Podcasts Posts - The Beginner Photography Podcast

#515 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Steve Rolfe about his captivating creative process using little people figurines in his photography. Steve shares his approach to developing scenarios, prioritizing simplicity in storytelling, and the importance of trial and error. THE BIG IDEASPlan Your Scenario First: Develop a clear narrative before choosing the location. This foundation ensures your photos tell a compelling story.Keep It Simple: Aim for easy-to-understand, organic images. Simplicity enhances the viewer's connection to your work.Embrace Trial and Error: Use feedback and iterative improvements to find the right balance in your storytelling. Learning from mistakes is key.Stay Inspired: Regularly seek inspiration and let your environment spark new ideas. Consistent creativity keeps your work dynamic and fresh.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCreate Small-Scenario Tables: Design miniature sets on small tables or surfaces to experiment with storytelling. Use household items and small figurines to navi

#514 In this episode of the podcast, I focus on mastering what’s within your control in photography. I share personal stories about overcoming unexpected challenges, such as weather disruptions, to emphasize the importance of capturing meaningful moments. You'll learn the value of building expertise in manual camera settings, thorough preparation, and honing your skills with the gear you already own. THE BIG IDEASPreparation and Adaptability: Prepare for your sessions but stay adaptable. Capture meaningful moments even when plans change.Client Satisfaction Over Perfection: Clients value photos that reflect their true selves more than perfect settings.Maximize Current Gear: Focus on developing your skills and making the most of the equipment you have.Control What You Can: Concentrate on controllable factors like lighting and composition, freeing yourself from worrying about external elements.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANMaster Manual Settings: Spend time daily practicing manual settings, adjusting aperture, shu

#513 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Hope Taylor, a seasoned senior photographer who shares her journey from a high school hobbyist to a full-time professional. Hope emphasizes the value of digital tools for client convenience and business professionalism, the challenges of instilling confidence in solo subjects, and the intricacies of pricing and marketing your services. THE BIG IDEASPrioritize Client Convenience: Making processes easier for clients increases satisfaction and builds loyalty. Tools that offer seamless interactions are vital. Capture Confidence: Senior photography often involves capturing individuals' self-assurance; a confident connection between subject and lens is critical. Professionalize Your Business: Implementing digital contracts and a cohesive branding strategy imparts a professional image and adds trustworthiness. Trust Your Journey: Balance your creative passions with entrepreneurial instincts. Trust your gut and stay focused on incremental growth.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION

#512 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with David duChemin, a humanitarian photographer who emphasizes the importance of mastering the creative aspects of photography. David encourages us to move beyond technical perfection, focusing instead on telling compelling stories through images. THE BIG IDEASFocus on Fundamentals: Mastering the basics of exposure, composition, and manual controls will elevate your creative expression.Creativity Over Technicality: Prioritize storytelling and emotional impact over perfect technical execution to create compelling images.Explore and Experiment: Regularly experiment with different settings and compositions to discover what works best for your creative vision.Embrace Constraints: Utilize restrictions, like shooting with one lens, to sharpen your focus on composition, light, and color.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANPractice Manual Controls: Switch your camera to manual mode and experiment with different settings to understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interact. Set u

#511 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Nick Carver, an inspiring large format film landscape photographer with a passion for architecture and personal projects. Nick reveals the profound impact of trusting your inner voice and focusing on meaningful photography over commercial success. He shares unique insights into finding joy in the photographic process itself and the importance of persisting despite challenges. THE BIG IDEASTrust Your Inner Voice: Listen to your instincts and take the photos that truly resonate with you, rather than what you think others might like.Embrace the Process: Enjoy each step of creating a photograph, from planning to shooting, valuing the journey over the final result.Persist Through Challenges: Stay motivated and keep pursuing your passion for photography despite obstacles or setbacks in life.Avoid Comparison: Limit the influence of social media and other photographers to maintain the purity and authenticity of your own style.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANIdentify Your Passio

