The Beginner Photography Podcast

#360 On this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, we continue the ten-part Photography Manifesto series by tackling the third rule: Moment matters most in photography, not camera settings. I encourage you to focus on capturing life's moments and define a moment as subject matter, timing, and composition. I also share the 3 step process to capturing better moments. I provides examples of moments and emphasizes that photography should capture life as it happens.THE BIG IDEASMoment Over Mechanics: The essence of a great photograph is the moment it captures, not the technical settings behind it.Photography Is Personal: The best shots have meaning for you or your subject—not just for viewers online.Visualization Drives Results: Pre-visualizing what you want to capture helps you notice and anticipate exceptional moments.Patience Pays Off: Being willing to observe and wait often results in the most compelling, story-rich images.Resources:Listen to the full Photography Manifesto Episode, BPP 334Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

#359 In Today's Episode of the podcast I chat with...Headshot Photographer Gary Huges, who shares actionable strategies for maintaining profitability in your photography business, from client acquisition to managing job costs. You will discover how to align your business practices with your passion for photography, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling career path.What You'll Learn:Profitability Focus: Learn why taking unprofitable jobs harms your business and how maintaining a profitable portfolio is crucial.Client Acquisition: Gain insights into effective marketing and client acquisition strategies that align with your budget requirements.Mindset Shift: Understand the importance of thinking like a businessperson and prioritizing sustainable business practices over artistic sentiments.Networking Opportunities: Discover the benefits of engaging with local business communities, like the Chamber of Commerce, to generate new leads.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!

#358 On this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, the importance of ethical decision-making in photography is explored. Host Raymond Hatfield and guest Savannah Dodd delve into the personal and contextual factors that contribute to ethical decision making, and the impact of sharing a photograph. They discuss the lack of clear-cut ethical guidelines and provide tips for cultivating ethical decision-making skills. Savannah shares her personal experience navigating ethical challenges working with a charity in Uganda and gives advice on photographing ethical subjects. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to create their own photographer's statement of ethics.Savannah Dodd is a passionate photographer who believes in the immense power of photography for good. With her camera, she strives to shape how others see the world in a responsible and conscious way. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to be more mindful of their power and use it to create a better world.THE BIG IDEASConsider Intentions: Before taking a photograph, ask yourself why you want to capture the image and what message you want to convey.Question Assumptions: Challenge stereotypes and avoid using individuals as props in your photographs.Awareness and Responsibility: Understand the power of photography and the impact your images can have on others.Ethical Decision-Making: Recognize that ethical choices in photography are highly personal and context-dependent.Resources:Create your own Statement of EthicsCheck out the Photo Ethics Center and listen to the podcast!Savannah’s Photography WebsiteJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

#357 You have photo questions, I want to answer them for you here on the show.Whenever you have a question about photography, day or night, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, head to https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa , and send me your questions.After shooting for more than a decade and interviewing 300+ world class photographers, its time to share some of that practical information with you!THE BIG IDEASQuality Over Speed Wins: Focusing on craftsmanship and genuine client connection ensures your work will stand apart, even in a world of instant digital creation.Safe Communities Fuel Growth: Seeking out or contributing to positive, supportive photography groups helps foster learning, creativity, and confidence without fear of harsh judgment.Adaptability Encourages Longevity: Being open to change—be it new technology or legal best practices—keeps your creativity and career resilient in an evolving industry.Clarity Builds Trust: Clear communication, especially around expectations and contracts, protects both you and your clients, leading to better outcomes and relationships.Todays Photography Questions:Will AI replace the role of a photographerDo I need photo contracts before shooting?Do I need photo contracts when shooting street photography?Whats better, Photoshop or Lightroom?Can you make it as a photographer without learning Photoshop?What the best camera under $2000 to photograph wildlifeWhat is the best lens for wildlife photography?What Im shooting now that Im not focused on WeddingsResources:Ask your photography questions to get answered on the show!Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

This podcast follows Harry Skeggs, a fine art wildlife photographer, to discuss the impact and importance of photography in preserving the world. He motivates listeners to take a tool in their hands to influence the world and bring awareness to issues near and far. He shares his story of not knowing the value of photography until he was forced to have time for himself due to an accident, and ended up winning runner-up in a Nat Geo Photography of the Year competition.The Big Ideas with Timestamps00:03:09 Learn art to take better photos.00:11:43 Animals are family members.00:13:39 Follow your passion.00:22:52 Tell a story before taking photos.00:27:00 Protect animals we love.00:30:06 Wildlife conservation is essential.00:39:03 Make mistakes to improve photography.00:43:15 Be the change you want.Resources:Fine Art Wildlife Photographer Harry Skegg’s websiteFollow Harry on InstagramJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

