The Nature Photo Guys

What’s in Chris’ Camera Bag?

To see what Chris and Joe are talking about, check out The Nature Photo Guys on https://www.youtube.com/@TheNaturePhotoGuysIn this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, Joe and Chris dig into the gear Chris relies on for both wildlife photography in the field and professional commercial assignments.We go through the cameras, lenses, accessories and other gear that earn a place in Chris’ bag and, more importantly, why he chooses them. From heading into the field for wildlife and nature photography to showing up prepared for a commercial shoot, Chris explains how his kit changes depending on the job.We also talk about what gets left behind, how much gear you really need, and the difference between building a camera bag around the latest equipment versus choosing gear that actually works for the way you shoot.If you’re a wildlife, nature or commercial photographer, or you simply enjoy seeing what working photographers actually carry, this one’s for you.What’s the one piece of gear that NEVER leaves your camera bag? Let us know in the comments.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'

What does it take to become Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year?In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs sit down with wildlife and conservation photographer David Sturge, the 2026 Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year.Based in Newfoundland and Labrador, David has built his photography around a deep connection with wildlife, wild places and conservation. He is also a provincial park ranger, wildlife guide, sea captain and expedition team lead, which gives him a unique perspective when working in the field.We talk with David about his journey into wildlife photography, the stories behind his images, photographing the incredible wildlife of Newfoundland and Labrador, conservation photography, fieldcraft, storytelling and what it means to have his work recognized by Canadian Geographic.David also shares the experiences, challenges and lessons that have shaped the way he approaches wildlife photography today.If you're interested in wildlife photography, nature photography, conservation, photographing Canadian wildlife or simply becoming a better visual storyteller, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Follow David and see more of his work:Website: https://www.sturgephotography.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sturgephotography/Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!#DavidSturge #WildlifePhotography #CanadianGeographic #WildlifePhotographerOfTheYear #NaturePhotography #ConservationPhotography #NaturePhotoGuys #CanadianWildlife #PhotographyPodcast #wildlifephotographer

It’s been a while, and we’ve got a lot to catch up on.In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, Joe and Chris sit down to talk about everything that’s happened since spring. From photography workshops and events to time in the field, travel, wildlife encounters, new adventures, and what’s coming next, there’s been plenty happening.And there’s some exciting news to celebrate: Chris was named runner-up in the Terrestrial Life category of Canadian Geographic’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition!We’ll talk about Chris’s recognition, highlights from the past few months, behind-the-scenes stories, lessons from the field, and the adventures and projects coming up.If you’re into wildlife and nature photography or just want to catch up with what we’ve been doing, grab a coffee and join us.In this episode:• Chris’s Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year recognition• Where we’ve been since spring• Recent workshops and photography events• Wildlife and travel adventures• What’s coming next for The Nature Photo GuysSubscribe to The Nature Photo Guys Podcast for conversations about wildlife photography, nature, gear, fieldcraft, adventures, and life behind the lens.#TheNaturePhotoGuysPodcast #CanadianGeographic #NaturePhotography #WildlifePhotography #joedesjardinsca #footprintsinnatureDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

This week on The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, we're leaving the wildlife behind for a while and pointing our cameras considerably farther away.We sit down with astrophotographer Bray Falls, Observatory Director at STARFRONT Observatories, to talk about the fascinating world of deep-sky astrophotography and what it takes to photograph objects millions of light-years from Earth.Bray's journey began with a passion for astronomy and a telescope as a teenager and eventually led to STARFRONT Observatories, a world-class remote telescope facility under the incredibly dark skies of Texas.We talk about Bray's journey into astrophotography, the technology and techniques behind photographing deep space, the challenges of capturing objects we can't see with our own eyes, and the incredible growth and story behind STARFRONT.For wildlife and nature photographers, this is a fascinating look at an entirely different side of photography, one where the subjects aren't running away, but they may be a few million light-years away.Whether you're an astrophotographer, nature photographer, or simply fascinated by what lies beyond our planet, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.

