The Beginner Photography Podcast

#115 Gina Milicia has over 25 years of experience in the photography industry and is one of Austrailia’s top celebrity, portrait and lifestyle photographers, she regularly travels the world shooting for some of Austrailia’s top magazines. She is also the co-host of the popular "So you want to be a photographer" podcast which was actually one of the inspirations for me to start the beginner photography podcast. Today she shares how she connects so well with models to create authentic portraits. In This Episode You'll Learn: How Gina got an unconventional start in photographyWhat others told Gina when she said she wanted to become a artistHow sweeping floors and cleaning toilets in a photographers studio set her up for successThe hardest thing technically to learn about photographyThe biggest misconception people think about being a traveling portrait photographerThe difference between working with Models and people not use to being in front of the cameraHow to deal with the pressure to perform when the stakes are highHow to connect with your subjects to create authentic portraitsDealing with subjects who have insecurities about their bodyGina’s tip to keeping fresh eyes in your subjectsTips for getting couples to interact more authentically with each other for an engagement or wedding daySome of Ginas favorite go to poses to make people look their bestAn embarrassing momentResources:Gina Milicia’s Photography WebsiteSo You Want To Be A Photographer PodcastGina Milicia’s InstagramMemorable Quotes:If you have nothing to do, make yourself usefulGear and portfolio is important, but relationships are more useful99% of a successful shoot is the connection you make with the person you are photographingMy own family thinks I just pick up a camera and point it at people. They don’t understand the pressure.Whatever someone is thinking, their face will show it in their photoGrab 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!

#114 Today's guest, Megan DiPiero is a well known headshot and beauty portrait photographer from southwest Florida. She is also an acclaimed photography business mentor and coach for photographers and the creator of the the popular Rise to the Top Facebook group where she shares her business tips to help and encourage other photographers to grow and live a life of abundance. Today I welcome Megan DiPiero   In This Episode You'll Learn: When Megan Started to take photography seriouslyHow Megan learned photographyHow Megan built a photography business while raising kidsWhat is Womans beauty photographyWho inspired Megan to pursue beauty photogrpahyHow Megan deals with “Difficult” clientsWhy Megan does not recommend going to college to learn photographyHow to figure out what to charge for your photographyHow to handle clients when you have raised your photography pricingHow Megan defines marketing for photographersSimple marketing tips that new photographers can implimentHow Megan makes decisions on what to work on in her businessThe one thing Megan wants all photographers to know about shooting manualResources:Megan DiPiero’s WebsiteMegan DiPiero’s CoachingSue BryceGrab 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!

#113 This week I chat with Oklahoma city family photographer Natalie Greenroyd who shares her tips on getting started with family and children photography and some mistakes to avoid when you are fresh in photography.  In This Episode You'll Learn:How Natalie got into photographyThe main source of Natalies Photography educationWhat Natalie would say is the job description of a family photographerThe story of how Natalie got her first client and how it wentCommon mistakes Natalie sees amateur photographers making How Natalie gets kids to be open and comfortable around her and her cameraNatalie's tricks on taking more authentic photos of your familyNatalie's process when posing families vs capturing them candidlyAn embarrassing moment Natalie had while workingWhere you can find Natalie OnlineResources:Oklahoma city family photographer Natalie's WebsiteNatalie's 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!

#112 This Week I share the Story of how Indianapolis Wedding Photographer Raymond Hatfield helped a couple get closure after their wedding photographer never delivered their wedding photos from more than 5 years ago. The bride, Tracy had became good friends with a girl who wanted to get into photography and begged to shoot their wedding. She knew her friend took great photos but she also wanted to make sure her wedding day was captured professionally. Tracy reluctantly agreed. She shares her story of what happened and what she would do differently if she could do it all over again. Watch the video below  How to avoid being the friend that won't deliver. 1: Put yourself in checkYou know how to shoot in manual, you have shot some pretty awesome photos of your dog or your kids that your friends on facebook and instagram love. These are important steps in your photography journey but know that you have so much more to learn about photography. Take a moment to think about how important of a day this is for your couple. Watch the video above and see how it has affected them and their lives. I'm not trying to add pressure but I just want you to remember that you are working with the couples best interests in mind today. Even if you REALLY want that awesome creative shot you see in your head, get everything else they need first.  2: Be PreparedWedding days can be hectic so do your best to prepare before hand. Ask the couple for a timeline. Even if it very basic it will help you look for any potential problems. If the couple are taking a limo from the ceremony to the reception, do they want you in the limo? What will you do with your car? 3: Have a shot listAs you progress shooting wedding you may not need a shot list but for your first 5-10 weddings its smart to have a shot list as a reference guide. This is primarily helpful for portraits. You know you need a shot of the cake and decorations, no need for that to take up space on the list. Things like. Bride on grooms shoulder looking back at camera, wide shot of couple walking towards camera laughing, groom facing bride smiling, bride and groom close together looking at camera. Come up with half a dozen shots you know you have to get and then get them. If there is any time left to shoot, you can streach your creative muscles. 4: Get help with family photosFamily photos are always a mess. There is 100 people walking around talking not paying attention and you don't know who anyone is. Ask the couple for a list of must have family photos and ask them to designate one person to help you help call out the family members you don't know. 5: Shoot on small cardsI think want happened to the photographer in Tracy and Durans story is either camera or card failure. While its hard to prepare for these things, there is something you can do. Some cameras have dual card slots, space for 2 memory cards. If one memory card fails, you still have the other to save the day. If your camera does not have dual card slots I highly recommend using small memory cards like 4-8gb. The reason being if you shoot a wholGrab 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!