#355 On this episode, I interview photographer and educator Heather Lahtinen about how to tackle the feelings of overwhelm that come with learning photography. Heather explains how she became an unintentional wedding photographer and eventually made the transition to going full-time.THE BIG IDEASOverwhelm Is a Choice: Feeling overwhelmed is normal, but it’s often a self-imposed barrier. Flip the narrative—view challenges as exciting adventures, not obstacles.Progress Over Perfection: You don’t have to be the best from the start. Commit to improving just a little each week and focus on your journey, not comparison.Action Beats Fear: Waiting until you’re “ready” and free of doubt will only hold you back. Growth comes from shooting, learning, and saying yes before you’re comfortable.Your Value Goes Beyond Gear: Clients value the connection and experience you offer, not just technical perfection. Confidence and authenticity resonate more than perfect images.Resources:The Flourish AcademyThe Flourish Academy on InstagramFlourish Academy Episode 73: How to deal with imposter syndromeHeathers Free Pricing guide for photographersJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

#354 On this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, host Raymond Hatfield interviews Anja Poehlmann, a documentary family life photographer. They discuss how shooting every day can affect both creativity and personality. Anja also shares how digital cameras have made shooting easier since she moved to Hawaii for a 6-month internship. She created a website as a way to document her life in her new home and was inspired to start shooting photography as a career.THE BIG IDEASCelebrate Authentic Moments: Capturing genuine, everyday experiences creates meaningful photos that reflect real life—not just posed perfection.Embrace Imperfection: Accept clutter, chaos, and less-than-ideal lighting as part of your story. These imperfections often reveal true emotion and connection.Commit to Daily Creativity: Practicing photography every day, even in tough conditions, builds discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving.Guide Your Perspective with Intention: Ask yourself (and your subjects) what moments are truly valuable to document, then use your unique viewpoint to create images that matter.Resources:Brighton Family Photographer Anja Poehlmann’s website Follow Anja on InstagramJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

#352 Today I cover Photography Manifesto Rule #2, To Be A Half Way Decent Photographer You Must Dedicate All of Your Available Time To It. That this does not mean focusing on it 24/7, instead I urge you to keep a photographical eye on in-between moments. THE BIG IDEASStory and Emotion Matter Most: Great photos are built on the ability to convey stories and emotions, not just technical perfection.Dedicate Attention, Not Just Time: You grow as a photographer by consciously looking for moments, light, and composition in daily life—even without a camera in hand.Tools Are Just Tools: Mastering your camera settings is valuable, but true artistry comes from seeing creatively and telling stories.Critically Engage with Photography: Evaluating both your own and others’ photos deepens your understanding and improves your skills.Resources:Listen to the full Photography Manifesto Episode, BPP 334Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

#351 In this episode I delve deep into the importance of making mistakes and how it can help photographers develop their skills faster. I share how Huy Nguyen, one of the most talented wedding photographers shares his wisdom surrounding the knowledge vs wisdom paradigm and learning through practical experience. Through this, Raymond tries to encourage listeners to take risks, make mistakes and not be afraid in order to elevate their photography and understanding of the craft.THE BIG IDEASMistakes Fuel Growth: Every error teaches a lesson that knowledge alone can’t provide; real learning comes from doing and adjusting after setbacks.Perfection Isn’t the Goal: Even the most seasoned professionals expect things to go wrong. Chasing perfection only creates fear and stunts progress.Experience Beats Theory: Practical, hands-on shooting will teach you more than endless hours of tutorials ever could. Wisdom is earned, not downloaded.Reflect and Share: Owning your missteps and discussing them with others accelerates improvement and builds community with fellow photographers.Resources:Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!

Mica McCook is an Austin based food photographer. Mica recollects her journey to becoming a photographer which had begun in 2015 when her then-boyfriend encouraged her to take up photography as a business. On receiving payment from her first gig, she realized she could turn it into a career. Mica shares how she began her journey as a photographer by experimenting with different types of photography, and eventually landed on food photography. Mica believes that light is an important element of her work and uses it to create dramatic photos.The Big TakeawaysYou can be a photographer.Start with a passion.Develop emotional sensitivity.Learn the rules to break them.Bring life to still images.Try the thing.Light and shadows create art.Prepare before shooting.Give yourself permission to fail.Resources:Check out Austin Food Photographer Mica McCook’s websiteListen to the Savory Shot PodcastFollow Mica on InstagramJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries todayFree Lightroom Presets!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!