In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sara Bennett, a former criminal defense lawyer turned social justice and advocacy photographer, who shares her inspiring journey of using photography to humanize incarcerated women. Sara dives deep into her approach, emphasizing the power of storytelling and ethical considerations, and provides invaluable insights on building trust with subjects. THE BIG IDEASEmpower Through Stories: Capture authentic stories; let your subjects speak through your images for genuine emotional impact.Build Trust First: Establish a respectful relationship with your subjects. Trust leads to more genuine and relaxed photographs.Community Connections: Leverage word-of-mouth and community engagement to find your subjects. Organic connections create deeper insights.Protect Subject Integrity: Always protect the privacy and integrity of your subjects, ensuring they are comfortable with how their stories are shared.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANStart Conversations Before Shooting: Approach potential subjects with respect, share your project goals, and spend time talking without your camera. Write letters or emails to establish initial contact, explaining your intentions and building trust.Develop a Personal Photography Style: Engage deeply with your subject to uncover their story, taking time to understand their background. Experiment with capturing candid moments that reflect your subject's genuine emotions and experiences.Optimize Composition for Storytelling: Frame your shots to include elements that speak to your subject’s environment and context. Use written statements or captions to complement your images and provide deeper insight.Manage Ethical Considerations: Always explain how and where the photos will be used, obtaining consent for public display or media use. Avoid photographing situations or elements that could harm your subjects, ensuring their dignity and privacy.Showcase Your Work Thoughtfully: Curate exhibitions or create portfolios that prioritize the ethical representation of your subjects. Engage with audiences through guest books or feedback sections to create dialogue and empathy around your images.RESOURCES:Visit Sara Bennett's Website - https://sarabennett.org/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Dorie Howell, an insightful portrait photographer who has an amazing grasp on connecting with subjects emotionally. Dorie shares her journey from vocal performance to mastering the art of capturing meaningful moments with her camera. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Emotional Connection: Rather than just technical perfection, strive to capture the emotions and connections of your subjects, making your portraits more authentic and meaningful.Practice and Perseverance: Understand that photography skills develop over time. Be patient with yourself, practice frequently, and learn from every shoot.Constructive Feedback: Seek feedback from reputable sources and professionals to improve your skills. Avoid getting disheartened by non-constructive criticism, especially from unqualified sources.Cultural Sensitivity: Respect and adapt to the cultural differences of your clients to create a comfortable and trusting environment.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANPractice Emotional Connection in Portraits: Schedule portrait sessions with friends or family, focusing on capturing their genuine emotions and connections. Review the images critically, identifying moments where emotions are most strongly conveyed.Seek Constructive Feedback: Join a reputable photography forum or local photography group and share your work, explicitly asking for constructive feedback. Attend a workshop or seminar to get professional critiques on your photos and implement the suggestions.Develop Cultural Sensitivity: Create a standardized questionnaire to understand your clients' cultural preferences and expectations. Research and read about the cultural practices and preferences relevant to your diverse client base to build rapport and respect.Fine-Tune Technical Skills: Practice shooting in manual mode to gain confidence in controlling your camera settings. Experiment with off-camera flash in various lighting conditions and slowly familiarize yourself with equipment nuances.Streamline Client Communication: Draft a concise yet informative initial email template for client inquiries, providing basic pricing and requesting specific needs. Conduct follow-up phone calls to build a better understanding of client desires and to establish a personal connection.RESOURCES:Visit Dorie Howell's Website - https://www.doriehowell.com/Follow Dorie Howell on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedoriehowell/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Justin Haugen, a seasoned ex wedding photographer turned commercial and corporate photographer known for his expertise in commercial, and creative portraiture. Justin emphasizes the critical role of understanding and observing light in various situations and mastering flash photography, even if you typically prefer natural light. He shares insights from his career, including lessons on trusting your skills, adapting your style, and the importance of continuous learning.THE BIG IDEASUnderstanding Light: Continuous awareness and understanding of light's role improve your compositions. Observe the direction, quality, and type of light in various situations.Embracing Flash Photography: Even if you prefer natural light, learning flash techniques enhances your overall lighting skills, making you a versatile photographer.Trust and Effort: Trust in your abilities and put in the effort; skills develop over time with continuous practice and experience.Adaptability: Be open to evolving your style and approach based on market needs and personal growth. Flexibility is vital in sustaining a long-term career.