Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast

Welcome to Shutter Nonsense - a laid-back nature photography podcast with hosts Michael Rung and Jeffrey Tadlock. Every other week, we dive into the world of landscape and nature photography with casual conversations about what we’ve been up to, current happenings in the photography world, and tips to help you grow as a photographer. Whether you’re a weekend hiker with a camera or a seasoned shooter chasing perfect light, you’re in good company. It’s not utter nonsense... but it is Shutter Nonsense.

Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast is a arts podcast hosted by Shutter Nonsense, with 34 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Shutter Nonsense hosts Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast, a arts show with 34 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #33

  Inspiring the Next Generation of Wildlife Photographers

  Aug 11, 20261h 10m

  Wildlife photography can create a deeper connection with nature, but what happens when that connection begins before bad habits have a chance to take hold? In this episode, Shutter Nonsense hosts, Michael and Jeffrey, are joined by Utah wildlife photographer and conservation advocate Shauna Hart to discuss her work helping young photographers learn photography, understand wildlife, and develop ethical habits in the field. Shauna shares how a personal experience with a moose changed the direction of her photography and eventually led to her involvement with the Utah Wildlife Federation. The conversation explores her Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation program, why understanding the “why” behind wildlife guidelines matters, how to recognize signs of stress in animals, and how photographers can use their work to support conservation. They also discuss equipment barriers, wildlife crossings, local advocacy, and the small steps each of us can take to make a difference where we live. Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: How Shauna found her way from landscape photography to wildlife photography The encounter with a familiar moose that changed the direction of her work The growing problem of unethical wildlife viewing and photography Creating Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation Why teaching young photographers may create lasting change Recognizing when an animal is stressed or changing its behavior Making photography accessible regardless of someone’s equipment or budget Wildlife crossings, vehicle collisions, and the importance of slowing down Building relationships and taking action at the local level Shauna’s goal of expanding the youth program beyond Utah Related Links: Shauna’s website: https://www.shaunalhart.com/ Utah Wildlife Federation: https://utwf.org/ Jason Loftus: www.untamedimagesbyjl.com Beyond the Wild podcast: https://www.beyondthewildpodcast.com/ Youth Photography Camp: https://www.utahwildlifefederation.org/post/youth-conservation-photography-camp-offers-rare-opportunity-to-learn-from-top-utah-wildlife-photogra Local article on the camp: https://www.ksl.com/article/51336771/photographer-launches-ethical-photography-program-to-help-utah-wildlife-thrive Fossim Rim Wildlife Center: https://fossilrim.org/ Save People Save Wildlife: https://www.savepeoplesavewildlife.org/ Shauna’s recognition for wildlife crossing advocacy: https://www.savepeoplesavewildlife.org/post/local-photographer-shauna-hart-earns-national-recognition-and-highlights-the-need-for-wildlife-cross Crossings by Ben Goldfarb: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/crossings Lydia Ripplinger: https://www.instagram.com/lydebug/?hl=en National Wildlife Federation: https://www.nwf.org/ Bertie Gregory Nat Geo profile: https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory/bertie-o-gregory Utah’s new rules for accessing wildlife refuges: https://www.ksl.com/article/51492990/utah-plans-to-adjust-wildlife-management-area-access-heres-what-is-changing Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

