Start Out Strong
Dive into podcast episodes that help you build foundational skills for conservation photography and storytelling

Episode 140: Is Conservation Photography Right for You? 5 Ways to Know if It's a Fit
Are you a nature or wildlife photographer curious about conservation photography, but you're not quite sure what it's all about or - more importantly - if it's a fit for you? This episode will give you the clarity you need to know for sure!
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Episode 139: 5 Most Important Things to Focus on to Dramatically Improve Your Photos Fast
Overwhelmed by all you want (and need) to learn to become a better photographer? Zero in on just these 5 things and you'll see lightning-speed improvement in the images you're creating
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Episode 138: 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Photo Project
Photo projects are so exciting! That is until overwhelm, confusion, insecurity, scope creep, busy schedules, and so much else get in the way. Here are the 3 most common stumbling blocks conservation photographers face with a new project and HOW to overcome them - with advice straight from my own project management mentor, Jo.
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Episode 135: The Making of a Self-Published Conservation Magazine with Melissa Schäfer
A stunning new publication has entered the world. Mother is a passion project by photographer Melissa Schäfer, and it is a journey full of firsts. This is a must-listen If you have a passion project you want to pursue but feel scared about its unknowns.
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Episode 129: Backyard Camera Traps and Worldwide Workshops with Roy Toft
Even though professional conservation photographer Roy Toft travels the world throughout the year, he still is laser-focused on this backyard photo project. Learn what he's up to with camera traps and why it matters so much.
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Episode 120: How to Choose What Photos to Post (and What to Hold Back) on Social Media
There's an inevitable question that comes up when you're working on a photo story or project that you know you want to get published: what images can you share on social media? What's smart to share and what's oversharing that could shoot you in the foot later on? We tackle this conundrum by asking one simple but essential question.
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Episode 119: 100 Rejections, Finding Fresh Photo Stories, and Passionate Persistence with Jules Jacobs
Achieving success in conservation photography is simple as long as you have these three ingredients: curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to pivot. As Jules Jacobs proves, these traits help you make bold moves, open doors to opportunities you'd only ever dreamed about, and find surprising friendships along the way.
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Episode 118: What Happened When A National Geographic Photographer Showed Up to This Student's Photo Shoot
It could have gone all wrong. But this savvy Conservation Photography 101 student turned it into an exceptional opportunity (and one we can ALL learn from).
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Episode 117: If You're Worried You're Not “Good Enough” To Be An Impactful Conservation Photographer…
Imposter syndrome. Self-doubt. Uncertainty. It's all super familiar territory to *everyone* in our field (yes, even the pros). So if you're feeling it, know you're not alone. Hit play on this episode for a comforting reality check and helpful strategies to cut through the nerves so you can focus on confident creativity.
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Episode 116: Add This To Your Licensing Agreement with a Nonprofit (Even If You're Donating Images)
There are BIG perks to making small additions to the agreements you use with nonprofits when you donate images. This one simple tweak sets expectations, underscores your value as a photographer, and sets the stage for future paid work with the nonprofits you're volunteering with.
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Episode 115: 5 Steps to Turning your Conservation Photography Hobby into a Profitable Side Hustle
Turning your passionate hobby into something that not only pays for itself but brings in a sustainable income is not nearly as complex or confusing as you might think. Start with these simple, straightforward steps, and grow from there.
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Episode 114: Improve Your Outdoor Photography Adventures With This Essential Addition to Your Kit
The camera is just one tool we use to capture images of wildlife. There's another toolkit that is, frankly, even more important than what lens you bring with you into the wild.
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