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANUnderstand Lighting Basics: Spend time observing different lighting conditions throughout the day. Notice how light direction and quality change. Experiment with creating both soft and hard light using household items like lamps and curtains.Learn Flash Photography: Start with basic flash techniques, like bouncing light off the ceiling or walls to soften shadows. Practice using flash in various settings, adjusting intensity and position to see their effects on your images.Build a Versatile Portfolio: Gather images that showcase a variety of techniques, from natural light to flash photography. Ensure each photo highlights your understanding of lighting and composition.Engage with Subjects: Practice interacting with subjects to make them comfortable, improving the authenticity of your portraits. Conduct shoots in different environments, guiding subjects naturally to best capture their expressions and stories.Focus on Continuous Learning: Take on new challenges and projects that push your skills beyond your comfort zone. Look for online resources, workshops, or courses that can help you refine your techniques and learn new ones.RESOURCES:Visit Justin Haugen's Website - https://www.justinhaugen.com/Follow Justin Haugen on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/photowarlock Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Craig Strong, an innovative wedding photographer with a flair for storytelling. Craig shares how his unique Lensbaby experimentations transformed his approach to capturing moments, making his work stand out. He dives into the importance of storytelling, relying on photojournalism skills, and learning from sports photography. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Storytelling: Great photography is about capturing the essence of moments, not just staged shots. Focus on the narrative behind each image.Learn from Missed Moments: Reflect on missed moments to anticipate future important events and improve your ability to capture them.Experiment with Equipment: Don't shy away from trying new lenses or gear. Experimentation can lead to discovering new creative possibilities.Push Through Fear: Transitioning into new methods requires courage. Embrace the fear of the unknown as a part of your growth process.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Authentic Moments: Start by photographing candid moments at local events or family gatherings. Focus on the emotion and story behind each shot rather than setting up posed pictures.Create a Practice Schedule: Dedicate time each week to practice anticipatory shooting, especially in dynamic environments like sports or street photography. Review your photos to identify successful captures and missed opportunities to learn and improve.Experiment with New Gear: Try using different lens converters or lens baby products to see how they alter your perspective and creativity. Document the outcomes and analyze how each tool changes your photo’s storytelling potential.Join a Photography Community: Engage in online forums or social media groups such as Instagram and Facebook communities where photographers share their experimental work. Participate in challenges or critique sessions to receive feedback and get inspired by others’ creativity.Develop a Storytelling Portfolio: Assemble a collection of photos that tell a story, including a mix of candid moments, detailed shots, and environmental context. Continuously update your portfolio to reflect your growth and experiments, showcasing your ability to capture authentic narratives.RESOURCES:Visit Lensbaby's Website - https://lensbaby.com/Follow Lensbaby on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lensbabyusa/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast I asked BPP community moderators Jim Sinicki and Kim Irish to join me in a fun discussion about photography and the community. They asked you, members of the BPP community questions and I do my best to answer them. The Big Ideas:Embrace Discomfort in Your Photography Journey: Challenging environments yield unique opportunities. Whether it’s a rugged landscape or dense urban streets, discomfort can push your creative boundaries.Start planning a photo expedition to a challenging location, like a local street photography workshop or a remote nature hike.Prepare for these conditions with proper gear and mental readiness to turn discomfort into creative success.Tackle Imposter Syndrome Head-On: Feelings of doubt are common, especially when pricing your work or comparing yourself to others. Recognizing them as part of the journey can reduce their power.Reflect on your achievements and client feedback regularly to build confidence.Engage with a supportive photography community for encouragement and constructive feedback.Value Your Work Appropriately: Pricing should reflect the quality and effort you put into your photography. Reassessing your rates can prevent undervaluation and communicate professionalism.Conduct market research to understand the going rates for comparable work.Don’t be afraid to incrementally increase your prices and communicate the value you bring to clients.Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with talented wedding and engagement photographer Terri Baskin, whose unique engagement sessions stand out in the photography world. Terri shares exceptional insights from a memorable Las Vegas engagement shoot that required meticulous planning and coordination. She emphasizes the importance of truly understanding and connecting with your clients to capture their personalities and emotions authentically. Throughout our discussion, you'll learn practical techniques to elevate your engagement sessions and foster lasting client relationships. Today you'll learn how you can transform your approach, making your photoshoots more relaxed, enjoyable, and visually stunning for your clients.THE BIG IDEASClient Connection: Understanding your clients' personalities and preferences is essential for capturing authentic and emotional photos.Thoughtful Planning: Meticulous planning ensures that every detail, from locations to outfits, aligns with the couple's vision and the photos' aesthetic.Natural Posing: Direct couples into natural, relaxed poses to avoid stiff, posed looks and bring out their genuine connection.Versatility in Shots: Providing a variety of poses, angles, and backgrounds keeps the sessions dynamic and ensures the couple has diverse images to cherish.