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.
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.
Episodes
Sep 8, 2026
Sep 8, 2026
1 hr 13 min
Does landscape photography need a dramatic sky to be worth the trip? And what happens when chasing rare light becomes the only reason you pick up the camera?
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, we take a deliberately balanced look at epic landscape photography - why dramatic conditions are so appealing, the real skills the chase can build, and the creative tradeoffs that can appear when great weather or rare light becomes a requirement.
We talk about weather forecasting, scouting, route planning, remote locations, social media expectations, and the value of simply getting more repetitions with the camera. Michael looks back at the year he stopped chasing sunrise and sunset and how that helped lead him into woodland photography. Jeffrey explains what repeated failed sunsets at Lindy Point have taught him about patience, adaptability, and finding photographs when the sky refuses to cooperate.
Highlights:
What we mean when we talk about an "epic" landscape or epic conditions
Why rarity, dramatic weather, and the chase itself can be so rewarding
How forecasting, planning, scouting, maps, and location research become part of the skill set
Why photographing only rare conditions can reduce practice and raise expectations
When specialization strengthens your work and when it may start feeling repetitive
How failed sunsets and fogged-in overlooks can train adaptability and observation
Why a temporary creative constraint can expose subjects you never knew you liked
How we think about social-media response, personal fulfillment, and joy as measures of growth
Join the free Shutter Nonsense community on Patreon and tell us your thoughts. Do you love the planning and adrenaline of the epic chase, or has your photography become more reactive over time?
👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense
Related Links:
Photography Workshop Selection Checklist - https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/finding-the-right-nature-photography-workshop-checklist
Planning and Scouting for Photography Trips - https://www.shutternonsense.com/post/episode-22-planning-and-scouting-for-photography-trips
Does Hit Rate Matter in Nature Photography? - https://www.shutternonsense.com/post/episode-24-does-hit-rate-matter-in-nature-photography
Continue with the educational guide, where we turn the conversation into a practical framework for balancing epic conditions with regular practice, adaptability, creative experiments, and a definition of growth that still leaves room for joy.
👉 https://www.shutternonsense.com/learn
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
Sep 8, 2026
1 hr 13 min

Aug 25, 2026
Finding Solace in Zion with Andrew Baruffi
Aug 25, 2026
Aug 25, 2026
59 min
What happens when a place becomes more than a backdrop for your photography?
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, we sat down with nature photographer Andrew Baruffi to discuss his relationship with Zion National Park and the role the park, photography, and writing have played throughout his struggles with mental health.
Andrew shares how repeated visits to Zion gave him a place to redirect his attention, why small scenes offered a manageable sense of focus, and how adding context to his photographs eventually led to his book, Heal.
We also talk about returning to familiar routes, seeing beyond Zion's grand landscapes, the importance of creative community, and why the process of photography can matter as much as the finished image.
Join the free Shutter Nonsense community on Patreon and tell us about a place that has become meaningful to you, whether or not it is famous or far from home.
👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense
Content note: This episode includes candid discussion of depression and experiences with mental health, including a brief reference to suicidal thoughts. If you are struggling, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis or concerned that you may harm yourself, call or text 988 in the United States. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Highlights:
How Zion became deeply connected to Andrew's life and creative identity
Why repeated visits and familiar routes can change the way a photographer sees a place
How small-scene photography gave Andrew a contained creative focus
Why he often photographs details, ice, reflected light, wildlife, and the ground beneath his feet
How simple contextual writing became part of every image he shared
The story behind Heal. and its combination of photographs and personal writing
Why the process of photographing can matter beyond the final file
How photography can create community and make adult friendships easier to begin
Why nature and creative practice can support well-being without replacing professional care
Related Links & Resources
Andrew Baruffi Photography
https://www.andrewbaruffiphoto.com/
About Andrew Baruffi - https://www.andrewbaruffiphoto.com/about
Heal. - https://www.andrewbaruffiphoto.com/10947229-heal
Andrew Baruffi on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewbaruffi/
Andrew Baruffi on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@andrewbaruffi
Morten Hilmer https://mortenhilmer.com/
Thomas Heaton https://thomasheaton.co.uk/
Ben Horne https://www.benhorne.com/
Mountain Trail Press http://www.mountaintrailpress.com/
Zion Forever Project https://www.zionpark.org/
Joe Allam https://www.youtube.com/c/joeallam
Courtney Victoria https://www.youtube.com/@CourtneyVictoria
Grainydays (Jason Kummerfeldt) https://www.youtube.com/@grainydaysss
Camera Conspiracies https://www.youtube.com/@cameraconspiracies
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/
NIMH: Help for Mental Illnesses - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
Continue with the educational guide, where we explain how to build a gentle relationship with a familiar place through repetition, attention, creative practice, community, and clear boundaries around when more support is needed:
👉 https://www.shutternonsense.com/learn
Aug 25, 2026
59 min

Aug 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
1 hr 9 min
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://www.utahwildlifefederation.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.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
Aug 11, 2026
1 hr 9 min

Jul 28, 2026
Jul 28, 2026
1 hr 5 min
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.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
Jul 28, 2026
1 hr 5 min

Jul 14, 2026
Carbon Transfer Printing with Michael Strickland
Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
1 hr 23 min
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.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
Jul 14, 2026
1 hr 23 min

Jun 30, 2026
How to Evaluate Your Own Photography
Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
1 hr 18 min
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/
Jun 30, 2026
1 hr 18 min

Jun 16, 2026
An Ode to Joshua Tree with Jon Norris
Jun 16, 2026
Jun 16, 2026
1 hr 8 min
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/
Jun 16, 2026
1 hr 8 min

