

The Beginner Photography Podcast
Raymond Hatfield
The Beginner Photography Podcast is a free weekly podcast hosted by professional photographer Raymond Hatfield who interviews world class photographers of all genres who share what they wish they knew when they got started so you can grow your creative photography skills faster! The podcast is brought to you by CloudSpot.io, the client gallery system that is always #EmpoweringPhotographers
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 15, 2024 • 51min
Attracting Photography Clients Fast and Slow Marketing Tips with Kate Nick Story
#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 unique style and strengths as a photographer. Craft a clear and compelling brand message that speaks to your ideal clients.Optimize Your Website for SEO: Research and use relevant keywords in your content to improve search engine rankings. Regularly update your blog with useful, client-focused content.Engage in Social Media Marketing: Create and follow a content calendar with consistent posts. Share client stories, behind-the-scenes, and your professional journey to engage followers.Conduct Market Research: Interview past and potential clients to understand their needs and preferences. Use their feedback to tailor your services and marketing messages.Network and Collaborate: Reach out to wedding planners and venues for styled shoot collaborations. Partner with other professionals in the industry to expand your reach and portfolio.Resources:Learn more about marketing your wedding photography buisness - https://www.bookmorebrides.com/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Aug 13, 2024 • 50min
How to Find Your Focus In Photography with Karen Williams
#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 potentially leading to unexpected work opportunities.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCreate a Mood Board: Gather images that inspire you and reflect the styles you are drawn to. Analyze common themes in your mood board to identify your visual style.Curate Your Portfolio: Select photos that highlight your strengths and are consistent with the style of your target clients. Ensure your portfolio is user-friendly, with fast loading times and no broken links.Engage in Personal Projects: Dedicate time each week to work on a photography project that excites you. Share these projects on your website and social media to attract potential clients.Join Local Photo Organizations: Attend meetups, workshops, and seminars to network and gain insights from other photographers. Participate in photo walks or local contests to build your experience and community presence.Practice and Develop Skills: Set aside time regularly to practice new techniques, whether it’s lighting, composition, or post-processing. Review your work critically and seek feedback from peers to continuously improve.RESOURCES:Check out Karen's Website - Blackvisualqueen.comFollow Karen on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackvisualqueenSign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Aug 8, 2024 • 56min
How to Get Started in Astrophotography with Justin Anderson
#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 to selecting remote locations away from light pollution.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANScout Dark Locations: Use dark sky maps to identify potential shooting spots away from city lights. Visit these locations during the day to plan your composition and safety measures.Optimize Camera Settings: Set your camera to manual mode, adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed according to the lighting conditions. Practice taking long exposures to capture more light and detail in the night sky.Experiment with Lenses: Try using wide-angle lenses (e.g., 24mm) to capture expansive landscapes along with the night sky. Test prime lenses with apertures wider than F2.8 for better light capture and reduced noise.Use Proper Accessories: Equip your camera with a remote shutter and intervalometer to avoid camera shake and take multiple long exposures. Bring a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposure shots.RESOURCESFollow Justin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aurorajanderson/Check out Justins Website - https://highhopesaurora.com/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Aug 6, 2024 • 47min
How I Beat Burn Out as a Photographer
#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 play and work in your photography practice to keep it fun and educational.Photography Action PlanShoot More Frequently: Set aside specific times each week to photograph anything that catches your interest. Keep your camera handy during daily activities to capture spontaneous moments.Seek New Inspirations: Visit platforms like Flickr and explore historical photo groups for fresh ideas. Borrow or buy photography books that excite you and study them.Embrace Storytelling: Choose a simple story idea and capture it through 5-10 cohesive images. Use an instant or film camera to challenge yourself with a limited number of shots.Join Photography Challenges: Participate in the newly introduced monthly photo challenges within the Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook group. Follow the theme of the month (e.g., summer) to structure your creative efforts and win prizes.Recommit to Learning: Dive deeper into a specific genre of photography that piques your interest (e.g., food or landscape photography). Attend online workshops or watch video tutorials to refine your techniques and broaden your skillset.Resources:Charlie Planespotting Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjwVlQqCWmIJoin the Revamped Facebook Community - https://beginnerphotopod.com/groupSign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Jul 2, 2024 • 22min
I'll be deleting this episode: Important Message
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 if you're a long time listener. https://beginnerphotopod.com/whatnowYour camera is importantYou are importantMake time for the things that are important to you. Connect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Jun 27, 2024 • 53min
Can You Capture Perfect Travel Photos? with Nori Jemil
