The Camera Life

The Camera Life

Live weekly podcast featuring long-form discussions on all things photography with hosts Greg, Justin and Jim. Join us live on Youtube every Monday at 7:30pm & Thursday at 9am (Australian Eastern Time) to join in on the conversation or listen back later on your favourite podcast player. From photography gear reviews and new camera rumours to discussions about the art and business of making images, this is The Camera Life Podcast.

  1. 1 day ago

    A conversation with Marcus Bell (EP188)

    Marcus Bell joins The Camera Life Podcast for a deep conversation about creativity, wedding photography, personal projects, Leica gear, artistic growth, and building a photography career that has lasted more than 25 years. From his early influences and European travels to award-winning wedding work and the powerful stories behind his personal series Shades of Darkness, Marcus shares insights on photography, life, and finding your own voice as an artist. Marcus Bell is an internationally acclaimed Australian photographer known for his powerful storytelling, emotive portraits, and fine art imagery. With more than 25 years of experience, Marcus has built a reputation for capturing authentic human connection, creating photographs that reveal the beauty, emotion, and meaning within everyday moments. Awarded the title of Grand Master of Photography and recognised as one of the world's top photographers, Marcus has exhibited globally, published work in leading publications including Vogue and Rangefinder, and collaborated with brands such as Leica, Epson, and SanDisk. Influenced by legendary photographers including Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado, Marcus blends documentary storytelling with artistic vision to create images that resonate deeply with audiences around the world. In this episode, we explore Marcus's journey, creative philosophy, and the stories behind some of his most memorable photographs. https://www.marcusbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marcusbell https://www.instagram.com/studioimpressions/ =========================================== 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_/ ===================================================

    2h 49m
  2. 2 days ago

    Never Go Back? The Random Photography Show (EP187)

    Is going back to a place you loved a great way to remember and iterate on previous favourite images, or do you risk tainting those first great memories? Justin and Greg debate whether revisiting favorite travel destinations ever lives up to the memories, then dive into the latest photography news including Nikon’s new super-telephoto zoom, Canon compact camera rumors, Leica’s latest releases, and even Doom running on a Nikon camera. The second half showcases outstanding community photography, from rare wildlife encounters and dramatic landscapes to street photography, architecture, and travel images from Australia and New Zealand. =========================================== 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?)

    1hr 53min
  3. 28 May

    Brian Carr | Backstage Stories from 50+ Years of Live Music (EP186)

    Veteran Australian photographer Brian Carr joins The Camera Life Podcast to share stories from more than 50 years documenting Melbourne’s music scene, commercial photography, and life behind the lens. From Air Force aerial cameras and darkroom techniques to photographing musicians, preserving family archives, and navigating AI in photography, this episode is packed with history, insight, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories from a remarkable career. Brian Carr is a veteran Australian music photographer who has spent more than five decades documenting Melbourne’s legendary live music scene. Beginning with photographing Zoot in the late 1960s, Brian has captured everyone from international icons like Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and Sharon Jones to Australian greats including Paul Kelly, Marcia Hines, Tex Perkins and Archie Roach. Raised in Warragul and now based in Wonthaggi, Brian’s photography offers a raw and intimate record of the venues, performers, promoters and community figures who helped shape Melbourne into one of the world’s great music cities. His acclaimed coffee table book, Music City: A Slice of The Melbourne Music Scene, curates six decades of powerful black-and-white and colour images, celebrating not just the artists on stage, but the entire culture surrounding live music in Melbourne. Known for his authentic documentary style and deep connection to the scene, Brian’s work stands as both a historical archive and a tribute to the spirit of Australian live music. https://www.instagram.com/briancarrphoto/ =========================================== 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_/ ===================================================

    2h 20m
  4. 25 May

    Catching Up on Your Images - The Random Photography Show (EP185)

    Justin joins us from Bali with stories from learning scuba diving, photographing underwater shipwrecks, and testing the OM System TG7 beyond its rated limits. The crew also discusses AI copyright controversies surrounding Ansel Adams, new camera gear releases, macro phone photography, landscape images from the community, and the creative process behind capturing dramatic weather, wildlife, and reflections. **YOUR IMAGES** We will catch up on the Your Images section! If you sent something through for Monday 18th, no need to send anything in again for this week. If you want to make sure we got your images on Monday 18, reply to the same email you sent. If you want to disregard last weeks images and send new one, send a new email. **YOUR IMAGES SUBMISSION** - Email Justin: justin@luckystraps.com.au - Subject Line: Your Images - 1 Image - (+ optional behind the scenes image if desired) - Brief Image Description =========================================== 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_/ ===================================================

    1hr 55min
  5. 21 May

    Michael Jalaru Torres | Photography, Culture & Country (EP184)

    Award-winning Indigenous photographer Michael Jalaru Torres joins The Camera Life Podcast to discuss storytelling, Black Lens, fine art photography, censorship, Fujifilm gear, surf photography, AI, and the future of camera technology. This episode explores the power of authentic cultural representation, creative resilience, and how photographers can stay connected to the joy of making images. Michael Jalaru Torres is an Indigenous fine art photographer, filmmaker, and poet from Broome, Western Australia. A Djugun-Yawuru man with connections to the Gooniyandi, Jabbir Jabbir, and Ngarluma peoples, his work draws deeply from the landscapes, culture, and lived experiences of the Kimberley region. Through striking conceptual portraiture and abstract landscapes, Michael explores contemporary Indigenous identity, social justice, and personal storytelling. A self-taught artist, Michael has exhibited internationally across Australia, Germany, and China, and was a finalist in the 2023 Telstra NATSIAA Awards. He is also the founder of Blak Lens , a collective supporting emerging and established First Nations photographers and videographers across Australia. His work combines cultural preservation with bold contemporary visual storytelling. https://jalaru.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jalaruphotography/ https://www.instagram.com/bmesurf/ https://www.instagram.com/fujiblak/ https://www.instagram.com/blaklens/ https://blaklens.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_/ ===================================================

