Chris Hopkins is a freelance photojournalist based in Melbourne, Australia.

Chris’ work is an examination of the effects of systemic and embedded societal inhumanity that is not often covered in mainstream media. His intention – to bring these human rights issues to the forefront of public awareness – is to ‘use photography to show intimate commonalities despite our differences, to create empathy and inspire a different, more benevolent way of thinking’. Chris’ body of work includes reportage, portraiture, multimedia (documentary style video), commercial and works on commission.

Chris is a highly awarded photojournalist. He is a three-time Walkley winner (Australia’s highest honour for Journalism), two-time National Photographic Portrait Prize Finalist and in 2025 was the winner of Pictures of the Year International (POYi) in the World Understanding Award category.
His photographs are included in collections at The Australian War Memorial, State Library of Victoria and the Victorian State Archives.

https://www.chris-hopkins.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/cnhop/

===========================================

THE CAMERA LIFE  - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST

===========================================

➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life

➡YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life  

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast

➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97

➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================

LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET

===================================================

✅ Quick Release System

✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock

✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather

✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee 

✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo

✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW  https://luckystraps.com/
(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN  JIM or  GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================

CONNECT WITH US

================

Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/

➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/

➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/

In this week’s episode of The Random Photography Show, the team dives into gear talk, including Greg’s hands-on impressions of the Fujifilm X-M5 and Justin’s fresh Canon RF lens haul. They unpack Canon’s shift to robotic lens production, Fuji’s IR camera quirks, and the reality of software lens corrections. Plus, they review breathtaking listener images and share a spontaneous look at the Sony World Photography Award winners. A techy, insightful, and hilariously unfiltered ride for camera lovers everywhere.

===========================================
THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST
===========================================
➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life
➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast
➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97
➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================
LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET
===================================================
✅ Quick Release System
✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock
✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather
✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee
✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo
✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/
(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================
CONNECT WITH US
================
Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/
➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/
➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim

In this inspiring episode, landscape photographer Dean Cooper shares his 25-year journey from film to digital, building a sustainable photography business. Hear how he sells prints, postcards, runs workshops, teaches printing, and offers gear advice. Learn valuable tips on composition, color calibration, and gear selection—plus a wild road trip story! Perfect for photographers looking to turn passion into income.

Website: https://www.deancooperphotography.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deancooperphotography2896
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deancooperphotography/

===========================================
THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST
===========================================
➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life
➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast
➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97
➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================
LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET
===================================================
✅ Quick Release System
✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock
✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather
✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee
✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo
✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/
(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================
CONNECT WITH US
================
Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/
➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/
➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/

In this episode, street photographer John St shares his candid experience reviewing the Fujifilm GFX100RF. From first contact via Instagram DMs to delivering a massive marketing project, John discusses the highs and challenges of working with Fujifilm. The crew dives deep into the camera’s pros and cons, marketing features like aspect ratios and lack of IBIS, and the ethics of candid street photography. Plus, subscriber milestones, gear news, and a surprise appearance from a rumored Fujifilm half-frame.

https://www.instagram.com/giant_evertonian/
https://www.instagram.com/streetlife.podcast/

===========================================
THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST
===========================================
➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life
➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast
➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97
➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================
LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET
===================================================
✅ Quick Release System
✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock
✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather
✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee
✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo
✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW - https://luckystraps.com/

================
CONNECT WITH US
================
Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/
➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer
➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/
➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/new

Freelance photographer Nathan Coote joins the show to discuss his journey from shy student to confident documentarian. He shares stories from road trips through Australia's outback, photographing protests, silo murals, and everyday life. Nathan opens up about his long-running “19 to 19” photo series, shooting school portraits for a living, and finding inspiration in op shop photo books. This episode is packed with insight and personality, perfect for photographers who love storytelling and authentic Australian visuals.

Website: https://nathanccp.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanccp

===========================================

THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST

===========================================

➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life ➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast ➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97 ➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677 ===================================================

LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET ===================================================

✅ Quick Release System ✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock ✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather ✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee ✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo ✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/ (Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================ CONNECT WITH US ================

Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/ ➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/ Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/ ➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/

In this show we are joined by Samantha Ohlsen who is a Syndey based wedding photographer who has spent 4 years trying to bring her passion project to life.  
It's a 750 page comprehensive photography guide book to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

The book is now complete but Samantha needs to raise the funds to do a full print run of the books, to do this she has launched a Kickstarter project.

