Podcasts Posts - The Beginner Photography Podcast

#535 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Tyi Reddick, a passionate street photographer who shares his journey of using photography as a meaningful expression of his recovery. Tyi dives into the emotional and generational connections behind his favorite black-and-white captures. He emphasizes the importance of documenting family moments and building confidence through community support.THE BIG IDEASCapture Authentic Moments: Focus on photographing real, heartfelt moments rather than staged scenes; authenticity resonates deeply.Embrace Community Support: Join photography groups for encouragement and constructive feedback; a supportive community can boost confidence.Experiment and Learn: Don’t shy away from complex settings; hands-on experience with your camera is crucial for growth.Document Family Memories: Prioritize capturing significant family moments; these photos can become timeless treasures.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Genuine Emotions: Photograph family gatherings or candid moments at home to

#534 In this episode of the podcast, I tackle the challenges of embracing the learning curve in photography. If you feel stuck or frustrated by your lack of progress, this episode is designed to help you reconnect with your passion and find joy in the process. You'll discover the importance of making small, consistent efforts and how to give yourself permission to experiment and explore creatively. What You'll Learn:Reconnect with Your “Why”Discover the importance of understanding why you picked up the camera in the first place.Experiment Without PressureLearn how releasing the need for perfection helps unlock your creativity.Take Small, Consistent StepsFind out why small, regular practice sessions are better than occasional intensive ones.Reflect on Your GrowthRealize the benefits of looking back at your older work to see your progress and stay motivated.Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send

#533 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Ashley Marston, an accomplished birth and family photographer from British Columbia, Canada. Ashley opens up about her journey from film to digital photography and the deeply personal moments that shaped her career. She shares her method of balancing documentary and lifestyle photography, offering insightful advice on maintaining creativity, engaging with clients, and conquering the unique challenges of birth photography.THE BIG IDEASFinding Your Vision: Identifying a meaningful subject that you love to photograph can reveal your potential and passion, just as it did for Ashley.Evolving with Technology: Embracing new tools like digital cameras can open up opportunities to experiment, improve, and expand your skills.Balancing Control and Authenticity: Knowing when to direct a scene and when to let moments unfold naturally leads to genuine, impactful photographs.Staying Motivated: Maintaining a positive mindset and communication with clients ensures rejuvenation

#532 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sarah Wagner, an adept family and wedding photographer who has crafted a flourishing career through adaptability and practicality. Sarah shares her initial struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of balancing artistic vision with client expectations and the critical role of understanding lighting.THE BIG IDEASAdaptability Matters: Being flexible in your style and approach helps satisfy diverse client needs and keeps your business thriving despite life changes.Lighting is Key: Mastering natural light can drastically improve your image quality; understand its impact on various environments.Iterative Learning: Embrace mistakes and continuous practice to refine your skills; growth often comes from trial and error.Balancing Creativity and Client Needs: Harmonize your artistic vision with what clients want to ensure satisfaction and recurring business.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANMaster Natural Light: Observe and document how light changes throughout the day in

#531 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Matthew Jordan Smith, a renowned celebrity fashion and beauty photographer. Matthew shares his inspiring journey, from his initial spark of passion ignited by his father, to working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, preparation, and developing a unique vision.THE BIG IDEASPersist Through Challenges: Learning photography is a marathon, not a sprint. Continuous practice and perseverance lead to progress and success.Prepare Meticulously: Visualization and preparation are key. Develop storyboards or vision boards to communicate your ideas clearly to clients and team members.Embrace Your Unique Vision: Identify what you love in life and let that passion drive your creativity. Your unique perspective is what sets you apart.Value Continuous Learning: Never stop learning, whether it's about lighting techniques or new trends. Knowledge and skill refinement keep your work relevant and captivating.PHOTOGRAPHY AC

#530 Photo Q&AIn Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I answer your top photography questions. You’ll discover the benefits of back button focus, learn how to communicate the value you offer as a photographer, and explore essential backup strategies to protect your photos. What You'll Learn:Achieving Depth of Field Without Telephoto LensesDiscover practical tips for creating stunning portraits with a blurred background using aperture and subject distance.Mastering Back Button FocusLearn how to use back button focus to improve your efficiency and capture those fleeting, key moments.Communicating Your Unique ValueUnderstand how to articulate what makes your photography special and attract clients who resonate with your style.Backups and Photo SafetyGet essential advice on safeguarding your photos from unforeseen events with proper backup strategies.Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!https://beginnerphotopo

#529 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Karen Doughman, a middle school English teacher turned photographer. We dive into Karen's journey, her struggles with self-doubt, and her strategies to overcome them. Karen shares her experiences from joining the photography community during COVID, her ambitions to evoke memories through her photos, and her aspirations to master lighting. THE BIG IDEASOvercoming Self-Doubt: Acknowledge your fears but don't let them hold you back. Build confidence by taking your camera with you everywhere. Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the need for complete control in every shot, allowing for creativity and spontaneity. Focus on Authenticity: Aim to evoke genuine emotions and memories in your photos, rather than seeking perfection. Persistent Practice: Consistent practice and learning from feedback are key to gradually enhancing your photography skills.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCarry Your Camera Everywhere: Make it a habit to bring your camera to all your daily activiti

