Wildlife and Adventure Photography

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Stop letting your camera make all the decisions. So, what settings should you use for a photograph?

It sounds like a simple question—but it's often the wrong place to start.

In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at five important camera decisions and explains why better photography isn't about memorising the "right" settings. It's about understanding what you want your photograph to look like and then choosing the settings that help you achieve it.

Should you use a fast or slow shutter speed? How much depth of field do you need? When should you increase ISO? Which autofocus approach is appropriate? And does using Manual mode really make you a better photographer?

Graham explores these questions and introduces a simple 10-second decision-making process you can use before pressing the shutter.

You'll learn how to think about:

• Shutter speed and whether you want to freeze or show movement
• Aperture and how much of the scene you want to appear sharp
• ISO and the trade-offs between exposure and image quality
• Autofocus and how to make sure you're focusing on what matters
• Choosing the exposure mode that gives you the right control
• How light influences the photograph you're trying to create
• Why Manual mode isn't automatically better
• Why buying more sophisticated equipment doesn't necessarily make you a better photographer

The key lesson is simple:

Don't start with your camera settings. Start with the photograph you want to make.

Graham has also created a free Photography Decision-Making Cheat Sheet to accompany this episode. It provides a simple reference you can use whenever you're unsure which settings or controls to consider.

Download the free Photography Decision-Making Cheat Sheet and start making more deliberate photographic decisions.

And if you're ready to develop a deeper understanding of photography rather than simply learning which buttons to press, explore Graham's photography courses.

Better photography starts with better decisions—not more complicated settings.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

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You've taken the photograph, but when you look at it afterwards, it isn't as sharp as you expected.

Before you blame your camera or lens, there are seven common photography mistakes you should check first.

In this episode, Graham Elliott explains why photographs can look soft, covering shutter speed, camera movement, subject movement, autofocus, depth of field, camera technique and post-processing.

But sharpness isn't simply about focus.

You'll also learn about the difference between technical sharpness and perceived sharpness, and why factors such as edge contrast, lighting and the contrast between your subject and its background can influence how sharp a photograph appears.

Whether you're photographing wildlife, people, landscapes or everyday subjects, this episode will help you diagnose the problem rather than simply assuming you need better equipment.

You'll learn:

• Why your shutter speed may not be fast enough
• The difference between camera movement and subject movement
• Why autofocus can focus on the wrong part of the scene
• How depth of field affects sharpness
• What image stabilisation can—and cannot—do
• How your camera technique can introduce blur
• Why high-contrast edges can make a photograph appear sharper
• The difference between technical and perceived sharpness
• What post-processing can and cannot repair

Free photography resource

Download Graham's 7-Point Photography Sharpness Checklist and use it to diagnose your photographs before blaming your equipment.

And if you'd like to develop a deeper understanding of your camera and learn how to make better photographic decisions, explore Graham's photography courses.

The next time a photograph isn't sharp, don't immediately ask, "Do I need a better camera?" Ask instead: "Why isn't it sharp?"

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

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The + and – Button on Your Camera Explained

Ever taken a photograph that looks too dark or too bright, even though your camera seemed to get the exposure right?

That's where exposure compensation comes in.

In this episode, we take a simple, practical look at what exposure compensation is, why your camera sometimes gets exposure wrong, and when you should use the + and – controls on your camera.

You'll learn:

• What exposure compensation actually does
• What +1, –1 and ⅓-stop adjustments mean
• Why cameras can struggle with very bright or very dark subjects
• How to use exposure compensation in Aperture Priority
• How it works in Shutter Priority
• Using it with Program mode and Auto ISO
• Why a white subject isn't always a reason to add exposure compensation
• How exposure compensation can be particularly useful in wildlife photography
• When changing your metering mode—or switching to Manual—might be a better solution
• How the histogram can help you judge whether your adjustment has worked

Most importantly, you'll learn a simple rule for deciding when to use it:

If you like the settings your camera is choosing, but you don't like the brightness of the photograph, exposure compensation may be exactly what you need.

And at the end of the episode, there's a simple three-photo exercise you can try with your own camera to see exactly what exposure compensation does.

Whether you're just starting to move beyond Auto or you've been using your camera for years, this is a simple technique that can give you considerably more control over your photography.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

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What Wildlife Taught Me About People

Spending time photographing wildlife has taught me a lot about photography. But it has also taught me something I didn't expect: quite a lot about people.

Wildlife doesn't follow a script. You can't tell an elephant where to stand, ask a lion to wait for better light, or persuade a bird to do something interesting just because you've got your camera ready.

You have to watch. You have to wait. You have to notice the small changes in behaviour. You have to anticipate what might happen — and accept that you can't control the outcome.

And surprisingly, those same skills can be useful when dealing with people.

In this episode, Graham Elliott reflects on some of the lessons wildlife photography has taught him about observation, patience, anticipation, adapting to circumstances and knowing when not to act.

This isn't a photography tutorial. Instead, it's a personal look at what happens when you spend enough time watching wildlife to realise that some of the things you learn in the field have very little to do with cameras.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is a simple one:

If you want to understand something, you have to spend a little more time watching it.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

Send us Fan Mail

The Photography Advice I Wish I'd Ignored

There’s a lot of photography advice out there — but does following all the rules actually make you a better photographer?

In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at some of the photography advice he’s followed, questioned and ultimately learned to ignore during his years as a photographer, including wildlife photography and working in the field.

