Hashem McAdam is a Melbourne-based freelance photographer and filmmaker who founded Exaframe in 2013 after leaving full-time employment to pursue photography professionally. With more than a decade of experience, he specialises in event photography—particularly corporate events and candid coverage—while also working across editorial, commercial, product, portrait, real estate and film photography. Holding a Bachelor of Multimedia in Interactive Digital Design and a Diploma of Multimedia, he combines technical expertise with a creative, adaptable approach to visual storytelling.

Alongside his commercial work, Hashem is passionate about documentary and fine art photography, producing personal projects, publishing photo zines, and contributing to the film photography community through his Pushing Film platform, where he shares tutorials, reviews, interviews and educational content.

https://www.youtube.com/pushingfilm
https://www.instagram.com/hashemmcadam/
https://www.exaframe.com/about

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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?)

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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_/
===================================================

Justin, Greg and Lucinda Goodwin cover the Leica SL3-P launch in Melbourne, share practical social media strategies that help photographers land real clients, discuss the latest camera industry news, and critique a huge collection of community-submitted images. From light painting and wildlife to abstract landscapes, long exposures and glowing fungi, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical photography advice.

Andrew Campbell is one of Australia's most highly awarded photographers, with a career spanning portrait photography, commercial work, and internationally recognised astrophotography. A Grand Master of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, he has built a reputation for combining technical mastery with creative vision.

As the founder of Melbourne Headshot Company, Andrew has photographed thousands of executives, entrepreneurs, politicians, and business leaders. His clients include major organisations such as Westpac, ANZ, Telstra, and the Victorian Government, and he is known for helping people look confident, authentic, and approachable in front of the camera.

In 2012, Andrew discovered astrophotography after receiving a telescope from a friend. What began as a hobby quickly developed into a passion that earned him international acclaim, including multiple Science Photographer of the Year awards, the prestigious David Malin Award, and six NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day selections.

Beyond his own photography, Andrew has spent decades mentoring photographers, judging competitions, and sharing his knowledge with the wider photography community. Whether photographing CEOs or distant galaxies, his work reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, education, and the art of visual storytelling.

In this episode we cover:

• How a gifted telescope in 2012 sent Andy down a deep space rabbit hole
• The 50/50 studio deal in Brisbane that made him a photographer at 22
• Assisting in 1980s London for Duran Duran's album photographer and an alcoholic genius with exploding strobes
• Why he runs the longest-running headshot studio in Australia and shoots 2,000 people a year
• His McDonald's versus five star pitch for disarming nervous clients
• Editing live with clients using Evoto AI software
• Why finding a niche still beats being a jack of all trades in 2026
• What a real deep space setup costs, from the Sea Star to the Takahashi 'Rolls Royce'
• How astrophotographers band together as citizen scientists to map the universe
• The Australian Astrophotography Prize and why feedback changes everything
• The story behind the Dragon's Heart Nebula, a 6 month, six panel world first

Andy Campbell, known in the astro community as 'Moon Daddy', is an AIPP Grandmaster photographer with more than 40 years behind the camera. He and his wife founded the Melbourne Headshot Company in 2000, the first dedicated headshot studio in Australia. Alongside his commercial work he is one of roughly 50,000 deep space astrophotographers worldwide, a six time NASA APOD winner, and the co-founder and competition director of the Australian Astrophotography Prize. He photographs nebulae, galaxies and supernova remnants from his backyard and a shared roll-off roof observatory in rural Victoria.

https://andysastro.com/about-andy-campbell-contact-me/
https://headshot.com.au/melbournes-premium-headshot-experience/
https://www.facebook.com/AndysAstropix/?ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web#
https://www.instagram.com/andys_astro/

The Camera Life is live twice a week. Every Thursday morning at 9am AEST we sit down with a working photographer to unpack their story and their craft. Every Monday evening at 7:30pm AEST we cover camera news, new gear, live unboxings and your image reviews. Subscribe and tickle the bell so you get a notification in your time zone when we go live.

Do you love a bargain, or do you only buy new with warranty? What about selling gear, do you get rid of unused things or store them away just incase?

Should photographers buy used gear or avoid the risk? Greg and Justin share their experiences buying and selling secondhand camera equipment, discuss avoiding Marketplace scams, and debate when it's time to sell unused gear. They also cover the latest camera and lens news, Leica rumors, Fujifilm updates, and review a huge collection of listener-submitted photographs ranging from landscapes and wildlife to street photography, creative bodyscapes, and drone imagery.

Family photographer and art therapist Katie Phillips shares how creativity, inclusivity, and human connection shape both her photography and therapeutic practice. From growing up in the Snowy Mountains and attending boarding school to building a successful family photography business, Katie discusses empowerment through imagery, working with diverse communities, art therapy principles, wedding photography, print sales, and the business strategies behind her Mamahood project.

Katie is a photographer and art therapist whose work is grounded in authenticity, connection, and celebrating the beautifully imperfect human experience. Growing up in Australia's Snowy Mountains fostered a deep love of nature and adventure that continues to shape both her life and creative approach.

As a photographer, Katie focuses on capturing genuine moments rather than perfect poses, creating images that help people feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are. Her background as an art therapist, with more than a decade of experience supporting people through hospitals, schools, and community programs, brings a unique depth and empathy to her photography.

A passionate advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity, Katie creates welcoming spaces where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves. Whether working with families, women, or brands, her goal is simple: to tell honest stories and create meaningful images that celebrate people exactly as they are.

https://www.katiephillipsphotography.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/katiephillips_photography/
https://www.facebook.com/katiephillipsphotographs/

===========================================
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_/
===================================================

Denis Smith joins the Random Photography Show to discuss creativity, light painting, workshops, and why smaller cameras are making a huge comeback. The team explores Sony’s 20-year Alpha anniversary, the DJI vs Insta360 patent battle, compact camera trends, and whether photographers are moving away from large professional systems. Plus, viewer image critiques, pet photography, architecture, astro photography, and plenty of camera gear talk.

Justin, Greg and special guest Denis Smith discuss the recent crop of small cameras hitting the market and try to figure out of photographers are finally sick of big cameras.....
Plus all the usual Random Photography Show goodness like camera news and of course, reviewing your images!

What do photographers really dislike about carrying their cameras? In this unscripted episode, Justin and Greg dive into camera straps, sling bags, dual-camera setups, tripod compatibility, lens cap storage, backpack carry systems, and the small frustrations that stop people from shooting more often. Featuring live audience feedback and a call-in from Dennis, this episode explores practical solutions and future ideas for making cameras easier and more enjoyable to carry.

We love our cameras, but sometimes carrying them can be a pain in the......

What frustrates you about camera straps, lens caps, tripod plates and other accessories? Do you get a sore neck, back or shoulders on long shoots?

We want to hear what you think! Join us live

===========================================
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_/
===================================================

Greg and Justin dive into camera bag obsessions, photography industry news, Leica temptations, new lenses, medium format sensor developments, and some unusual camera collaborations. The second half features a strong viewer image critique session, including wildlife, landscapes, astrophotography, abstract architecture, and a handcrafted tintype portrait created entirely with self-mixed chemistry.