It had been Sue's dream to work with David Attenborough since childhood and he inspired her to study Zoology at Durham University, so it was literally a dream come true!

Since then, Sue’s travels as a photographer have taken her to hundreds of destinations on all seven continents and found her living with reindeer herders in Siberia, swimming with humpback whales in the South Pacific, working aboard Russian ice-breakers; camping in an emperor penguin colony in the Weddell Sea and seeking out spirit bears in British Columbia.

Notable Links:

Sue Flood Website
Sue Flood Instagram
Emperor: The Perfect Penguin
Emperor Penguin Chicks Jump Off a 50-foot Cliff in Antarctica 

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.

Photography Book Release Party with Quintin Lake: The Perimeter - A Photographic Journey Around the Coast of Britain.

Quintin Lake  is a multi-award-winning British photographer specializing in landscape and architecture, with twenty-five years of experience. A fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Royal Society of Arts, his work has been featured in leading publications such as National Geographic Traveler, the Guardian, and Der Spiegel. In 2020, he was named The Great Outdoors’ Outdoor Personality of the Year. He lives in Cheltenham with his family.

On an April morning in 2015, Quintin embarked upon what would become a five-year pilgrimage—a circumnavigation of Britain's entire coastline, 11,000 kilometers (7,000 miles), over 454 days, capturing the essence of Britain's coastal frontier. The images from this walking journey are featured in a new book released on this day titled, "The Perimeter: A Photographic Journey Around the Coast of Britain."

Notable Links:

Quintin Lake Photography
Quintin Lake on Instagram
Quintin Lake on Twitter/X
The Perimeter: A Photographic Journey Around the Coast of Britain
The Perimeter on Amazon

*****

This episode is brought to you by Lexar.

For more than 25 years, Lexar has  been trusted as a leading global brand of memory solutions so they know first-hand just how quickly content is transforming our world.

Their award-winning lineup performs second-to-none and includes professional memory cards, card readers, and solid-state drives for creators of all skill levels.
Whether shooting photos, capturing video, or transferring content on the go, Lexar provides the quality and performance you can rely on to get the shot with confidence.

I’ve been using the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B GOLD memory cards with my Canon mirrorless cameras for years and they deliver the blazing speed and durability for the extreme weather conditions I encounter anywhere in the  world.
To learn more about Lexar memory solutions, visit www.lexar.com.

*****

This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters.

Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.
And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10

Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.