Levison Wood – “the toughest man on TV”, is a best-selling author who has written ten books, including ‘Walking the Nile’ and ‘Walking the Himalayas’; he is also the producer of seven critically acclaimed documentaries. As a photographer, Levison has worked in more than 100 countries, capturing his journey and the people he met along the way. Before becoming a photographer, Levison served in the Parachute Regiment for 13 years as a Major of the British Army. A keen conservationist, he is an elected Fellow of both – the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, and is an ambassador and patron for several charities, including UNICEF.
In this episode, Levison reveals how his childhood passion for reading culture and history books resulted in having an adventurous life himself. These historical tales fed an insatiable curiosity to see what the world is about. Richard grills Levison on the high and low lights from navigating the length of the Nile river and the treacherous foothills of the Himalayas. Levison explains how the ability to endure moments of extreme hardship was shaped by time spent in the army. For Levison, photography is an extension of being able to document travel and being in the right place at the right moment – it’s another way of meeting interesting people and telling their stories. Together, Richard and Levison reminisce about the joys of hospitality from strangers around the world and reflect on how the worst travel experiences often make for the best travel stories.
To find out more, visit www.levisonwood.com/prints
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An activist for endangered species, Moose, has dedicated his life to educating and protecting America’s wildlife through his award-winning photography. Through his imagery, Moose also documents and helps preserve the legacy of America’s aviation heritage with an aim to showcase the freedoms they protect. Moose is the author of 29 books, including ‘Takeoff: The Alpha to Zulu of Aviation Photography (Voices That Matter)’ – a one-of-a-kind book that teaches readers how to start taking beautiful, intriguing photographs of aircraft, and a best-seller ‘Captured: Lessons from Behind the Lens of a Legendary Wildlife Photographer (Voices That Matter)’ – the ultimate guide to wildlife photography. In 1999, he was one of the original Nikon shooters to receive the D1; embracing new technology. Moose became one of the first wildlife photographers in the world to shoot strictly digital.
In this episode, Richard and Moose discuss a passion for wildlife and the power of using the camera for storytelling. They reflect on the cataclysmic effect of the changes humans have had on our planet over the last 10 years. As a result, the sad reality is that Moose has photographed 7 extinct species, that now just sit as part of his archive library. Moose talks about his experience where one of his single photographs saved an endangered species from extinction. Consequently, this is why photography is vital for preserving moments in time, which is also why Moose has a particular interest in documenting America’s aviation heritage.
Discover inside photography tips on how to work with an art director and photo editor. Along with the importance of passion and patience over forcing “a good photo”.
As one of the most prolific explorers and mountaineers, Conrad Anker has summited Mount Everest three times. In 1999, Anker discovered the body of George Mallory, one of the two British climbers who died attempting to climb Everest in 1924, helping to shed more light on one of mountaineering’s most famous mysteries. He has made many notable first ascents, from Alaska, through the Himalayas, to Antarctica, not only choosing the highest peaks but the most difficult ones.
In this conversation, Conrad shares how climbing helps him feel more connected to other people through cooperation and sharing the same goals. He looks back on some of his most significant climbs including the Kichatna Spire in 1987 and discovering George Mallory’s body on Mount Everest in 1999, explaining how this was a humbling experience for him. Together, Conrad and Richard remember photographer Galen Rowell, and Conrad shares some of his favourite memories. Finally, he touches upon the dangers of climbing and expresses the importance of having different experiences, as it is those moments that make life sweet.
To find out more about Conrad visit www.conradanker.com
An activist for marine life conservation, Ellen Cuylaerts is an award-winning underwater and wildlife photographer. Ellen educates on the challenges our oceans are facing and has addressed heads of state at the UN General Assembly to highlight the plight of filmmakers engaging in the protection of the oceans. Since 2018, Ellen has also been diving in the silence of caves and in 2019 was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Today, her work is on display in exhibitions around the world.
In this conversation, Richard investigates what it takes to photograph successfully in unpredictable underwater conditions, especially when face to face with sharks. Ellen talks of her methodology, inspiration and unique mindset. She explains how her images bridge a deeper connection between humanity and nature, which is vital when we are faced with pollution and climate change.
Internationally respected as one of the most prominent artists working with digital media, John Paul Caponigro works with photo-based digital imaging as his primary medium, combining his background in painting with traditional and alternative photographic processes using the latest technology. He is also a published writer who aims to help others creatively make deeper connections with nature and themselves. The likes of the Estee Lauder Collection, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and more have purchased his artwork.
Together, Richard and John Paul discuss the psychological-emotional weight of the pandemic, pollution, and climate change. Furthermore, he explains how creative writing, art, nature, and photography are restorative in times of unrest. They disclose their unique takes on image creation and visualization. John Paul reveals the importance of dreams, emotion, senses, connection, and intuition in photography. Listen to discover their views on what makes a successful image.
As a photographer with over 20 years of industry experience, Jerry Greer is an expert in book publishing, print brokering, and preparing images for 4-color offset printing. In 2000, Jerry founded Mountain Trail Press – an award-winning custom publisher of fine art photography books and calendars that celebrate America’s most scenic places. In this in-depth conversation, Jerry shares the creative process and inspiration behind his latest project, ‘Dust to Dust’, a collection of photographs and essays that find common beauty in the land and people of the Appalachian region as it struggles to emerge from a coal-dominated economy.
Together, Richard and Jerry describe how photography is bound by reality and how the audience’s expectation of reality separates it from other art genres. Jerry also reveals some of the technical aspects of printing and publishing, explains the importance of color separation, and reveals his top tips on preparing your images.
Rick Sammon is an award-winning photographer who has traveled to more than 100 destinations around the world in search of new images. Known by some as “The Godfather of Photography”, he is on a mission to make digital photography fun, creative, exciting, and rewarding for others. Rick is also a best-selling author and talented musician. In this in-depth conversation, he explains the connection between music and photography and how we can all construct our own reality through creativity; describes memory tools that he shares with his photography students called “Sammonisms”; reveals some of his worst travel stories and discusses his latest book ‘How to Make Money While You are Sleeping: A Photographer’s Guide to Passive Income – And Other Savvy Business Strategies’.