

The **Helpful Photographer Podcast** delivers concise, no-fluff episodes packed with essential photography tips and technical insights. Designed for photographers of all levels, each short episode breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. With **150+ episodes** and counting, this podcast covers everything from camera settings and lenses to composition and post-processing. Tune in for quick, actionable advice to improve your photography skills fast! Podcasts are created by Zim in collaboration with NYC Photo Safari. For more information on registering for a safari please visit https://newyorkcityphotosafari.com/
Episodes

3 days ago
197: Photographing Frozen Soap Bubbles
3 days ago
3 days ago
A winter photography experiment: how to photograph frozen soap bubbles. Includes bubble recipes and camera settings tips.
Transcript available here: newyorkcityphotosafari.com

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
196: Test Your Camera Lenses for Sharpness
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
A simple, controlled way to test your lenses and find their sharpest aperture.

Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
195: Antarctica & Snow Photography Tips.
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Photography tips from Zim's Antarctica trip: shooting snow, high-contrast subjects like penguins, and using polarizing filters effectively.
Transcript available at New York City Photo Safari

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
194: Polarization, Glaciers, and Antarctic Light
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
How polarizing filters reduce glare, enhance skies, and affect real-world photography.
Transcript available at New York City Photo Safari

Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
193: Understanding Polarizing Filters in Photography (with a Physicist)
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
How polarizing filters reduce glare, enhance skies, and affect real-world photography.
Transcript available here: New York City Photo Safari

Thursday Dec 18, 2025
192: Why Use Auto ISO
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
When and why to use Auto ISO, how your camera balances exposure, and how Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority really work in real-world shooting.
Transcript available at New York City Photo Safari

Friday Dec 05, 2025
191: Essential Packing List for Antarctica
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Everything you need, beyond your camera gear, to get ready
for a trip to Antarctica.

Friday Dec 05, 2025
190: Preparing to Photograph Antarctica
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Everything you need to prepare for photographing your Polar Latitudes adventure to Antarctica.

Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
189: Heat Distortion in Photography
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Learn how heat distortion causes blurry photos and how to keep your shots sharp in hot or changing weather.
Transcript available at: NYC Photo Safari

Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
188: Shooting in the Heat: Photo Guide
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Photography tips for hot weather—protect your camera, manage batteries, and stay cool while capturing great shots.
For a full transcript visit: NYC Photo Safari

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
187: P6 Bird Photography: Monopods #187
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Monopods help you capture sharp, stable, and fatigue-free bird and wildlife photos.
Read transcript at NYC Photo Safari

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
186: P5 Bird Photography: How to Anticipate Flight
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Capture stunning in-flight bird photos by anticipating takeoff and using the right camera techniques.
Transcript available at NYCPhotoSafari.com

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
184: P4 Bird Photography: Hummingbirds
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Expert tips for photographing hummingbirds— ideal camera settings to behavior tracking and lighting techniques.
Read Transcript at NYCPhotoSafari.com

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
185: P4 Bird Photography: Capture the Decisive Moment
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Learn to spot routines in animals and people to anticipate behavior and capture decisive moments in photography.
Full transcript visit NYCPhotoSafari.com

Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
183: P2 Bird Photography: Custom Settings
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Discover how to shoot perched and flying birds with low ISO and high sharpness through the use of custom settings.

Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
182: P1 Bird Photography Camera Settings #182
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Learn why shutter priority is the best camera mode for bird photography. Get expert tips on handling lighting changes, and mastering your bird shots.
Transcript available here: NYC Photo Safari

Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
181: How to Design a Photo Book That Tells a Story
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
From layout to image selection, discover how to create a photo book that flows beautifully and captures lasting memories. Tips for storytelling, design, and printing included.
Try Printique.com for photo book printing.

Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
180: Choosing the Right Print Media
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Learn when to use glossy, matte, canvas, acrylic, or metal for the best results in style and longevity.
Try <a href="https://www.printique.com/?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=impact&utm_campaign=NYC%20Photo%20Safari&irclickid=UV7WmQUnNxycR4RWFDT3AwKNUkpzoi3vIzus300&irgwc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">
Printique.com
</a> for high quality prints.

Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
179: How to Frame Photos Archivally
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
DIY tips for archival photo framing to preserve your prints and save money.
For a full transcript visit: New York City Photo Safari

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
178: Best Camera Bag Advice: Why Smaller Is Smarter
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Oversized camera backpacks and the social media hype behind them. Learn why smaller, smarter camera bags can save your back and your sanity.
For a full transcript visit: New York City Photo Safari