#510 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Fujifilm X-Photographer, Bryan Minear, a passionate documentary and landscape photographer whose creative journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. Bryan shares how he rekindled his love for photography by focusing on landscapes and personal projects that resonate deeply with his life experiences. Learn from his meticulous trip planning to White Sands and the emotional significance of his project with his son.THE BIG IDEASFind Joy in Creativity: Embrace the beginner’s mindset to discover the joy in every shot. This mindset can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary captures. Pursue Personal Projects: Personal photography projects provide a deeper connection to your work, fuel creativity, and can teach you unique lessons about storytelling. Value Planning and Spontaneity: Balance meticulous planning with the flexibility to embrace unexpected moments. Both elements contribute to capturing authentic, powerful images. Emotional Resonance: Aim to create im

#509 In this episode of the podcast, I share my most effective tips for staying motivated, drawn from my personal experiences in the field. You'll learn how to start fresh by decluttering your past work, capture the beauty in everyday moments, and embrace spontaneity in your photography. By the end, you'll be inspired to adopt new habits that will not only keep your passion for photography alive but also help you refine your unique style. THE BIG IDEASCapture the Mundane: Embrace daily photography by snapping pictures of everyday items to enhance creativity and sharpen your photographic eye.Start Fresh: Create a new folder for your photos to organize and declutter, letting you focus on fresh creativity without the burden of past projects.Shoot Aimlessly: Allow yourself to take photos without any specific goal. This can unlock new creative avenues and rekindle your love for the craft.Consume Less, Create More: Reduce time on digital platforms and dedicate more energy to creating original content. Thi

#508 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Kim Grant, a passionate nature photographer whose journey is both inspiring and filled with valuable lessons. Kim discusses the significance of mindfulness in capturing authentic moments, her unique approach to engaging with subjects, and the benefits of simplifying both gear and language in photography. THE BIG IDEASMindfulness Enhances Creativity: Being present and attentive enhances your ability to create meaningful, emotionally resonant images that deeply connect with viewers. Simplify Your Gear: Often, using minimal equipment can increase your creativity and enjoyment, focusing more on the art rather than the technical aspects.Balance Social Media Use: Limiting time on social platforms helps you stay grounded in real-world experiences, reducing stress and fostering creativity.Personal Exploration: Discover your unique style by experimenting with different techniques and genres, exploring what personally resonates and brings you joy.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANP

#507 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Mary Fisk-Taylor, an inspiring family portrait photographer and former president of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Mary discusses the pitfalls of comparison in the photography industry, stressing the importance of setting and focusing on personal goals. She shares insightful stories about adapting her business during the pandemic, highlighting the shift to online consultations and maintaining quality service. THE BIG IDEASOvercome Comparison: Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your unique goals and progress.Maintain Quality: Ensure your online sales and consultation processes mirror the quality of in-person experiences.StoryBrand Framework: Make your clients the hero by telling a relevant and compelling story in your marketing.Adapt and Thrive: Use downtimes to refine your business, focusing on development and leveraging modern tools.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANRefine Online Sales Process: Create a structured virtual consultation script t

#506 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Russell Klimas, a passionate light painter who sheds light on the importance of creativity and experimentation in photography. Russell emphasizes the thrill of capturing a perfect shot in-camera and discusses the joy of happy accidents. He shares valuable tips on using affordable gear, refining techniques through trial and error, and maintaining self-awareness during shoots. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Experimentation: Dare to try new techniques and tools; it's through trial and error that creativity thrives.Value Shapes Over Colors: Focus on perfecting the shapes in your light painting to maintain clarity and simplicity.Enjoy the Process: The true joy of photography lies not just in the final image, but in the experience and learning along the journey.Learn From Mistakes: Treat every failure as a learning opportunity, allowing you to improve and refine your skills.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANBegin Light Painting: Start with inexpensive equipment like a $10 tripod and