    2hr 1min
  6. 19 May

    Sony A7R VI, Canon R6V & Lumix L10 Reactions | The Random Photography Show (EP183)

    Greg and Jim cover a packed week of photography news including the Sony A7R VI, Canon’s EOS R6V cinema-focused camera, and Panasonic’s new Lumix L10 compact challenger. Justin joins live from Bali to talk scuba diving and underwater photography plans, while Greg shares street photography images, Alpaca exhibition coverage, and thoughts on the growing wave of third-party lenses. =========================================== 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/ 0:00 Introduction and Podcast Banter 12:01 Studio Renovation and Vinyl Setup 20:02 Laowa Lens Releases and Third-Party Glass 26:27 Nikon Financial Rumors and Pentax DSLR News 40:21 Sony A7R VI Breakdown 48:48 Canon EOS R6V and Power Zoom Lens 54:42 Lumix L10 Compact Camera Discussion 1:03:08 Deb Shoots and Photography Work 1:12:52 Alpaca Exhibition and Street Photography 1:20:46 Marketing, Camera Repairs and Wrap Up

    1hr 29min
  7. 15 May

    IR Camera Conversions Explained - Wayne Rogers from Imaging By Design (EP176)

    Wayne Rogers from Imaging by Design joins The Camera Life to unpack camera repairs, infrared conversions, autofocus systems, lens calibration, Leica engineering, sensor technology, and the hidden world of forensic and industrial imaging. From cleaning sensors safely to building thermal and speed cameras, this episode dives deep into how cameras actually work and why precision matters. If you’ve ever wondered about infrared photography, lens sharpness, or what really separates premium gear, this episode is packed with insight. Imaging By Design. A Melbourne-based company selling IR conversions and accessories. “The humble camera” possibly the most complicated piece of equipment we own, fine mechanics, micro electronics and precision optics sitting dormant for most of its life until it springs into action to capture a moment of time that never repeats. Imaging By Design is a highly specialised imaging engineering + camera service business based in Melbourne. While many know them for high-end camera servicing and repairs, that’s only part of the story. Imaging By Design sits at the intersection of precision camera work, advanced technical modifications, and fully custom imaging systems, functioning more like a specialised imaging lab than a traditional camera shop. We’ll be diving into the unique work they do, from infrared, UV, and full-spectrum camera conversions to astro modifications and cinema lens adjustments. These are highly technical services that place them in a niche category, with very few businesses in Australia capable of delivering this level of expertise. It’s a side of the industry most photographers never see, but one that plays a critical role in pushing the boundaries of what cameras can actually do. Imaging By Design also designs and builds custom imaging solutions for scientific, industrial, and specialist applications, solving complex problems with tailored hardware and software systems. If you’ve ever wondered what sits beyond traditional photography, this conversation will give you a completely different perspective on what cameras are truly capable of. https://imagingbydesign.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/imagingbydesign/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Imaging-by-Design/100083555133282/ =========================================== 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_/ ===================================================

    2h 56m
  8. 14 May

    Kris Anderson | How to Stand Out as a Performer (Headshots That Actually Work) (EP182)

    Award-winning performance photographer Kris Anderson joins The Camera Life Podcast to discuss theater photography, actor headshots, improv performance, imposter syndrome, judging photography competitions, mentoring creatives, AI image generation, cosplay culture, and balancing a long-term corporate career with creative work. Kris shares practical insights into building authentic relationships with performers, experimenting with photography techniques, and why authenticity still matters in an AI-driven world. Kris is a photographer specialising in performers, with over a decade of experience capturing actors, dancers, and theatre professionals. After starting in 2010 shooting a wide range of subjects—from weddings to families—he refined his focus to the creative industries he’s most passionate about. Today, his work blends headshots, portraiture, theatre, and editorial-style imagery, all designed to help performers stand out and get noticed. Known for creating a relaxed, collaborative environment, Kris makes the experience of being photographed feel natural and enjoyable—even for those who usually feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. His approach is simple: clear communication, a bit of fun, and delivering images clients genuinely connect with. Beyond the camera, Kris is deeply embedded in the photography community. He serves as a board director for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, Director of Judging for the Australian Photographic Prize, and regularly judges and speaks at events worldwide. As a performer himself with decades in improv theatre, he understands exactly how powerful the right image can be in capturing attention and opening doors. https://www.imagesbyanderson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/imagesbyanderson =========================================== 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_/ ===================================================

    2h 21m

Trailer

About

Live weekly podcast featuring long-form discussions on all things photography with hosts Greg, Justin and Jim. Join us live on Youtube every Monday at 7:30pm & Thursday at 9am (Australian Eastern Time) to join in on the conversation or listen back later on your favourite podcast player. From photography gear reviews and new camera rumours to discussions about the art and business of making images, this is The Camera Life Podcast.

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