Prime Lenses

Gaston Shutters is a photographer and entrepreneur. Like me he’s dabbled in a bunch of industries from tech to tattoos but as you’ll hear, the through line is a consistent love of making and tools. Now, at his company Owl Krown, he’s got the band back together and is making a host of great looking straps. Gaston was in the office the day I spoke to him so there’s some coming and goings which I think add a bit of texture and we end on a lens I’d love to find a good copy of. We could have talked all day, I hope you enjoy hearing from Gaston.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

My guest today is Brandon Ruffin. Brandon was Leica’s ambassador for the M11-D but as you’ll hear throughout the conversation he is a lover of image making on just about any type of digital or film camera. He understands the importance of experience and the impact that can then have on the things you make. He also works at Google on the camera team and I am so glad that someone with a real understanding of photography is embedded there. A pairing of art and science is where the magic happens so I’ll get out of the way and let you enjoy my conversation with Brandon.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

My guest this week is Amelia Le Brun. She’s a photographer based in the UK who shoots everything from cars to lifestyle and very occasionally her delicious VW camper van. She loves to shoot film as well as digital and we had a great talk about what she chooses to shoot and why.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

My guest today is Summer Murdock, a Utah based photographer and photography educator who specialises in kids, lifestyle, and portraiture. She shoots everything, stills and motion, and my favourite images of hers are collections she’s made under water. You’ll hear in our conversation that she’s not stranger to a busy set but knows how to craft and find light for quieter sessions too. I love the texture and movement in her work. She is also clearly a wonderful human being as she not only responded positively to the invite to be on the show but has also listened and was an enthusiastic supporting voice in the run up to and since we recorded.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

My guest this week is Nick Rains. One of the great perks of making this show is getting to sit down for a while with someone whose work you’ve enjoyed. Nick has had a long career that has seen his photographic horizons shift from small terraced houses in Manchester to broad landscapes in countries all over the world. I came across his videos on YouTube and his calm, methodical approach has introduced me and millions of others to many a camera feature or maintenance technique. My clean camera sensor thanks you, Nick.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Lucy Lumen is a Photographer, writer and YouTuber based in Australia. Like a number of recent guests, she shoots a great deal of film of her client and personal work. She’s got a really healthy attitude to gear, working closely with her husband to get the right tools for the job and her healthy approach to gear means she doesn’t obsess. What I do like is that she focuses her attention on the ideas and thinking of creative power houses like Brian Eno and Rick Ruben and shares that with the audience she’s found.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

In this engaging conversation, Dan Rubin, a UK-based photographer and creative director known for his global campaigns, shares his fascinating journey back to film photography. He discusses how Polaroid sparked his love for analog and enthuses about the Widelux revival project. The talk dives into overcoming fears in candid photography, blending digital and film techniques, and the emotional connections with favorite lenses like the Pentax 67. Dan also reveals insights on sharing creativity through platforms like Instagram and the anticipation of meaningful conversations.

Michael is the founder of photo sharing app, Foto. He started the project with the goal of making a better place to share images. One that is designed to embrace photography and help you enjoy it in a human way as opposed to using our favourite art form to sell us bags and show us meme videos. We discuss where the idea came from, how he allowed it to develop slowly over time and what he and the small team putting it together plan to do next. So sit back and please enjoy this conversation with photographer and maker of delightful software, Michael Howard.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Catriona is an artist who lives in the same village as me. She is primarily a photographer with a specialism in portraiture, weddings and brand photos. As you’ll hear from our conversation she’s worked hard to make sure the there work is satisfying to her creatively whatever the medium and I admire the way that she’s created space for her work around her family life and embraces the fact that her practice will change over time. She was also gracious enough to let me meet a record with her at her home so this is also the first episode recorded on location.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Craig Mod, a seasoned writer, walker, and photographer based in Japan, shares his journey of over 20 years in the art of photography. He discusses the nuances of creativity, the role of limitations, and the importance of focus in artistic expression. The conversation explores the evolution of self-publishing, the thrill of choosing the right gear, and the nostalgia tied to favorite cameras. Mod also reflects on the tactile joys of film photography versus digital and the interconnectedness of creativity and community.