The Beginner Photography Podcast

#541 Erika Greco is a passionate amateur photographer from Charleston, South Carolina. Erika shares her unique journey into photography, which began in a magnet high school for the arts and evolved alongside her professional career in theater. A central theme in her story is the decision to keep photography as a creative outlet rather than a business, an approach that aligns with her desire to serve and connect with her community.KEY TOPICS COVEREDJourney into Photography - Erika shares how her high school exposure to photography sparked a lifelong passion, illustrating the importance of exploring different artistic mediums.Photography as Art vs. Business - Erika discusses her struggles with the pressure to monetize photography and her conscious decision to maintain it as a hobby, offering a perspective on the value of art for self-expression.Overcoming Technical Challenges - Erika elaborates on her transition from film to digital photography and how she navigated the technical challenges she encountered, providing insights into the learning process.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSVergleichungsspiel: The concept of the "comparison game," highlighting the issues of self-doubt and standards in creative fields.Photography for Service: Using photography to connect with others and support community needs, showcasing its role beyond personal artistic expression.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow can photographers balance the pressure to monetize their skills with their passion for the craft?In what ways can photography serve as a tool for community engagement and service?RESOURCES:Follow Erika Greco on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikadgreco/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!

#540 Photo Q&AIn Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I answer a variety of listener-submitted questions about photography. The episode covers key aspects of wedding photography, editing workflows, equipment considerations, camera settings, lighting setups for studios, the impact of personal experiences on photography, and more. KEY TOPICS COVEREDWedding Photography Tips:Explanation: Raymond discusses key considerations for first-time wedding photographers, such as the importance of following the bride and groom, capturing candid moments, and understanding the significance of a wedding day.Key Takeaways: Focus on enhancing the memory of the wedding day rather than capturing every detail, and consider renting essential equipment like a second camera body for reliability and insurance.Editing Workflow Optimization:Explanation: The episode shares strategies for effectively selecting and editing photos, emphasizing the significance of choosing the right moments.Key Takeaways: Utilize tools like Imagine for AI-assisted culling and prioritize personal artistry in photo selection.Studio Lighting Setup:Explanation: Raymond introduces the concept of a three-point lighting setup for studio photography, highlighting the use of key lights, fill lights, and backlights for creating dynamic portraits.Real-World Examples: He provides practical advice on equipment choices and configurations for achieving professional lighting effects indoors.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSThree-Point Lighting Setup: A lighting method involving a key light, fill light, and backlight to create depth and separation in portraits.Culling: The process of selecting the best photos from a shoot, which can be optimized using AI tools like Imagine.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow do you approach capturing key moments in high-pressure scenarios like weddings?In what ways can personal experiences shape a photographer's artistic style and subject matter?RESOURCES:Check out Imagen AI - https://imagen-ai.com/Get Your Reusable Silica Gel Packets - https://amzn.to/3WVAnUwSign 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!

#539 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Bryan Caporicci, a seasoned wedding photographer who blends business acumen with artistic passion. Bryan shares insights into navigating the photography landscape by focusing on foundational skills, emphasizing patience, and finding personal joy in photography. He highlights the importance of technical mastery before creative exploration and the value of building meaningful connections.THE BIG IDEAS Master the Basics: Understand your camera settings thoroughly before diving into complex photography scenarios. A solid foundation sets the stage for creativity. Practice Under Pressure: Learn to operate your camera instinctively in high-pressure situations. This skill is invaluable, particularly in fast-paced environments like weddings.Slow Down for Success: Embrace a patient approach to photography and avoid rushing through your learning process. Long-term success is built gradually.Embrace Creativity: Once technical mastery is second nature, focus on capturing moments, emotions, and stories that resonate and tell a unique narrative.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANEnhance Technical Confidence: Spend an hour each day practicing different camera settings until they become second nature. Conduct small self-assigned projects focusing on low-light and fast-paced scenarios.Develop Real-World Experience: Volunteer as a second shooter for a local event photographer to gain experience. Shadow a professional to learn the dynamics of different shoot environments. Build a Portfolio of Experiences: Select 5 personal favorite photos that highlight varied skills like lighting, composition, and emotion. Create a physical or digital album and update it monthly to track progress.Connect with Professional Circles: Attend local photography meet-ups to network and seek mentorship. Practice engaging with other photographers through collaborative projects or photo walks.Explore Personal Creativity: Dedicate time each week to a creative project that pushes your boundaries. Experiment with different genres of photography to discover new inspirations.RESOURCES:Visit Bryan Caporicci's Website - https://www.bcapphoto.com/Follow Bryan Caporicci on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bcapphoto/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!

