Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast

020 Photography as a Hobby or a Business?

Is photography better kept as a passion, or does turning it into a business change the relationship entirely?
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dig into the real-world tradeoffs between photography as a hobby and photography as a source of income. The discussion explores what monetization actually looks like for landscape photographers, why prints and education tend to be the most common paths, and how financial pressure can quietly influence creativity, subject choice, and long-term enjoyment of the craft.
The episode also looks beyond gear and images to the less visible side of the business: financial readiness, safety nets, diversification of income, and the mental and emotional weight of being “always on.” Whether photography is something you love on the weekends or something you are trying to build into a career, this episode offers an honest framework for thinking through the decision with intention.
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
Hobby vs business: what it really means to monetize photography
Common income paths for landscape photographers, including prints and education
Why portraits and events often become the first step into paid photography
The reality of saturation and competition in nature photography
The hidden workload behind monetization and being constantly “on”
Financial readiness beyond gear: savings, insurance, and unexpected expenses
Why timing matters when considering full-time photography
How monetization can influence creativity and subject choice
Balancing personal passion with work that is more marketable
When paid photography starts to pull energy away from what you love
How teaching and selling work can deepen connection with an audience
The importance of diversified income streams for long-term stability
 
Relevant Links:
https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/struggling 
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com
Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

019 Growth Through Photography Trips

In Episode 19 of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey dig into how photography trips shape us far beyond the images we bring home. Travel can spark creativity and excitement, but it also introduces uncertainty, pressure, and the challenge of balancing expectations with reality.
We talk about what happens when you photograph unfamiliar places, how travel can help reconnect you with your original motivation for picking up a camera, and why growth often comes from being uncomfortable. Along the way, we share personal travel stories, discuss planning versus spontaneity, explore solo versus group travel dynamics, and reflect on how revisiting familiar locations compares to chasing something new.
This episode is less about destinations and more about intention, awareness, and the long-term impact photography trips can have on your creative life. Whether you travel often or only occasionally, this conversation is about making those trips more meaningful.
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:
Why photography trips often change how we think about photography, not just what we photograph
The creative benefits and mental challenges of working in unfamiliar locations
How travel can help reconnect you with your original motivation for picking up a camera
Planning versus spontaneity, and why both matter on photography-focused trips
Solo travel compared to group trips, and how each shapes the experience differently
Balancing photography goals with simply being present while traveling
The role of repeat visits versus constantly chasing new destinations
How deeper connections to places can influence conservation awareness and advocacy
Practical advice for photographers planning their first trip centered around photography
Relevant Links:
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com
Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
 

018 Staying Local For Your Nature Photography

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey explore the often-overlooked power of local photography and why shooting close to home can make you a stronger, more fulfilled nature photographer.
Traveling for your nature photography is inspiring and iconic, but local landscapes offer something just as valuable: repetition, familiarity, and the chance to truly learn a place. We talk about how photographing nearby locations can sharpen your skills, deepen your connection to the land, and help you stay creatively energized without constantly chasing new destinations.
We also dig into the realities of balancing local and travel photography, how to work through location fatigue, and why your audience often connects just as much with meaningful local work as they do with bucket-list locations.
This episode is part practical advice, part creative mindset, and part honest reflection on what keeps photography enjoyable long-term.
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 Include:
Why local photography is one of the best ways to improve technical skills
How familiarity with a place leads to stronger compositions and better timing
The mental and creative benefits of shooting close to home
Scouting and building fitness without always bringing a camera
Planning vs spontaneity when working locally
How to avoid burnout and location fatigue
Balancing local projects with travel photography
Audience reactions to iconic travel shots vs meaningful local images
 
Relevant Links:
Michael’s App: https://www.photopackpro.com
2026 Workshops: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/landscape-photography-workshops 
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

017 Photo Prints and Making Money

In Episode 17 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dive deep into the business side of selling photographic prints. From pricing and production choices to fulfillment and customer service, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make print sales work sustainably.
They discuss how to think about pricing beyond just cost, the pros and cons of printing your own work versus using a professional lab, and how different sales channels like online stores and art fairs shape your strategy. The episode also explores presentation, shipping, refunds, replacements, and the ongoing debate around limited edition prints.
If you are a photographer who sells prints or is thinking about adding print sales to your business, this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical considerations.
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 Include: • Pricing photographic prints realistically • Self-printing vs third-party labs • Selling online vs art fairs • Presentation and display choices • Shipping and fulfillment workflows • Customer service, refunds, and replacements • Limited edition prints and whether they make sense
 
Related Links:
Red River Paper (affiliate link)
NMFA
Shiny Prints (affiliate link)
Matt Payne's print lab reviews
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