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  Episode #32

  The Archive Dilemma: Why Old Photos Deserve Another Look

  Jul 28, 20261h 5m

  What happens to the photographs that do not make your first edit? In Episode 32 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey take on the archive dilemma. Defining what a photo archive actually is, deciding what is worth keeping, and explaining why older files are often more valuable than they first appear. They talk through the practical and creative sides of holding on to your work. That includes revisiting older images with a more experienced eye, using newer editing tools to rescue files that once felt unusable, and accepting that a technically imperfect image can still be a successful photograph. They also compare their very different approaches to Lightroom ratings, folders, collections, storage, and backups. Have a different archive workflow? Join the conversation with us over on Patreon. Free members can participate in the post-episode discussion, while paid supporters help keep Shutter Nonsense going and get early access, bonus episodes, and more. https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights What separates a true archive from photos that are still waiting to be edited Why photographers should not automatically treat older work as junk How a fresh perspective, changing style, and better software can reveal overlooked images When it makes sense to delete a photo and when it is better to keep it Michael and Jeffrey’s very different systems for star ratings, labels, filters, and culling Why an image does not have to be technically perfect to be worth sharing or printing The argument for keeping RAW files, even after an edit is complete Folder structures, Lightroom collections, and backup strategies for a growing archive Related Links PhotoPack Pro FAQ: https://www.photopackpro.com/faq Landscape Photographers Worldwide: https://discord.gg/xnJs9vXjJ Murray Livingston: https://www.murraylivingston.com/ Michael’s free ebooks: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/free-ebooks Michael’s Hidden Gold blog post: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/finding-gold Michael’s Lightroom organization guide: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/pro-tips-for-using-ratings-color-labels Michael’s Survey View tutorial: https://youtu.be/VUJOCmXdwZc “Into the Shadow Realm”: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/product-page/into-the-shadow-realm Suzanne Mathia’s Lightroom organization: https://suzannemathiablog.com/exploring-efficient-folder-organization-in-lightroom-classic/ Chrissy Donadi’s Lightroom organization course: https://chrissydonadi.com/lets-get-organized-course Michael’s article on backup solutions: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/photography-backup-workflow Backblaze backup service: https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

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  Episode #31

  031 Carbon Transfer Printing with Michael Strickland

  Jul 14, 20261h 23m

  Carbon transfer printing is one of those processes that somehow feels more complicated the longer you talk about it, and that is exactly why we wanted to have Michael Strickland on the show. Michael is a photographer and printmaker based in Kansas who specializes in carbon transfer printing, platinum-palladium printing, and drum scanning. He joins Michael and Jeffrey to break down what carbon printing actually is, how pigment, gelatin, UV light, and multiple transfers come together, and why the finished prints have a depth that is difficult to describe until you see one in person. But this is not just a technical conversation. Michael also talks about the challenge of building a business around a demanding handmade process, balancing the studio with family life, stepping back from his own landscape photography for a while, and finding creative satisfaction in helping other artists bring their work to life. From printing with soil collected from meaningful places to experimenting with gold leaf, glow-in-the-dark pigments, glass, and dimensional textures, this one goes well beyond what most of us think of when we hear the word “print.” Join the conversation over on Patreon. Free members and paid supporters can jump into the post-episode discussion, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on culling, editing, critique, printing, creative growth, or anything else this episode brings up. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: Michael Strickland shares his path from music and engineering into film photography, drum scanning, and alternative-process printing. A plain-English explanation of carbon transfer printing and why it is a pigment-based transfer process. How color carbon prints are built through multiple layers, careful color separation, and extremely precise registration. Why one print can take days to prepare and complete, even before accounting for the trial and error involved. The role that materials, humidity, temperature, and consistency play in a successful print. Michael talks about taking a step back from personal landscape work and giving himself room to reconnect creatively. Why digital files, film originals, water, rich tones, and physical depth can all work beautifully in carbon. The wild creative possibilities of the process, including earth pigments, soil, gold leaf, glow-in-the-dark layers, glass, and custom materials. Related Links: Michael Strickland’s website: https://www.michaelstricklandimages.com/ Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstricklandimages/?hl=en Overview of Carbon Transfer Printing: https://www.michaelstricklandimages.com/the-carbon-transfer-service Ansel Adams book “The Print”: https://amzn.to/4weyEso (affiliate link) Edward Weston: https://www.westongallery.com/original-works-by/edward-weston Edward Burtynksy: https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/ Cody Cobb: https://www.codycobb.com/ Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

