The Camera Cafe Show

Chris Johns: Shaping How Millions See the World (Part 2)

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.
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📸 See more of Chris’ work:
https://thephotosociety.org/member/chris-johns/
*****
🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:
https://www.thecameracafeshow.com
 

Chris Johns: Shaping How Millions See the World (Part 1)

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.
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📸 See more of Chris’ work:https://thephotosociety.org/member/chris-johns/
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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Ian Wood: A New Hope for Badgers

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

Paul Joynson-Hicks: The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

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
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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Chinky Shukla: When Buddha Stopped Smiling

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/
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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:
https://www.thecameracafeshow.com
 

Arati Kumar-Rao: Listening in the Marginlands

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!
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📸 See more of Arati's work:
https://www.aratikumarrao.com/
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🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration:
https://www.thecameracafeshow.com

Robert Madden: Planes, Trains & National Geographic (Part 2)

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
 

Robert Madden: Planes, Trains & National Geographic (Part 1)

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