#111 Matt Payne is a Colorado Landscape Photographer and host of the "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen" Photography podcast  In This Episode You'll Learn:How Matt got his start in photographyHow Matt used his first cameraWhat motivated Matt to learn photographyWhere Matt got inspired to grow his knowledge of photographyHow much photography is planned vs how much of a shot is magicThe best thing Matt ever did to grow his photography communityThe lessons Matt's parents instilled in him to make him a better photographerSome must have gear for getting started with Landscape photographyHow night photography helped Matt better understand his camera settings One of the hardest aspects of landscape photography to learnImmediate signs of an amateur landscape photographerWhat Matt does when he shows up at a location and the conditions do not work outResources:Colorado Landscape Photographer Matt Payne's website F-Stop Collaborate and Listen PodcastMatt Paynes InstagramMemorable Quotes:When I first started, I just pointed the camera at everything and didn't know what I was doing.I checked out every photography book at the library and became self-taught I have this struggle between my passions of climbing tall mountains and taking photosI would spend a couple hours a night experimenting with my camera to gain a better understanding of settings.Don't be afraid to other photographers questionSometimes you have to make the best of what nature gives you     Check out more at www.BeginnerPhotographyPodcast.com Have A Question? Reach out to us on social Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BeginnerPhotographyPodcast.com Instagram: www.Instagtam.com/BeginnerPhotoPodcast Or Email us at: BeginnerPhotographyPodcast@gmail.comGrab 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!

#110 Abe Kislevitz is the Senior Creative Director for GoPro. That means he is in charge of shooting those incredible images you see plastered on billboards and videos shown to millions on TV commercials. He has been with the company almost since the start and today I talk with him about the in's and out's to shooting with a camera with little to no manual controls.   In This Episode You'll Learn: What Abe does at GoPro The coolest thing Abe has seen done with a GoPro How Abe made the transition in his life from Mechanical Engineering to producing content with the GoPro Why you get terrible results from your DSLR when shooting in Auto Why you get amazing results from your GoPro when shooting in Auto How shooting with such a wide perspective forces you to see the world differently How to edit your GoPro Images How to get the most out of cameras with small sensors How much of your photography should be intentional vs spontaneous The best investment Abe has ever made in himself The best advice Abe would give a smart and driven new photographer about to start out on their journey The most embarrassing moment Abe had while using a GoPro Resources:Abe Kislevitz's website blogAbe Kislevitz's 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!