016 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Nature Photography

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey take a candid look at imposter syndrome in photography. How it shows up, why it’s so common, and what you can actually do about it. From selling prints and filling workshops to navigating slow seasons and shifting economic realities, they unpack the pressures photographers face at every stage of their creative and business journeys.
Michael and Jeffrey share personal stories, talk through the ongoing challenge of balancing healthy humility with unproductive self-doubt, and offer practical ways to manage imposter syndrome when it starts creeping in. 
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “good enough,” second-guessed your portfolio, or questioned whether your work matters, then this episode is for you. And honestly? You’re far from alone.
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 Include:
Exploring imposter syndrome and why it affects photographers at every level
Personal updates on current projects, art fairs, and calendar printing
Behind-the-scenes challenges of scheduling and running workshops
Honest stories about self-doubt, validation, and the creative struggle
How economic shifts impact photography businesses and marketing
Finding the balance between humility and harmful self-criticism
Lessons learned from teaching, mentoring, and supporting other photographers
Final thoughts on building community and navigating imposter syndrome together
Relevant Show Notes Links
Landscape Photographers Worldwide Discord: https://discord.gg/kU8GXH6R
Nature Photographer’s Network: https://www.naturephotographers.network/ 
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

015 Alex Noriega and Mastering the Art of Curation

In this episode, renowned nature photographer Alex Noriega joins the hosts Michael and Jeffrey. The trio delve into the critical importance of curating your nature photography to elevate it from good to memorable. 
The conversation covers a variety of topics, including the selection and refinement of images, social media’s impact on curation, balancing personal satisfaction with audience engagement, and the influence technology may have on future curation. Alex shares his insights and experiences, offering listeners a new perspective on curating their work. 
Whether a hobbyist, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this episode highlights the significance of a well-curated portfolio and how thoughtful curation can improve one’s photographic journey
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 Include:
Welcoming Alex Noriega
Diving into Curation
Emotional Attachment in Photography
The Curation Struggle
Building Excitement Through Tighter Curation
Standing Out in a Saturated Market
Social Media and Mediocre Work
Curation for the Hobbyist and Professional 
The Role of AI in Photography
Relevant Show Notes Links
Alex’s Newsletter Signup: https://www.alexnoriega.com/subscribe
Alex’s Website: https://www.alexnoriega.com/
Chrissy Donadi’s Lightroom Organization Course: https://chrissydonadi.com/lets-get-organized-course
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

014 Nature Photography in Difficult Conditions

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, join Michael and Jeffrey as they delve into the challenges and opportunities that arise when photographing in difficult weather conditions. From harsh midday light, heavy overcast skies, rain, snow, wind, and other less-than-ideal situations, nature photographers can face it all. 
They discuss their personal experiences and strategies for adapting to unforeseen difficulties, and turning infield challenges into creative opportunities all while ensuring safety and comfort. This episode also covers approaches to post-processing for different types of weather, practical usage of weather apps, and the importance of situational flexibility in nature photography. 
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 Include:
Adapting to Tough Conditions
Mindset and Flexibility
Preparation and Gear for Bad Weather
Editing Photos Based on Weather Conditions
Midday Nature Photography
Infrared Filters for Bright Sunny Days
Embracing Harsh Light
Dull and Overcast Conditions
Weather Apps for Planning
Relevant Show Notes Links
Michael’s fall photos from Utah: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/shop?Locations=Utah&Seasons=Autumn
Michael’s high-key processing video: https://youtu.be/7uY2JS7fcLg
Jeffrey’s Five Tips for Photographing in Cold Weather Video: https://youtu.be/E97lV4Q0mCY
Jeffrey’s Cold Weather Clothing Video:  https://youtu.be/0TSN2Hc5Af8
Weather App - Windy - https://www.windy.com/
Weather App - Carrot - https://www.meetcarrot.com/weather/
Weather Site - https://www.weather.gov/
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.comLearn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com

013 Does Camera Gear Even Matter for Nature Photography?

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, hosts Michael and Jeffrey dive into the ever evolving debate of whether camera gear still matters in 2025 for nature photography. 
They discuss brand loyalty, the real-world benefits of upgrading, and how new technology impacts photography. They also highlight the common traps photographers fall into when upgrading their gear and offer advice on evaluating genuine needs versus fear of missing out, also known as FOMO. Additionally, the episode features detailed discussions on professional vs. hobbyist needs, the impact of mirrorless systems, and the future of camera technology. 
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 Include:
Photography Gear and Brand Loyalty
The Upgrade Mentality
Pixel Peeping and Megapixels
Field Performance vs. Lab Results
Professional versus Hobbyist
Future Technology
Related Links:
Michael's Gear List: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/my-gear
Jeffrey's Gear List: https://jeffreytadlock.com/my-gear 
Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com
Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com