My guest Sonder Selvig joins me to discuss desert bird photography, space and depth in compositions, and his use of dramatic light and backgrounds in his photography.

Instagram: @swswildlife

Black-throated Blue

Lazuli Bunting

Red-headed Woodpecker

Ring-billed Gull

Brad shares about his challenges with bad weather lately, then suprised me with his purchase of a new lens! Emilie joins in for a little bit to share her thoughts on the new lens Brad purchased and I wrap up with what I’ve been shooting lately in the desert.

Brad shares about his experience with a Great Egret, I share about our last bit of travel along the California coastline, then we answer a listener question from Gurnit Atwal. He asks “ Do you guys think that certain genres of wildlife/bird photography (and photography more generally) are more technical than others? For example, I feel like macro photography of insects is more technical in a way that limits creativity. If you agree, does that influence your decision to engage/not engage with that genre of photography? And second part: Do you think that certain groups of subjects inspire greater creativity when shooting? For example, is it easier to be more creative with a shorebird than a moose? And if so, does that influence the subjects you want to shoot?”

This week it's mostly catch up from me then Brad and I discuss my new Nikon 28-400mm lens and how it worked out on the last couple of outings.

Brad shares about his awesome recent outing with waterfowl and fall colors as well as his new approach to that photography, I share a bunch of updates about what I have been shooting along the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Listener Martin Stevens sent in a message suggesting we check out Underwater Photographer of the Year's contest yearbook with judges comments so we discuss that for a bit. We planned on talking about a new Nikon lens I am interested but never got around to it and we wrap up the episode chatting about the topic of wildlife photography becoming life consuming, when that happened and what it's like.

Michelle Mackenzie joins me to discuss her progress with bird photography in the last year, making sure she keeps the joy in her photography, starting an Instagram group called "Shoot Small" and many other things!