You can view the project and back it here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gorbook/a-photographers-guide-the-great-ocean-road-and-otways-book

Learn more about Sam and the book here:

https://www.samanthaohlsenphotography.com.au/

===========================================

THE CAMERA LIFE  - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST

===========================================

➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life

➡YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life  

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast

➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97

➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================

LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET

===================================================

✅ Quick Release System

✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock

✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather

✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee 

✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo

✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW  https://luckystraps.com/
(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN  JIM or  GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================

CONNECT WITH US

================

Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/

➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/

➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/

Today's interview is with motorsport photographer Andrew Hall. He is also the Application Training Manager and Technical Projects Manager for Fujifilm Australia.

With over 40 years of experience as a professional photographer Andrew has enjoyed an award winning career in a wide range of photographic genres from the high speed world of Motorsport to Landscapes and Specialist portraiture. Based in Sydney Australia, Andrew is fortunate enough to travel the world pursuing his passion for photography and is always keen to utilize the latest technologies to capture images in situations previously out of reach.

Andrew Hall – Motorsport Photographer – Fujifilm Australia.
I was already a huge fan of Fujifilm from back in the film days. I always had Fujifilm stock in my camera – from the iconic Velvia to Provia, Acros and more. I was intrigued when Fujifilm released their first X Series camera way back in 2011 – the fabled X100. I love all photography genres, but primarily, I shoot Motorsport. The Fujifilm X Series has evolved into a very versatile and high-performing system. The flagship X-H2s and X-H2 are the peak of that evolution. I use Fujifilm X Series cameras in my professional and personal photography because they have soul and keep me passionate about photography – even after 35 years in the game. The lightweight ergonomics, retro dials, amazing image quality, and the inbuilt film simulations paying homage to Fujifilm’s heritage all add up. It delivers a unique and gratifying user experience, the like of which I have never felt with other camera systems. The constant development of the system, with input from end users, means that my X Series cameras are always at the leading edge of technology. What’s more, they’re perfectly suited to the fast-paced world of Motorsport. My typical racetrack kit includes the Fujifilm X-H2s and Fujifilm X-H2. With regards to lenses, I pack the Fujifilm XF 200mm f/2.0, 1.4x Teleconverter, XF 50-140mm f/2.8, XF 50mm f/1.0, XF 90mm f/2.0, and XF 18mm f/1.4.

Website: https://www.sceneonearthphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewh65/
https://www.fujifilm-x.com/en-au/photographers/andrew-hall/
https://shotkit.com/why-photographers-love-fujifilm/

Matt Krumins and our own Greg Cromie have both had their hands on the brand new Fujifilm GFX100RF. In tonights episode of The Random Photography Show the boys talk about this new beast of a camera, and whether it's strengths outweigh some weaknesses.

To put another spin on things, today Greg walked into a camera shop and bought the cheapest used camera they had!

If you are close to Melbourne join us for the BFOP special event on May 10th:
https://bfopaustralia.com/product/bfop-special-event-10th-may-2025/

See Matt's amazing photography and workshops here:
https://mattkruminsphotography.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/matt_krumins_gallery/

This is The Random Photography Show, streamed live every Monday evening at 7:30pm Australian Eastern Time.

===========================================

THE CAMERA LIFE  - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST

===========================================

➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life

➡YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life  

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast

➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97

➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================

LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET

===================================================

✅ Quick Release System

✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock

✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather

✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee 

✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo

✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW  https://luckystraps.com/
(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN  JIM or  GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================

CONNECT WITH US

================

Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/

➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/

➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/

Today Justin, Jim and Greg discuss the latest lighter lens offerings from Canon and Nikon. Will Justin and Jim sell off some of their pro series lenses to downsize the camera kit? If so, how much quality are they sacrificing?

===========================================

THE CAMERA LIFE  - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST

===========================================

➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life

➡YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life  

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast

➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97

➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================

LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET

===================================================

✅ Quick Release System

✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock

✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather

✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee 

✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo

✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW  https://luckystraps.com/
(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN  JIM or  GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================

CONNECT WITH US

================

Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/

➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/

➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/

In this episode of the Camera Life Podcast, Jim and Greg hold down the fort while Justin reports in from a mountain bike shoot. They dive deep into staying motivated as professional photographers, share editing and shooting insights from recent weddings, and review the new Fujifilm GFX100. Justin and guest Will also join live to chat gear and light. Plus, there's plenty of laughs, Lucky Straps banter, and behind-the-scenes chatter from the Bright Festival of Photography. A must-watch for photographers curious about motivation, megapixels, and medium format.

===========================================

THE CAMERA LIFE  - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST

===========================================

➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life

➡YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life  

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast

➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97

➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677

===================================================

LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET

===================================================

✅ Quick Release System

✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock

✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather

✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee 

✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo

✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers

SHOP NOW  https://luckystraps.com/
(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN  JIM or  GREG - Which host do you like the most?)

================

CONNECT WITH US

================

Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/

➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/

Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles

Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer

➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/

➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/