The Beginner Photography Podcast

#397 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with New York City headshot photographer, Rob Tannenbaum. He shared some invaluable insights that every aspiring photographer should take to heart. One of the key takeaways is to be open to exploration and try out different photography styles and techniques. Experimenting will not only help you discover your passion but also enhance your skills and creativity. Another important lesson is the significance of establishing a rapport with your subjects, especially in portrait photography. Building a connection with them allows you to capture their authentic and genuine expressions. Lastly, never be afraid of making mistakes. Learning from them is an essential part of the journey. So grab your camera, embrace your passion, and start shooting! Keep pushing yourself and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Your photography skills will thank you for it!THE BIG IDEASExplore Every Genre: Experimenting with different photography styles expands your abilities and helps you discover your unique creative voice.Grow Through Mistakes: Errors are a valuable part of learning—embrace them as stepping stones to mastery and improvement.Build Client Rapport: Establishing comfort and trust with your subjects leads to genuine, expressive portraits.Let Passion Guide You: Staying passionate about photography will push you to keep learning and refining your craft, no matter your equipment or experience.New York Headshot Photographer Rob Tannenbaum's websiteGrab 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!

#396 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with drone photographer, Alina Rudya. We delved into the world of capturing breathtaking aerial perspectives and the artistry behind top-down shots. From learning the importance of manual photography to understanding color, repetition, and geometry. Whether you own a drone or not, you can apply these lessons to compose more interesting and visually stunning photographs. Today you will learn how to capture stunning aerial photographs and explore the world from a unique perspective, ultimately transforming your photography skills and opening up new creative possibilities.THE BIG IDEASExperiment Beyond Equipment Limits: Creativity isn’t defined by the latest or most expensive gear—push boundaries with what you have, and you’ll discover new ways to tell visual stories.Embrace Learning Through Replication: Studying and recreating inspiring images builds understanding and confidence—there’s no shame in learning from those ahead of you.Let Curiosity Guide Composition: Go beyond novelty perspectives; intentional use of color, geometry, and light creates images with real impact, whether you’re grounded or flying high.Adapt and Stay Responsible: Being prepared, flexible, and mindful—especially when using drones—ensures safety and enhances both your technical skills and image quality. Links and Resources:Alina's Drone Photography CourseAlina's WebsiteFollow Alina on InstagramGrab 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!

#395 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I dive deep into the struggle photographers often face when they feel stuck in their craft. We explore the concept of "intermediate purgatory" and how to reignite your passion for photography. The key is to introduce something new, be it a different shooting technique, a change in perspective, or even a creative challenge. I discuss the dangers of always seeking new gear and how finding the balance between control and being present in the moment can enhance your photography. Plus, I share practical tips like shooting in aperture priority and a trick to capture authentic shots with your phone. So grab your camera and join us as we navigate through this creative journey together. Let's bring back the fun and excitement into our photography!THE BIG IDEASBreak Free from Comparison: Limiting time on social media reduces self-doubt and lets your unique creative instincts guide your photography.Harness the Power of Play: Setting aside the need for technical perfection and intentionally embracing experimentation reignites inspiration and excitement.Embrace Imperfection: Destroying or altering your photos through printing, drawing, or editing teaches you to value process over perfection and fosters creative growth.Celebrate Tangible Achievement: Printing your work provides clear, tangible proof of progress and strengthens your confidence as you develop your photographic eye.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!

#394 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, we delve into Photography Manifesto Rule #7: The Only Photographer You Are In Competition With Is Yourself and the power of embracing our own unique style. We explore the pitfalls of seeking validation solely through social media engagement and the importance of prioritizing personal growth over comparison to others. From trying new techniques to stepping out of our comfort zones, we learn that true progress comes from experimentation and self-reflection. We discover the value of seeking feedback and the opportunities for growth it brings. Join us as we break free from external expectations, embrace our own creative journey, and tap into the limitless potential that lies within us. Get ready to expand your photography skills and capture the moments that truly inspire you.THE BIG IDEASYour Journey Is Unique: No one else shares your creative path; comparing yourself to others stifles personal growth and fulfillment.Trends Fade, Vision Endures: Chasing popular styles may bring temporary recognition, but lasting satisfaction and originality come from developing your own approach.Mistakes Fuel Progress: Each error or failed experiment teaches you more about your craft—embrace these as vital learning steps. Growth Is Personal: True improvement comes from outdoing your past self, not by measuring against others; self-compassion and patience are essential.Links and Resources:Listen to the full Photography Manifesto Episode, BPP 334Join The Beginner Photography Podcast CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

#393 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I answer several listener questions about improving their photography skills. From adjusting camera settings on the fly to upgrading equipment, we cover it all. If you're struggling with adjusting settings in the moment, I'll share tips on how to get better over time through practice and understanding your camera. We'll also discuss the benefits and differences between shooting in RAW and JPEG, and how both can enhance your photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this episode will provide insights and practical advice to help you on your photography journey. So grab your camera, tune in, and get ready to take your skills to the next level!The Questions we answer in this episode:Do I need to shoot RAW to edit photos of an upcoming trip?How can I practice changing camera settings on the flyWhat camera would be the logical next step for me?Should I upgrade my camera or my lens? Are teleconverters worth it?Is HDR outdated? If so, how to landscape photographers get so much detail in their images?How can I make the biggest impact and start a photography gallery showing?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!