#505 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Michael Sasser, an influential boudoir photographer dedicated to capturing natural beauty and challenging negative self-perceptions. Michael shares his journey, revealing how authenticity and emotional connection form the cornerstone of his work.THE BIG IDEASBuilding Trust: Creating meaningful connections with clients enhances comfort and authenticity in photos.Natural Beauty: Emphasizing minimal editing preserves the true essence of your subjects. Emotional Connection: Understanding client motivations ensures a personalized and impactful experience. Market Challenges: Highlight client reviews and real interactions to promote boudoir photography effectively.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCreate a Comfortable Environment: Engage in genuine conversations to understand your client's insecurities and aspirations. Show images during the shoot to build trust and create a bond.Focus on Natural Editing: Limit your use of Photoshop to preserve natural features, including i

#504 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sara Bennett, a former criminal defense lawyer turned social justice and advocacy photographer, who shares her inspiring journey of using photography to humanize incarcerated women. Sara dives deep into her approach, emphasizing the power of storytelling and ethical considerations, and provides invaluable insights on building trust with subjects. THE BIG IDEASEmpower Through Stories: Capture authentic stories; let your subjects speak through your images for genuine emotional impact.Build Trust First: Establish a respectful relationship with your subjects. Trust leads to more genuine and relaxed photographs.Community Connections: Leverage word-of-mouth and community engagement to find your subjects. Organic connections create deeper insights.Protect Subject Integrity: Always protect the privacy and integrity of your subjects, ensuring they are comfortable with how their stories are shared.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANStart Conversations Before Shooting: Approach poten

#503 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Dorie Howell, an insightful portrait photographer who has an amazing grasp on connecting with subjects emotionally. Dorie shares her journey from vocal performance to mastering the art of capturing meaningful moments with her camera. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Emotional Connection: Rather than just technical perfection, strive to capture the emotions and connections of your subjects, making your portraits more authentic and meaningful.Practice and Perseverance: Understand that photography skills develop over time. Be patient with yourself, practice frequently, and learn from every shoot.Constructive Feedback: Seek feedback from reputable sources and professionals to improve your skills. Avoid getting disheartened by non-constructive criticism, especially from unqualified sources.Cultural Sensitivity: Respect and adapt to the cultural differences of your clients to create a comfortable and trusting environment.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANPractice Emotional Connection in Po

#502 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Justin Haugen, a seasoned ex wedding photographer turned commercial and corporate photographer known for his expertise in commercial, and creative portraiture. Justin emphasizes the critical role of understanding and observing light in various situations and mastering flash photography, even if you typically prefer natural light. He shares insights from his career, including lessons on trusting your skills, adapting your style, and the importance of continuous learning.THE BIG IDEASUnderstanding Light: Continuous awareness and understanding of light's role improve your compositions. Observe the direction, quality, and type of light in various situations.Embracing Flash Photography: Even if you prefer natural light, learning flash techniques enhances your overall lighting skills, making you a versatile photographer.Trust and Effort: Trust in your abilities and put in the effort; skills develop over time with continuous practice and experience.Adaptability:

#501 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Craig Strong, an innovative wedding photographer with a flair for storytelling. Craig shares how his unique Lensbaby experimentations transformed his approach to capturing moments, making his work stand out. He dives into the importance of storytelling, relying on photojournalism skills, and learning from sports photography. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Storytelling: Great photography is about capturing the essence of moments, not just staged shots. Focus on the narrative behind each image.Learn from Missed Moments: Reflect on missed moments to anticipate future important events and improve your ability to capture them.Experiment with Equipment: Don't shy away from trying new lenses or gear. Experimentation can lead to discovering new creative possibilities.Push Through Fear: Transitioning into new methods requires courage. Embrace the fear of the unknown as a part of your growth process.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Authentic Moments: Start by photographing cand

