From NASA to Men’s Sheds | Craig Wetjen’s Photography Journey (EP162)

Photographer Craig Wetjen shares an incredible journey from studying scientific photography and interning at NASA to building a photography career in Australia. In this episode of The Camera Life podcast, Craig talks about photographing bullets in flight, the transition from film to digital, teaching photography, and creating his powerful Men in Their Sheds project. He also opens up about mental health, surviving cancer, and how photography walks and creative practice can help people reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

Craig Wetjen, originally from the USA, moved to Australia 25 years ago and fully immersed himself in the photography industry after an early career in sports photography with local Connecticut newspapers. One of his proudest achievements was working with NASA while earning his photography degree.

After relocating to Australia in 1996, Craig introduced one of the country’s first university digital photography subjects at RMIT, at a time when digital imaging was still in its infancy. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has received numerous international awards and remains committed to the belief that photographers learn from every image they create.

Craig is also an accomplished author, best known for his bestselling 2016 book Men and Their Sheds, featured on programs including The Project and Manspace TV. Through his work, he highlights the importance of creativity, wellbeing, and men’s mental health.

Alongside his photography practice, Craig has taught at leading institutions including RMIT, Swinburne University, Melbourne Polytechnic, and Photography Studies College. He now runs workshops for photographers of all skill levels, sharing his passion for creativity, quality, and authentic storytelling.

Website: https://www.craigwetjen.com/
Website: https://jtppics.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigwetjenphotographer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craigwetjenphotography/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CraigWetjen/videos