Wildlife Conversations Episode 12 with Madi Clark (@embark.with.ember)

So fun to talk with Madi! Her adventure and outdoor lifestyle content captures those fleeting moments that others might miss, and she has a keen eye for transforming ordinary scenes into compelling visual stories.

You may also know Madi from her successful Instagram account @embark.with.ember, which  showcases her eye for subtle details and, of course, her adorable dog Ember!

Today Madi combines her photography with work as a content creator and marketing specialist for outdoor and lifestyle brands, where her photography plays a central role in creating authentic stories through social media and marketing campaigns.

IN THIS EPISODE we discussed . . .

- her journey to photography

- how her dog Ember led her into the content creator and mentor she is now

- her keen eye for visual storytelling

- 3 elements she uses for story telling

- some of her beautiful images and favorite moments

- creativity and entrepreneurship

- balancing professional pursuits and maintaining the love of photography

- how people can embrace their own photography style and brand and monetize their craft

- imposter syndrome and how to create what is authentic to your own creative voice 

- audience questions

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WHERE TO FIND MADI

Instagram

@embark.with.ember

@madikay.photography

You can DM her there for prints, collaborations, and one-on-one consulting. 

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RESOURCES*

Shimoda bag

Peak Design Capture Camera Clip

*Amazon Affiliate links

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WHERE TO FIND JEN

www.jenlritchie.com

Instagram

Grab my free guide --- "10 Tips for Beginner Wildlife Photographers to Up Your Creativity & Confidence" and join the email list for upcoming podcasts

See what's in my camera bag here.

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Wildlife Conversations Podcast exists to share more voices in the genre and to build community outside of social media. Its goal is to be a space where creatives who are passionate about wildlife and nature photography can share their stories, wisdom, adventures, and tips in a fun, welcoming place. 

Thank you for listening!

Wildlife Photographer Amy Harris, based in Colorado, joined me for Episdoe 11 of the Wildlife Conversations podcast, and we had a great discussion about her photography journey, risk, growth, gratitude, faith, and connection.

Yellowstone Photographer Julia Cook, or @julia.littlelightningnature, joins me for Episode 10 of Wildlife Conversations! 

Growing up in Cody, Wyoming, Julia developed a love for nature and wildlife at an early age, and it’s no surprise that Yellowstone National Park became her muse for wildlife photography. A recent University of Wyoming graduate, she now pursues outdoor photography full time and is often in the park with her lab, Sylvan.

Julia shared her experiences growing up less than an hour from Yellowstone and how that shaped her love of nature. During the pandemic, she picked up a camera and started capturing the diverse ecosystem of Yellowstone, especially her favorite species, the grizzly bear. 

We discussed tips for traveling to Yellowstone, her favorite lens for photographing there, how community is important for creative support, and ways to protect and encourage coexistence with wildlife in and around the parks. 

Julia also shared some of her travels with us to Colorado and Alaska, and we also got to see some of her beautiful images. 

I loved this discussion with Julia, and I can't wait to see what she does in the future!

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WHERE TO FIND JULIA

Instagram

Website

TikTok: @julia.littlelightning

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WHERE TO FIND ME

www.jenlritchie.com

Instagram

Join my email list for upcoming podcasts and check out my free guide --- 10 Tips for Beginner Wildlife Photographers to Up Your Creativity & Confidence

You can see my gear list here.

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Landscape and fine art photographer Kristen Ryan joined me for Episode 9 of Wildlife Conversations!

Kristen's InstagramWomen Capture MagicCapture Magic Retreats

Instagram

I was honored to have photographer David duChemin kick off 2025 in Episode 8 of Wildlife Conversations!

Recorded January 8, 2025

David is a photographer, writer, and adventurer based out of Vancouver Island, Canada. I first knew David by his humanitarian and travel photography, which led me to his books and podcast. 

More recently, he has turned his focus to the wilderness and wildlife photography. From Africa to British Columbia and everywhere in between, David’s images evoke emotion and wonder. He is the author of important books like Within the Frame, The Soul of the Camera, and The Heart of the Photograph, among others. 

In this episode David and I discussed his new book Light, Space, & Time: Essays on Camera Craft and Creativity. We chatted about how to give ourselves permission to create images that are truly our own.