#500 In this episode of the podcast I asked BPP community moderators Jim Sinicki and Kim Irish to join me in a fun discussion about photography and the community. They asked you, members of the BPP community questions and I do my best to answer them. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Discomfort in Your Photography Journey: Challenging environments yield unique opportunities. Whether it’s a rugged landscape or dense urban streets, discomfort can push your creative boundaries.Start planning a photo expedition to a challenging location, like a local street photography workshop or a remote nature hike.Prepare for these conditions with proper gear and mental readiness to turn discomfort into creative success.Tackle Imposter Syndrome Head-On: Feelings of doubt are common, especially when pricing your work or comparing yourself to others. Recognizing them as part of the journey can reduce their power.Reflect on your achievements and client feedback regularly to build confidence.Engage with a supportive photography community for

#499 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with talented wedding and engagement photographer Terri Baskin, whose unique engagement sessions stand out in the photography world. Terri shares exceptional insights from a memorable Las Vegas engagement shoot that required meticulous planning and coordination. She emphasizes the importance of truly understanding and connecting with your clients to capture their personalities and emotions authentically. Throughout our discussion, you'll learn practical techniques to elevate your engagement sessions and foster lasting client relationships. Today you'll learn how you can transform your approach, making your photoshoots more relaxed, enjoyable, and visually stunning for your clients.THE BIG IDEASClient Connection: Understanding your clients' personalities and preferences is essential for capturing authentic and emotional photos.Thoughtful Planning: Meticulous planning ensures that every detail, from locations to outfits, aligns with the couple's vi

#498 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with BPP Community Member Shane Wilkie, who transitioned from photographing skateboarding to Hockey and sports photography and commercial work while focusing on emotional storytelling. Shane shares his experiences capturing university events, the emotional depth he aims to achieve in his photos, and the impact of his volunteer work on his career. He also discusses the importance of seeking constructive feedback and the enriching journey of creating art that resonates emotionally with viewers. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Emotional Storytelling: Focus on capturing photographs that evoke deep emotions and tell compelling stories. Your images should invite viewers to feel and imagine beyond the frame. Build Confidence Through Practice: Consistent practice in varied environments helps you become more comfortable and proficient, leading to stronger, more impactful photos. Learn from Unpaid Opportunities: Volunteering or taking unpaid photography assignments can provide invaluabl

#497 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Todd Laffler, an experienced wedding photographer who shifted his focus from technical perfection to capturing authentic, candid moments. Todd shares his journey, evolving from prioritizing creative techniques to cherishing genuine connections between couples. THE BIG IDEASCherish Authentic Moments: Capturing genuine emotions over staged shots creates more meaningful images that resonate with your subjects and audience.Develop Observation Skills: Being attentive to people's emotions and relationships allows you to seize candid, heartfelt moments in your photography.Prioritize Simplicity: Simple compositions with clean backgrounds and even lighting enhance the couple's connection without overcomplicating the scene.Focus on Genuine Connections: Emphasize the couple's bond by directing positive body language and authentic interactions, creating more natural and timeless photos.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANObserve and Read Emotions: Spend time watching bod

#496 In this episode, I chat with Wedding photographer Alison Conklin, an incredibly resilient and passionate photographer whose story truly redefines the art of capturing memories. Alison opened up about her remarkable journey, from overcoming serious health challenges to emphasizing the raw emotional authenticity in her work. She shared some deeply personal experiences that really highlight the importance of creating meaningful and lasting images.THE BIG IDEASEmotional Authenticity: Focus on capturing genuine emotions over technical perfection; let the moments speak for themselves and create timeless memories.Personal Storytelling: Shoot from your own honest perspective; this personal touch makes your work stand out and resonate more with viewers.Embrace Challenges: View setbacks and personal struggles as experiences that can fuel your creativity and storytelling in photography.Celebrating Life: Use your camera as a tool to celebrate and preserve life’s fleeting moments, making each photo a heartfelt story.