Podcasts Posts - The Beginner Photography Podcast

#495 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Annemie Tonken, a passionate family photographer who transformed her career by shifting from wedding photography to a more flexible family-focused business. Annemie shares her journey of setting the right pricing, creating a luxury client experience, and navigating the challenges of in-person versus online sales. Her story will encourage you to reconsider your pricing model, refine your sales approach, and embrace having consistency in your business strategy.THE BIG IDEASPricing Adjustment Journey: Adjust your rates after understanding your business costs and client needs. Finding your pricing "happy place" ensures sustainability.Consistency in Business Strategy: Fully commit to a cohesive strategy. Piecing together different tactics may create a disjointed "Frankenstein" business.Educating Clients: Gradually guide clients through the decision-making process with clear, segmented information to prevent overwhelm and foster better decisions.P

#494 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Gary Williams, a passionate and insightful photographer who transformed his love for capturing people and places into impactful projects when he started documenting the people and shop owners of Camden Passage. Gary emphasizes the significance of pursuing personal passions, creating tangible products like books or prints, and engaging with your community through exhibitions. He offers inspiration for finding your own project and following your heart in photography. THE BIG IDEASFollow Your Passion: Identify what you love to photograph and focus on it without worrying about financial gain or recognition. True passion guides your journey.Create Tangible Products: Consider turning your photography into books or prints. Tangible products can make your work accessible and memorable for a wider audience.Engage with Your Community: Hosting exhibitions or involving your local community can positively impact and bring attention to your work. Interaction fosters deeper c

#493 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Ryan Tolbert, an expert in film photography and owner of The Boutique Film Lab, who simplifies the transition from digital to analog. Ryan shares his journey from hobbyist to business owner, emphasizing the beauty and imperfect charm of film. He offers practical advice on starting with point-and-shoot cameras, understanding film characteristics, and developing your own film. Ryan encourages you to embrace film’s unique aesthetic and simplicity, start with accessible gear, and experiment with different films to discover what works for you. THE BIG IDEASStart Simple: Begin with automatic point-and-shoot cameras to eliminate complexity and focus on composition and creativity.Learn to Love Imperfection: Film photography’s unique charm lies in its imperfections; embrace these as part of your creative journey.Explore Different Films: Different film stocks offer varied aesthetics; experiment to find your preference and broaden your visual style.Understand Film’s Latit

#492 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Justin Tedford, an insightful photographer specializing in capturing the essence of old, abandoned structures. Today Justin shares his journey of putting together a self-published photo book, exploring the challenges of curating and arranging photos, and taking a photo roadtrip. He also dives into the significance of intention and connection with your subject matter.THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Emotional Connection: Engage deeply with your subject to capture photos that evoke emotions and tell a story.Value Quality over Quantity: Spend time refining your shots instead of focusing on producing a large number of images.Adaptability is Key: Be flexible and adjust your techniques based on the environment and light conditions you encounter.Curate Thoughtfully: Select and arrange your photos carefully to create a cohesive and compelling visual narrative.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANExperiment with Light: Shoot during different times of the day to see how light

#491 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Colie James, a family and documentary-style photographer with a deep understanding of client relationships and business efficiency. Colie shares actionable advice on utilizing CRM tools to streamline client communication, ensuring a balance between personal touch and automation. She also dives into camera mastery, particularly mastering ISO settings for challenging low-light situations. Today you'll learn how to create an organized workflow that saves time, ensures consistency, and enhances client experiences. THE BIG IDEASAutomate to Elevate: Implementing CRM tools like Dubsado can streamline your client interactions, helping you save time and boost efficiency.Personalization Matters: Even automated emails can feel personal by incorporating customized elements and reflecting your personality.Master ISO Settings: Don’t fear high ISO levels; experimenting with settings can help you capture stunning images in low-light conditions.Client Involvement: Engaging

#490 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Street Photographer Jeff Larason, whos helping others find deeper meaning in their work through photo critique. Jeff dives into the joys and challenges of receiving feedback through his youtube series, The Crit House. Jeff talks about his journey of self-analysis, the importance of constructive critiques, and how to find a supportive photography community. THE BIG IDEASValue of Constructive Feedback: Receiving specific and constructive critiques can significantly improve your photography skills and artistic vision.Emotional Impact: Striving to infuse your photographs with emotional depth can create more resonant and meaningful images.Community Engagement: Finding a supportive community for discussions and feedback enriches your learning and personal growth.Balanced Sharing: Carefully considering when and what to share on social media can help you focus on meaningful self-improvement rather than external validation.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANSee

#489 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Kate and Nick Story, experts in marketing strategies for photographers and dynamic duo behind BookMoreBrides.com . Together, they talk about the significance of balancing slow and fast marketing methods, developing a clear brand, and leveraging social media to build a sustainable business. Kate stresses the importance of understanding client desires and crafting your services around them, while Nick highlights the value of authenticity in interactions. The Big Ideas:Balance Marketing Methods: Use both slow (SEO, blogs) and fast (ads, social media) strategies to draw in clients and sustain growth.Clear Branding: Define your style and branding to attract your ideal clients and stand out in the market.Client-Centered Service: Focus on what potential clients want and need, rather than just selling a service.Strategic Social Media: Be consistent, clear, and tell compelling stories to connect with your audience.Photography Action Plan:Refine Your Brand: Identify your