#392 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with commercial, fashion, and personal branding photographer Dauss Miller. We delve into the creative use of light and motion in photography. Dauss shares his insights and experiences, offering valuable lessons for photographers of all levels. You'll discover the power of understanding artificial light, starting with reflectors and experimenting with different lighting sources outdoors. Dauss also emphasizes the importance of capturing the essence of a subject and their story, unlocking their true impact through photography. So, grab your camera and join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the art of photography and unleash our creativity. Get ready to learn, be inspired, and take your photography to new levels!THE BIG IDEAS Create From Emotion, Not Imitation: Your most powerful images come from what you genuinely feel, not from copying others. Channel what’s inside you to create authentic art.Embrace Your Unique Story: Your life experiences are irreplaceable content for your photography. Use them to craft images that no one else can replicate.Seek Less Input, Start Sooner: You’re more ready than you think—don’t wait for perfection. Limited resources and basic knowledge are often enough to begin making an impact.Constraints Fuel Creativity: Boundaries—whether client needs or equipment limitations—can actually spark deeper creative solutions. Use them as a springboard for innovation.Links and Resources:Photographer Dauss Miller's WebsiteFollow Dauss on InstagramGrab 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!

#391 In this Community Spotlight episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mason Tierney, who shares his valuable insights and experiences. Throughout our conversation, we explore the transition from social media platforms to a dedicated community, the power of engaging with supportive individuals, and the importance of both technical and creative aspects of photography. Mason also shares his perspectives on film photography and the pros and cons of having different cameras for different moods.THE BIG IDEASProgress Is Ongoing: Photographic growth doesn’t end; you’ll always be refining your eye and style as you shoot and learn from each experience.Let Go of Perfection: When you allow yourself to relinquish control over every camera setting, you open up space for more creative, spontaneous images.Experimentation Fuels Creativity: Trying different cameras, shooting styles, and genres (from flowers to street scenes) helps you discover what ignites your passion most.Community Matters: Joining a supportive, feedback-driven group creates a positive space to ask questions, share struggles, and get the encouragement needed to keep improving.Links and Resources:Follow Mason on InstagramCheck out Masons work on his CloudSpot galleryJoin the new and private BPP CommunityGrab 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!

#390 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, we delve into the exciting transition of our BPP community from Facebook to our new private platform. I share the reasons behind this move, the limitations we faced on Facebook, and how this new platform will better serve our community's needs. We discuss Facebook's shift from a hub of connection to a profit-driven platform, and how this change has affected our learning and growth as photographers. I also share the exciting new features of our new community, including subtopics for better organization, improved feedback mechanisms, and a premium section for those ready to take their photography to the next level. Finally, I share some exciting future plans for our community, all designed to help you grow and succeed in your photography journey. So join me as we embark on this new chapter, and let's continue to learn and grow together in our new home!Join the all new and private Beginner Photography Podcast Community!https://www.beginnerphotographypodcast.com/new-bpp-community-joinGrab 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!

#389 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing branding photographer Alexis Meschi, who shared valuable insights on creating compelling content and building connections in the photography world. We discussed the importance of finding your authentic voice, evoking emotions through your images, and staying true to your intuition amidst distractions and comparisons. Alexis also provided practical tips on brand photography, such as developing a framework of questions for clients and researching strong brand visuals. To implement these lessons, start by planning your content and setting intentions before using social media. Reach out to local photographers for collaborative photo trades, and put yourself on the other side of the camera to share strategic and authentic content. Remember, this journey is about growth and connection, and with Alexis's guidance, you'll be well on your way towards creating beautiful and meaningful photography. So grab your notepad and get ready to elevate your photography game in this inspiring episode!THE BIG IDEASConnection Trumps Technique: Building a real relationship with your subjects and audience makes your images stand out and creates lasting impressions.Intentional Content, Not Just Photos: Posting with purpose—sharing about who you are and how you work—helps you get noticed in a sea of beautiful images.Plan to Succeed: Investing time in understanding your clients and prepping before a shoot leads to stronger, more resonant photography.Embrace Experimentation: Continually exploring new styles, ideas, and approaches keeps your work fresh and accelerates your creative growth.Links and Resources: Alexis Meschi’s websiteAlexis on InstagramAlexis on FacebookGrab 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!

#388 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Wet Plate photographer Shane Balkowitsch. We dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the impact of AI in the field of photography and the major problem of authenticity and classification. Through our discussion, we explore the ethical implications of AI-generated images and the need for transparency in distinguishing them from traditional photography. We also touch on the concept of art, the importance of intent, and the challenges faced by artists in the age of AI. THE BIG IDEASIntent Drives Art: The meaning behind each image matters more than ever—art stems from deliberate creation, not accidental output.Honesty Is Essential: Being transparent about your process, whether analog or digital, builds trust and preserves photography’s integrity.Embrace Creative Constraints: Limited resources or tools can push you to be more thoughtful and purposeful, leading to stronger and more meaningful photographs.Adapt, But Preserve Identity: While technology changes rapidly, staying rooted in what makes photography unique will set your work apart and ensure your voice remains authentic.Resources: Wet Plate Photographer Shane Balkowitsch's websiteGrab 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!