Thousand Words - Photo Stories from the Field

Join Matt Addington and Reid Bryant as they explore storytelling through words, images, and experiences. Discover insights on capturing authentic moments, the creative process, and the power of perspective in this engaging conversation. Key Topics The intersection of photography and writing in storytelling The creative process and how moments become stories Authenticity and confidence in capturing...

In this conversation, Matt Addington and Drew Butterwick explore the art of storytelling through photography, particularly in the context of wildlife and travel. They discuss Drew's journey into photography, the impact of COVID on his work, and the profound allure of Africa, especially during the great migration. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of wildlife photography, the chall...

In this engaging conversation, Matt Addington interviews renowned wildlife photographer Jason Loftus (@untamedimagesbyjl), exploring his journey into photography, the importance of storytelling, and the evolution of his artistic style. They discuss the challenges and joys of capturing wildlife, the significance of intentionality in photography, and the techniques that can elevate a photograph from...

In this solo episode, Matt Addington shares his experiences and challenges in wildlife photography, particularly focusing on turkey season. He discusses the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, exploring different lighting conditions, and the artistic aspects of composition. Through his journey, he emphasizes the beauty of nature and the intricate details of turkeys, encouraging listeners...

In this episode of the Thousand Words Show, host Matt Addington speaks with Scott Stone, a renowned bear guide and photographer. They discuss Scott's journey into photography, his deep connection with bears, and the importance of conservation. Scott shares insights into the bear viewing experience, emphasizing the significance of patience and being present in nature. The conversation highlights th...

In this episode of the Thousand Words Show, host Matt Addington welcomes Blake Tollefson, an accomplished angler and photographer. They discuss Blake's journey into photography, the balance between fishing and capturing moments, and tips for taking stunning fish photos. The conversation also touches on memorable fishing stories, the beauty of fishing gear, and the importance of having the right eq...

In this latest episode of the Thousand Words Show, host Matt Addington welcomes his friend, fellow photographer, Amy Harris. Well known on Instagram as AdventureAmy. In this engaging conversation, Matt and Amy explore the world of wildlife photography, discussing Amy's journey from portrait photography to capturing stunning images of wildlife. They delve into the art of storytelling through photog...

In this episode of the Thousand Words Show, host Matt Addington welcomes his good friend Ben Brettingen of OnX Hunt, a seasoned professional in the outdoors industry and a talented photographer. They discuss Ben's diverse experiences in the field, his passion for storytelling through photography, and even his skills with a 28-gauge shotgun. The conversation highlights their shared enthusiasm for c...

Matt records a solo episode from the Yetti ice shelter in Minnesota, reflecting on the joy of combining work, photography, and fellowship in the outdoors. He discusses his passion for wildlife photography, shaped by a lifelong love of nature and hunting, and shares two memorable deer photography experiences. The first story is about a wide nine-point buck he has photographed for years. This fall,...

The host of The Thousand Words Podcast, Matt Addington , returns after a long hiatus, reflecting on how the show initially thrived during the COVID shutdown but later faded as life got busier. Expressing a deep love for storytelling and discussing images and experiences with guests, which motivates his return.  Matt shares that they've been spending time in a Yetti Outdoors fish house, using it as...

I had a great visit with filmmaker, conservationist and friend, Tom Opre about his upcoming film, Killing the Shepherd. Tom is the founder of The Shepherds of Wildlife Society , which according to it's website, is a collective of world-renowned wildlife filmmakers, photographers, sportsmen and women, and conservationists who possess the talent, knowledge and experience to uniquely communicate the...

This week I had a great visit with another former student who is doing amazing things. Hayes Scriven has followed his career path through the historical society genre, but four years ago took his dream job in the dream location, Splitrock Lighthouse on Minnesota's north shore of Lake Superior. In the past year, Hayes has rediscovered his love for photography and being in a special place, he's had...

In this episode, I had a great (two part, lightning interrupted) visit with one of the most talented photographers and storytellers in the world, Adam Bannister. Adam runs the photography studio at Angama Mara (www.angama.com), one of the most incredible safari lodges in the world sitting on the rim of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the Maasai Mara in Kenya. I had the chance to work alongside A...

In this episode, I visit with Harrison Barden, Live Content Creator for Major League Baseball and sports shooter for USA Today. We talk about all things sports photography related as well as Harrison's unique and artistic photography style which somewhat separates him from traditional sports imagery.

In this episode I explain my faux pas with last week's episode, talk Canon EOS R5 and R6, Rode Wireless Go audio and being charged by a rhino on assignment in Africa. We'll check out some rhinoceros photos from before the charge in Namibia. I also tease upcoming shows with Harrison Barden and Adam Bannister in coming weeks.

This week I had a great visit with one of the legends in photography, Mitch Kezar. Mitch has been making powerful images for more than 50 years and has seen the industry change immensely over that time. And he has stayed at the forefront as the photography business has evolved, always on the cusp of technology advances. In this episode, he shows off one of his first large format Polaroid cameras a...

This week it's a great visit with my good friend, Lake Pickle of Primos Hunting. Lake is living his life's dream on the staff of Primos where he films and helps produce all the media content for the legendary Primos Hunting team. Lake grew up in the outdoors, but his career direction was cemented by a friend from church named Keith Polk that got him on his first turkey...and the rest is history. T...

In part 2 with Yasmin Tajik we again cover wide ranging topics, but at their core, it is who she is. She is compassionate for humanity and driven to inspire people through her photography. We chat about the wild mustangs outside of Phoenix and how this evolved into a partnership with the American Wild Horse Campaign. And several years ago, Yasmin bought a drone (although it stayed in the box for q...

Check out the images on my BLOG . It was such a great opportunity to reconnect with Yasmin Tajik on this episode. Yasmin has had a life filled with amazing adventures traveling the world since she was a young girl. Her photography journey started to take professional shape as she worked in Las Vegas in the lobster...yes, I said LOBSTER industry. She's had a passion for animals of all kinds which h...

Matt is joined by Jamie Hiner of Jamie Hiner Creations . One of Matt's former students and basketball players, Jamie has traveled the world and established himself as a producer of some serious media content. His Instagram following has quickly grown to over 24,000 followers which is evidence of his captivating imagery. Matt and Jamie talk Minnesota State Fair, speeding on the Maasai Mara and airp...

Matt Addington is joined by guest, Joel Nelson to talk farming, creeks vs cricks, 1lb bluegills and pretty sunsets. Joel's photo stories feature a classic of his grandpa and a beautiful panfish close to home. Matt talks about a harrowing fly-in trip in Canada and how the northern lights threw him for a loop. Joel is an established outdoorsman who has spent his life afield chasing game and fishing...

This is the first of what I hope will be many awesome stories told here with some of the best photographers out there. I've got a lineup committed to getting together to tell the story of some of their best work. So stay tuned and thanks for checking out, Thousand Words.