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 Vital Impacts' Environmental Grant in honor of Jane Goodall, 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.

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📸 See more of Pat’s work:

https://www.patkanephoto.com/

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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:

https://www.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.

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📸 See more of Pete’s work on Instagram: @naturehawk

📸 Follow Pete on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@naturehawk1

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🎧 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.

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📸 See more of Graham’s work:

https://www.grahamwatson.com/

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🎧 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.

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📸 See more of Claire’s work:

https://www.clairethomasphotography.com/

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🎧 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!

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📸 See more of Ken’s work:

www.wildcountryreflections.com

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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:

https://thecameracafeshow.com/

If you’ve ever dreamed of Photographing in Alaska — this is where you start!

In Part 1 of this special two-part Mini-Guide to Alaska Wildlife Photography, we’re joined by Alaskan photographer, writer, and natural-born storyteller Ken Marsh 📷

We talk about how growing up in the Alaskan wild and working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game shaped his eye for photography, what gear (and mindset) you really need, and why understanding animals always comes before the shot. There’s talk of foxes, moose, bears, close calls, and the kind of advice you only get from someone who’s spent a lifetime in the field.

Step one in Alaskan wildlife photography: Know your subject. Step two: Don’t get trampled over.

🎧 Hit play — and stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

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What if photography wasn’t about capturing the world — but listening to it?📷 That’s the approach Argentinian photographer, and National Geographic Explorer, Sofía López Mañán brings to her work, blending visual storytelling with philosophy, ecology, and deep empathy.

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What happens when a drone meets a school of fish… and one whale? 🐋🛸 Photographer Joanna Steidle has the answer — and the stories to match 📷 A longtime friend and someone who I admire immensely, Joanna is an award-winning drone photographer whose work has been published by media such as CNN, The New York Times, The Smithsonian Magazine or even Forbes, and her drone footage has aired on Disney, National Geographic and Discovery Channel. Joanna is also, to date, the only female DJI-drones Creator (Ambassador) in the USA.

In this episode, Joanna shares how she went from a love to race drones to creating jaw-dropping aerial art. We talk about what gear she uses, about what gear you need to start out (and regulations you must know), how to get started in drone photography, what it's like to go viral (after working for long hours every day though), a word about marine life and conservation — and why seagulls might just be her spirit animal.

Whether you're drone-curious or just need a dose of inspiration for your next flight, Joanna's stories will have you seeing the world a little differently — from a few hundred feet up and with some good laughs!

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📸 See more of Joanna’s work:

https://joannasteidle.com/

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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:

https://thecameracafeshow.com/

What does it take to tell stories that don’t just inform—but truly connect? 📸 

Photographer, Leica Oskar Barnack Winner, National Geographic Explorer and a fighter for Women’s Rights, Ana María Arévalo Gosen shares her journey through slow, thoughtful storytelling. From documenting life inside Venezuelan detention centers, to capturing the quiet Resilience of Teenage Mothers, to telling her own personal family story in The Meaning of Life—Ana's work is Raw, Empathetic, and deeply Human.

We talk about trust, ethics, personal healing through photography, and why today, more than ever, storytelling needs Real Heart even before you take that first picture.  

Stick around until the very end for a Beautiful Surprise 🎧 Grab a coffee, take your time, and hit play!

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📸 See more of Ana Maria’s work:

https://anamariaarevalogosen.com/

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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:

https://thecameracafeshow.com/

Jen Rozenbaum is in the house—and she brought Boldness, Boudoir Photography, and a whole lot of unapologetic Honesty. Nikon Ambassador and all-around Powerhouse, Jen joined us for a wildly Honest, Funny, and Empowering conversation about Life Behind the Lens and in Front of it.

We talked about how she built a Boudoir business out of her bedroom, what it really means to help women Feel Seen—not just sexy—and how photography became her anchor through Breast Cancer, Divorce, and Personal Reinvention. This isn’t just a chat about Posing and Lighting—it’s about Confidence, Identity, and using Jokes to start off your boudoir photography session.

Jen held nothing back, and neither did we. If you're into real talk, big laughs, and powerful stories from someone who truly walks the walk—this one’s for you. Oh—and yes, she had a cold while recording, but she still absolutely crushed it. A total Rock Star! Hit play now and join the conversation. It’s raw, funny, and seriously inspiring.

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📸 See more of Jen’s work:

https://jenrozenbaum.com/

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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:

https://thecameracafeshow.com/