The Camera Life

Wayne Rogers from Imaging by Design joins The Camera Life to unpack camera repairs, infrared conversions, autofocus systems, lens calibration, Leica engineering, sensor technology, and the hidden world of forensic and industrial imaging. From cleaning sensors safely to building thermal and speed cameras, this episode dives deep into how cameras actually work and why precision matters. If you’ve ever wondered about infrared photography, lens sharpness, or what really separates premium gear, this episode is packed with insight.

Imaging By Design.
A Melbourne-based company selling IR conversions and accessories.

“The humble camera” possibly the most complicated piece of equipment we own, fine mechanics, micro electronics and precision optics sitting dormant for most of its life until it springs into action to capture a moment of time that never repeats.

Imaging By Design is a highly specialised imaging engineering + camera service business based in Melbourne.

While many know them for high-end camera servicing and repairs, that’s only part of the story. Imaging By Design sits at the intersection of precision camera work, advanced technical modifications, and fully custom imaging systems, functioning more like a specialised imaging lab than a traditional camera shop.

We’ll be diving into the unique work they do, from infrared, UV, and full-spectrum camera conversions to astro modifications and cinema lens adjustments. These are highly technical services that place them in a niche category, with very few businesses in Australia capable of delivering this level of expertise. It’s a side of the industry most photographers never see, but one that plays a critical role in pushing the boundaries of what cameras can actually do.

Imaging By Design also designs and builds custom imaging solutions for scientific, industrial, and specialist applications, solving complex problems with tailored hardware and software systems. If you’ve ever wondered what sits beyond traditional photography, this conversation will give you a completely different perspective on what cameras are truly capable of.

https://imagingbydesign.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/imagingbydesign/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Imaging-by-Design/100083555133282/

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THE CAMERA LIFE - LIVE PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST
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➡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

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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_/
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Award-winning performance photographer Kris Anderson joins The Camera Life Podcast to discuss theater photography, actor headshots, improv performance, imposter syndrome, judging photography competitions, mentoring creatives, AI image generation, cosplay culture, and balancing a long-term corporate career with creative work. Kris shares practical insights into building authentic relationships with performers, experimenting with photography techniques, and why authenticity still matters in an AI-driven world.

Kris is a photographer specialising in performers, with over a decade of experience capturing actors, dancers, and theatre professionals. After starting in 2010 shooting a wide range of subjects—from weddings to families—he refined his focus to the creative industries he’s most passionate about. Today, his work blends headshots, portraiture, theatre, and editorial-style imagery, all designed to help performers stand out and get noticed.

Known for creating a relaxed, collaborative environment, Kris makes the experience of being photographed feel natural and enjoyable—even for those who usually feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. His approach is simple: clear communication, a bit of fun, and delivering images clients genuinely connect with.

Beyond the camera, Kris is deeply embedded in the photography community. He serves as a board director for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, Director of Judging for the Australian Photographic Prize, and regularly judges and speaks at events worldwide. As a performer himself with decades in improv theatre, he understands exactly how powerful the right image can be in capturing attention and opening doors.

https://www.imagesbyanderson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imagesbyanderson

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

Did Greg buy a GFX? Is an X-Pro4 coming? Let's go over everything that happened at the 2026 Fujifilm Creator Summit in Melbourne

Greg breaks down everything that happened at the Fujifilm Creator Summit in Melbourne, including creator workshops, community moments, and a live GFX lens purchase. Justin checks in from Indonesia with street photography stories from Bali and Surabaya, while Jim shares behind-the-scenes from a motorcycle photography assignment. The team also dives into Sony, Canon, Nikon, Leica, and OM System rumors before reviewing another huge batch of listener images.

Australian photographer and filmmaker Annabel Osborne joins The Camera Life Podcast to discuss her journey from feature film dreams to award-winning dog photography, portraiture, and fine art storytelling. The conversation explores creativity, mental health, filmmaking lessons, client communication, camera gear, macro photography, and how following joy instead of pressure transformed her artistic career.

Annabel is an award-winning Australian photographer and filmmaker known for cinematic, story-driven imagery across major events, tourism, advertising, and fine art. She is the official photographer for iconic moments like Sydney New Year’s Eve and Bondi’s national memorial services, and is trusted by leading brands including Samsung, Qantas, the Sydney Opera House, and WWF to capture powerful visual narratives in high-pressure environments.

With nearly 20 years in the film and television industry, Annabel has worked on major productions such as Avatar and alongside actors like Chris Hemsworth and Eric Bana. Her experience behind the scenes shapes her calm, intuitive approach, while her use of infrared photography brings a distinctive, otherworldly quality to her landscape work.

She is also the founder of Call of the Wild Pet Photography, creating dramatic fine-art dog portraits in natural settings. Deeply connected to animals and nature, Annabel’s work celebrates the bond between humans and the world around them—whether on a global stage or in a quiet, personal moment.

https://www.instagram.com/annabel_osborne_photography/
https://www.annabelosborne.com/

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

Justin's in Bali, will his internet work?