The Beginner Photography Podcast

This week I talk about how having a beginner’s mindset will set you up best for success and continued growth in your photography journey. I break down 4 tips that will help you stay as much of a beginner as long as possible.Tip 1: Do the OppositeGo against what you’ve been told to try something new. Use a wide angle lens and get close to your subject or use a telephoto lens and get really far away so your subject is small in the frame.Tip 2: Do what others won’t, to take photos like others can’t.Last year I interviewed Shane Balkowitch photographers using an almost 200-year-old method to capture images. He doesn’t do it because it’s easy and because so few shoot wet plates he has quickly made quite a name for himself.Tip 3: Change Your RythmWhen you start to feel bored of your photos like you’re taking the same photo over and over again producing the same images, change up your style and allow yourself complete creative freedom in your editing. I use many of the  52 Free Lightroom Presets we offer to go crazy on an image just to see different possibilities.Tip 4: Share your PhotosBeing open and sharing your image may feel scary but it’s the best way to learn and grow from others who have come before you to get valuable feedback. Resources: Download our 52 Free Lightroom PresetsJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign 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!

Steven’s Wallace is a Banff and destination wedding photographer with a passion for film photography. Today we talk about Steven’s love of film, why the film vs digital debate is garbage, and great tips for new photographer looking to get started in film photography.In This Episode You'll Learn:How Steven got into photographyWhat Steven struggled with most in the beginning and how he overcame itHow Steven started shooting weddingsWhy the film vs digital debate is uselessStevens film photography workflowHow Steven edits film and digital photos together to create a cohesive lookWhere to develop your own filmSome great beginner cameras and films to start withResources:Banff Wedding Photographer Steven Wallace’s websiteRead why Steven loves shooting filmStudioc41 PodcastSteven Wallace on InstagramJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign 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!

Miquel Quiles is a portrait and beauty photographer, educator, and Sony Artisan. Miquel has a unique style of both photography and education. Miquel can break down complex photography topics into easy-to-understand bite-sized chunks that anyone can learn from. Today Miguel and I talk about the struggles of being a photographer and how to slow down and make it simple.In This Episode You'll Learn:How Miguel got started in photographyWhat was the most difficult part of photography to learn when getting started and how he overcame itBeing a sony artisan vs gear doesn’t matterHow Miguel’s images have transformed since getting started in photographyOne piece of gear Miguel thought he needed but never uses.Premium Members Also Learn:How to know when Working for Exposure is worth itWhat is a forward agreement and what it can do to grow your businessThe #1 way new photographers sabotage their sales and what to do insteadResources:Beauty and Portrait photographer Miquel Quiles’ websiteFind Miquel On YoutubeJoin me for a LIVE webinar with Phillip and Elieen Blume on how you can maximize your mini sessions.Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign 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!

Jim Sinicki is a Milwaukee WI based family and senior portrait photographer. After more than 2 years in the Beginner Photography Podcast Community, Jim has carved out his own space for sharing and helping others. In this interview, Jim and I talk about how he got stared, why he loves photography so much, and how his work has changed in a short amount of time.Resources:Jim’s photography websiteFind Jim’s photography on FacebookJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Group!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!

Phillip and Eileen Blume have spoken on the photography world’s biggest stages about helping photographers earn a living with their camera. After a rocky start in photography that almost bankrupted them, they discovered how powerful the mini session could be when just starting out and even in an established photography business. Today Phillip shares what they did for his business and what it can do for yours too!In This Episode You'll Learn:How Phillip went from high school English teacher to one of the worlds most respected photography educatorsWhy Phillip and Eileen transitioned to minis after shooting weddings for yearsWhy mini sessions are so good for new photographers looking to grow their portfolioHow to shoot with intention and get the poses you needHow to find the balance between posed and candid shotsPremium Members Also Learn:How to build trust to grow your business fasterHow to increase profits AND make happier clientsWhy sending a gallery link will kill sales and excitementResources:Download the Maximizing Mini Session eBookJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign 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!