We explored learning how the camera sees versus how the human eye sees. We also discussed how important it is to take risks and be curious in our photography in order to grow. 

David and I discussed the importance of finding your own voice and worth in this world of social media and how studying great photographers, exploring nature, finding things we are curious about, etc. is an alternative to scrolling and enriches our images. 

We also discussed the importance of the rough draft, of sketching our images, and how that creates images with impact and emotion. Plus so much more!

David also took time to answer participant’s questions live. It was such a rich discussion; I hope you enjoy it! 

WHERE TO FIND DAVID

Website: https://davidduchemin.com/

Sign up for his Craft & Vision Contact Sheet: https://www.mycontactsheet.com/

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

RESOURCES

Light, Space, and Time: Essays on Camera Craft and Creativity by David duChemin  https://amzn.to/4abY68n

An Immense World by Ed Yong  https://amzn.to/4j68QZT

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott https://amzn.to/4jnjZWv

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Find the Wildlife Conversations Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

| Wildlife Conversations Podcast Season1, Episode 7 |

Traci Sepkovic with co-host Michelle Osterhus

For the 7th episode of Wildlife Conversations, I welcomed Pennsylvania wildlife photographer Traci Sepkovic! Michelle Osterhus also agreed to come back once more as my cohost.

Living in Pennsylvania, Traci has learned the value of honing one's photography skills and wildlife knowledge in local areas. Whether at home or far away in places like Alaska, her work showcases the beauty of her subjects and the benefits of observation and patience. 

We discussed photographing in fog (have you seen her beautiful fog images?!), beginner tips, the importance of shooting local, Alaska adventures and tips, and also the importance of reverence and humility in wild spaces. 

As always, we also answered your great questions in the live Q&A, plus Traci answered our 6 speed round questions. 

>>> Wildlife Conversations Podcast exists to share more voices in the genre and to build community outside of social media. Its goal is to be a space where creatives who are passionate about wildlife photography can share their stories, wisdom, adventures, and tips in a fun, welcoming place. <<<

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WHERE TO FIND TRACI & MICHELLE

Traci’s Website: https://www.tlsepkovicphotography.com/

Traci’s Instagram: @tlsepkovic 

Michelle’s Website

Michelle’s Instagram: @michelleosterhusphotos 

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RESOURCES

Canon EOS R5 https://amzn.to/4fVzgej

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens https://amzn.to/3ARVsaA

If you'd like to help support Wildlife Conversations, I put together a list of my favorite things: https://jenlritchie.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re ordering from Amazon anyway, please consider supporting Wildlife Conversations. Thank you!

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www.jenlritchie.com⁠

Instagram:⁠ @jenlritchie and @wildlifeconversationspodcast

Join my email list and check out my free guide --- 10 Tips for Beginner Wildlife Photographers to Up Your Creativity & Confidence: ⁠ https://jenlritchie.com/freeguide/⁠

You can see my gear list here: https://jenlritchie.com/photographer/

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THANK YOU for supporting the Wildlife Conversations Podcast!

| Wildlife Conversations Podcast Season1, Episode 6 |

My guests this episode are Scott and Jackie Stone and their Alaska Bear Viewing Camps team, Cassie Noel and Josh Gesmundo!

If you’re a wildlife photographer on Instagram, you’ve probably seen Scott and Jackie and their team leading people in immersive bear camps in Alaska, specifically Katmai National Park and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Almost twenty years in the making, their bear knowledge puts conservation and safety as top priority. Their commitment to client experience is top-notch, and it’s evident that sharing these wild spaces with clients brings them tremendous joy.

We discuss camp logistics, their backgrounds in photography and nature, conservation and community responsibility, bear safety, and best practices on tour. We also talked about building a community and deep relationships with clients, empowering women wildlife photographers, and soulful experiences out in nature.

If you love bears, wildlife, experiences in nature and you want to hear from leaders in the field, this is the episode for you!

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WHERE TO FIND THEM

Website

Email: [email protected]

Instagram

Scott: @sstone_images

Jackie: @akreelgirl

Josh: @wildwatchtower

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RESOURCES

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Canon EOS R5 https://amzn.to/4fVzgej

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens https://amzn.to/3ARVsaA

Shine Turbine https://shineturbine.com/

If you'd like to help support Wildlife Conversations, I put together a list of my favorite things from stocking stuffers to gear: https://jenlritchie.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the podcast.

