Best Macro Photography Podcasts (2025)

1
Talking with Colby Brokvist: Mountain Photography, Intentionality When Setting Up the Shot, Defining Style, and How to Get into Photo Guiding 1:06:11

Play Pause

1h ago1:06:11

1:06:11

Send us a text What does it mean to slow down, be intentional, and truly see before pressing the shutter? In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court sits down with renowned guide and photographer Colby Brokvist for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, simplicity, and storytelling in photography. From the ethereal landscapes of Antarctica…

1
Episode 194: iPhone 17 and Apple’s Fall Event 41:39

1h ago41:39

41:39

The new iPhone models are here, a yearly event that we look forward to mostly to see what Apple has done with the iPhone cameras. Does a 48 megapixel telephoto camera capable of 8x zoom appeal to you enough to buy a new iPhone Pro? Is the svelte shape of the new iPhone Air compelling enough to pay more for, despite it having just one camera and les…

1
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 3: How to Use Light to Capture Wildlife at Its Best 28:09

2h ago28:09

28:09

Send us a text This episode is about using light. Using it well can make the difference between a magical shot and one that is flat and uninteresting. Here's what I'll cover in this episode: The Role of Light in Wildlife Photography Golden Hours & Blue Hours Midday Light Challenges Backlighting, Side Lighting & Front Lighting Weather & Light Condit…

1
Episode 193: Photography Police and Google Pro Res Zoom 29:49

2d ago29:49

29:49

Are you following the proper rules of photography, or are you at risk of being busted by the photography police? Maybe you’re shooting photos out of focus, or introducing light leaks, or using direct flash. All of these can be considered “bad” photography, but they’re also currently popular styles of shooting. Also in this episode, Jeff talks about…

1
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 2: The Secret to Getting Close Without Disturbing Wildlife 29:32

7d ago29:32

29:32

Send us a text Last time, we looked at preparation and the important things to consider before you go. In this episode, I share some of the ways that you can get ‘close’ to wildlife ethically. Here's what I'll cover in this episode: Ethics Understand animal behaviour Stealth techniques Using Distance & Lenses Let wildlife come to you Next episode: …

1
The Golden Triangle Explained: Understand it and Master Photography Settings Forever 28:12

8d ago28:12

28:12

Send us a text Modern cameras can feel like mini computers with endless settings, but at the core of every great photograph lies just three: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. In this episode of The Wild Photographer, Court unpacks the “Golden Triangle” of photography and explains how these three elements work together to shape exposure, creativity,…

1
Mastering Wildlife Photography Part 1: How to prepare for a wildlife photography adventure 28:50

15d ago28:50

28:50

Send us a text This is episode one of eight, where we will take a deeper dive into how to take great wildlife photographs. We’re going to start with preparation. Good preparation can make all the difference between a successful shoot and a complete disaster. Here are the key things I'll cover in this episode: Research & Planning Gear & Equipment He…

1
Why the 'Perfect' shot is overrated 29:00

22d ago29:00

29:00

Send us a text Do you ever feel stuck, endlessly tweaking photos, searching for that 'perfect' look that seems just out of reach? You're not alone. We've all been conditioned to believe in a singular ideal of photographic perfection. But what if I told you that once you understand the truth about the 'perfect shot,' you'll not only take better phot…

1
My Thoughts on the 24-70mm vs. 24-105mm Class of Lenses 20:19

29d ago20:19

20:19

Send us a text These lenses are no doubt your workhorses in any sort of photography. However, it can be a little complex deciding which one to invest in and have as part of your trusty camera kit. In this episode, I go into detail on what makes each lens great, and why you might want to choose one over the other depending on your style and needs. T…

1
Episode 192: Process, Product, and Problem Solving 33:14

22d ago33:14

33:14

Are you taking photos for yourself, or are you feeding the social media algorithms for brief dopamine hits when someone praises your images? In this episode, Kirk and Jeff ruminate on how the endless scroll of images is affecting how we enjoy and make photos. And we ask ourselves: what do we really want to photograph? Hosts: Jeff Carlson: website, …

1
The beauty of the unseen: Everyday scenes through a photographers eyes 18:05

27d ago18:05

18:05

Send us a text I used to use Circular Quay in Sydney quite regularly, but never noticed the little dolphins in the railing by the ferry terminal. The first part of photographing the “unseen” is to see it! And we covered that to some extent in the last podcast. If you’ve tried the exercises from the previous podcast, you may well have found that the…

1
Episode 70 - Some Things I Learned on a Big Family Trip 58:40

30d ago58:40

58:40

In this episode, I talk mainly about some things I learned while preparing for, and while on a big family road trip such as: What camera or cameras should I bring? What lens or lenses should I bring? What film should I bring? What other things did I learn? I also talk about a nice gift given to me by Jess Ceason. You can find my work on Flickr: mar…

