People's Choice Winner and 2026 Goals with Alex Cearns - Random Photography Show (EP148)

Dr. Dean Holland joins The Camera Life to unpack a rare photography career built without social media. From teaching over 10,000 photographers to shooting corporate, humanitarian, and people-focused work, Dean shares deep insights on authenticity, creativity, AI, and the future of photography. This wide-ranging conversation explores cameras vs phones, confidence over settings, ethical AI use, and why human connection still matters more than ever behind the lens. =========================================== Dr Dean Holland is an award-winning photographer and educator with a PhD in adult education, and the founder of Take Better Photos, established in 2007. Based in Brisbane, he has taught photography to more than 10,000 people in person through courses for individuals, families, schools, companies, and community groups. His teaching is widely known for being practical, jargon-free, hands-on, and fun, making photography accessible regardless of camera or experience level. With a background in overseas development, Dean uses photography as a force for positive change. His charity and community work spans youth, migrant, Indigenous, rural, and remote communities in Australia and overseas, guided by the belief that the best photographs are built on trust and connection. Alongside this, his commercial, family, and wedding photography focuses on capturing genuine emotion, joy, and the spontaneous moments that become lifelong memories. Becoming a father reignited Dean’s love of photography as something playful and deeply meaningful to share with family. This philosophy sits at the heart of Take Better Photos: helping people capture truly priceless moments without needing expensive gear. The business has grown rapidly, earning major awards, widespread media coverage, and collaborations with leading photographers, while continuing Dean’s mission to help people live more fully by knowing how to capture what matters most. https://www.deanholland.com.au/https://www.takebetterphotos.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/take.better.photos.photography.courseshttps://www.youtube.com/@TakeBetterPhotos1 ===========================================THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST===========================================➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677 ===================================================LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET===================================================✅ Quick Release System✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee a✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?) ================CONNECT WITH US================Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/ Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbyjim_/===================================================

In this milestone episode of The Random Photography Show, the team is joined by Cam Blake to unpack the new Ricoh GR IV Monochrome. From sensor design and real-world image quality to pricing, production issues, and creative constraints, they dig into whether a dedicated black-and-white camera really makes sense. Along the way, there’s plenty of camera news, gear banter, and honest discussion about what actually helps photographers make better images. Special guest Cam Blake from the Down South Photo Show. https://www.instagram.com/camblakephotography/ https://www.youtube.com/@downsouthphotoshow https://www.camblakephotography.com.au/ ===========================================THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST===========================================➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677 ===================================================LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET===================================================✅ Quick Release System✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee a✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?) ================CONNECT WITH US================Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/ Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbyjim_/===================================================

Australian landscape photographer Adam Edwards joins The Camera Life to discuss outback photography, running a regional gallery, creative burnout, and finding meaning beyond social media. From Broken Hill to Kenya, Adam shares deep insights into landscape mindset, gear choices, workshops, and why patience and presence matter more than perfect conditions. A thoughtful conversation on photography as passion, profession, and lifelong journey. =========================================== Shaped by life in the Australian outback, Adam's work is grounded in patience, adaptability, and making the most of imperfect conditions. Years spent refining both capture and post-production have led to a deeply personal and authentic approach to image-making, with a strong focus on process over perfection. In 2025, Adam took a significant step by opening a gallery in Broken Hill, creating not just a place to exhibit his work, but a creative hub that celebrates the region and brings people together through photography. Alongside his own practice, Adam is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring, running workshops and building supportive communities for photographers at all stages. For Adam, photography is about more than the final image, it’s about the journey, the people, and the places that shape every frame. Adam runs workshops, mentors photographers, and continues to build spaces where people can connect, learn, and be inspired. Website: https://www.adamedwards.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adzy_edwards/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adzy_edwards ===========================================THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST===========================================➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677 ===================================================LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET===================================================✅ Quick Release System✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee a✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?) ================CONNECT WITH US================Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/ Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbyjim_/===================================================

In this episode of The Camera Life, Alex Cearns joins the panel to celebrate the People’s Choice winner from the 2025 Photo of the Year, dive into photography news, and share honest insights on creativity, goal setting, and time management. The conversation covers editing workflows, publishing photography books, shooting personal work, and finding balance as a working photographer. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring episode packed with real-world advice for photographers planning their year ahead. ===========================================THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST===========================================➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life➡YouTube: @the_camera_life ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677 ===================================================LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET===================================================✅ Quick Release System✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee ✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers SHOP NOW - https://luckystraps.com/ ================CONNECT WITH US================Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/ Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinandjim/

This week on The Camera Life, we’re joined live by David duChemin, one of the most influential voices in modern photography. David is a Vancouver, Canada-based wildlife photographer, author, and educator best known for helping photographers move beyond settings and gear to focus on vision, storytelling, and creative intent. His books, workshops, and writing have inspired thousands of photographers around the world to create more meaningful work and develop a stronger personal voice. https://davidduchemin.com/https://www.instagram.com/davidducheminhttps://www.youtube.com/@CraftVision/videoshttps://www.abeautifulanarchy.com/ In this live conversation, we’ll explore:What really makes a photograph good (beyond sharpness and technique)How photographers can develop vision and creative confidenceThe role of storytelling and emotion in photographySlowing down in a fast, algorithm-driven worldLessons from decades of photographing people, places, and natureAdvice for photographers feeling stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed This is a must-watch discussion for photographers at any stage who want more depth, purpose, and intention in their work. Subscribe to The Camera Life for weekly live shows, interviews, and honest conversations about photography, creativity, and life behind the camera.

