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Shutter Nonsense: A Nature Photography Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
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- 1 weeks ago55 min
One Year of Shutter Nonsense: Anniversary Bonus Episode
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=VCetKMDTpvracOeu Jeffrey 4Runner Tour - https://youtu.be/kOuH2T6u6B4?si=WRNQ6gwg_xVT_KgZ Landscape 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_Solitaire Colleen Miniuk’s book, So Said the River - https://www.sosaidtheriver.com/ Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
- 2 weeks ago1h 6m
028 Brenda Tharp on Being Popular vs Being Yourself
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/500898 Northern California Council of Camera Clubs: https://n4c.org/ Richard Martin: https://www.richardmartinphoto.com/ Michael’s PhotoPack Pro App: https://www.photopackpro.com Michael’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=OXYndNL4Mu8 Freeman Patterson: https://www.freemanpatterson.com/ Ansel Adams quote: https://photographylife.com/two-people-in-every-photo-ansel-adams Jay Maisel: https://www.jaymaisel.com/ Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
- 4 weeks ago1h 0m
027 Working a Scene vs. Moving On in Nature Photography
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-ebook Lost Dutchman State Park: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman PhotoPack Pro App: https://www.photopackpro.com Johnny Carson: https://www.youtube.com/user/johnnycarson Foqos 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=0XC1fGYWLCE Michael’s Wildfire Blog Post: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/post/the-power-of-regret Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
- May 5, 20261h 2m
026 Growth Through Constraints in Nature Photography
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dig into the idea of growth through limitation in nature photography. What happens when you intentionally narrow your options instead of keeping every possibility open? They talk about one-lens outings, local shooting, black and white challenges, slowing down in the field, and how removing certain choices can actually help you see more clearly. The conversation also gets into the difference between a constraint that helps you grow and one that just leaves you frustrated. If you have ever felt stuck, burned out, or too dependent on your usual habits in the field, this one may give you a few ideas to shake things up. 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 Episode Highlights How a one-lens outing can help you learn to truly see in a new focal length Why local photography can become a powerful tool for growth instead of feeling limiting The difference between a helpful challenge and a frustrating restriction Thoughts on trying black and white only for 30 days as a way to train your eye How reducing gear and decisions can help break creative ruts and burnout Why slowing down in the field can improve both composition and intention Michael’s story of avoiding sunrise and sunset photography to force a different way of seeing How to choose challenges that push your photography without ruining the experience Related Links: Moterra Vans: https://alnk.to/1N5B0k5 Thomas Heaton: https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasHeatonPhoto Gavin Hardcastle (Fototripper): https://www.youtube.com/fototripper Alan Ross: https://www.alanrossphotography.com/ Ephemeral / Permanence: https://www.michaelrungphotography.com/product-page/ephemeral-permanence Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
- Apr 21, 20261h 0m
025 Cole Thompson & John Barclay On Color vs. Monochrome
In Episode 25 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey are joined by Cole Thompson and John Barclay to talk about color versus monochrome photography, and how to know when each one makes sense. The conversation goes way beyond editing choices and gets into vision, intention, creativity, and why black and white can be either a distraction-free tool or a deeply personal way of seeing. Along the way, they talk about learning to see in black and white, how personal vision shapes the work we make, the difference between photographing for likes versus photographing for meaning, and why this choice often goes much deeper than simple aesthetics. There’s plenty of humor in this one too, which is probably exactly what you’d expect when these four get together. 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: Cole explains why black and white is not a style choice for him, but simply how he sees the world John talks about using both color and monochrome, and how he decides which serves the image best Michael and Jeffrey reflect on using black and white as a beginner “save” versus making a deliberate creative choice The group discusses whether color or black and white is actually harder to do well A conversation on vision, imitation, and finding your own voice as a photographer Why color can sometimes overpower a photograph instead of helping it The role age, experience, and older darkroom exposure may play in how photographers connect with black and white A bigger conversation about social media, likes, and making work that feels personal and meaningful Related Links: John Barclay: https://johnbarclayphotography.com/ Cole Thompson: https://colethompsonphotography.com/ The Cole & John Photography Show: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoleandjohnshow7236 Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/717356/the-creative-act-by-rick-rubin/ Sarah Marino: https://www.smallscenes.com/ Matt Payne: https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/ Murray Livingston: https://www.murraylivingston.com/ Jack Curran: https://jackcurranphotography.store/ Joshua Cripps: https://www.joshuacripps.com/ Mitch Dobrowner: http://mitchdobrowner.com/ Chuck Kimmerle: https://www.chuckkimmerle.com/ Michael Kenna: https://www.michaelkenna.com/ Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
