Wildlife Photo Chat – Episode 246: Rob Read and Georgina Steytler

Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Ray Hennessy
Guests: Rob Read & Georgina Steytler

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Ray is joined by two well-known wildlife photographers, Rob Read and Georgina Steytler, for an honest and frequently hilarious discussion about creativity, authenticity, and the quirks of life behind (and occasionally in front of) the lens. The trio explore how social media has changed wildlife photography, share behind-the-scenes stories from recent photo outings and workshops, and reflect on meaningful—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences at major photo competitions. Expect plenty of sharp wit, honest critique, and warm camaraderie.

Main Themes & Key Discussion Points

1. Social Media: Then & Now

Timestamps: 00:29–16:35

• Then & Now: Georgina reminisces about the early Instagram era when bird photographers were a rare breed, making it possible to know almost everyone in the genre. Now, "there's like, thousands, literally thousands and thousands of more people. It's insane." (Georgina, 00:43)
• Growth vs. Engagement: The focus has shifted from follower numbers to genuine engagement:

  “When they actually looked at the engagement, [Tipling] actually had a better engagement rate than a lot of the younger ones because their people were just like, I guess it's just a popularist thing.” (Georgina, 03:37)

• Authenticity Over Trends: All agree it’s more sustaining to be authentic (even if it’s a buzzword), connect with like-minded people, and not worry about ‘curating’ perfection or chasing the latest trends.

  "If you’re not authentic, then you’re the same as everybody else. So many people on social media, you’re just going to disappear into this sea." (Georgina, 05:51)

• Personality Matters: The group agrees personality often trumps technical ability for long-term engagement.

  “The YouTube channels that do really well are people that are charismatic and likable.” (Rob, 06:50)

• Personal Content & "Imperfection": Sharing personal struggles and non-bird content not only grew Georgina’s audience, but deepened real connections.
• Trends to Avoid: They lament overdone social media tropes (like “my post didn’t go viral” posts), calling for substance over bandwagoning.

2. Creativity & Experimenting in the Field

Timestamps: 17:34–32:43

• Chasing the "Perfect" Swan: Georgina and Rob recount their quest to outshoot Andy Parkinson’s famous swan photos—and admit it’s a tough (and funny) challenge.
• Creative Approaches:
  • Experimentation with high key images, shooting through foliage, and slow shutter for creative effect.
  • Being honest when experiments fail—sometimes, “you need some light!”
  • The thrill and nerves of “epic moments” when nature aligns:

    “You get that feeling... the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and you know when you get that feeling of, I'm in this spot at this particular moment, the light was incredible.” (Rob, 28:54)

  • Panic and pressure to perform in such moments—equipment mishaps, flock photography challenges.
• Learning From Each Other: They laugh about "dumb and dumber" moments (bad planning, good intentions), honest critique, and playful rivalry that drives them to improve.

3. Workshops, Feedback, and Honest Critique

Timestamps: 49:02–56:46

• Giving and Receiving Critique:
  • Value in having trusted peers give honest, sometimes blunt, feedback.
  • It’s hard to be objective about your own photos—emotion clouds judgement.
  • Advice: Don’t ask for detailed analysis; instead, ask peers to “just tell me which one you like best and which one you like least” without explanations (Georgina, 54:16).
• Processing Ruts: Discussing how habits form around cropping, color balance, and why it’s important to consciously break out of those cycles.

4. Companionship vs. Solitude in Photography

Timestamps: 41:40–48:40

• Solo vs. Social:
  • Rob usually shoots solo but cherishes memorable moments in good company (“The best times are when you’re with good company.” Rob, 42:26)
  • Georgina—aware she can be a "challenge" to shoot with—shares that shooting with the right person (same creative wavelength) is key.
  • Both agree that honest feedback, good-natured ribbing, and constructive competition can spark creativity.
• Balance: "Some of my best photos have come when I’ve had not much to work with, not a great subject. So you’re forced to think outside the box..." (Georgina, 47:13)

5. Behind the Scenes: International Gatherings & Award Events

Timestamps: 60:19–66:47

• Wildlife Photographer of the Year:
  • Georgina describes being flown to London for the competition, meeting photographic heroes, and feeling the pinch of both excitement and loss following her father’s death.
  • Favorite moments: Interactions with legends like Andy Parkinson, Audun Rikardsen, and Sandra Bartocha, and the sense of a “global community.”
• Connection over Networking:

  “I don’t like the word networking because...I’m not going out to network, but you just end up meeting people that you get along really well with.” (Georgina, 66:07)

6. Burnout, Obsession, and Life Balance

Timestamps: 75:09–80:17

• Making the Most of Limited Time:
  • Both guests are “all in” on photography during travel. “We are completely and utterly obsessed. Even if we wanted to do something else, it would actually be impossible because you can't not notice birds.” (Georgina, 76:03)
  • Ray mentions his own need for moderation as a full-time photographer, mixing other activities to avoid burnout.
• Bird Nerd Solidarity:

  “It was a base level thing for us to get into this relationship that we’re both. Okay, okay with always chasing the birds, even when we’re talking to each other.” (Ray, 81:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Authenticity in Social Media:
  "If you're not authentic, then you're the same as everybody else. So you might as well be yourself." — Georgina (05:51)
• On Creative Panic:
  "You get that feeling...the hairs stand up on the back of your neck...the light was incredible. You couldn't have scripted it." — Rob (28:54)
• Brutal Honesty:
  "I said, 'oh, no, that's bad.' No." — Georgina, critiquing Rob’s photo (50:22)
• Rivalry and Humour:
  "Well, we call ourselves dumb and dumber, actually." — Georgina (21:26)
  "We tried saying something nice to each other and then it felt really creepy." (59:44)
• On Life’s Perspective Shifts:
  "You have these ideas in your head, but you’re not really thinking it through properly." — Georgina (26:02)
• Personal Loss, Authentic Sharing:
  "When my dad died, I just thought...I posted his woodturning photos...so many people were like, yes...They just...loved it." — Georgina (13:24–14:43)
• Competition Advice:
  "You shouldn't enter to win...you should just aim to be a finalist." — Georgina (70:30)
• Traveling for Photography:
  “If you go somewhere...photography, or you spend time with somebody that you—Georgina's on the other side of the world for me, obviously...you think, I'm going to make the most of this time...” — Rob (76:47)

Highlights by Timestamp

• 00:29–16:35: Social media’s past and present, authenticity, and engagement
• 17:34–32:43: Recent outings, creative experiments, and comedic misadventures
• 41:40–48:40: Pros and cons of shooting alone vs. with other photographers
• 49:02–56:46: How to get and give honest feedback, processing ruts, creative trends
• 60:19–66:47: Emotional realities and highlights of major photo competitions
• 75:09–80:17: Obsession vs. moderation in photography-focused travel

Conclusion

Episode 246 bursts with energy, humor, and candor as Ray, Rob, and Georgina peel back the curtain on life as wildlife photographers—online and off. Listeners are treated to wisdom about authenticity, artistic growth through failure and feedback, the joy (and panic) of chasing magic moments, and the value of real connections, both virtual and in-person. This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving creativity, community, and a good laugh.