We explore some familiar photography rules and assumptions: why buying better camera gear won't necessarily make you a better photographer, why shooting at the lowest possible ISO isn't always the right choice, why you don't always need to fill the frame, and why shooting in manual mode isn't a measure of photographic skill.

We also look at one of the biggest traps photographers fall into: chasing technical perfection instead of making a photograph that actually works.

This isn't another list of photography tips. It's a conversation about understanding the rules, knowing why they exist, and having the confidence to decide when they don't apply.

Whether you're just starting photography, upgrading your camera gear, or an experienced wildlife photographer looking to improve your images, this episode will give you something to think about the next time you pick up your camera.

Because better photography isn't about following more rules.

It's about making better choices.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

Send us Fan Mail

Have you always wanted to take photography more seriously but wondered whether you've left it too late?

Perhaps you've recently bought your first camera, returned to photography after many years away, or finally have the time to explore something you've always wanted to do. The good news is that you're never too old to start photography.

But getting started can come with a few traps that make the learning process more difficult than it needs to be.

In this episode, we explore seven common traps that can slow your progress, including:

• Thinking you need to understand everything before you start
• Buying equipment instead of building experience
• Trying to learn everything at once
• Comparing yourself with photographers who have been doing it for years
• Being intimidated by technology
• Being afraid to make mistakes
• Waiting for the perfect time to take photography seriously

Photography isn't about knowing everything or owning the latest equipment. It's about learning, experimenting, making mistakes — and gradually becoming a better photographer.

Whether you're completely new to photography or picking up a camera again after years away, this episode will help you avoid some of the biggest obstacles and start enjoying your photographic journey.

You don't need to know everything. You don't need the perfect camera. You just need to take the next photograph.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

Send us Fan Mail

Why Some Photographers Improve — and Others Stay Stuck

Why do some photographers seem to improve rapidly while others take thousands of photographs yet feel as though they're making little progress?

It's easy to assume that better photographers simply have more expensive equipment, more natural talent or more experience. But is that really the difference?

In this episode, I look at why simply taking more photographs doesn't necessarily make you a better photographer. I look at the difference between repeating the same habits and genuinely learning from your experiences, the importance of understanding why a photograph works—or doesn't—and why having access to more information isn't always the answer.

With endless photography videos, articles and advice available online, perhaps the real challenge isn't finding more information. It's knowing what matters, when it matters and how everything fits together.

If you feel as though your photography has reached a plateau, this episode might help you look at your progress—and your camera—in a different way.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

Send us Fan Mail

Buying Photography Gear Without Wasting Your Money — Part 2: Building the Complete Kit

Choosing the right camera and lens is only the beginning. In Part 2 of this series, we look at the rest of your photography kit — and, more importantly, whether you actually need it.

We explore how to build a practical photography system around the lenses you choose, including:

• How to build a complementary lens collection rather than simply accumulating lenses
• When image stabilisation matters — and when it doesn't
• Autofocus performance in lenses and cameras
• Flashguns and the basics of getting better light
• On-camera vs off-camera flash
• Tripods, monopods, gimbals and other forms of support
• Filters and other accessories: what is genuinely useful and what may be unnecessary
• Batteries, memory cards, bags and backup equipment
• What to look for when buying lenses and cameras second-hand
• Why a good lens can remain useful for many years, even as camera technology changes

We'll finish by putting everything together into a simple framework for deciding what you actually need to buy.

Because the aim isn't to own the biggest or most expensive camera bag.

It's to build a kit that helps you take better photographs.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

Send us Fan Mail

Buying Photography Gear Without Wasting Your Money — Part 1: The Lens Comes First

Thinking about upgrading your camera? Before you spend your money on the latest body, stop and think about the lens.

In the first of this two-part series, we look at how to make smarter decisions when buying photography gear — starting with what is arguably the most important part of your kit: the lens.

We explore:

• Why the lens can have a greater impact on your photography than the camera body
• Choosing the right focal length for landscapes, portraits, wildlife, travel and more
• Prime vs zoom lenses
• How aperture affects light, depth of field and background separation
• Why the fastest or most expensive lens isn't necessarily the best choice
• DSLR vs mirrorless cameras
• Full-frame vs crop sensors
• How sensor size affects your choice of lenses, particularly for wildlife and travel
• How to choose a camera body based on the lenses and photography you actually need

The goal isn't to persuade you to buy more expensive equipment. It's to help you understand what you actually need — and avoid spending money on features that won't make a meaningful difference to your photography.

The key message? Build your kit around the photographs you want to take, not the camera you think you should own.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

Send us Fan Mail

The shoot felt great. So why does the final gallery disappoint?

In the final part of our wildlife photography mistakes series, we're covering the mistakes that happen after you've already got the shot — in your review and editing process:

• The culling mistake that means you might be missing your actual best frame
• Why over-sharpening in post can do more harm than good
• The cropping decision that costs you more than you think
• How inconsistent colour and white balance can undercut an entire series
• The one habit that turns every missed shot into your next improvement

We're also wrapping up the whole series with a full recap of everything we've covered across all four episodes — from the field to the final edit.

This is Part 4 of 4 in our wildlife photography mistakes series. If you've enjoyed this arc, we'd love it if you subscribed so you don't miss what's coming next.

Got a photo you think went wrong? Send it our way — we might feature it in an upcoming episode.

It's time for another podcast...

... And... just before I go...

How would you like to improve your photography today?

If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.

So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.

Have a great day

Support the show

Would you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?

Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.