Photography Talks for Camera Clubs & Events
Wildlife stories, honest lessons from the field and the photos that came from years of showing up. In person across Ontario, or on Zoom anywhere.
Camera clubs from Calgary to OttawaProFusion Expo main stageIn person or on Zoom
The Stories Behind the Photos
Every photo has a story. Usually it involves a 4 a.m. alarm, a long wait in the cold and a lot of photos that didn’t work out. That’s the part we love to share.
Since 2020 we’ve spoken to camera clubs from Calgary to Ottawa, presented on the main stage at the ProFusion Expo in Toronto and hosted our own full-day seminar. Every talk mixes our favourite photos from Algonquin Park and beyond with the real stories behind them: the misses, the lessons and the moments that made it all worth it.
No gear talk for its own sake. No ego. Just real stories.
We talk about ethics in the field, reading animal behaviour and staying inspired when the light, the weather and the wildlife won’t cooperate. Members leave with practical tips, and usually with an urge to get back outside.
- Talks of 60 or 90 minutes, with time for questions
- We bring our own projector, screen and speakers
- Happy for your club to record it for members
Our Talks
Each talk can be shaped to fit your group, your timing and your members’ interests.
Persistence and Play
Showing up is one thing. Loving it when you do is another. The long waits, the misses and our extended search for one of Canada’s most elusive wild cats, and how to stay curious instead of pressured in the field.
- Ethical field techniques
- Reading animal behaviour
- 60 or 90 minutes
Fetching Focus
A fun look at the art of pet portraits: planning the shoot, working with owners, reading pet body language and using action and props to capture who an animal really is.
- Real stories from our pet shoots
- Tips that work with your own pets
- 60 or 90 minutes
Lost & Found
For anyone who’s ever felt stuck or uninspired. Quiet the self-doubt, break out of creative autopilot and rediscover what makes your photography meaningful. Our full-day seminar sold out in Kitchener.
- Talk, half-day or full-day
- Great for retreats and conferences
- Ask us about dates
Looking for something else? We’ve also spoken about Algonquin Park through the seasons, wildlife ethics and fieldcraft, and phone photography. Tell us what your members would love and we’ll build the evening around it.
How It Works
Send Us a Request
Tell us about your club, event or show, a few possible dates and whether it’s in person or online. Jesse or Susan will write back within 48 hours.
Pick Your Talk
Choose a talk and a length. We’ll send a short description, a bio and a photo for your newsletter and website.
We Bring the Show
In person, we arrive early with our own projector, screen, speakers and laptop. On Zoom, we log in 30 minutes early to test sound and slides with your host.
Stories, Then Questions
The talk ends with open questions, and you’re welcome to record it for members who couldn’t make it.
Where We’ve Spoken
From small-town club nights to the main stage in Toronto, and on Zoom from Calgary to Thunder Bay.
ProFusion Expo, Toronto
Two main-stage talks presenting “Persistence: Wildlife Photography Insights from Algonquin Park” with Peak Design and Vistek.
HOWL Wildlife Photo Convention
One of the keynote speakers at this wildlife photography gathering in Whitney, on the edge of Algonquin Park.
Lost & Found, Kitchener
Our own full-day creativity seminar, sponsored by Peak Design. Every seat was taken.
Camera Clubs & Photo Guilds
- Barrie Photo ClubBarrie
- Brant Camera ClubBrantford
- Calgary Camera ClubCalgary
- Camera Club of OttawaOttawa
- Chatham Camera ClubChatham
- Don Mills Camera ClubToronto
- Etobicoke Camera ClubToronto
- Guelph Photographers GuildGuelph
- Latow Photographers GuildBurlington
- London Camera ClubLondon
- Mississauga Camera ClubMississauga
- Niagara Falls Camera ClubNiagara Falls
- Northern Focus Photography ClubThunder Bay
- Oakville Camera ClubOakville
- RA Photo ClubOttawa
- Sackville Photo ClubSackville
- St Marys ClicksSt Marys
- Toronto Camera ClubToronto
- Trillium Photographic ClubOntario
- Woodstock Camera ClubWoodstock
Plus festivals like the Muskoka Chautauqua, and a few podcasts along the way.
