Prime Lenses

For the next four weeks, in addition to the regular Sunday episode, I’ll be dropping a special episode with interviews from a recent event I attended. Leica invited me to their centenary celebrations at the end of June, they were celebrating 100 years on continuous camera manufacture and they invited a few of their closest friends to attend and celebrate with them. I was invited to interview a number of special guests and so I’m going to present to you four twenty-five minute episodes. 100 minutes for 100 years. 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.

Brandon Talbot is a Photographer, videographer and YouTuber who has been sharing his photography journey for some time. He loves landscapes and has recently started to print his work with an eye on books and other physical media in the future. One of the things I really like about Brendon is his growth mindset. He has previously been an athlete and he applies this sensibility to his craft and I love it. His enthusiasm is infectious, he’s a lovely dude and I hope you enjoy this 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.

For the next four weeks, in addition to the regular Sunday episode, I’ll be dropping a special episode with interviews from a recent event I attended. Leica invited me to their centenary celebrations at the end of June, they were celebrating 100 years on continuous camera manufacture and they invited a few of their closest friends to attend and celebrate with them. I was invited to interview a number of special guests and so I’m going to present to you four twenty-five minute episodes. 100 minutes for 100 years. 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.

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.