Head across to The Camera Life - YouTube to listen and view the images as they are discussed and to CAST YOUR VOTES FOR THE PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS! HOW TO VOTE: Head across to YouTube and in the comments of the show vote for your favourite photos! 3 Votes: # 2 Votes: # 1 Vote: # All photo numbers are linked in the show notes under the chapters. The Camera Life Podcast reveals the winners of the 2025 Photo of the Year Competition in this special live episode. Join the hosts as they review every shortlisted image, unpack the powerful stories behind them, and debate what truly makes a photograph great. From emotional personal moments to breathtaking landscapes, this episode celebrates photography, creativity, and community—culminating in the announcement of the overall winners and what’s next for the competition.

In this final Camera Life episode of 2025, Justin and Greg reflect on the biggest photography lessons, community milestones, and creative breakthroughs from the past year. From BFOP highlights and podcast growth to personal projects, pet photography, and setting goals for 2026, this episode is a heartfelt, honest look at what it really means to grow as a photographer. Packed with listener stories, laughs, and inspiration, it’s the perfect way to close out the year and reset your creative focus. To enter the Photo of the Year Competition email your favourite photo of 2025 to [email protected] with the subject line 'photo of the year' and include your camera settings plus why it is your favourite photo of the year. Rules:Submit your photo by 4th Jan 2026Images displayed at 7:30pm Jan 5th 2026Photo MUST be taken in the 2025 calendar yearNo AI, or else!One entry per personInclude metadata or your camera settings (or film stock, editing techniques etc)Winners will be chosen based on subjective opinions of podcast hosts, this is not a professional competition!

In this special Christmas episode of The Camera Life Podcast, Justin, Greg, and Bruce Moyle reflect on what photography truly gave them in 2025—beyond the images. From powerful community stories and photo critiques to camera news, creative inspiration, and personal projects, this episode captures the heart of photography as connection, memory, and experience. A perfect end-of-year listen for photographers looking to slow down, reflect, and feel inspired heading into the holidays. To enter the Photo of the Year Competition email your favourite photo of 2025 to [email protected] with the subject line 'photo of the year' and include your camera settings plus why it is your favourite photo of the year. Rules:Images displayed at 7:30pm Dec 29th 2025Photo MUST be taken in the 2025 calendar yearNo AI, or else!One entry per personInclude metadata or your camera settings (or film stock, editing techniques etc)Winners will be chosen based on subjective opinions of podcast hosts, this is not a professional competition!

Australian Geographic 2023 Nature Photography of the Year winner Samuel Markham joins The Camera Life to unpack the terrifying Black Summer firestorm behind his image “My Country Burns,” including the moment he decided to photograph it. Samuel also shares how he built a community-driven Australia landscape location app, how he plans aurora missions, his wilderness workflow, Sony kit choices, and an authenticity-first editing philosophy in the age of AI. Expect practical landscape insights plus a powerful story of resilience. =================================================== Samuel Markham is a self-taught landscape and wilderness photographer based in Canberra, ACT, Australia Photography entered his life in 2011, transforming the way he perceives the world and instilling in him a profound gratitude for nature's intricate details that he once overlooked. His artistic endeavours are grounded in a profound respect and awe for both nature and its almighty creator, seeking to convey reverence through the images he captures. Over the years he has developed a fascination with dramatic light and atmosphere. Driving him on an endless journey to capture those elusive moments that encapsulate the essence of freedom. In 2023 he was crowned the Overall Winner of the ’Australian Geographic 2023 Nature Photography of the Year’ for his image "My Country Burns" taken during the horrific 2019 / 2020 Black Summer bushfires that devastated Australia. https://www.samuelmarkham.photography/https://www.instagram.com/samuel.markham/https://www.facebook.com/samuelmarkhamphotography/https://www.youtube.com/@samuelmarkham5283 ===========================================THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST===========================================➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677 ===================================================LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET===================================================✅ Quick Release System✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee a✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?) ================CONNECT WITH US================Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/ Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbyjim_/===================================================

Lucinda Goodwin joins The Random Photography Show for a lively, late-night mix of photography news, community chat, and real-world shooting stories. The crew digs into printing and paper talk, camera quirks (including Pentax and Fuji chatter), social media strategy, and gig/festival shooting numbers—then wraps with detailed listener image critiques covering texture, composition, and editing choices. Expect laughs, practical takeaways, and plenty of inspiration to pick up your camera and shoot. To enter the Photo of the Year Competition email your favourite photo of 2025 to [email protected] with the subject line 'photo of the year' and include your camera settings plus why it is your favourite photo of the year. Rules:Images displayed at 7:30pm Dec 29th 2025Photo MUST be taken in the 2025 calendar yearNo AI, or else!One entry per personInclude metadata or your camera settings (or film stock, editing techniques etc)Winners will be chosen based on subjective opinions of podcast hosts, this is not a professional competition! ===========================================THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST===========================================➡Blog: https://luckystraps.com/the-camera-life➡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_camera_life ➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_camera_life_podcast➡Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dC4kPNrLORz2ASrukyOS5?si=18c6fd2534cf4d97➡Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-camera-life/id1760304677 ===================================================LUCKY STRAPS - THE BEST CAMERA STRAPS ON THE PLANET===================================================✅ Quick Release System✅ Anti-Theft, Cut-Resistant and Safety Lock✅ Super Comfortable Genuine Leather✅ Australian Made and Lifetime Guarantee a✅ Personalise with Your Name or Logo✅ Owned, Designed and Used by Working Photographers SHOP NOW https://luckystraps.com/(Use code for 15% off - Codes are JUSTIN JIM or GREG - Which host do you like the most?) ================CONNECT WITH US================Greg Cromie - Writer and Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/gcromie/➡Greg's Blog: https://gregcromie.blog/ Justin Castles - Photographer and Founder of Lucky Straps➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/justincastles Jim Aldersey - Wedding and Boudoir Photographer➡IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimaldersey/➡Wedding IG: https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbyjim_/===================================================