#528 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Talor Stone, a passionate photographer and PhD researcher. Talor shares her insights on enhancing your travel photography, balancing planning with spontaneity, and using storytelling to create more impactful images. THE BIG IDEASInvest in Local Expertise: Hiring a local guide or joining a group can add immense value to your travel photography, offering unique perspectives and insights you might miss independently.Flexibility in Planning: While planning is essential, being able to pivot and improvise can lead to your most memorable shots. Adapt your strategies based on the situation.Importance of Storytelling: Move beyond mere documentation; focus on capturing stories. Consider environmental context and the behavior of subjects to add depth to your images.Patience and Intent: Patience and a clear photographic intent often result in more meaningful photos. Understanding your subject's behavior can help you anticipate the perfect moment.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLA

#527 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with TahJah Harmony, an inspiring photographer who shares her perspective on managing connectivity and avoiding burnout. TahJah shares her invaluable insights on setting boundaries, balancing hustle initially, establishing business hours, and the significance of rest.THE BIG IDEASSet Boundaries: Clearly defined business hours help maintain healthy relationships and provide time to recharge.Embrace Hustle, but Balance: An initial hustle mindset is beneficial, yet balance is crucial for long-term sustainability.Identify Rest: Discover meaningful ways to rest that truly relax you and prevent burnout.Turn Off Notifications: Reducing distractions increases focus and time management, leading to more productive and creative sessions.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANEstablish boundaries: Define specific business hours for client communications and stick to them. Inform your clients about your availability to manage expectations.Plan for Creative Rests: Schedule regular breaks during

#526In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I share the most powerful habits that can propel your photography journey in 2025. Instead of fleeting resolutions, I emphasize adopting purposeful habits that build skill and confidence over time. Discover the importance of focusing on your craft rather than gear, cultivating punctuality, and the power of daily practice. My goal is to share actionable ways to embed these habits into your routine. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with practical strategies to enhance your photography skills, boost client relationships, and foster a growth mindset. The 14 Habits to AdoptStop Watching Gear ReviewsBe On TimeAlways Do Your BestShoot DailyPrep For Every ShootBuild RelationshipsSlow DownKeep Going, Even When Its ToughBe Strict With Yourself, and Tolerant Of OthersWork For FreeGive Without ExpectationDon't ComplainParticipate in a Photography CommunityJust Start Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Bui

#525 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Chris Britton, a talented photographer and father who juggles family life with his passion for capturing moments. Chris beautifully articulates the balance between creative freedom and client expectations, the importance of being present, and overcoming social media pressures.THE BIG IDEASBalance Creativity and Client Desires: Blend your artistic vision with client needs to create compelling images that satisfy both parties. Be Present in the Moment: Stay engaged and mindful during shoots to capture authentic, meaningful photographs. Overcome Social Media Pressure: Focus on personal growth and expression rather than social media metrics like likes and shares. Embrace Imperfection: Accept noise and other imperfections as part of the creative process, enhancing your willingness to experiment.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANStay Present in Your Shoots: Turn off notifications during photo sessions to minimize distractions. Take a moment to breathe and observe your surroundi

#524 Photo Q&AIn Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I dive into your questions and talk about the crucial aspects of choosing camera bags, the importance of quality memory cards and accessories, and how to keep your photos sharp. You'll discover how to boost your creativity with actionable photography goals for 2025.What You'll Learn:The Power of a Good Camera BagDiscover why investing in quality bags like ThinkTig or Timba enhances your photography experience.Optimizing Your AccessoriesLearn why reliable memory cards and card readers are essential for smooth, fast data transfer.Capturing Sharp PhotosUnderstand how quality lenses and correct camera settings can drastically improve photo sharpness.Creative Photography GoalsGet inspired by actionable personal projects to release your creativity and share your journey. Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studi

#523 In this episode of the podcast, we learn from photographers Shane Wilkie, Rachael Boer, Connor Walberg, Sandra Coan, and Brian Leahy. They share their experiences on overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of SEO in growing your photography business, and the value of persistence and community support. THE BIG IDEASOvercoming Imposter Syndrome: Authenticity and self-belief are at the heart of successful photography. Sandra Coan and Rachael Boer emphasize the importance of confidence and the value of seeking mentorship.The Power of Networking: Brian Leahy's journey demonstrates that meaningful relationships with clients and vendors often matter more than technical skills. Networking can open doors to opportunities you wouldn't have otherwise.SEO for Photographers: Connor Walberg explains the critical role of effective SEO strategies, including the use of Google My Business and authentic content, to help your work get discovered online.Persistence Pays Off: Both Shane Wilkie and Sandra Coan h