Scott Strazzate is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist with more than 30 years of experience shooting for publications like the Chicago Tribune and the San Francisco Chronicle. Scotts Book “Common Ground” is a 2 decades-long exploration of a piece of land that transitioned from Homestead Farm to Sprawling Suburbs. Today we talk about the long-term project, what to look out for, and ideas for you to start your own long-term project. Key Takeaways:Scott narrates his experience starting in photography, from his interest in childhood till he took up photography as a full-time job, rather than staying in the family business.Not having to face criticism in the early stages of his career was an advantage in a way, as Scott notes it may have discouraged him from pressing forward. On the other hand, less knowledgeable people appreciating his work kept him going.Studying the photography of other professionals also played a major role in keeping him motivated and inspired.The brightest spot of an image is usually where your eye goes first, and you can learn to control in a split second, how to compose an image that is pleasing to look at. Scott describes the importance of focusing on creating images after gaining in-depth knowledge about your gear, rather than always trying to get new gear hoping to become a better photographer.Having to overcome the fear of interacting with people became paramount, as this was a challenge that came with expanding from sports photography.Scott narrates in detail, events leading up to his "Common Ground" photography project, with no initial plan to create it, as well as the emotion and serendipity surrounding the project. He notes that to date, it is the major work he is known for, and was a personal project rather than a product of affiliation with any paper.I tell photographers that if they want to do a book that people would enjoy, they should take photographs of one block or storefronts, make prints of these, and put them away for years, when these come out later, they will be greatly appreciated.Repetition is something that I always look for in photography, I think it's fascinating, and a good way to make a compelling image. If you can have one of something, two is better.Three acts in a photo story: A beginning, a middle, and an end. When doing a photo story you want this: a cat climbs up a tree, someone shakes the tree, the cat gets out of the tree.Scott describes a major challenge with photojournalism being having to leave people's lives when the story is over especially because you may not be able to continue to just hang around, even if they would want you to. Resources:Scott Strazzante’s websiteScott’s Prints for saleScott Strazzante on InstagramScott Strazzante on TwitterJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunityStandout QuSign 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!

In this episode of the podcast I break down the top 3 ways you can get to know your camera better to be best prepared for them the moment arises.In This Episode You'll Learn:Read the Manual - Learn things you never knew your camera was capable of!Spend a few hours with the camera shooting - Get to know the tool you use to capture the world and blur the line between visualization and capture!Ask WHY you feel limited - When you know the limitations of your camera you know how to best use your camera.Resources:Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook CommunitySign 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!

Vanessa Joy is an award-winning wedding photographer with more than 20 years in business. In 2020 she was named one of Canons Explorers of Light. An exclusive position reserved for photographers who have dedicated their lives to the craft. Today she talks about how she almost chose a different career path and what it was that brought her back to photography.Episode Timeline:Vanessa describes her early interest in photography, and when she knew that photography was going to play a big role in her life.Vanessa shares personal shots from her early days in photography.What influenced your preference for portraits in photography?About Vanessa's plans to move to Texas.Vanessa was announced as one of Canon's Explorers of Light.Is there anything Vanessa thinks new photographers should know?Premium Members Also Learn:The marketing efforts that have worked for Vanessa in New York over the past 20 yearsWhat marketing efforts Vanessa is using now to build authority when she moves to TexasKey Takeaways: The passion had always been there for photography, the realization that it would be a full-time career much later.Highlighting the benefits of her photography career, Vanessa talks about the love for it and the freedom to plan her schedule.Vanessa describes the drive behind her preference for portraits. In a lot of ways, I think I enjoyed photographing people in how I felt, so photographing people is a little bit of photographing them but a lot of expressing who I am.Combining two styles of portrait photography, one where every aspect of the picture is controlled with one where things are allowed to be more natural is possible, and do not have to be mutually exclusive.When you first start in photography it is understandably necessary to try many styles and then hone in on a particular one, but as you get better in that aspect, you get bored and have enough control of your craft to try other things and expand your photography interests while maintaining your brand.Discussing Vanessa's move to Texas, she noted some key differences regarding the technique in her photography.Asides from her technical know-how with the camera, another point Vanessa attributes her Explorers of Light announcement to, was her ability to find simple uses for the camera for the average person, knowing that the company would need that kind of market to make sales on a large scale.To new photographers: Gear doesn't matter, and should not stop you from being a great photographer, and as gear gets more expensive it's good if there's a particular reason. Just keep going at it, you have to love photography for the work itself because that's the thing that's your daily life, not the results.Resources:Austin Texas Wedding Photographer Vanessa Joy’s WebsiteVanessa Joys Website for photographersVanessa Joy on YoutubeVanessa Joy on InstagramSign 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!

