The Beginner Photography Podcast

#496 In this episode, I chat with Wedding photographer Alison Conklin, an incredibly resilient and passionate photographer whose story truly redefines the art of capturing memories. Alison opened up about her remarkable journey, from overcoming serious health challenges to emphasizing the raw emotional authenticity in her work. She shared some deeply personal experiences that really highlight the importance of creating meaningful and lasting images.THE BIG IDEASEmotional Authenticity: Focus on capturing genuine emotions over technical perfection; let the moments speak for themselves and create timeless memories.Personal Storytelling: Shoot from your own honest perspective; this personal touch makes your work stand out and resonate more with viewers.Embrace Challenges: View setbacks and personal struggles as experiences that can fuel your creativity and storytelling in photography.Celebrating Life: Use your camera as a tool to celebrate and preserve life’s fleeting moments, making each photo a heartfelt story.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Real Moments: Spend time observing and understanding people’s interactions at events. Focus on spontaneous moments where genuine feelings are evident.Develop Personal Style: Reflect on your life experiences and how they influence your photography. Experiment with different angles and compositions to see what uniquely resonates with you.Practice Empathic Shooting: Spend time with your subjects and get to know their stories before shooting. Create a comfortable atmosphere where subjects feel relaxed and natural.Improve Observation Skills: Photograph everyday life and practice noticing subtle emotions and body language. Review your photos critically to understand how these elements convey stories.Build Meaningful Connections: Engage in conversations with clients to learn their stories and what’s important to them. Use this knowledge to tailor your approach, ensuring the photos reflect their unique journey.RESOURCES:Visit Alison Conklin's Website - https://www.alisonconklin.com/Follow Alison Conklin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alisonconklinGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANEvaluate Your Pricing: Analyze your cost of doing business to determine a sustainable pricing structure. Gradually adjust your rates to align with client expectations and your financial goals.Enhance Client Experience: Implement personal sales strategies, offering tangible products to enrich the client experience. Provide a seamless and luxury experience, from consultation to final delivery.Simplify Your Sales Process: Utilize online gallery software to simulate in-person sales experiences, maintaining client engagement. Set specific time limits for purchasing decisions to create urgency and drive sales.Educate Through Communication: Engage in pre-booking conversations to understand and address client concerns. Use personalized videos and timed galleries to guide clients through the purchase journey.Consistency in Strategy: Choose a single business model (in-person sales or all-inclusive) and commit fully to its execution. Avoid mixing different strategies to ensure a streamlined approach that clients can trust.ResourcesListen to the This Can't Be That Hard Podcast - https://www.thiscantbethathard.com Download Annemie's free guides - https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/bppFollow Annemie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethathard_/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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 connections.Build Relationships: Develop bonds with your subjects. Understanding their stories adds depth to your portraits and makes your photos more meaningful.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANIdentify Your Passion Project: Reflect on what genuinely excites you in photography. Start a small photo project focusing on this interest, setting short-term goals to keep you motivated.Create Tangible Works: Select your best photos and design a photobook or print series. Look for local or online services that provide high-quality printing options to give your work a professional touch.Host a Local Exhibition: Find a community space, like a library or café, willing to host your exhibition. Prepare a collection of your best work, and create simple displays with descriptions to engage viewers.Learn and Practice Portrait Photography: Schedule sessions with friends or local people willing to model, focusing on capturing their essence without forced smiles. Experiment with different lighting setups and settings to find what best highlights your subjects.Network with Other Photographers: Join local photography clubs or online forums to share experiences and advice. Attend workshops or meetups to learn new techniques and build supportive relationships within the photography community.Resources:Gary Williams Website - https://www.garywilliams.photography/Gary Williams Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/garywilliams.photography/Gary Williams Camden Passage project - https://www.instagram.com/thisiscamdenpassageGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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 Latitudes: Film offers more latitude for overexposure but struggles with underexposed shadows; learn to expose correctly.