#109 I just got back from shooting my first wedding in Alaska. I'm not a destination wedding photographer so traveling with my gear did not come naturally to me. I learned a lot about my photography and shooting wedding during this trip. Today I share the 7 things I learned while shooting a destination wedding in Alaska. The 7 Things I Learned While Photographing A Wedding In Alaska1: Scout LocationsWhen shooting destination weddings or shooting in a location you are not familiar with, do your due diligence and scout locations. Know where the couple will be getting married and how much time you will have for photos as this will determine how far to look for locations to shoot at. Use tools like google maps to street-view a location or google "Location Name Wedding" to see what other photographers have done when in your shoes. 2: Don't Pack Everything You OwnBeing in a new location offers several challenge for photographers but the biggest is the fear of not being prepared. So we will bring every piece of gear we have ever bought so that we don't miss anything. This causes too much weight and stress. Maybe you don't need the drone or film cameras. Pack just the essentials and shoot within your limitations.3: Get a Timeline and AddressesHaving a timeline will ensure you are prepared. Even if the wedding day does not go according to plan you will still have one less thing to worry about. Be sure to get address of where every one will be getting ready as well! I've seen some timelines that show a 15 mile distance between getting ready locations but only 5 mins of travel time budgeted.  Being able to foresee any potential problems can save the day,4: Find the Best LightGetting the address is crucial to being able to find the best light. Knowing that the reception was going to be in the mountains I could find out that even thought the sunset is officially at 9pm the light would pass over the mountian at 745 and I needed to be outside shooting by then if I want to capture great images. You can use apps like "Golden Hour" Or "SOL" for iOS5: Rent A CarThis can be quite an expense. About $100/day for several days but it will save you a world of headaches. Ive been to wedding where everyone could get TO the first location but once you fill the car with extras that need to be taken to the second location there is no more room. So having your own transportation is essential for a stress free wedding day when travilng.6: The iPad Can't Replace A Computer, Yet.Since my main editing rig is an iMac and not portable and I don't have a laptop decided to try using an iPad and a wireless hard drive to backup my photos. Its not like I had lofty ideas of being able to edit the wedding by the time I was home but it would have been nice to cull through some images. This was just to painfully slow of a process to be effective. It took me 10x longer (5 hours vs 30mins) to use an iPad vs doing the same task on a computer. 7: Don't Work Too HardI am going to guess that the reason you got into shooting destination weddings was because you want to travel more and see cool 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!

#108 Colby Brown is a world class travel, landscape, and philanthropic photographer who's portfolio covers all 4 corners of the globe. His world wide organization, The Giving Lens is helping connect photographers who want to give back with non profits in need of rich media. In This Episode You'll Learn:How long Colby has been shootingWhy Colby started a photography businessHow Colby made money as a photographer early onHow Colby has such a diverse range of shootingWhere Colby learned photographyWhy Colby started The Giving LensHow the Giving Lens is changing the worldHow to get involved in your local communityHow to get over the feeling of being in a creative rutOne of the best investments Colby has mad in himself to become a better photographerResources:Colby Brown's WebsiteColby Brown's InstagramColbys Norway Photography WorkshopColbys Iceland Photography WorkshopThe Giving LensBrian Petersons book Understanding ExposureMy interview with Marc SilberMemorable Quotes:I felt that I know I want to do THIS but I don't really know what THIS isIf I'm bored, I lose my creativity, that's why I like to shoot a wide variety of thingsAfter a shoot, I'll dive into the 93 crap photos to become my biggest criticPhotography is a visual artform you can use to tell a storyYou have to figure out how to turn the photo you want to shoot into realityWe give people the opportunity the document their lives If you want something bad enough, you will always find a way to make it happenThere will always be people who will tell you, you can't do thingsGrab 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!

#107 This week I talk about free shooting. The practice of shooting with no intention or expectation to build your skills and become a more creative photographer.  Check out more at www.BeginnerPhotographyPodcast.com Have A Question? Reach out to us on social Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BeginnerPhotographyPodcast.com Instagram: www.Instagtam.com/BeginnerPhotoPodcast Or Email us at: BeginnerPhotographyPodcast@gmail.comGrab 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!

#106 Today's guest is Jessica Whitaker, a New York City photographer, social media influencer, and founder of Build and Bloom, a free workshop and photography resource center for young photographers. Today she shares how she got her start, tips she has learned from her youtube videos, and why she started Build and Bloom. In This Episode You'll Learn:How Jessica got her start in PhotographyHow Jessica learned to poseWhy Jessica switched from Canon to NikonSome of the challenges Jessica faces when moving from the PNW to NYCSomething that surprises Jessica to read in the comments of her youtube videosJessicas experience with her first paid clientsThe different types of clients Jessica would work with in Seattle and New YorkHow Jessica makes her clients so comfortable How to deal with inner comparison Jessica's Tips for learning from the prosResources:Jessica's Youtube ChannelJessica's websiteBuild and Bloom Build and Bloom FB groupMemorable Quotes:Photography gear can be expensive, the education can be freeYou don't have to start learning photography young. The internet is an awesome teacherContinue to learn and interact with other photographers  Check out more at www.BeginnerPhotographyPodcast.com Have A Question? Reach out to us on social Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BeginnerPhotographyPodcast.com Instagram: www.Instagtam.com/BeginnerPhotoPodcast Or Email us at: BeginnerPhotographyPodcast@gmail.comGrab 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!