The Camera Cafe Show

For most photojournalists, war is something they travel to. For others, it's the reality of the place they call home.  In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, I sit down with Ukrainian photojournalists Oksana Parafeniuk and Iva Sidash. Iva was on our show in 2023, one year after the Russian invasion, but since then her photography journey has taken her further, studying at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York. Oksana, meanwhile, has gone from being a fixer to becoming both a mother and an internationally published photographer in just a few years. Together, we talk about what it means to photograph the country you grew up in while living through many of the same realities yourself on a daily basis. We talk about finding their way into photography, the importance of home, and how war can shape both the stories in front of the camera and the people behind it. Next week, we continue the conversation with a deeper look at the realities of war, its impact on children and families, and the emotional cost of documenting it.  Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy Part 1 of my conversation with Oksana Parafeniuk and Iva Sidash.  ***** 📸 See more of Oksana and Iva's work: https://oksanaparafeniuk.com/ https://www.ivasidash.com/ ***** 🎙️ Listen to our first conversation with Iva Sidash (May 2023): https://thecameracafeshow.com/ivasidash *****  🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Crossing the Afghanistan border in disguise at night was once just part of the job 🌍📸 In this episode I sit down with legendary French photojournalist Pascal Maitre — whose work over the last four decades has taken him to places such as Afghanistan, Somalia, Congo, Ethiopia, Sudan ,more than forty countries throughout Africa, and worked in South America, Russia, the Middle East, Latin America and numerous other regions over the last four decades. And over this +40 year career, his photography has appeared in major publications such as National Geographic, Geo, Paris Match and Stern. He has won multiple World Press Photo Awards, received the Visa d’Or d’Honneur for Lifetime Achievement at ‘Visa pour l’Image’, and today he is also a Canon Ambassador. From walking with the Mujahideen during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, to documenting dangerous daily life in Somalia, migration, conflict, energy poverty and the global charcoal crisis, Pascal shares incredible stories from a lifetime spent trying to photograph not just events… but the human reality underneath them. We talk about the older generation of photojournalism before the digital era, Kodachrome, fixers, trust, curiosity, and how photography — at its best — still depends on patience, time, and understanding people. Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy my conversation with Pascal Maitre. ***** 📸 See more of Pascal’s work: https://www.pascalmaitre.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Style is easy to imitate. Voice is something else entirely. In this second part of my conversation with David duChemin, we move deeper into creativity, artistic identity, social media, fear, and the challenge of making work that actually feels honest in a world full of comparison and noise. We talk about the difference between style and voice, the pressure to imitate what everyone else is doing, wildlife photography, curiosity, inspiration, and why sometimes the hardest thing creatively is simply learning to trust yourself. But just like in part one, this conversation never stays too serious for too long. Along the way there are still plenty of laughs, unexpected turns, stories about life, and moments that feel more like two people talking over pizza and wine than a traditional photography interview. Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy part two of my conversation with David duChemin. ***** 📸 See more of David’s photography, books, workshops, and writing: https://davidduchemin.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

“Elvis has left the building…” — and somewhere after the stage lights went dark, a camera slowly took the place of the rabbit and the magician’s hat. In this first part of my conversation with David duChemin, we explore the unusual path that took him from performing comedy shows, juggling bananas, and entertaining crowds… to becoming one of photography’s most thoughtful voices on creativity, storytelling, and finding your own way of seeing the world. We talk about discovering photography as a teenager, building darkrooms in bathrooms, almost flunking out of English class before later becoming a bestselling author, and the moment a trip to Haiti completely changed the direction of his life. Along the way, this becomes a conversation about much more than photography — curiosity, reinvention, fear, creativity, travel, and how sometimes the paths that make the least sense in the moment end up shaping us the most. Stay tuned for part two next week, where we go even deeper into creativity, vision, fear, social media, and what it really means to find your own voice as a photographer. Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy part one of my conversation with David duChemin. ***** 📸 See more of David’s work, books, workshops, and writing: https://davidduchemin.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Former Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Chris Johns returns in part two of this conversation — taking us behind the scenes of how some of the world’s most powerful stories are shaped. If you haven’t listened to part one of my conversation with Chris yet, I’d really recommend going back and starting there first. It gives you the full picture of how this story unfolds. We pick up right where we left off, diving into stories from photographers in the field, what really happens behind the images we all know so well, and how those moments evolve into stories that reach millions of people. We also go deeper into what it means to lead one of the most influential publications in the world — how decisions are made, what Chris expected from photographers, and how storytelling can influence the way people understand global events. Along the way, there are moments of laughter, of reflection, but also plenty of humanity — from conversations about family and legacy to the inspiration of amazing people like Jane Goodall, and how storytelling continues across generations. Grab a coffee, settle in, and join us for part two of this conversation with Chris Johns. ***** 📸 See more of Chris’ work: https://thephotosociety.org/member/chris-johns/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