#538 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Mandy Wright, Esteban Gil, Nicole Begley, Rhea Whitney, and Michelle Harris down at Imaging USA about the art of marketing your photography business. You'll gain insights into building client relationships, valuing your work, and maintaining passion in your art.THE BIG IDEAS Create Lasting Client Relationships: Investing in genuine connections with clients can drive word-of-mouth referrals, expanding your network organically.Self-Awareness Enhances Success: Understanding what truly aligns with your values and interests can prevent burnout and guide your career path effectively.Business Adaptability: Adapting your strategy to leverage free resources and tools like social media and online communities can accelerate your growth.Finding Joy Amid Chaos: Enjoyment and playfulness in your work ensure sustained passion, even amidst the pressures of turning your hobby into a business.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANBuild Client Relationships: Attend events or dinners if invited to show your investment in clients' special occasions. Ensure clear, timely communication, keeping your interactions positive and professional.Develop Self-Awareness: Journal your thoughts about what feels right in your business to better align with your goals. Periodically reassess your service offerings to ensure satisfaction and fulfillment.Leverage Free Resources: Utilize social media platforms to showcase your work and engage with potential clients. Join online photography communities for knowledge sharing and mentorship opportunities.Embrace Creativity: Plan personal photography projects that excite and challenge your artistic boundaries. Explore new techniques or gear periodically to keep your skills dynamic and evolving.Focus on Genuine Networking: Connect with fellow photographers for support, inspiration, and potential collaborations. Attend workshops and conferences to learn from seasoned professionals and grow your circle.RESOURCES:Video: 12 Professional Photographers Share Best Marketing Advice for New Shooters - https://youtu.be/ySbMqA0k29wVisit Mandy Wright's Website - https://www.mandywrightphotography.com/Visit Esteban Gil's Website - https://www.egilphoto.com/Visit Nicole Begley's Website - https://hairofthedogacademy.com/Visit Rhea Whitney's Website - https://rheawhitney.com/Visit Michelle Harris' Website - https://mharrisstudios.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!

#537 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Kelly Lawson, a passionate photographer who transitioned from the healthcare field to create a successful photography career. Kelly shares her journey, highlighting the allure of creativity and entrepreneurship that photography offers. She emphasizes the importance of mastering light and using minimal resources effectively to elevate your photography skills. THE BIG IDEAS Explore Your Creative Outlet: Photography is a beautiful way to express creativity outside of your day job and discover new entrepreneurial opportunities.Find Joy in Small Wins: Each photographic success, no matter how small, builds confidence; cherish these moments to propel your learning.Appreciate the Power of Teaching: Sharing your knowledge with others is both rewarding and reinforces your own skills.Utilize One Light Source: Simplifying your lighting setup lets you focus on mastering the fundamentals and achieving clearer, crisper photos.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANExperiment with Natural Light: Observe how natural light changes throughout the day. Use large windows or open shade outdoors for consistent lighting without harsh shadows.Create a Simple Background: Purchase affordable foam core or cardstock to create a seamless background that enhances your product photos. Set up a small, clean photo area in your home with these materials.Focus on a Single Subject: Start with a simple object like a coffee cup and explore different angles and lighting setups. Capture it from various perspectives to understand how angles influence perception.Connect with Your Target Audience: Tailor your photos to captivate your intended audience by thinking about what excites them. Brainstorm visual elements that resonate with your audience's interests.Rekindle Your Passion: Regularly revisit your initial motivations for taking up photography to reignite your passion. Reflect on your journey and acknowledge your growth. RESOURCES:Visit Kelly Lawson's Website - https://kellylawson.ca/Follow Kelly Lawson on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kellyslawson/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!