1
See the world like a photographer 20:17

1M ago20:17

20:17

Send us a text Have you ever walked past something beautiful without even noticing it? If you have, you’re not alone, and this is a skill that separates great photographers from the people who take snapshots. Great photographers really look and see what is there. And it goes beyond simply seeing something. They take it further and apply the importa…

1
Wildlife Photography 101: The Basics (and Cornerstones) of Wildlife Photography 50:45

1M ago50:45

50:45

Send us a text This episode is dedicated to the fundamentals—the essential building blocks of great wildlife photography. Whether you’re just stepping into the world of nature photography or you’ve spent years in the field, revisiting the core principles can sharpen your eye and elevate your work. In this episode, we break down what I consider the …

1
Episode 191: Macro Photography 30:21

2M ago30:21

30:21

Macro Photography Don’t know what to photograph? No vacation plans? With macro photography, you can get great results literally in your back yard. What was once a style of photography that required specialized gear is now something you can do well with just your phone — though of course there’s plenty of gear available if you want to go deeper into…

1
How Creative Constraints can improve your photography 30:41

2M ago30:41

30:41

Send us a text I often recommend that you practice as often as possible to improve your photography. But what do you do when you hit a mental blank? One idea I suggest in this podcast is to shoot a series of photos, or a collection. And, to make them more coherent, and to challenge yourself, I suggest you use a Creative Constraint. So what is a Cre…

1
The Secrets to Great Wildlife Photography 32:02

2M ago32:02

32:02

Send us a text If you’re listening to this podcast, it’s probably safe for me to assume that you want to take great wildlife photographs. So what are the things you need to think about? I’ve tried to run through an almost step-by-step guide based on my own recent experience of photographing wildlife in Zimbabwe, Australia and Finland. Camera: Take …

1
My Quick & Dirty (but oh-so-aesthetic!) Macro Photography Technique – No Macro Lens Needed 19:54

2M ago19:54

19:54

Send us a text Hey friends, welcome back to The Wild Photographer! Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite rabbit holes in photography—macro. And not just any macro… I’m talking about a quick and dirty (but oh-so-aesthetic) technique that lets you capture stunning macro shots without even bringing a macro lens. Yep, you heard that right. As a b…

1
Episode 190: Fuji X-Half, AI Scaling, and Lightroom Changes 31:47

2M ago31:47

31:47

Fujifilm’s new X-Half camera is a curious hybrid: a digital camera with analog feel but a modern price. We also discuss news of OM Systems possibly using AI upscaling in future cameras to boost resolution and look at a few changes in the latest versions of Lightroom. Hosts: Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram, Jeff on Glass, Jef…

1
Speaking with Kara Sheldon - Project Ecologist 32:01

2M ago32:01

32:01

Send us a text Kara Sheldon is the ecologist and one of the directors of the Southern Africa Field Conservation Project. SAFCP was formed following the participation of the directors in a local conservation project largely run by Dean and Justine McGregor. I joined it as a ‘guinea pig’ for the first run of a conservation programme that they hope wi…

1
Speaking with Dean McGregor - Professional Guide 27:31

2M ago27:31

27:31

Send us a text In today’s podcast, I talk to professional guide, Dean McGregor. Dean has a vast knowledge of the flora and fauna of his native Zimbabwe. I first met him in early 2020 and spent as much time as I could learning from him. In this podcast, I talk to Dean about what got him interested in becoming a professional guide, how he goes about …

1
Talking with Alex Bogaard: Portfolio Design, Authentic Storytelling, and how to Engage Buyers and Collectors 1:08:27

2M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Send us a text In this conversation, Alex Bogaard shares his journey into photography, discussing the balance between commercial work and personal passion. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, building a portfolio, and developing a personal style. Alex also highlights the significance of storytelling in photography and how it can be…

1
Episode 189: Traveling with a Camera 34:50

2M ago34:50

34:50

It’s the night before you leave for vacation and you need to choose which camera gear goes and stays. Do you reach for the 300mm telephoto, knowing it can get great photos but is large and bulky? Or do you take the smallest camera you can carry to ensure you have it with you at all times? And what else needs to come along? In this episode, Jeff and…

1
Top tips for great smartphone photography 26:44

2M ago26:44

26:44

Send us a text A few podcasts ago I spoke about what to think about when buying a camera. However, most of us carry around a smartphone and some of these cameras can outperform pro cameras. So here are some tips to help you to get the most from your smartphone: Keep your lenses clean! When you have your subject where you want it, tap on the subject…