Scott Keys of Wildlife Inspired joins us for a great conversation about bird photography, building a successful YouTube channel, and what it's really like turning a passion for wildlife into a career.Scott picked up a camera in 2013 with one goal to create compelling images of birds in their natural environment. Fast forward a decade, and he's become one of the most respected bird photographers and educators around, spending every season chasing everything from tiny warblers to soaring raptors.We talk about how Scott got started, the lessons he's learned along the way, his approach to finding great light and behaviour, growing Wildlife Inspired, running workshops, YouTube, social media, editing, and where he thinks wildlife photography is headed next. It's an honest conversation packed with stories, laughs, and plenty of tips for photographers of every skill level.If you enjoyed this episode, we'd really appreciate it if you'd like, subscribe, and leave us a comment. It helps us continue bringing amazing guests from the wildlife & Nature photography community to the podcast.Thanks for watching!

Joining us today is Dee Webb, a passionate wildlife photographer and guide who calls Southern Alberta her steadfast anchor. Growing up in the untamed landscapes of outback Australia, she developed a deep connection with the outdoors before eventually falling in love with the Canadian wilderness at Birdseye Ranch, nestled on the outskirts of the breathtaking Waterton National Park.After years of nurturing young minds, she and her husband chose to simplify their existence, trading their belongings for the freedom of a holiday trailer. Today, she channels her profound joy for nature into ‘Focus Photo Tours’.Through small, personalized tours, her team prioritizes authentic encounters, sustainable travel, and expert guidance. She is more than just a guide, she is your partner in spotting elusive wildlife, perfecting your technique, and capturing the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.*Show Links*• Dee Webb Website | https://www.deewebbphotography.com• Dee Webb Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deewebbphotography• Dee Webb Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/share/1FoF44wwTX/?mibextid=wwXIfr• Focus Photo Tours Website | https://focusphototours.com• Focus Photo Tours Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/focusphototours• Focus Photo Tours Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/focusphototoursDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

Jesse and Susan of Follow Me North join us to share the story behind one of Canada's most respected wildlife photography brands.What started with a shared love of nature has grown into a business built around ethical wildlife photography, conservation, and helping photographers gain confidence in the field. Based near Algonquin Park, Jesse and Susan have created an ego-free approach to teaching that's refreshing in today's photography world.In this episode, we discuss:• How Follow Me North got started• Their journey from careers outside photography to full-time educators• Why ethics always come before the photograph• Building confidence behind the camera• Social media, YouTube, and growing an authentic brand• The business of photography workshops• Conservation and giving back through their work• Advice for photographers looking to build a career in photographyIf you're passionate about wildlife, photography, or building a meaningful creative business, you'll enjoy this conversation.Follow Jesse & Susan:📷 Instagram: @followmenorth🌲 Website: https://www.followmenorth.comDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

In this episode, we’re putting the Leofoto WN-03 door mount to the test, and honestly, we think it’s a game-changer for wildlife photographers and filmmakers working from a vehicle.Paired with a fluid head, the setup is incredibly smooth, stable, and surprisingly solid in the field. Whether you’re tracking moving wildlife, filming with long lenses out the truck window, or trying to stay mobile without dragging a tripod around, this just works.Simple idea, built well, and one of those pieces of gear that makes you wonder why you didn’t start using it sooner. A steady shot from a vehicle without fighting your setup? That’s worth its weight in gold, or at least a few cups of Kicking Horse coffee.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'

In this episode, we’re handing the mic over to you! We’ve gathered the most frequent, interesting, and challenging questions from our community and sat down to answer them all.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for this deep dive into the world 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!

How do you go from your first DSLR to leading workshops with National Geographic in just five years?

In this episode, Joe and Chris sit down with Colby Brown, renowned photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, to break down his journey into landscape, wildlife and humanitarian photography.

We cover his global work, his nonprofit The Giving Lens, and how he collaborates with major brands like Samsung and Travel Alberta, all while using photography to drive real-world change.