#536 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sabrina Gebhardt, who unravels the significance of honing your artistic vision and emphasizes the power of authenticity in your portfolio. We explore her journey from picking up a camera after a break to running a successful photography business, uncovering strategies to building a compelling portfolio, dealing with imposter syndrome, and using model calls to fuel creativity.THE BIG IDEAS Define Your Artistic Vision: Knowing your artistic take helps you create images that stand out and resonate with your audience.Embrace the Journey: Understand that portfolio building is an evolving process that grows and changes with your experiences.Attract and Repel: Curate your work to consistently reflect the type of clients you want to attract and deter those who aren't a good fit.The Power of Model Calls: Use model calls to experiment with new ideas and elevate your portfolio without client pressures.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCreate a Vision Board: Use Pinterest to create a secret board with images that elicit a strong emotional response. Analyze the pinned images to identify common themes and styles that resonate with you.Schedule Test Shoots: Organize model calls with specific criteria that align with your vision, including location, outfits, and subjects. Use these sessions to experiment with new techniques and refine your style without client pressure.Regularly Update Your Portfolio: Set aside time each month to review and update your portfolio, ensuring it reflects your latest and best work. Remove any images that do not align with the type of photography you want to book.Network within Your Niche: Join online communities or local groups focused on your photography niche to exchange ideas and get feedback. Attend niche-specific workshops or retreats to hone your skills and stay inspired.Practice Selective Sharing: Only share photographs on social media and your website that truly reflect your artistic vision and desired clientele. Use captions, blogs, and behind-the-scenes content to narrate your creative process and vision, building a connection with your audience.RESOURCES:Visit Sabrina Gebhardt 's Website - https://sabrinagebhardt.com/Follow Sabrina Gebhardt  on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography/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!

#535 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Tyi Reddick, a passionate street photographer who shares his journey of using photography as a meaningful expression of his recovery. Tyi dives into the emotional and generational connections behind his favorite black-and-white captures. He emphasizes the importance of documenting family moments and building confidence through community support.THE BIG IDEASCapture Authentic Moments: Focus on photographing real, heartfelt moments rather than staged scenes; authenticity resonates deeply.Embrace Community Support: Join photography groups for encouragement and constructive feedback; a supportive community can boost confidence.Experiment and Learn: Don’t shy away from complex settings; hands-on experience with your camera is crucial for growth.Document Family Memories: Prioritize capturing significant family moments; these photos can become timeless treasures.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Genuine Emotions: Photograph family gatherings or candid moments at home to capture real emotions. Use black and white to emphasize the emotional depth of your photos.Engage with Online Communities: Join a photography-focused Facebook group and actively participate in discussions. Share your photos and ask for constructive feedback to improve.Master Camera Functions: Switch your camera to manual mode and practice adjusting aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Take a series of shots in various lighting conditions to understand how these settings interact.Enhance Your Portfolio: Start with a simple digital portfolio, showcasing your best work in black and white and color. Include a mix of street, family, and emotional photographs for variety.Plan Photo Sessions: Carry your camera daily and commit to taking photos spontaneously. Schedule dedicated photo walks to practice street photography and engage with potential subjects.RESOURCES:Follow Tyi Reddick on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tyis_eyes/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!

