Top Interviews of 2025: From Lava Flows to Olympic Gold

2025 has been a remarkable year for photography, filled with conversations that reveal both the technical mastery and creative vision of today’s photographers. From daring adventures in extreme environments to quiet, personal projects close to home, these interviews offer a glimpse into the stories and inspirations behind the images that captivated audiences. Each photographer shares unique insights into their craft, showing how passion, patience, and innovation continue to push the boundaries of what photography can achieve.

Whether it’s capturing nature in unexpected places, exploring the limits of human endurance, or challenging conventional ideas of art and empowerment, these interviews highlight the diverse ways photographers are making their mark in 2025. Beyond the photos themselves, the conversations give an intimate look at the motivations, challenges, and creative processes that define some of the most compelling work of the year, and I must say it was an absolute pleasure to talk to these photographers and learn more about their craft and the behind-the-scenes.

Breaking Records Underwater

Steve Haining quite literally took photography to new depths when he broke the world record for the deepest underwater photoshoot. It was a fascinating chat, and I learnt all sorts of things about diving and how light changes underwater. One of the things that really struck me was Haining’s obvious respect for the ocean and attention to detail. The dive and photoshoot were meticulously planned and practised. But even then, there were a few surprises, and it was a little bit touch-and-go whether they’d go ahead on the actual shoot day.

Capturing a Viral Surf Moment at the Olympics

Sometimes the most famous photo isn’t the one the photographer treasures most. I got to speak to surf photographer Jerome Brouillet, who took the most viral photograph from the French Olympics. You know the one that shows the Gold medallist Gabriel Medina appearing to levitate over the waves. It was so interesting to hear the story behind that image, and how Jerome had been a bit ambivalent about the photo after he took it, although he had the presence of mind to send it to the AFP, where it quickly went viral. In the interview, he talks about his love for Tahiti and what he believes actually makes a great surf photo.

Photographing Flowing Lava Up Close

Capturing molten lava is as thrilling as it is dangerous, and so chatting to Iceland-based photographer Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove about the experience was pretty exciting! In the interview, he discusses the technical challenges, the careful planning required, and the respect needed for the raw power of nature. But most importantly, his love of nature and of Iceland really comes through, and his photographs are nothing short of spectacular, truly capturing the ‘fire and ice’ nature of the land. If this doesn’t make you want to hop on a plane to photograph Iceland, then nothing will!

Redefining Empowerment Through Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography is often misunderstood, but Shawn Black is changing the narrative entirely. By focusing on empowerment, self-expression, and confidence, he uses the camera as a tool to celebrate his subjects and challenge stereotypes. In the interview, he discusses his philosophy, approach, and how he balances artistry with sensitivity, creating images that are intimate, respectful, and powerful.

Turning Your Neighbourhood into a Wildlife Project

Photographer Donn Dobkin took the simple idea of documenting wildlife close to home and turned it into a fascinating book project. By observing the animals visiting his backyard and experimenting with different techniques, he created a compelling series of images that celebrate the often-overlooked creatures in our local neighbourhoods. His approach proves that great photography doesn’t always require exotic locations; sometimes, creativity and patience are enough to reveal nature’s hidden wonders. It’s an inspiring project that anyone can begin, it just requires patience and consistency.

We’ll have a bunch of new and interesting interviews for you in 2026, so thank you for reading and Happy New Year!

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