Former Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Chris Johns joins the show to share how storytelling, photography, and life experience come together to shape how millions of people see the world. In this first part of our conversation, Chris takes us back to where it all began — from growing up on a small farm in Oregon to discovering photography almost by accident, and how those early experiences set the foundation for a lifetime in visual storytelling. We also talk about his early years working in newspapers, what it taught him to photograph every single day, and how those fast-paced environments helped shape his eye before stepping into the world of National Geographic. Along the way, there are stories of long-term assignments, time spent in the field, and the kind of moments — both serious and light — that come with building a life around photography. We also touch on a love for fast cars, a bit of a wild streak in his younger years, his time as president of the Future Farmers of America, and his work as a staff photographer across Africa, where encounters with figures like Nelson Mandela left a lasting impression on how he sees the world today— not just as a photographer, but as a person. Grab a coffee, settle in, and join us for part 1 of this wonderful conversation with Chris Johns. ***** 📸 See more of Chris’ work: https://thephotosociety.org/member/chris-johns/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Sometimes, a story doesn’t just stay a story — sometimes, something actually changes. Wildlife photographer Ian Wood returns to our Show with powerful updates following our first conversation. After winning the People’s Choice Award at Wildlife Photographer of the Year with his now well-known badger image, Ian has continued to push the story forward — recently winning the documentary category at the British Wildlife Photography Awards with a six-image series focused on the badger cull in England. But this conversation goes beyond photography. We talk about what has happened in the months since — the major positive shift around the badger cull in the UK, the still ongoing discussions around fox hunting, and what it feels like to see something you’ve invested time, energy, and emotion into finally begin to move in a different direction. We also talk about the process behind building a documentary series, the importance of thinking in ideas rather than just images, and how photography can sometimes become a way to keep important conversations alive. Along the way, there are also the small moments — swallows returning in spring, building hides, lentil loaves and the simple joy of being out in nature. Grab a coffee, settle in, and join us for this wonderful conversation with Ian Wood. 📸 See more of Ian’s work: https://www.agoodplace.co.uk/ 🎙️ Listen to our previous conversation with Ian Wood: https://thecameracafeshow.com/ianwood 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Not all wildlife photos are majestic — some are delightfully ridiculous!  Wildlife photographer and Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards co-founder Paul Joynson-Hicks takes us into the story behind one of the most unique photography competitions in the world — one that celebrates the funny, unexpected, and very human side of animals in the wild. From its beginnings in 2015 to becoming a global phenomenon with thousands of entries each year, we explore how humor can open the door to conservation in a way that feels light, engaging, and accessible to everyone. We also talk about Paul’s life in Tanzania, where he has spent more than three decades working as a wildlife photographer and guide, sharing his passion for Africa with people from all over the world. From goat racing, raising money for conservation, being awarded an MBE and making people smile through photography, this conversation moves between storytelling, laughter, and the simple joy of seeing the world a little differently. Grab a coffee, settle in, and join us for this delightfully ridiculous conversation with Paul Joynson-Hicks. ***** 📸 See more of Paul’s work: https://www.joynsonhicks.com/ 😂 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards: https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com/ 🎤 Watch the TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_sullam_the_award_for_best_comedy_wildlife_photo_goes_to ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

What happens to a community long after a nuclear test is over? Documentary photographer and National Geographic Explorer Chinky Shukla takes us into the villages of India where the story didn’t end when the nuclear bombs were detonated. Through her long-term projects in Jadugoda and Pokhran, she documents the lives of people living close to uranium mines and nuclear test sites — places where the consequences of history continue to shape everyday life. We also talk about her journey into photography, her background growing up in Delhi, nominations for the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, Joop Swart Masterclass and the hopeful side of her work: photography workshops with children in Pokhran who are learning to tell their own stories through the camera.  We talk about train travel across India, cooking, and the small everyday moments that remind us that even in the most serious stories, life — and sometimes laughter — continues. Grab a coffee, settle in, and join us for this wonderful conversation with Chinky Shukla. ***** 📸 See more of Chinky's work: https://www.chinkyshukla.in/ **** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