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANChoose Your First Film Camera: Research and purchase a simple point-and-shoot camera like the Olympus XA2. Look for reliable sources such as KEH or eBay, ensuring the seller is trusted.Experiment with Film Stocks: Buy a variety of film stocks like Kodak Gold 200 and Fuji Superior 400 to see which you prefer. Take notes on the characteristics of each film to understand their strengths and weaknesses.Practice Correct Exposure: Use the sunny 16 rule to practice exposing your film correctly in natural light conditions. Overexpose by one stop to avoid losing details in shadows, especially with consumer film stock.Learn Film Development: Try developing black and white film at home to grasp the basic process. Send your color film to a lab and compare the quality of basic and premium scans.Build Your Kit: Start with a prime lens like a 50mm or 35mm to enhance your skills with a fixed focal length. Gradually expand your lens collection based on the types of photography that interest you.RESOURCES:Learn more about the Boutique Film Lab - https://www.boutiquefilmlab.com/Follow the Boutique Film Lab on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boutiquefilmlab/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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 affects your images. Use natural light and reflectors to fill in shadows for better composition.Curate Your Portfolio: Start by organizing your best photos into a digital portfolio. Arrange them thoughtfully to tell a coherent story or showcase varied styles.Slow Down Your Process: Spend more time on each shot, focusing on framing and composition. Analyze your photos on-site to identify and correct any issues immediately.Capture Emotion: Select subjects that evoke a strong emotional response in you. Aim to tell a story through your images rather than just capturing a scene.Engage with the Community: Join photography groups like the Beginner Photography Podcast Community to exchange tips and get feedback. Participate in workshops to learn from other experienced photographers.ResourcesCheck out Justin Tedfords Website - https://www.tedfordphoto.com/homeFollow Justin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jtedfordphotoGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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 clients in the process through detailed questionnaires can lead to more personalized and meaningful sessions.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANImplement CRM Automation: Set up a CRM tool (e.g., CloudSpot Studio or Dubsado) to manage client communications and bookings. Create templates for common emails, adjusting for personalized touches.Customize Client Interactions: Develop a detailed client questionnaire to gather information on preferences and needs. Use the responses to personalize emails and tailor sessions accordingly.Master Low-Light Photography: Experiment with higher ISO settings to gain confidence in low-light environments. Print test images to evaluate noise levels and adjust techniques.Create an Efficient Workflow: Write down all client-related tasks and identify which can be automated. Use your CRM to set up automated sequences for proposals, invoicing, and follow-ups.Enhance Client Experience: Integrate a three-step proposal process to simplify bookings and secure clients quickly. Regularly send nurturing emails to keep clients engaged and informed, promoting upcoming sessions or products.ResourcesCheck out Colie James Website - https://coliejames.com/Follow Colie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coliejamesGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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 PLANSeek Constructive Feedback: Join a local or online photography critique group to get diverse perspectives on your work. Ask for specific feedback, focusing on areas where you feel uncertain or want to improve.Enhance Emotional Storytelling: Spend time pre-visualizing your shots to determine the emotions you want to convey. Practice incorporating elements like lighting, composition, and subject interaction to build stronger emotional narratives.Engage with the Photography Community: Participate actively in photography forums or attend in-person meetups to discuss and learn from peers. Mentor or seek mentorship to gain insights and broaden your perspectives.Curate and Monitor Your Sharing: Be selective about the photos you share on social media, focusing on quality over quantity. Set specific goals for what you hope to achieve with your shared images, such as feedback on a new technique or storytelling approach.Utilize Multiple Feedback Channels: Share your work in different formats, like printed versions for in-person critiques and digital ones for online feedback. Combine the insights from virtual critiques and in-person interactions to gain a well-rounded understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement.ResourcesVisit Jeff Larason’s Website - jefflarason.comWatch The Crit House on YouTube - Crit HouseGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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/blackvisualqueenGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#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/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with Raymond! Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!