What does it take to photograph wildlife in extreme environments, from the Rocky Mountains to the remote wilds of Alaska?

Photographer, writer, and conservation advocate Dawn Wilson joins The Nature Photo Guys to share how a lifelong connection to animals and a move from New Jersey to Colorado reshaped her career behind the lens.Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Rockies, Dawn developed a deep focus on photographing wildlife in high-altitude and high-latitude environments, documenting animal behavior, conservation stories, and the wild places that shape them.Now a full-time photographer and writer, her work has appeared in more than 600 published pieces, including Outdoor Photographer, Colorado Outdoors, and National Geographic Digital. Her dedication to wildlife storytelling extends beyond photography through published books, guided workshops, and spending 15 months on the road in an RV photographing wildlife across North America.Dawn has also served two terms as President of NANPA, worked as a Master Naturalist, and continues to advocate for wildlife conservation through education and storytelling.📸 Please welcome to the show, Dawn Wilson.

Join Chris and Joe as they dive into Joe’s 2025 photography expedition to Svalbard, one of the wildest, most unpredictable, and awe-inspiring places on the planet.From life on the ship and long days on the pack ice to polar bears, walrus encounters, dramatic Arctic light, and those surreal moments that only happen miles from anywhere, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to photograph in the High Arctic.Joe shares what worked, what didn’t, the gear that earned its keep, and the lessons he’s bringing forward into future workshops. Chris jumps in with the questions every photographer wants answered, keeping things honest, practical, and entertaining along the way.If you love wildlife photography, adventure travel, expedition life, or the challenge of photographing in remote Arctic environments, this episode is for you.In this episode:• Polar bear photography in extreme conditions• Walrus encounters and pack-ice wildlife• What it’s like living and shooting from an expedition ship• Gear that survived (and gear that didn’t)• Lessons for future Svalbard workshops• How to prepare for Arctic wildlife photography📸 Svalbard 2025 a place where light, ice, and wildlife come together like nowhere else.Enjoyed the episode? Like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future adventures with The Nature Photo Guys. Thanks for watching!

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Turgeon, Canadian Geographic’s 2024 Photographer of the Year, to talk about his incredible journey in nature photography.What began in 2015 as simple iPhone snapshots during difficult times, quiet walks with his dogs that helped him reconnect with nature, has grown into a body of work celebrated across Canada and beyond. Since then, Shane’s images of landscapes, night skies, storms, and wildlife have been featured by:• NASA• Canadian Geographic• Natural Landscape Photography Awards• PhotoLife Magazine• Numerous national media outletsShane continues to explore western Canada, creating images that reflect both the beauty of the land and his deep personal connection to it. His work ranges from intimate, subtle scenes to dramatic storm filled vistas, always carrying a sense of honesty and presence that sets him apart.He is also the creator of the Lightchasers Nature Photography Conference, which has grown from its first event in 2022 into one of Canada’s premier nature photography gatherings. The 2026 conference marks its fifth year.Join us as we talk about creativity, personal growth, perseverance, and the story behind Shane’s rise to becoming one of Canada’s most respected nature photographers.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

Join us as we sit down with photographer, artist, author, and educator Wayne Simpson, whose dramatic portraiture and breathtaking landscapes have inspired photographers across Canada and around the world.Wayne is known for creating images that blend emotion, story, and artistry. His portraits carry a mythic quality that invites viewers to wonder about the lives behind the faces he photographs. His landscapes are equally powerful, capturing mood, mystery, and the beauty of wild places.Wayne’s award-winning work has appeared in Canadian Geographic, Outdoor Photography Canada, Dark Beauty Magazine, and many others — and today he joins The Nature Photo Guys Podcast to talk art, emotion, and the craft of photography.📸 Please welcome to the show, Wayne Simpson.

On this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, we celebrate one year with our sponsor, The Camera Store in Calgary, Canada’s leading photography store and home of The Camera Store TV YouTube channel.Hosts Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs sit down with Dave Paul and Evelyn Drake to talk about:• The Camera Store’s incredible 30-year history 📸• Behind the scenes of their popular YouTube channel • Gear insights, tutorials, and the mirrorless movement• The importance of community, events, and supporting local photographers• A full tour of The Camera Store, from books, rentals, and tripods to studio gear, film, and video equipmentThe Camera Store has become a hub for photographers and videographers alike, and we’re excited to share this inside look at Canada’s legendary photo retailer.👉 Check out The Camera Store: https://www.thecamerastore.com👉 Subscribe to The Nature Photo Guys: https://www.youtube.com/TheNaturePhotoGuysDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations, gear talk, and adventures in nature photography!Thanks for listening!

It’s a twofer, and this episode is part two of two simultaneously released episodes produced in collaboration with the Beyond The Wild podcast. This time, hosts Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs of The Nature Photo Guys turn the tables on Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft of Beyond The Wild. With the BTW crew now in the hot seat, Joe and Chris dig into their experiences, challenges, and passion for wildlife photography.Expect plenty of laughs, candid stories, and unique insights as the roles are reversed and the spotlight shines on the Beyond The Wild team.Haven’t heard part one yet? Head over to Beyond The Wild's channel to catch the first half of this fun collaboration. https://youtu.be/mjun09vUbKQDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

Today, we’re beyond excited to bring you a conversation with one of the most inspiring storytellers of our time, Ami Vitale.Ami is not just a world-renowned photographer and filmmaker, she’s a National Geographic Explorer, Nikon Ambassador, and a six-time recipient of World Press Photo awards. Her career has taken her from documenting war zones to dedicating her lens to conservation and wildlife. Through her images, she’s given us intimate access to the human side of conflict, the beauty of endangered species, and the powerful connection between people and the planet we share.She’s the force behind unforgettable stories like the last male northern white rhino, the reintroduction of pandas into the wild, and the community-driven conservation efforts that are changing the way we see and protect our natural world.This interview goes beyond photography, it’s about purpose, resilience, and hope. Ami’s work reminds us that photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about shaping the future.So join us as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Ami Vitale.

(This Episode best viewed on YouTube)

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

In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, Joe & Chris go hands-on with the iFootage Cobra 3 Strike Monopod and share their first impressions from a nature & wildlife photographer’s perspective.We take a deep dive into what makes this monopod unique — from its fast-deploy trigger grip and detachable base to how it performs in real-world scenarios like long-lens wildlife shooting, low-angle landscapes, and even tabletop video work.We discuss:🦅 Why a monopod might be the perfect support for wildlife and long-lens shooting🛠️ How the Cobra 3 works for handheld stabilization, low-angle landscapes, and tabletop video🎥 Video-friendly features like quick release, pivot base, and vertical travel❄️ Whether it’s Canadian-winter ready (minus 30–40°C test pending!)💬 Our thoughts on stability, travel use, and real-world scenarios🎒 Gear Featured:• iFootage Cobra 3 Strike (Model A150S-III)• Detachable tripod feet & tabletop setup• Optional video and ball head compatibility📝 Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored by iFootage. Chris purchased the Cobra 3 Strike Monopod independently for personal use and testing. iFootage had no involvement in this review. All opinions expressed are entirely of The Nature Photo Guys.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!