Slow down. The story is already there. Photographer, writer, and National Geographic Explorer Arati Kumar-Rao joins us for a conversation about listening, slow storytelling, and documenting a world in transition. Named one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential and Inspiring Women in 2023, her work has been published internationally, exploring the fragile relationship between people and the environments they inhabit. We discuss her long-term project Marginlands and the stories she has documented across India — from the Thar Desert all the way to the Sundarbans — where disappearing groundwater, habitat loss, and environmental change reshape both landscapes and the lives of people and wildlife alike. Along the way, we talk about her journey from corporate life into photography, why patience matters more than speed, and how meaningful storytelling often begins long before the camera is raised. This conversation marks the first of three upcoming talks with remarkable Indian female storytellers, each bringing a different perspective on photography and storytelling. So, grab a coffee, slow things down for a moment, and join us — the kettle’s on, and the story’s waiting! ***** 📸 See more of Arati's work: https://www.aratikumarrao.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Some photos take a lifetime to get. Others almost melt your shoes! In Part 2 of this conversation with former National Geographic staff photographer Robert “Bob” Madden, we dive straight into the stories behind the photographs. From documenting an erupting volcano in Hawaii to capturing what may be one of the last images of the Kauai ʻōʻō bird, and photographing in the Amazon with the Yanomami, this episode spans decades of travel and storytelling in the field. We also hear about Bob’s time working inside National Geographic as Director of Layout and Design and helping guide the magazine into the early digital era. This is an adventurous conclusion to a two-part conversation filled with great stories, close calls, and reflections on a lifetime behind the camera. Grab a coffee, settle in and the talk! ***** 📸 See more of Bob's work: https://bobmadden.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

Some assignments take you around the world on small roads. Others land you on a highway with your plane. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, former National Geographic Staff photographer Robert “Bob” Madden takes us back to his beginnings, the golden era of the magazine and into the stories behind two remarkable images — including his famous Guatemala earthquake bush-plane crash photograph, later selected as one of National Geographic’s 50 most iconic pictures, and the return of the Apollo 11 astronauts. We talk about how Bob got his start in the late 1960s, what it was like working during that era of travel and exploration, and why the real story of a photograph often begins long before the shutter clicks. That’s just the first stop on this Planes, Trains & National Geographic road trip. Next week we’re back with more stories and some amazing images from the field — and trust us, you’ll want to be on board for Part 2! Enjoy it. ***** 📸 See more of Bob's work: https://bobmadden.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

What does it mean to Hold Love through a Camera? In this moving episode, documentary photographer Nancy Borowick shares the story behind The Family Imprint and how photography helped her stay close during loss. We talk about photography as presence, as armor, and as a way to stay close during life’s most fragile moments. Nancy reflects on trust, ethics, grief, and how storytelling can transform personal loss into something that resonates far beyond one family. This is an emotional yet uplifting conversation about love, memory, and finding joy again — including how island life and photographing dogs became part of her healing journey, and of course we had some laughs too! Grab a coffee and enjoy our talk with the amazing Nancy Borowick. ***** 📸 See more of Nancy's work: https://www.nancyborowick.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Wondering if your pictures are trying to tell you a secret? You’re in the right place! In the conclusion of our special two-part series, we follow Sarah Leen into her "new chapter." After making history at National Geographic, Sarah returned to her first love: the direct, creative process of working with photographers. We explore the fascinating world of photo book editing and how she helps photographers decode the "hieroglyphics" of their own work. Sarah opens up about her passion for mentorship, her work with the Visual Thinking Collective, and the energy she finds in teaching at the Eddie Adams Workshop, the Missouri Photo Workshops , and many more. We talk about the importance of being a "maker",  and why she believes the best stories are the ones that take the longest to tell. Don't miss this inspiring look at life after the magazine and the art of lifting the next generation of visual storytellers! ***** 📸 See more of Sarah's work: https://www.sarahleen.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

From Sneaky Rebel to National Geographic Trailblazer! This is the start of a special two-part series with the amazing Sarah Leen, a woman whose name is synonymous with the iconic yellow border of National Geographic. In this first part, we trace Sarah’s historic journey: from being a "rebellious" student to becoming the first female College Photographer of the Year and, eventually, the first female Director of Photography in the magazine's 125-year history.  We dive into the reality of the freelance life, shooting 16 stories across the globe from Siberia to Mali, and the "tough lessons" learned on her first assignments. Sarah shares her philosophy on being a "problem solver" rather than a "problem maker," her love for the physical page, and why she eventually decided to step down from the top office to return to the creative "jigsaw puzzle" of editing.  Coming next week: Stay tuned for Part 2, where we follow Sarah into her life after the magazine, focusing on the art of photo books editing, her mission with being a mentor at amazing workshops and some good laughs of course too! ***** 📸 See more of Sarah's work: https://www.sarahleen.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