If you're serious about photography, storytelling, and building a career with purpose, this one is for you.*Show Links*

• Colby Brown Website | https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/

• Colby Brown Workshops / Tours | https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/photography-workshops/

• The Giving Lens Website | https://thegivinglens.com/

• The Giving Lens Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thegivinglens/

• Colby Brown Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/colbybrownphotography

• Colby Brown Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ColbyThomasBrown/

• Colby Brown Threads | https://www.threads.com/@colbybrownphotography

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Thanks for watching!

In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, Joe and Chris break down a recent, heart-pounding encounter with a lynx.

Beyond the feline highlight, we’re catching you up on everything else in our world:

• The Lynx Breakdown: A firsthand look at the gear used during this incredible sighting.

• What’s New in the Bag: We’re discussing the latest photography gear we’ve been testing and how it’s holding up in the field.

• On the Road: We have a lineup of upcoming speaking engagements! We’re sharing where we’ll be headed next and how you can join us.

• Life on the Trail: A recap of our recent outings and a general "what’s up" with the duo as we navigate the current season.

Whether you’re here for the wildlife stories or the technical talk, grab a seat and join the conversation.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'

Thanks for watching!

Imagine trading the industrial world for eleven years tracking wildlife through the remote corners of Vancouver Island. This unwavering patience has now culminated in our guest being named the 2025 Canadian Geographic Photographer of the Year.

In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys, Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs sit down with acclaimed award winning Canadian wildlife photographer Anthony Bucci. Based in Port McNeill, British Columbia, Anthony has spent over a decade refining his craft along the rugged BC coastlines.

Born and raised in the Fraser Valley, he transitioned to pursuing his craft full time over ten years ago and has since become widely recognized for his patient and behaviour focused style.

Anthony is known for extreme patience, often waiting hours for the perfect light to capture unique animal behaviour rather than standard shots. His work specializing in bears, eagles, and owls has been published in prestigious outlets including National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Forbes, and Canadian Geographic.

Beyond his own photography, he shares his passion for the Inside Passage by offering private guided marine photography tours around North Vancouver Island.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

How do you go from shooting the Olympics to tracking polar bears in the sub-Arctic?In this episode, legendary Canadian photojournalist Johnny Hayward shares his journey from the high-pressure world of professional sports and news photography to the frozen tundra of Churchill, Manitoba.After 28 years as a premier national photographer, Johnny now runs Bear Witness Photo, where he captures the quiet, powerful stories of the North.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

What if the most powerful part of photography happens before you ever press the shutter?

In this episode, world-renowned nature photographer Ian Plant shares why he believes the true magic of photography isn’t created on a computer, it’s experienced in the field. We talk about presence, patience, light, timing, and why chasing real moments will always matter more than chasing perfection.

This is a conversation about slowing down, paying attention, and reconnecting with why we picked up a camera in the first place.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your photography, burned out on editing, or tired of chasing trends, this one’s for you.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'

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Fall in the Canadian Rockies means one thing, The elk rut.In this episode, Chris and Joe head into the mountains to experience one of nature’s most intense and dramatic wildlife events, the elk rut. From echoing bugles in the dark to quiet moments waiting for light, this is what it’s really like to be out there during peak season.It’s not about trophies or checklists. It’s about patience, presence, and being part of the wild, even if only for a moment.If you love wildlife photography, elk behaviour, cinematic nature films, or the raw beauty of autumn in the Rockies, this one’s for you.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!

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.

Join Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs from The Nature Photo Guys Podcast as they look back on an incredible year of wildlife photography adventures!From the frozen landscapes of Svalbard in July to the thundering elk rut in September and the wild caribou migrations in October, 2025 was packed with unforgettable moments behind the lens.This is your sneak peek into our year in the wild and a setup for what’s to come! In upcoming episodes, we’ll break down each of these adventures in detail: the gear, the challenges, the laughs, and the lessons learned.🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss those deep dives!📸 Follow along on Instagram: @thenaturephotoguyspodcast | @footprintsinnature | @joedesjardins.ca 🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and hit the bell to see more content from 'The Nature Photo Guys!'Thanks for watching!