Ep 213 - Fiona McLean: Photography as a Tool for Environmental Change

Fiona McLean shares how photography became both a creative refuge and catalyst for healing after personal challenges and professional burnout. Originally from Canada and now bouncing between Europe and her homeland, Fiona brings a unique blend of documentary experience and environmental social science to her travel, landscape, and drone photography. With a background shaped by decades of global exploration—44 countries across six continents—she speaks to the value of slow travel, solo journeys, and a deepening connection with the natural world.

 

In this conversation, Fiona opens up about her evolving relationship with photography—from its early roots in photojournalism to her current focus on nature conservation and environmental advocacy. She discusses how waterfalls and macro photography have captured her imagination, and how she manages the tension between creative perfectionism and staying present in wild spaces. As a hiking guide and tour leader fluent in multiple languages, Fiona reflects on how guiding informs her photographic process and gives her a broader understanding of place.

 

We also touch on her concerns around over-tourism and the importance of rewilding and ethical photography in both personal work and the trips she leads. Fiona’s story reveals a passionate pursuit of meaning through imagery, language, and landscape.

 

I hope you enjoy the show!

You can find Fiona’s work here:
Website: https://fionamcleanphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionamcleanphoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fionamclean

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@fionamcleanphoto

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/fionamclean.bsky.social

 

 

Listen to this and other episodes wherever you find your podcasts or on https://grantswinbournephotography.com/lpw-podcast

Or subscribe to my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@grantswinbournephotography

 

Theme music: Liturgy Of The Street by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

#fionamclean #landscapephotography #travelphotography #dronephotography #rewilding #natureconservation #slowtravel #waterfallphotography #macrophotography #femalephotographers #over-tourism #creativehealing #environmentalstorytelling