From the Stage
Kind Words From Club Nights
It ‘spoke to me’ more than any other speaker I’ve heard in the photo world. It validated who I am and how I perceive myself as a photographer.
Susan and Jesse are an engaging couple and their stories and pictures about Algonquin wildlife made for a very entertaining evening. I highly recommend Follow Me North for a presentation to your club.
I sat speechless, in awe and wonder, observing a journey of wildlife through the eyes and emotion of a master photographer.
I am a longtime lover of Algonquin Park and was almost in tears. Beautifully presented and beautiful photographs.
Jesse is a great communicator. Combine that with your photography skills and insanely good marketing knowledge and it’s quite the team.
Loved how they shared their ‘not so perfect images’. Humble people. Love their ethical views.
I am not sure I learned so much about photography today as I did about life and myself.
Great stories, great photography! What else can someone ask for?
This was a fun and informative presentation. Jesse and Susan shared their personal journey as individuals and a dynamic duo.
Your photos and experiences blew me away. You gave excellent advice last night.
On Podcasts
Hosting a podcast about photography, nature or the outdoors? We’d love to chat.
Invite Us on Your Podcast
The Nature Photo Guys
“From First Date to Follow Me North: Jesse & Susan’s Photography Journey”
Hosts Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs talk with us about how Follow Me North began, our paths into photography and the stories behind our favourite images.
Super Good Camping Podcast
“Through the Lens: Finding Connection in Nature’s Wilderness”
Algonquin Park, South African safaris and why respecting wildlife always comes before the perfect shot.
Hi, We’re Jesse & Susan
We’re Jesse and Susan Villemaire, the husband-and-wife team behind Follow Me North, based in Lake of Bays, Muskoka. We lead wildlife and landscape photography workshops in Algonquin Park and on safaris around the world, built around one simple idea: inspiring connections with nature, and each other, through photography.
Since 2018, we’ve led workshops together in Algonquin Park and beyond. Jesse brings deep field knowledge, and Susan nearly two decades of creative production for Shutterstock, Canva and Omnicom. On stage that adds up to clear, practical teaching, honest stories and a lot of laughs.
- Over 50 five-star Google reviews
- Ethical, ego-free teaching for every skill level
- Longtime volunteers at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Questions From Organizers
How long is a talk?
Most talks run 60 or 90 minutes, including time for questions. We can shorten or stretch a talk to fit your evening.
Do you speak in person or on Zoom?
Both. We love being in the room with your members and travel across Ontario for in-person talks. Clubs further away, as far as Calgary, have joined us on Zoom.
What does a talk cost?
We keep our camera club rates friendly and simple. Just ask us, and we’ll send a quote for your club’s talk, whether it’s in person or on Zoom. Conferences, festivals and full-day seminars are quoted separately, so tell us about your event. Payment is by e-transfer after the talk.
What do you need from us?
A wall or screen and a power outlet. We bring our own projector, screen, speakers, laptop and cables, and we arrive early to set up. For Zoom, just send us the link and we’ll do a sound check with your host.
Can we record the talk?
Yes. You’re welcome to record it and share it with your members.
Will both of you be there?
Usually, yes. Most talks are given by Jesse and Susan together. Now and then one of us presents on our own, and we’ll always let you know ahead of time.
How far ahead should we book?
Most clubs plan their season a few months out, and fall and winter evenings fill first. Send us a few possible dates and we’ll do our best to make one work.
Questions before you book? Email info@followmenorth.com and Jesse or Susan will write back.
Let’s Plan Your Next Talk
Camera club night, conference, festival or podcast: send us a few details and a couple of possible dates. Jesse or Susan will write back within 48 hours.
Send us a note or give us a call. We’re happy to answer questions.