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANEngage with Clients: Schedule a pre-shoot meeting to discuss their story, preferences, and vision. Prepare a detailed engagement prep guide to help them feel ready and excited.Plan and Scout Locations: Select locations that reflect the couple's personalities and desired theme. Visit the sites in advance to determine the best spots and lighting.Natural Directing Techniques: Use prompts and playful activities to help couples relax and interact naturally. Communicate consistently during the session to keep them engaged and comfortable.Build a Balanced Portfolio: Capture a mix of wide, medium, and tight shots, both horizontally and vertically. Include diverse poses and locations to showcase your versatility and meet various client needs.RESOURCES:Check out Wedding Photographer Terri Baskins Website - Follow Terri on Instagram -  Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with BPP Community Member Shane Wilkie, who transitioned from photographing skateboarding to Hockey and sports photography and commercial work while focusing on emotional storytelling. Shane shares his experiences capturing university events, the emotional depth he aims to achieve in his photos, and the impact of his volunteer work on his career. He also discusses the importance of seeking constructive feedback and the enriching journey of creating art that resonates emotionally with viewers. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Emotional Storytelling: Focus on capturing photographs that evoke deep emotions and tell compelling stories. Your images should invite viewers to feel and imagine beyond the frame. Build Confidence Through Practice: Consistent practice in varied environments helps you become more comfortable and proficient, leading to stronger, more impactful photos. Learn from Unpaid Opportunities: Volunteering or taking unpaid photography assignments can provide invaluable experience, grow your network, and enhance your skills while building your portfolio. Constantly Seek Constructive Feedback: Constructive criticism is vital in refining your craft. Engage with photography communities and mentors to gain views and critiques that will help you improve.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANFocus on Emotional Storytelling: Spend time conceptualizing the emotion you wish to convey before shooting. Pay attention to your subjects' expressions, body language, and surroundings.Build Your Confidence: Attend a variety of events, from local sports games to community festivals, to practice photographing different scenarios. Review your work critically, identifying your strongest photos and understanding what made them successful. Volunteer for Experience: Reach out to local organizations, events, or non-profits that could benefit from your photography services. Treat each assignment as a learning experience and push your creative boundaries.Seek Constructive Feedback: Join local photography clubs or online forums where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism. Approach experienced photographers for feedback and mentorship. Upgrade Your Gear: Research and invest wisely in cameras, lenses, and accessories that will enhance your capabilities. Experiment with the settings and functions to fully understand its capabilities, enabling you to use your gear effectively and creatively.RESOURCES:Visit Shane Wilkie's Website - https://www.shanewilkie.com/ Follow Shane Wilkie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shanewilkie/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Todd Laffler, an experienced wedding photographer who shifted his focus from technical perfection to capturing authentic, candid moments. Todd shares his journey, evolving from prioritizing creative techniques to cherishing genuine connections between couples. THE BIG IDEASCherish Authentic Moments: Capturing genuine emotions over staged shots creates more meaningful images that resonate with your subjects and audience.Develop Observation Skills: Being attentive to people's emotions and relationships allows you to seize candid, heartfelt moments in your photography.Prioritize Simplicity: Simple compositions with clean backgrounds and even lighting enhance the couple's connection without overcomplicating the scene.Focus on Genuine Connections: Emphasize the couple's bond by directing positive body language and authentic interactions, creating more natural and timeless photos.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANObserve and Read Emotions: Spend time watching body language and facial expressions in everyday settings to hone your observational skills. During photo shoots, take a step back and let moments unfold naturally, capturing genuine interactions.Simplify Your Compositions: Focus on clean backgrounds and even light to minimize distractions and emphasize your subjects. Use a longer lens to capture candid moments from a distance, ensuring a more authentic capture.Encourage Authentic Interactions: Prompt couples with fun activities like thumb wrestling or simple games to elicit genuine emotions. Allow enough time for couples to relax and connect, adding movement if they seem stiff.Embrace Spontaneity: Go beyond planned shots and seek different perspectives and angles to maximize each moment's potential. Trust your instincts and experience to capture unexpected, authentic moments without over-relying on creative setups.Focus on Genuine Images Over Techniques: Avoid overcomplicating shots with excessive techniques and prioritize the couple's connection. Reflect on each shot's meaning to your subjects, focusing less on impressing others and more on authentic storytelling.RESOURCES:Visit Todd Laffler's Website - https://lafflerphotography.com/Follow Todd Laffler on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddlaffler Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

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/alisonconklin Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

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 Ideas:Pricing 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 Plan:Evaluate 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 the Beginner Photography Podcast! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!