1
The secrets to great night photography 25:31

3M ago25:31

25:31

Send us a text Night photography can be incredibly rewarding, and it's a great way to improve your general photographic skills. So what do you need to think about? Equipment: A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with manual mode. A fast lens A tripod A Remote Shutter Release Extra batteries for cold conditions Camera settings: Use the widest aperture you ca…

1
Shooting to Crop: What it Means and How To Do it Well 17:50

3M ago17:50

17:50

Send us a text In this episode, the host discusses the technique of 'shooting to crop' in photography, particularly in wildlife photography. The conversation covers the importance of camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to ensure high-quality images that can withstand cropping. The host also emphasizes the significance of editin…

1
The Secret to Finding Your Unique Style Through Projects 23:38

3M ago23:38

23:38

Send us a text I've spoken about style and creativity in recent podcasts and I realise that some people don't think of themselves as creative and feel they don't have a style at all. So, my suggestion to you is that you accept that you are creative (possibly not the most creative person you know, but it's there all the same) and that you give yours…

1
Tips for Great Night Wildlife Photography 29:30

3M ago29:30

29:30

Send us a text Photographing wildlife at night is tough, but there's a formula I've found that works incredibly well. It produces high quality, even low ISO, inspiring images of rarely seen animals we may encounter on wildlife photo adventures. In this episode I also go over the tools and specific camera settings, along with lessons and techniques …

1
Episode 188: WWDC 2025 30:10

3M ago30:10

30:10

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is always the first glimpse at what we can look forward to with new Apple software, including a peek at the photo capabilities of the next iPhones. And with iOS 26 and the Liquid Glass interface, things are going to look a lot different in the fall. Hosts: Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagr…

1
How to choose your next camera 25:49

3M ago25:49

25:49

Send us a text Choosing your next, or possibly first, camera is a big decision. You might have some experience of photography, through either a camera system or your smartphone, or you might be completely new to it. Here are some key considerations: Budget - this will be a big factor for most of us. It will also depend upon your commitment; are you…

1
How to create blurry photos and why you might want to 26:30

3M ago26:30

26:30

Send us a text Creating blurry photographs is not necessarily at the top of things you want to achieve during a shoot. However, as with other 'problem' areas, understanding what causes blur can open up a whole range of creative options, and that is the focus of this podcast. The type of blur you have can usually be reduced to one of the following c…

1
Episode 187: Checking In on AI in Photography 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

We know, it seems like we just talked about AI in photography, but the field is moving pretty fast. Google announced improvements to their generative AI models, which are both impressive and sloppy at the same time. We also look at new AI-based landscape masking tools in Lightroom, speculate on what WWDC could bring to Apple’s Photo app, and more. …

1
What is your photographic style and does it matter? 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

Send us a text Do you have a style? Have you even thought about it? Whether we know it or not, we all have a photographic style, and, the chances are that the style you have today is not the same as it was when you started. So, does it really matter? If you want to develop a particular style, there's a lot of inspiration out there. One of the popul…

1
Talking with Marlo Shaw: Advice for Photographing in Polar Environments, Discussions on Color Theory, and All About Art Exhibits 1:14:46

4M ago1:14:46

1:14:46

Send us a text Summary In this engaging conversation, Marlo Shaw, a talented artist and photographer, shares her insights on the intersection of art and photography, emphasizing the importance of color theory, composition, and the creative process. She discusses her experiences with art shows, the techniques she employs in polar photography, and he…

1
How to overcome common photography issues 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

Send us a text These are some of the most common issues faces many photographers... and what you can do about them: Gear Obsession Lack of Clear Vision Inconsistent Quality Overediting Difficulty Building a Portfolio Fear of Criticism Time Management Financial Challenges Comparisons and Imposter Syndrome I hope you enjoy the podcast! It's time for …

1
Episode 186: A Surrender: Markus Naarttijärvi and Daniel Agee 42:18

4M ago42:18

42:18

It’s another photo book! We’re joined by photographer Markus Naarttijärvi and publisher Daniel Agee to talk about Markus’s new book A Surrender. When we last talked to Daniel, he was at photo service Glass, but now he’s struck out on his own to form the publishing company Good Fight, and A Surrender is the first title. Hosts: Jeff Carlson: website,…

1
The secrets to great wildlife photographs 24:00

4M ago24:00

24:00

Send us a text What are the most important things to focus on when you are planning a wildlife photography shoot? Here are my suggestions: Research - The better you know your subject, the better the chances that you can create stunning images that create a strong emotional connection with the viewer. Local Guides and Safety - You want to have the b…