#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 spontaneous opportunities to capture authentic, compelling stories.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANResearch Your Next Shoot: Begin with Google searches and browse photo libraries for inspiration specific to your target location. Check travel articles, guidebooks, and use tools like the Photographer’s Ephemeris for optimal shooting times.Prepare Your Gear: Ensure all equipment is in good working condition and pack essential items tailored to the type of photography you plan to take. Include backup batteries, memory cards, and weather-appropriate accessories to avoid any disruptions during your shoot.Create a Shot List and Storyboard: Draft a list of must-have shots and sketch a rough storyboard to guide your photography session. Visualize the story you want to tell through your photos and plan your shots accordingly.Engage with the Local Community: Spend time interacting with locals to gain unique insights and uncover stories that can add depth to your photography. Be curious and approachable; sometimes the best stories are hidden in casual conversations.Critically Review Your Work: After shooting, review your photos and select the ones that best convey your intended narrative. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and use their constructive criticism to refine your technique and vision.Resources:Check out Nori Jemil’s WebsiteFollow Nori on InstagramGrab your Copy of The Travel Photographers Way - https://amzn.to/4eQlzxMSign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Jun 25, 2024 • 51min
Alternative Photography Processes to help you Innovate and Create with Pablo Giori
#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 informed and creative choices at every stage of your photography process, from selecting the camera to post-processing.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANTry Cyanotype at Home: Purchase cyanotype kits online or from your local art store. Follow easy DIY tutorials to practice making cyanotype prints with household items.Experiment with Photo Soup: Gather some instant photos and submerge them in water with different chemicals (e.g., Coca-Cola) to create unique effects. Document the process and outcomes to refine your technique over time.Attend Workshops and Fest: Find experimental photography workshops or festivals to expand your skills. Join online sessions offering practical tips and hands-on learning.Try a Project on Double Exposures: Collaborate with another photographer to swap films and create double exposures. Experiment with different themes and document your learning process in a visual diary.RESOURCES:Follow the Experimental Photo Festival on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experimentalphotofestival/ Visit the Experimental Photo Festival online - https://en.experimentalphotofestival.com/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Jun 20, 2024 • 49min
Lessons from a Lifetime of Photographing the World with Joe McNally
#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 lighting setups, including natural, studio, and mixed lighting. Study how light interacts with different surfaces and subjects, and practice using reflectors and diffusers.Develop Storytelling Skills: Create a series of photos that tells a compelling story, such as a day in the life of a local artisan.Focus on capturing authentic moments and emotions, not just technically perfect shots.Expand Your Skill Set: Try photographing different genres, like portraiture, landscape, or street photography, to broaden your experience. Take a challenging assignment, even if it's pro bono, to push your limits and grow.Build a Strong Portfolio: Curate a collection of your best work, focusing on diversity and range. Regularly update your portfolio to reflect your growth and current style.Embrace Continuous Learning: Attend photography workshops or online courses to learn new skills and techniques. Follow and analyze the work of photographers you admire, taking notes on what makes their photos successful.Resources:Check out Joe's book, The Real Deal - https://amzn.to/3xedGBeFollow Joe on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joemcnallyphoto/ Check out Joe McNally's Website - https://joemcnally.com/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Jun 17, 2024 • 48min
Visual Storytelling to Craft More Emotional Images with Alanna O'Neil
#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 humanizing elements, making your images more relatable and captivating.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANExplore Different Styles: Set aside time each week to experiment with a new genre of photography. Analyze and compare the different styles you create to find your unique touch.Infuse Personal Touch: Identify elements from your personal interests and incorporate them into your photos. Create a project centered around these elements to practice and improve consistency.Develop a Consistent Visual Story: Pick a theme or subject and shoot a series that tells a cohesive story. Use a storyboard to plan each shot, ensuring continuity and depth in your series.Master Light and Composition: Use natural light and simple props to understand how they impact your image’s mood. Focus on compositional techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and balance to enhance your photos.Create Intrigue and Emotion: Add human elements or context to non-human subjects to relay a multi-dimensional story. Experiment with angles and lighting to evoke emotions and curiosity in viewers.Resources:Check out Alanna's Website - https://alannaoneil.com/Follow Alanna on Instgram - https://www.instagram.com/alannaoneilphoto/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Jun 13, 2024 • 33min
The Underrated Technique Every Photographer Should Know
#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 can offer a richer photography experience, merging tried-and-true methods with instant digital feedback.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANLearn the Zone System: Research online tutorials or read Ansel Adams' books to deeply understand the ten zones and their applications. Practice by choosing a high-contrast scene, note light meter readings for different zones, and adjust your camera’s exposure settings accordingly.Apply Spot Metering: Switch your camera to spot metering mode and focus on critical elements like skin tones or key details. Experiment with taking readings from different parts of a scene to understand light distribution.Practice Zone Focusing: Use a depth of field calculator to set manual focus distances for typical shooting scenarios. Practice focusing on stationary objects in your backyard to get comfortable with various depth of field settings before applying them in a live shoot.Capture Movement: Set up shots in a dynamic environment (like a busy street or dance floor) and manually preset your focus distance to capture sharp images amidst motion. Review your photos to determine the optimal depth of field for similar future situations.Evaluate and Share: Review your images critically, comparing shots with different exposure and focusing techniques to assess improvements. Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!