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www.jenlritchie.com⁠

Instagram:⁠ @jenlritchie

@wildlifeconversationspodcast

Join my email list for upcoming podcast notifications and grab my free guide --- 10 Tips for Beginner Wildlife Photographers to Up Your Creativity & Confidence

You can see my gear list here: https://jenlritchie.com/photographer/

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#alaska #bears #podcast #wildlifephotographypodcast ⁠#wildlifephotography #wildlife #photography #youtuber

On Episode 5 of Wildlife Conversations, I welcome wildlife photographer and YouTuber Steve Mattheis!

Steve is a native of Jackson, Wyoming, specializing in the diversity of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem and winner of multiple awards including a Highly Honored image in the Wildlife category this year for the Nature’s Best Photography Awards and Grand Prize in the⁠ 2018 Audubon Photography Awards⁠. 

With over 4.2 million views on his YouTube channel, most wildlife photographers have had some sort of influence from Steve and love following his adventures. He is the perfect blend of technical and artistry, and I am so grateful to have had his help and coaching over these past 4 years. 

Steve joins us to talk about foundational checklists to have before going out in the field, editing, inspiration, mindset and gratitude, and artistic style. He also took live questions from the listeners and did my speed round. 

Lots of great photography tips and great to catch up - I hope you enjoy our discussion!

Where to Find Steve

⁠www.stevemattheis.com⁠ 

⁠YouTube⁠

⁠@stevemattheis⁠

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Where to Find Me

www.jenlritchie.com⁠

Instagram:⁠  @jenlritchie  ⁠

Join my email list and grab my free guide --- 10 Tips for Beginner Wildlife Photographers to Up Your Creativity & Confidence: ⁠ https://jenlritchie.com/freeguide/⁠

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RESOURCES

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron https://amzn.to/4fOcdCb

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin https://amzn.to/3UThgZX

The Art of Suffering by K. Ramon  https://amzn.to/3VhpYSj

Light, Space, and Time by David duChemin https://amzn.to/3UOZGqg

Vincent Munier https://amzn.to/3UOZGqg

Personal Exposures by Elliott Erwitt https://amzn.to/3CxKF5N

Datacolor Spyder Monitor Calibration Tool  https://amzn.to/3Cuazr7
OpTech USA | Rainsleeve Series https://amzn.to/40QGThU

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the podcast.

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#youtuber #owl #photographytips #stevemattheis

On Episode 4 of Wildlife Conversations, I'm joined by Utah photographer Lydia Ripplinger (lydebug)!

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WHERE TO FIND LYDIA (@lydebug)

TikTok

WHERE TO FIND JEN

On this episode, recorded on October 8 with a live virtual audience, Jen welcomes Idaho photographer Jennie Cannon and Utah photographer Maureen Matsen to Wildlife Conversations. Both spend a lot of time photographing in the Grand Teton National Park ecosystem and found themselves on the same Alaskan Bear workshop this past summer.

We recapped our Alaska workshops, the differences between the types of Alaska workshops, tips for packing for Alaska, and our dreams of going back again. We also shared pro tips on what to take on trips and how to approach a weekend excursion plus Jennie and Maureen's favorite images. If you know Jennie and Maureen on Instagram, you know they are supportive and generous. We discussed ethical, kind practices and how to treat other photographers and our animal subjects.

This was a really rich discussion about the magical nature of wildlife photography, the special friendships it brings, how we touch others' lives with it, and the hopes of adventures to come.

Follow Jen Ritchie on⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ for Wildlife Conversations news and on⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for a video version of the podcast.

Keep up with Jennie Cannon on ⁠Instagram⁠, and you can find ⁠Maureen Matsen⁠ there, as well. 

RESOURCES

Peak Design Slide camera strap: https://amzn.to/3UU2uCn

Op Tech USA Hood Hat/Lens covers: https://amzn.to/48Q0P6y

Peak Design Travel Tripod: https://amzn.to/4ewirWg

Wildlife Conversations exists to share more voices in the genre and to build community outside of social media. Its goal is to be a space where creatives who are passionate about wildlife photography can share their stories, wisdom, adventures, and tips in a fun, welcoming place. I can't wait for you to join us!