This is Part 2 of our special series with Pete Souza, the former Official White House Photographer for Presidents Reagan and Obama. In case you missed it, listen to Part 1 first!  In this second part, we talk about the personal and physical side of the job, how Pete spend those eight years living alongside his blackberry 24/7 and being a fly on the wall in the White house. We talk about amazing fun, but brutal at times travel schedules, flights on board of Air Force One playing cards with President Obama, stories behind some of his most iconic photographs, and the profound moments for a photographers eye that reveal the President's true character. Stick around until the end as we follow Pete as he leaves the White House bubble, becoming a best-selling author and public voice using his images on social media now to compare two very different administrations. Grab that coffee, settle in, and let's go behind the scenes of history one last time! ***** 📸 See more of Pete Souza: https://www.petesouza.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

We begin a special two-part series with Pete Souza, the former Official White House Photographer who holds one of the most unique resumes in history. In Part 1, we trace his journey right back to the beginning, starting with his early days working for Kansas newspapers, how he broke into photojournalism, and the unexpected opportunity that led to his first stint in the White House, documenting President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. Pete shares great stories from the Reagan years (yes, even about Michael Jackson) and we follow his career up to the assignment that put him in the path of a young, then still unknown Senator named Barack Obama. Next week in Part 2, we dive into the emotional reality of documenting the world's most powerful man every day, we get some full stories behind iconic pictures, and follow Pete as he transitions from White House observer to a best-selling author and outspoken advocate. ***** 📸 See more of Pete Souza: https://www.petesouza.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

Behind the Curtains of World Press Photo and its 70 Anniversary! This week we go behind the scenes with Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director of the World Press Photo Foundation, to discuss the past, present, and future of photojournalism and the foundation. This year marks WPP's monumental 70th Anniversary, and Joumana reveals the major changes she implemented with her team, including a regional judging model that now sees 80% of winners being local photographers. We pull back the curtain on how WPP actually works: how to apply and get your image seen, how the judging rounds are done, how the Joop Swart Masterclass was revamped to give mentees a sustainable survival toolkit, the immense challenge of maintaining trust in an age of generative AI and the major celebrations for the 70th Anniversary. This is an inspiring, and fun at times of course, talk about the immense responsibility of curating the world’s most powerful visual stories. Grab that coffee, settle in, and let's go behind the scenes of the World Press Photo Foundation with the wonderful Joumana El Zein Khoury. ***** 📸 See more of World Press Photo: https://www.worldpressphoto.org/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

Multiple award winner Lee-Ann Olwage from South Africa joins us today to discuss her incredible journey from film set decorator to winning in the Sony World Photography Awards and World Press Photo. Her powerful approach is rooted in collaborative storytelling, giving marginalized voices agency and celebrating their identity on the African continent. We dive into her project "#BlackDragMagic", where she collaborated with amazing drag artists to champion the queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans community and confront the daily threat of violence in South African townships. We also discuss her uplifting series, "The Right to Play," which visualizes the dreams of young girls in Kenya avoiding FGM and child marriage by proudly setting their sights on becoming lawyers and pilots, and her newest documentation of the "State Ballet of Georgia".  Don't miss this profound conversation on ethics, purpose, and the language of the image—and stick around to hear the wonderful moment her assistant got a marriage proposal while surrounded by amazing drag queens! Enjoy it. ***** 📸 See more of Lee-Ann’s work: https://www.leeannolwage.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com  

What is the secret to 15 years of trust and slow, ethical work inside the Hutterite communities? Canadian photographer Tim Smith shows us exactly how he built the deep, long-term relationships that define his career. Tim spent years immersed in these communal, traditional societies across the Canadian Prairies, perfecting a slow-work philosophy that allows him to portray their lives with the depth and nuance they deserve. His images have appeared in major magazines, including National Geographic, and his work has been exhibited in many countries to date. In this warm and honest talk, we dive into the challenges of that commitment. Tim opens up about why he now questions the pressure of the "all-in" photojournalism lifestyle and the essential need to prioritize family life. Hear about his wonderful crazy new project “Chaff”, the secret joy of eating supper in a combine during harvest, listen to some wonderful stories about the amazing Hutterite communities, where we talk about emotional moments or have a good laugh too of course. Hit play for a masterclass in wonderful patient and empathetic documentary work. Enjoy it! ***** 📸 See more of Tim’s work: https://www.timsmithphotography.ca/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com