#522 In this episode of the podcast, we explore the journeys and inspirations of renowned photographers Alison Conklin, Jeff Larason, Brooke Shaden, Taylor Jackson, and Karni Arieli. Their stories reveal the importance of capturing genuine emotions, seeking meaningful critiques, and balancing creativity with technical proficiency. THE BIG IDEASCapturing Authentic Emotions: Alison Conklin's journey emphasizes the importance of focusing on genuine emotions rather than technical perfection. She encourages new photographers to shoot from a personal and honest place to create timeless images.Seeking Constructive Critiques: Jeff Larason highlights the value of receiving specific feedback from a trusted community. This helps photographers grow and understand how their work stands in the realm of great photographers.Balancing Creativity with Proficiency: Brooke Shaden shares her experience of starting with a clear vision and working backward to achieve it. She stresses the importance of letting go of perfection

#521 In this episode of the podcast, we explore the art of creative expression in photography, with valuable insights from Cris Duncan, Alanna O'Neil, Matt Payne, and Ave Pildas. Their journey underscores the importance of understanding and mastering light, embracing personal style, pursuing authentic experiences, and curating one's archival collection. You'll learn actionable steps to refine your craft and capture images that resonate with emotion, narration, and individual perspective.THE BIG IDEASUnderstanding Light: Cris Duncan emphasizes the indispensable role of light in photography, shedding light on techniques to master flash and natural light to shape your images.Personal Style: Alanna O'Neil encourages photographers to infuse their personal interests and emotions into their work, fostering growth while maintaining a core style.Authenticity in Photography: Matt Payne advocates for creating real, unmanipulated photographs that truthfully represent the moments and experiences captur

#520 In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the journeys and wisdom of professional photographers like Christopher Gilbert, Liza Roberts, Michael Freeman, Karen Williams, and Pablo Giori. You'll learn how to embrace creative surprises, the importance of personal projects, and how to cultivate a unique photographic style. Implementing these lessons will help you break out of technical constraints and inspire you to find your own voice in photography. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Continuous Learning and Practice: Success in photography comes from an ongoing commitment to learning and practicing your craft. There are no shortcuts, only growth through experience.Find Your Unique Style: Avoid being a copycat by honing a distinctive visual style. This not only sets your work apart but also attracts the right opportunities and clients for your portfolio.Experiment Fearlessly: Accept failure as a valuable part of the creative process. Use it as a space to try new techniques and discover what truly resonates with y

#519 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Hannah Marie, a passionate family and child portrait photographer. Hannah shares her journey from a wakeboard instructor to a successful photographer, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in capturing children's personalities. She shares valuable advice on improving client communication, staying organized in business, and making the most of natural lighting.THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Storytelling: Ensure your images tell the unique story of each subject. Personal stories add depth and meaning to your photos.Value Client Communication: Prompt and clear communication with clients builds trust and sets clear expectations, enhancing your professional reputation.Utilize Natural Lighting: Mastering natural light can elevate the quality of your portraits, making them more intimate and engaging.Stay Organized: Using tools like CRM systems can help you stay organized, manage your workflow, and maintain consistency in your business.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Per

#518 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Kimberly Irish and Jim Sinicki, moderators of our Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook group, for an engaging Community Q&A session. We share the advice we wish we’d had when starting out, dive into AI’s growing role in photography, discuss ways to profit from landscape photography, and offer practical tips for collaborating with second shooters at weddings. As you listen, reflect on how these insights can shape your approach, spark new ideas, and inspire growth in your photography journey. THE BIG IDEASValue of an Assistant: An assistant can handle logistical tasks, allowing you to concentrate on capturing magical moments.Embrace Spontaneity: Flexibility is key; unexpected moments often yield the most memorable photos.Second Shooter Benefits: They provide alternative perspectives and creative angles that enrich the final photography set. Lighting Challenges: Overcoming low-light situations, especially during speeches, is critical for well-rounded coverage

#517 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Vanessa Joy, a talented portrait photographer with a keen eye for creating nostalgia in her work. Vanessa shares invaluable insights on how Instagram has shaped the photography landscape and her strategies for standing out, from embracing technical imperfections to integrating timeless consistency. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Nostalgia: Leveraging trends like blurry photos and direct flash can help evoke emotions and differentiate your work. Classic techniques can bring unique character to your photos.Manage Comparison: Feeling inferior or jealous can be motivating. Use these emotions wisely to push your creativity forward, rather than letting them hinder your progress.Timeless Consistency: Avoid overediting and trend-chasing. Adopting a consistent, clean style ensures your work remains timeless and recognizable.Client Connections: Observing and conversing with clients helps capture natural expressions. Genuine engagement can significantly enhance the authenticity of

#516 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Alex Bogaard, an intrepid photographer who draws parallels between photography and raising children, where opinions are abundant, but the emotional connection is key. Explore Alex's insights on balancing artistic integrity and commercial demands, mastering preparation and flexibility on photography trips, and deriving joy from both the journey and the final image.THE BIG IDEASEmbrace the Journey Over Results: Focus on the experiences and practice rather than just the final images to avoid disappointment and redefine success.Emotional Resonance Matters: A successful photo evokes an emotional response in you, regardless of its technical perfection.Adaptability is Key: Always have a vision, but stay flexible to adapt to nature’s unpredictability and embrace what it offers.Personal Connection to Work: Ensure your photography maintains a personal connection; avoid producing work solely for commercial success.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANEvaluate Emotional Impact: Rev