- Apr 7, 202654 min
024 Does Hit Rate Matter in Nature Photography?
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey talk about nature photography hit rate, keeper rate, and whether taking fewer photos actually means you are becoming a better landscape photographer. They dig into the difference between intentional landscape photography and the old spray and pray approach, how culling photos after a trip can shape your view of success, and why a low hit rate is not always a bad thing. If you have ever wondered how many photos you should come home with, how many should be keepers, or whether your process in the field is actually helping you grow, this one is for you. This episode also gets into creative experimentation, slowing down in the field, using your phone to test compositions, revisiting old files, and why comparing your photography process to someone else usually is not very helpful. 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 What photography hit rate really means Whether a higher keeper rate actually matters The difference between intentional shooting and spray and pray Why experimentation can lower your hit rate for good reasons How Michael and Jeffrey think about culling after a trip Why revisiting old images can change what counts as a keeper Why your photography process has to work for you Related Links: Michael’s Lightroom Classic Start-to-Finish Walkthrough: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145865590 Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaNickellHappinessHour Gavin Hardcastle (Fototripper): https://www.youtube.com/fototripper Lost Dutchman State Park: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman Michael’s Lightroom Compare Photos Demo: https://www.patreon.com/posts/125609814 Landscape Photographers Worldwide: https://discord.gg/GxE7HWc9 PhotoPack Pro: https://www.photopackpro.com Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
- Mar 24, 202653 min
023 Minimalism and Maximalism in Nature Photography
In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, we dig into minimalism vs maximalism in landscape photography and talk through what those ideas actually mean in practice. We start by catching up on the usual behind-the-scenes chaos: preparing for the long drive from Ohio to Death Valley for an upcoming workshop, building landing pages for holiday promotions, launching a new iPhone photo app, and squeezing in a last-minute presentation for Angel McNeese’s 2025 landscape photography summit. From there, we get into the main topic and explore the difference between minimalist and maximalist photography, why “small scenes” are not automatically minimalist, and how the places you shoot can heavily influence the way you see and compose images. We also talk about reducing visual confusion, managing visual weight, why minimalist images are often harder to pull off than they look, and how editing can either strengthen or completely undo a simple composition. We also get into the role social media plays in what photographers choose to share, and how that can shape perceptions of style more than we might realize. 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: Defining minimalist vs maximalist landscape photography Why small scenes are not automatically minimalist How your environment can influence your natural shooting style The challenge of simplifying chaotic scenes into stronger compositions Using visual weight to create balance and clarity in an image Why minimalist photography is often harder than it first appears The difference between an image feeling empty versus intentionally minimal How editing and processing can strengthen or weaken minimalist photographs Social Media Influence Related Links: PhotoPack Pro App John Barclay and Cole Thompson YouTube Channel Jennifer Renwick Sarah Marino Anna Morgan Eric Bennett Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
- Mar 10, 20261h 6m
022 Planning and Scouting Nature Photography Trips
In Episode 22 of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey dig into one of the least glamorous but most important parts of landscape photography: planning and scouting. From pre-trip research to in-field decision-making, this episode is all about finding the balance between being prepared and staying creatively flexible. The conversation pulls from real experiences photographing in Utah, Colorado, and the Great Smoky Mountains, and explores how planning changes depending on whether you are visiting a new location or returning to a familiar one. Along the way, they talk about using weather as a creative tool, managing expectations, avoiding preconceived shots, and why scouting does not stop once you arrive. If you have ever overplanned a trip, underplanned a trip, or shown up with great intentions only to be humbled by conditions, this one is for you. 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 planning matters, but rigid plans can hold your photography back How pre-trip research differs for new locations versus familiar places Using weather, seasons, and conditions to guide creative decisions Managing expectations and setting realistic goals for a trip The role of scouting before and during a photography outing Avoiding preconceived images and staying open to what the landscape gives you Balancing preparation with spontaneity to stay creatively engaged Related Links: Michael’s Amazon guidebook list: https://www.amazon.com/shop/michaelrungphotography/list/2EDPL69ILQ1K7?ref_=aipsflist Cole Thompson's article on photo celibacy: https://colethompsonphotography.com/2018/03/22/photographic-celibacy-thoughts-ten-years-later/ Learn more about Michael's photography: www.michaelrung.com Learn more about Jeffrey's photography: www.jeffreytadlock.com
About 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.
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