Jun 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
55 min
One year ago, we recorded the very first episode of Shutter Nonsense in the Great Smoky Mountains. For this bonus anniversary episode, we are back in the Smokies reflecting on the first year of the podcast, answering listener questions, and talking about what we have learned from recording the show, leading workshops together, and having regular conversations about landscape photography.
In this episode, Shutter Nonsense hosts Michael and Jeffrey talk about how working together has influenced their photography, why certain images become favorites because of the experience behind them, what happens when motivation to photograph fades, and how online photography communities can lead to real friendships and creative opportunities.
We also talk about the behind-the-scenes work of producing a podcast, including guest scheduling, systems, show notes, video editing, social media, Patreon, and why having a backlog of episodes has helped keep the show moving.
Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense
Highlights:
Recording the anniversary episode back in the Great Smoky Mountain
How working together has changed our approach to photography
What Michael has learned from Jeffrey about streams and waterfalls
What Jeffrey has learned from Michael about woodland photography
Favorite photography experiences and the stories behind meaningful images
Why some photos matter more because of the experience attached to them
Dealing with creative ruts and not wanting to pick up the camera
Why local photography is sometimes the first thing to get skipped
How Michael and Jeffrey met through the landscape photography community
What goes into producing, editing, scheduling, and publishing the podcast
Why systems and checklists have helped keep Shutter Nonsense organized
The hidden costs of running a podcast
Why guest episodes have become such an enjoyable part of the show
Books and films that have influenced how we think about photography
Whether our wives should get their own Shutter Nonsense episode someday
Related Links:
Michael 4Runner Tour - https://youtu.be/coE_3kpf29c?si=VCetKMDTpvracOeuJeffrey 4Runner Tour - https://youtu.be/kOuH2T6u6B4?si=WRNQ6gwg_xVT_KgZLandscape Photographers Worldwide Discord - https://discord.do/landscape-photographers-worldwide/The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Life_of_Walter_Mitty_(2013_film)Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_SolitaireColleen Miniuk’s book, So Said the River - https://www.sosaidtheriver.com/
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
Jun 5, 2026
55 min

Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
1 hr 6 min
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey are joined by nature photographer Brenda Tharp for a thoughtful conversation about finding your own creative voice in landscape and nature photography.
Brenda shares her perspective on the pressure to photograph popular locations, follow trends, chase social media approval, and balance personal expression with the realities of building a photography business. The conversation moves from iconic landscapes and intimate scenes to print sales, creative confidence, and the ongoing challenge of staying true to what actually excites you behind the camera.
Brenda also shares stories from her own career, life on the road, photographing beyond the obvious view, and why the most meaningful work often comes from slowing down, looking deeper, and trusting what resonates with you.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why iconic landscape locations can still be worth photographing
The pressure photographers feel from social media trends
Finding your own creative voice instead of chasing likes
Balancing personal passion with the business side of photography
Why intimate landscapes and grand views both have value
The challenge of sharing work that feels personal
How photographers can avoid creative burnout
Why staying true to your own vision is a lifelong process
Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members.
👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense
Related Links:
Brenda’s website: https://www.brendatharp.com/Brenda’s Substack: https://brendatharp.substack.com/ Pacific Northwest Art School: https://pacificnorthwestartschool.org/product-category/400-photography/Michael’s free Featured Frames series on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/500898Northern California Council of Camera Clubs: https://n4c.org/Richard Martin: https://www.richardmartinphoto.com/Michael’s PhotoPack Pro App: https://www.photopackpro.comMichael’s Print Box Set: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/limited-edition-print-folios Ben Horne: https://www.benhorne.com/ Ernst Hass: https://ernst-haas.com/Sammy Davis Jr, I’ve Gotta Be Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYndNL4Mu8Freeman Patterson: https://www.freemanpatterson.com/Ansel Adams quote: https://photographylife.com/two-people-in-every-photo-ansel-adamsJay Maisel: https://www.jaymaisel.com/
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
Jun 2, 2026
1 hr 6 min

May 19, 2026
Working a Scene vs. Knowing When to Move On
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
1 hr 13 sec
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey talk about one of the trickier decisions in landscape and nature photography - knowing when to keep working a scene and when it is time to move on.
Sometimes staying longer helps you find stronger compositions, better light, and quieter details you would have missed at first glance. But sometimes you are not really working the scene anymore, you are just standing there pressing the shutter over and over because you feel like you should be doing something.
We talk through the difference between patience and getting stuck, the temptation to keep photographing the same frame, how a second camera body can help you keep exploring, and the FOMO that comes with wondering if the best light is about to happen right after you leave. We also share a few stories from Death Valley, Lost Dutchman, Colorado, the Grand Canyon, and other photography outings where the decision to stay or move on shaped the images we came home with.Join the Shutter Nonsense Patreon community to participate in post-episode conversations and share your own photography experiences! Available to free and paid members. https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense
Highlights:
The difference between working a scene and repeatedly pressing the shutter
Why the “obvious shot” is often just the starting point
How staying longer can reveal smaller details and better compositions
The role of patience when waiting for light or changing conditions
Why dynamic light makes the decision to move on so difficult
How a second camera body can help you keep exploring
Photographing alone versus working around other photographers
The regret of leaving too early or not refining a composition enough
Related Links:Jeffrey’s Trail Ready Guide: https://jeffreytadlock.com/ebook-store/p/trail-ready-ebookLost Dutchman State Park: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchmanPhotoPack Pro App: https://www.photopackpro.com Johnny Carson: https://www.youtube.com/user/johnnycarsonFoqos App: https://www.foqos.app/Matt Payne: https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/ Richard Bernabe: https://beyondthelens.fm/Cameron in Ferris Bueller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XC1fGYWLCEMichael’s Wildfire Blog Post: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/the-power-of-regret
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
May 19, 2026
1 hr 13 sec