1
How to Tell Powerful Stories with Your Camera 24:23

4M ago24:23

24:23

Send us a text We love stories. So, if you use a storytelling approach to your photography, you are more likely to create images and sequences of images that engage viewers. There are two aspects to storytelling; the story of each image itself (and I’ve spoken about this in other podcasts), and the story that ties together a sequence of images. A g…

1
How Pros Travel (and Prep for travel) with Camera Gear 47:40

4M ago47:40

47:40

Send us a text Summary In this episode, Court Whelan shares his insights on traveling with camera gear, focusing on the joys and challenges of preparation, lens selection, and the importance of accessories. He discusses strategies for packing, flying with gear, and maintaining equipment while traveling, emphasizing the need for careful planning to …

1
Episode 185: Quintin Lake’s Book The Perimeter 35:00

5M ago35:00

35:00

Quintin Lake traversed the Coast of Britain over several years, photographing and documenting the journey. Now, he’s turned his well-received project into a new photo book called The Perimeter. We welcome Quintin back to PhotoActive not just as a guest, but as an in-person guest with Kirk in his house in the UK. Hosts: Jeff Carlson: website, Jeff's…

1
The secrets to great black-and-white photography 28:03

5M ago28:03

28:03

Send us a text If you've never tried black-and-white photography before, I recommend it as a great way to broaden your creativity. We are used to seeing things in colour, so black and white photography lets us see things differently, perhaps seeing aspects of things around us that we've never appreciated before. These are the things to be conscious…

1
Leave No Trace: Tips for Ethical Photography 32:50

5M ago32:50

32:50

Send us a text I’m a big believer in ‘ethical photography’. I believe that, as photographers, we are in a great position to record what is happening in our environment and share our stories with others. One of the aspects of photojournalism is to be able to objectively record what is happening and provide a visual record of events. If conservation …

1
The secrets to successful event photography 41:07

5M ago41:07

41:07

Send us a text What is an event? For the purposes of this podcast, I'm assuming that you are not a professional event photographer. It may be that you have a nice camera and that, in the eyes of your friends, means that you can photograph anything! So, what do you need to think about? In this podcast, I'll talk about: The kinds of cameras to use, l…

1
Five Techniques to Inject Creative Vision into your Photography 30:34

5M ago30:34

30:34

Send us a text In this episode, Court discusses five techniques to inject creative vision into photography, emphasizing the importance of breaking traditional rules and experimenting with different perspectives and methods. From composition to intentional motion blur, each technique is designed to enhance creativity and encourage photographers to t…

1
Episode 184: US Tariffs and Camera Gear 29:20

5M ago29:20

29:20

The US government has begun to impose high tariffs on goods brought in from nearly every country in the world. Since most camera gear is made in Japan and China, what does this mean for the industry and, more important, for your own purchasing decisions? Since the policies are changing by the day, we decided to release this episode a week early. Ho…

1
How to choose between Aperture and Shutter Speed Priority 26:47

5M ago26:47

26:47

Send us a text Using Aperture and Shutter Speed modes (however they are identified in your camera) is the best way to indulge your creativity while getting the camera to do a lot of the ‘heavy lifting’ for you. Your choices are Aperture Priority (where Depth of Field is the dominant creative element) and Shutter Speed Priority (where it’s all about…

1
Episode 183: Fujifilm GFX100RF, A Medium Format Walking Around Camera 32:00

6M ago32:00

32:00

With the bonkers success of the Fujifilm X100VI, it seemed only a matter of time before Fuji made a compact camera based around its GFX medium format line. That’s the recently-announced GFX100RF, a new compact-ish, 100 megapixel, fixed-lens, $5,000 camera. We look at the inventions and the tradeoffs incorporated into this high-res entrant into the …

1
How to get started in wildlife photography 37:54

6M ago37:54

37:54

Send us a text Wildlife photography is one of the most rewarding styles of photography and it has some unique challenges. Before you rush out with your camera to shoot wildlife, there are a few things to consider. I'll cover a few in this podcast: Your subjects are wild and you may not even find them They will often be far away Things can happen qu…

1
7 Reasons to use Post-Processing 26:34

6M ago26:34

26:34

Send us a text Do you use post-processing in your digital photography? For me, post processing is the third step in successful photography (after visualising the final image and taking it). Post-processing can be used to correct errors, change the framing and emphasis of an image and turn an average photograph into something outstanding! Here are s…

1
Episode 182: Photoshop on iPhone 29:59

6M ago29:59

29:59

Adobe has released Photoshop for iPhone, a bonafide version of real Photoshop, not to be confused with Photoshop Express or other earlier variations. We take a look at this new app with one main question in our minds: Who is this for? A programming note: Toward the end of the episode we talk about using the Remove tool in Photoshop and Lightroom, b…