Eung Ju Kim (Sean) has become a staple in the Beginner Photography Podcast community since buying his camera in early 2018. Since then he has been sharing his work and it continues to develop and advance. His landscapes and beach scenes are simple and relaxing. Today we talk about what photography means to him and his plans to progress is photography in the future. Key Takeaways:Starting his photography career with nature sceneries was associated with hiking, which he did more often following a distressing break up with his girlfriend.Sean describes 'finding the beauty of what's there, either in an ugly chaotic scene or in my stage of sadness was the key to finding the true beauty of my journey.Looking back, Sean explains how with experience, he started being able to identify things he could have done differently in a picture and how to look out for such things.Sean explains the motivation behind intentionally creating images with huge surroundings, landscape and people by noting that when we focus on something bigger, our problems seem to be small. His Christian faith also played a role in this preference.Sean explains that he is bored with taking pictures of people, and is trying to figure out what he can add to it.The inspiration for Sean's photography is his Christian faith.For new photographers: Go to a library, read a bunch of books and even if it doesn't make sense, consume it, even if you don't practice it, over time things will start to click. Once things start to click, you will have more questions and you can go and read it again, then it will make sense, and you will gain mastery. Resources:Follow Sean On InstagramFlash in a Flash - Flash photography for beginners courseJoin The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Group!Episode Timeline:[02:20] Introducing today's guest, Sean Kim as he narrates the events surrounding his entry into photography.[07:21] How did the relationship between your photography and nature sceneries come about?[14:10] Looking back, from a technical standpoint, when did you start to notice the things you were doing wrong.[17:04] What differences have you observed between street photography and photographing people after creating rapport.[23:34] How do you achieve the concept of comfort in an image that looks sad?[33:24] Sean discusses his editing method.[34:40] What are you currently struggling with, in photography?[39:05] About Sean's book on the year 2020.[41:09] What inspires you to take photos?[47:19] When it comes to the technical side of photography, what is it that you love?[48:38] Sean's advice for new photographers 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!

James Patrick is a Phoenix AZ-based commercial and fitness photographer. He has shot more than 500 magazine covers and today we break down what makes a cover photo unique and how to capture the concept.Episode Timeline:James narrates how he began his photography career.What was the main source of your photography education?How do you handle the concern that someone may take your photography style and compete with you after teaching them?What is the job description of a Fitness Photographer and how did you get into it?From a technical standpoint, what are you looking out for, that's going to make a photo stand out above the rest to be a cover shot?How do you come up with ideas for the photos that you need to capture?Starting out, was there a point where you had to just make do with your equipment because you didn't have the things you have today?Key Takeaways:Starting as a journalist, James had some misapprehension about photography as it did not seem very sustainable as a career choice, he was however open to different options while trying to figure out his passion.James describes how he learned by testing constantly and working as an assistant photographer, even though he already had his own jobs. Key principles gained as an assistant included photography techniques, project bidding, client communication, the general business process, and most especially how to work with subjects onset.There are two extremes of types of photographers, the overly technical ones who focus on measurements and precision when shooting, and the ones who rather feel their way creatively through their imagery. The latter appealed to him more, shifting his focus from taking great pictures which can easily be learned and done, to making images that work, and this became his brandAsk for help, the more you ask, eventually, people will start to give you help.A popular misconception James shared earlier on was that he had to be involved in many niches in photography to have enough jobs, ironically during the recession, he started to lose jobs because many clients would rather hire a niche specialist than a Jack of all trades. This nearly made him give up.Following the decision to be intentional about photography, questions that started to arise include: what work do I need to create? Who do I need to be working with? What images do I need to be in my portfolio? Who do I need to be working for? James describes the importance of overcoming his fears so he could call companies to find people that would be interested in his work.Addressing a common mindset that you need to recreate your portfolio before contacting companies about your photography, it is critical to understand that there is no perfect portfolio. You get better only when you show your work to someone and get feedback, without which you're just in your head and consumer behavior determines everything.Shooting a cover is a construct. What I do with a cover is a commercially viable image. This is an image that is going to help sell the magazine, more often than not it is focusing on all the distracting things that you're removing from the photo, to create a pSign 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!