#488 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Karen Williams, an inspiring photo editor and photographer who shares the magic of personal projects and the importance of defining your unique visual style. Karen walks us through her journey as a photo editor and offers invaluable advice on curating a cohesive portfolio, the significance of continuous learning, and how to find your focus in photography. THE BIG IDEASDevelop Your Unique Visual Style: Master one thing at a time to avoid a patchwork portfolio and define your distinct artistic voice.Curate a Specific Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio aligns with the language and style of your target clients; this captures their attention and showcases your suitability for their projects.Embrace Continuous Learning: Growth in photography requires constant education. Use resources like online courses, books, and videos to keep improving.Leverage Personal Projects: These can be cohesive within themselves, showcasing your versatility and potential

#487 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Justin Anderson,  astrophotographer who captures the night sky with breathtaking mastery. Justin shares his journey of photographing Comet NEOWISE and other celestial wonders, emphasizing the importance of preparation, persistence, and creativity. Today you'll learn how to set up your camera for night photography, choose the right equipment, and find the perfect locations to shoot. You'll also learn the art of scouting dark skies, experimenting with different lenses, and appreciating the beauty of your surroundings. THE BIG IDEASPersist Through Challenges: Consistently work on improving your skills, even when conditions don't align. Persistence is key in mastering night photography.Embrace the Learning Curve: Night photography comes with a steep learning curve. Accept mistakes as part of the journey towards stunning captures.Plan and Prepare: Success in astrophotography requires meticulous planning, from checking the weather

#486 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I talk about my experience getting out of the often-overlooked topic of burnout, sharing my personal experiences and 3 step process to reigniting my creative spark. We'll explore a three-phase process to help you rediscover your passion for photography, including shooting more, seeking inspiration, and thematic storytelling. I'll also share a valuable exercises to learning how to tell stories with your camera, like using an Instax camera. Join me in our revamped Facebook group for ongoing support from our vibrant community of photo friends!The Big Ideas:Explore Diverse Subjects: Experimenting with various photography genres can help spark creativity and prevent burnout.Limit Social Media Inspiration: Relying on platforms like Flickr or photo books can lead to more genuine creativity than endless scrolling.Tell Stories with Photos: Embrace longer-form storytelling through multiple images to add depth to your subjects."Plork": Combine

Hey Everyone, I'm burnt out. With everything going on in my life right now I've put the camera down. I've stopped shooting intentionally for a while now. Thats unaccecptable. I started the podcast as a way to extend my love for photography. But right now, the podcast has taken over my time for photography and therefore Ive lost some of the joy for the thing that started this all. I need to be excited about photography againI need to be the best version of myself to better show up for you. I need to be here to answer your questionsI need to be here to help you on your journey to become a better photographerSo the podcast is taking a break for the month of July. In that time I'll be working on a personal photo project to reignite the joy that I have for photography. And I can't wait to share it with you all in August. In the meantime if you are looking for something else to listen toI've created a list of some of the most popular and episodes for you to listen to or listen back to

#485 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Nori Jemill, an inspiring travel photographer renowned for her transformative journey from hobbyist to professional. Nori unpacks the essence of storytelling through travel photography, emphasizing the significance of passion, persistence, and organic development. Listen as Nori shares info on actively researching locations, planning your shots, and embracing unexpected opportunities. THE BIG IDEASPassion Fuels Progress: Your enthusiasm for photography drives your growth and helps you overcome challenges. Let your passion guide your learning journey.Research is Key: Understanding the location and its photographic potential ensures better-prepared shoots and opportunities to capture unique moments.Value Feedback: Seeking constructive criticism from experienced photographers can exponentially improve your skills and deepen your creative vision.Embrace Impromptu Moments: Sometimes the best pictures come from unplanned events. Stay open to spon

#484 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Pablo Giori, Photographer and Director of the Experimental Photo Festival. Pablo shares  the importance of creative play and community support in experimental photography. Learn how embracing failure can lead to innovation, and discover diverse techniques you can start experimenting with today. As you listen, think about how you can implement these creative approaches into your photography practice, embark on new projects, and connect with fellow photographers to amplify your journey.THE BIG IDEASExperimentation is Key: Embrace experimental techniques to discover new artistic expressions. It's about exploring possibilities and not fearing failure.Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Sharing insights and feedback can elevate your photography.Embrace Failure: Failure in experimental photography is an opportunity to learn and innovate. Every setback is a step towards mastery.Creative Decision-Making: Make info