#534 In this episode of the podcast, I tackle the challenges of embracing the learning curve in photography. If you feel stuck or frustrated by your lack of progress, this episode is designed to help you reconnect with your passion and find joy in the process. You'll discover the importance of making small, consistent efforts and how to give yourself permission to experiment and explore creatively. What You'll Learn:Reconnect with Your “Why”Discover the importance of understanding why you picked up the camera in the first place.Experiment Without PressureLearn how releasing the need for perfection helps unlock your creativity.Take Small, Consistent StepsFind out why small, regular practice sessions are better than occasional intensive ones.Reflect on Your GrowthRealize the benefits of looking back at your older work to see your progress and stay motivated.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!

#533 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Ashley Marston, an accomplished birth and family photographer from British Columbia, Canada. Ashley opens up about her journey from film to digital photography and the deeply personal moments that shaped her career. She shares her method of balancing documentary and lifestyle photography, offering insightful advice on maintaining creativity, engaging with clients, and conquering the unique challenges of birth photography.THE BIG IDEASFinding Your Vision: Identifying a meaningful subject that you love to photograph can reveal your potential and passion, just as it did for Ashley.Evolving with Technology: Embracing new tools like digital cameras can open up opportunities to experiment, improve, and expand your skills.Balancing Control and Authenticity: Knowing when to direct a scene and when to let moments unfold naturally leads to genuine, impactful photographs.Staying Motivated: Maintaining a positive mindset and communication with clients ensures rejuvenation and high-quality work despite unexpected challenges.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANExplore and Understand Lighting: Spend time observing how light changes throughout the day in various settings. Experiment with different lighting techniques, such as backlighting or using reflectors, to see their effects on your photos.Practice Authentic Moments: Capture everyday moments of your family or friends, focusing on candid shots that tell a story. Choose a relaxed setting and let the subjects act naturally, aiming for unposed and genuine interactions.Develop a Consistent Creative Routine: Start a Project 365, committing to take and post one meaningful photo every day. Use this project to focus on different aspects of photography each month, such as lighting, composition, or movement.Engage with Your Subject: Communicate with your subjects before and during the shoot to make them comfortable and involved in the process. Plan your sessions around typical family activities to capture authentic moments that reflect their everyday life.Set and Track Your Photography Goals: Write down specific goals you want to achieve, such as getting featured in a publication or mastering a new technique. Regularly submit your best work to reputable competitions or communities to gauge progress and receive constructive feedback.RESOURCES:Visit Ashley Marston's Website - https://www.ashleymarstonphotography.com/Follow Ashley Marston on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleymarstonphotography/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!

#532 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sarah Wagner, an adept family and wedding photographer who has crafted a flourishing career through adaptability and practicality. Sarah shares her initial struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of balancing artistic vision with client expectations and the critical role of understanding lighting.THE BIG IDEASAdaptability Matters: Being flexible in your style and approach helps satisfy diverse client needs and keeps your business thriving despite life changes.Lighting is Key: Mastering natural light can drastically improve your image quality; understand its impact on various environments.Iterative Learning: Embrace mistakes and continuous practice to refine your skills; growth often comes from trial and error.Balancing Creativity and Client Needs: Harmonize your artistic vision with what clients want to ensure satisfaction and recurring business.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANMaster Natural Light: Observe and document how light changes throughout the day in different settings. Practice shooting in varied lighting conditions, manipulating light with simple tools like a reflector.Develop Your Style: Create a mood board with elements from photos you admire. Experiment with combining these elements to develop a unique style suited to your environment.Practice Adaptability: Plan sessions that balance posed and candid shots to cater to varying client needs. Review each session's feedback to adjust your techniques accordingly.Build Client Relationships: Communicate clearly with clients about their expectations before sessions. Follow up with clients post-session, asking for honest feedback and areas for improvement.Invest in Education: Enroll in online courses that focus on both the artistic and business aspects of photography. Attend workshops or join local photography groups to continually learn and network with peers.RESOURCES:Visit Sarah Wagner's Website - https://chasingcreativemedia.com/Follow Sarah Wagner on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chasingcreativemedia/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!