
Candela: Photography & Cinematography Masters
The world's best photographers and cinematographers, in conversation with Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton.
Latest episodes

Oct 26, 2020 • 40min
What lens is the right lens?
In this episode, we hone in on lens choice, looking at different focal lengths, apertures, and depths of field, what they can bring to a scene and how they can change the relationship between its subjects.
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Follow Chris: instagram.com/christopherhooton

Oct 6, 2020 • 1h 16min
Tyler Shields
'Provocateur' Tyler Shields joins us to talk pissing off the president, having the Secret Service camped outside your house over a photo, doing a six-minute breath-hold for an underwater shot, nudity censorship, and dealing with backlash in the age of outrage.
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Follow Alan: instagram.com/alan_schaller
Follow Chris: instagram.com/christopherhooton

Sep 24, 2020 • 47min
Quality control
We discuss separating the good ideas from the bad, balancing frequency and quality, and learning to say no to yourself.----more----
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Follow Alan: instagram.com/alan_schaller
Follow Chris: instagram.com/christopherhooton

Sep 13, 2020 • 1h 7min
David Yarrow
Photographer David Yarrow joins us to discuss his distinctive black-and-white photos of wildlife, how shooting a bobsleigh race opened him up to the possibility of 'fine art photography', almost getting snapped in half by a hippo, and resisting the urge to use a telephoto lens – instead moving in closer toward what are often very dangerous creatures.
Follow the show, the hosts and the guests:
Candela podcast
Alan Schaller
Christopher Hooton
David Yarrow

Aug 31, 2020 • 1h 2min
Ocean's Eleven screenwriter Ted Griffin
In this episode we speak with Ted Griffin, a screenwriter best known for writing Ocean's Eleven (2001), who also co-produced The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and executive produced Up in the Air (2009).
Drilling down into Ocean's Eleven, we discuss Ted's research for the script in Las Vegas, the intricacy of creating and interweaving the stories of eleven defined characters, and his responsibility to keep the film's complicated narrative on the rails during principal photography. We also touch on his work with, and the work of, Martin Scorsese.

16 snips
Aug 24, 2020 • 37min
Shooting strangers
Exploring the intricacies of candid photography reveals both challenges and rewards. Photographers share personal stories about overcoming the fear of capturing strangers in everyday life. Techniques like hip shooting highlight the balance between skill and spontaneity. The importance of genuine interactions comes to light, showing how a camera can either connect or distance us. Ethical considerations and societal perceptions of street photography add layers to the discussion, emphasizing the changing attitudes in our modern world.

Aug 17, 2020 • 34min
Tran Tuan Viet
Vietnamese photographer Tran Tuan Viet (@vietsui) joins hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton to discuss his photographic mission to show the natural beauty and life of people of his country, a place that is so often associated with war and violence in people's minds. Viet's work has been published by National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, the Guardian and other outlets, and he's worked for clients including Google, Samsung and Canon.

6 snips
Aug 8, 2020 • 32min
What even is 'fine art photography'?
The hosts dive into the murky waters of fine art photography, questioning its relevance in today’s world. They argue that labels can limit the storytelling potential of photography. Iconic images often arise from spontaneous moments, challenging the belief that intent is paramount. The discussion also highlights the delicate balance artists must maintain between public opinion and their own integrity. Lastly, they explore emotional connections behind the lens, showcasing how personal experiences breathe life into powerful images.

Jul 30, 2020 • 40min
Ray Collins
Ocean photographer Ray Collins talks to hosts Alan Schaller and Christopher Hooton about the anatomy of a wave, risking life and limb for 'the shot', and how a severe injury down a coal mine led to an unlikely career in photography.

Jul 19, 2020 • 43min
When does a photo become digital art?
Technology has blurred the lines between that which is candid and that which is created. But is one more legitimate than the other? We try and talk constructively about editing, the differences between art created in-camera and on-computer, and a future where total realism can be achieved digitally.