#483 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Joe McNally, a renowned photographer known for his daring and diverse career. Joe shares gripping stories from helicopter photo shoots to capturing unique subway moments with Tony Bennet. He delves into the evolving landscape of the photography industry, stressing adaptability, the critical role of lighting, and the power of authentic storytelling. THE BIG IDEASAdaptability is Key: The photography industry is always changing. Be ready to pivot and explore different paths to stay relevant.The Power of Light: Master lighting to influence and enhance your photos, giving character to your subjects and depth to your stories.Own Your Mistakes: Embrace and learn from your errors. They are valuable lessons that shape you into a better photographer.Seek Adventure: Push yourself to capture compelling images. Step out of your comfort zone and let the story unfold naturally.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANMaster Lighting Techniques: Experiment with various ligh

#482 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Alanna O'Neil, a food and lifestyle photographer who harmonizes her diverse interests to evoke deep emotions in her images. Through our conversation, Alanna reveals how integrating personal touch, exploring different styles, and fine-tuning your visual storytelling can elevate your photography. You'll discover practical exercises and insightful advice to harness your intuition and convey more profound narratives in your photos. THE BIG IDEASPersonal Integration in Photography: Incorporate personal interests into your photography to create unique and emotion-filled images.Embrace Multi-Genre Exploration: Experiment with various styles while maintaining a core vision to nurture growth and evolution as a photographer.Follow Your Intuition: Trust your instincts to capture moments and refine your style, making your photography authentically yours.Create Visual Stories: Develop your storytelling skills by including context and humanizin

#481 In this episode of the podcast, we explore the Zone System for perfect exposure and Zone Focusing to get perfect focus. I'll explain how understanding and using this system enhances your ability to capture scenes exactly as you envision them. By the end, you'll see how these classic techniques can simplify your photography, even in today's digital world. THE BIG IDEASCommit to the Basics: Embracing photography fundamentals like the zone system can dramatically improve your photos' quality. Mastery of basics sets a strong foundation.Prioritize Your Subject: By focusing on properly exposing the main subject, you naturally draw viewers' attention to the heart of your photograph. Balance the shot around this principal element.Depth of Field Mastery: Understanding and implementing zone focusing can help you achieve tack-sharp images without relying solely on modern autofocus, especially in dynamic settings.Blend Old with New: Integrating traditional techniques with modern technology c

#480 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Connor Walberg, an experienced action sports photographer and SEO expert, who shares invaluable tips to kickstart your online presence. From understanding the power of Google My Business to crafting compelling image descriptions, Connor provides a clear roadmap for SEO success tailored for photographers. THE BIG IDEASUtilize Google My Business: An optimized Google My Business listing can significantly improve your ranking in local search results, making it easier for potential clients to find you.Craft Meaningful Content: Focus on producing helpful and relevant content that answers your audience’s questions and highlights your expertise. Personal experiences make your site stand out.Proper Keyword Use: Effective SEO involves natural keyword integration in descriptions and alt text without stuffing. Relevance and locality should guide your keyword strategy.Inbound Links are Crucial: Obtaining backlinks from quality and relevant websites increases your site’s aut

#479 In this episode of the podcast, I delve into the fundamental difference between knowledge and wisdom in photography. Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, I stress the value of hands-on experience over merely consuming information. We explore why wisdom, gained through actual shooting, ultimately surpasses theoretical knowledge. I encourage you to put down your instructional guides and pick up your camera. Apply what you learn by engaging in deliberate practice, experimenting with different techniques, and cultivating your unique photographic perspective. Remember, every photo you take brings you closer to capturing your vision authentically.THE BIG IDEASExperience Over Theory: Real wisdom in photography comes from practical experience, not just watching tutorials.Embrace Mistakes: Learning from failed attempts is crucial for growth. Every mistake is a lesson.Personal Insight: Only you can determine the best settings and approaches for your vision. Trust your instincts.Practical Knowledge A

#478 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Taylor Jackson, a multifaceted wedding and travel photographer who has mastered the art of balancing work-life dynamics and outsourcing for efficiency. Taylor shares insightful anecdotes about his journey, emphasizing the value of trusting your process and understanding the benefits of outsourcing editing. He talks about creating a seamless client experience, from initial inquiry to final delivery which allows him more time to do everything else he loves.THE BIG IDEASOutsourcing for Efficiency: By trusting others with the editing process, you can focus on your core creative tasks, maintaining quality control while gaining more time.Streamlined Communication: Simplifying interactions with clients can lead to increased efficiency and a reduction in time spent on back-and-forth emails.Networking within the Industry: Building relationships with vendors and venues strengthens your professional network and can lead to more business opportunities.

#477 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Jenny Stein, a heartfelt family documentarian photographer dedicated to capturing real emotions. Jenny reveals the challenges of maintaining a love for photography when it becomes a business and shares powerful insights on how photography can provide closure in times of grief. We dive deep into balancing conflicting emotions and the significance of capturing authentic moments, even during difficult times. THE BIG IDEASBalancing Emotions: Conflicting emotions can coexist in photography; both joy and sorrow are real and valuable to capture. This duality enriches your work.Authenticity in Moments: Authentic photos during difficult times can offer significant comfort and closure, preserving the true essence of the moment.Personal Connection: Personal losses and experiences shape your perspective and add depth to your photographs. Let your unique story enhance your creative vision.Evolving Perspectives: As you grow, allow your photography intere