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  Episode #30

  030 Learning to Evaluate Your Photography

  Jun 30, 20261h 19m

  In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey talk about the messy, subjective, and sometimes frustrating process of evaluating your own photography. They dig into what happens after a trip, from the first Lightroom pass to choosing which images deserve more attention, which ones fall short, and which ones might have potential even if they do not immediately jump off the screen. The conversation gets into culling, sharpness, composition, edge patrol, raw files that look flat, and the role gut feeling plays when deciding whether an image is worth editing. They also talk about feedback, including when it helps, when it becomes overwhelming, and how to decide whose critique is actually worth listening to. From one-on-one input to camera clubs, Discord groups, and online critique communities, Michael and Jeffrey discuss the balance between staying open to outside perspectives and trusting your own creative instincts. The episode also covers knowing when an edit is done, the danger of chasing perfection, why printing can reveal flaws that are easy to miss on a monitor, and how looking back at your larger body of work can help you see growth, stagnation, and changes in your photographic style over time. Join the conversation over on Patreon. Free members and paid supporters can jump into the post-episode discussion, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on culling, editing, critique, printing, creative growth, or anything else this episode brings up. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: How Michael and Jeffrey approach their first pass through new images Why Jeffrey often waits weeks before seriously reviewing his photos The role of sharpness, composition, light, and edge patrol when culling images Why raw files can feel discouraging before an edit brings out their potential How gut feeling and experience shape image selection When outside feedback helps, and when it can become noise The value of choosing critique from photographers whose work you respect Why good feedback does not always mean you have to follow it Knowing when an edit is done and when good enough really is good enough How printing can reveal flaws, tonal issues, and composition problems Looking at your body of work as a way to measure growth and creative evolution Related Links: Michael’s PhotoPack Pro app: https://www.photopackpro.com Photographer’s Guide to Yellowstone and the Tetons: https://amzn.to/3Sw1KVB (Amazon affiliate link) 50 Jackson Hole Photography Hotspots: https://amzn.to/4ezfxC8 (Amazon affiliate link) Michael’s free Smoky Mountains ebook: https://tinyurl.com/23fkb2cn Michael’s other free ebooks: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/free-ebooks Ben Horne: https://www.benhorne.com Jeffrey’s presentation offerings: https://jeffreytadlock.com/talks Michael’s rating and culling process: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/pro-tips-for-using-ratings-color-labels Rethink Landscape Toolkit: https://www.exploringexposure.com/products/rethink-landscape Alex Noriega: https://www.alexnoriega.com/ Eric Bennett: https://www.bennettfilm.com/ LPW Discord: https://discord.gg/xqwVXAJw Nature Photographers Network: https://www.naturephotographers.network/ Gary Randall: https://www.gary-randall.com/ Sarah Marino: https://www.smallscenes.com/ New Mexico Fine Art: https://nmfa.io/

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  Episode #30

  029 Jon Norris and an Ode to Joshua Tree

  Jun 16, 20261h 8m

  In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey are joined by landscape photographer Jon Norris to talk about Joshua Tree National Park, a place that has become one of Jon’s favorite subjects and creative escapes. Jon shares what keeps pulling him back to Joshua Tree after hundreds of visits, from the strange character of the trees to the glowing rock formations, hidden corners, old mine workings, and the need to explore beyond the obvious roadside views. The conversation also gets into how learning more about a place, its geology, history, plants, wildlife, and people, can shape the way we photograph it. They also talk about the challenges of leading photography workshops in national parks, including recent CUA restrictions in Joshua Tree that led Jon to step back from offering workshops there. From there, the conversation turns toward stewardship, responsible park use, volunteering, and the role photographers can play in helping people better understand and care for public lands. And because this is Shutter Nonsense, the episode eventually wanders into social media, Substack, websites, and the ongoing question of where photographers should be sharing their work. Join the conversation over on Patreon. Free members and paid supporters can jump into the post-episode discussion, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on Joshua Tree, national park stewardship, workshops, social media, or anything else this episode brings up. 👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense Highlights: Jon Norris shares how Joshua Tree became his photographic “happy place” Why Joshua Tree rewards exploration more than checklist photography Jeffrey looks back on rock climbing in Joshua Tree before photographing it How geology, history, and ecology can add depth to landscape photography The recent CUA and workshop restrictions affecting photography workshops in Joshua Tree Why responsible workshop leaders can act as stewards for public lands Jon’s volunteer work with Joshua Tree National Park Association and the Desert Institute Leaving Instagram, finding community on Substack, and keeping your website as home base Related Links: Jon Norris’ website: https://jonnorrisphoto.com/ Jon’s Substack: https://jonnorrisphoto.substack.com/ Jon’s interview with Grant Swinbourne: https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-fnmvs-1a19edd Michael Frye’s Yosemite photography guide book: https://amzn.to/4dRQ87L Alabama Hills: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/alabama-hills-national-scenic-area Joshua Tree National Park Association: https://joshuatree.org/ Desert Institute: https://joshuatree.org/desert-institute/ Nature First Principles: https://naturefirst.org/en/principles/ National Park Foundation: https://www.nationalparks.org/ Michael’s Featured Frames series: https://www.patreon.com/collection/500898 Landscape Photographers Worldwide: https://discord.gg/kCVTCFFA NPN (Nature Photographers Network): https://www.naturephotographers.network/

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