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The Beginner Photography Podcast

The Beginner Photography Podcast

Raymond Hatfield

The Beginner Photography Podcast is a free weekly podcast hosted by professional photographer Raymond Hatfield who interviews world class photographers of all genres who share what they wish they knew when they got started so you can grow your creative photography skills faster! The podcast is brought to you by CloudSpot.io, the client gallery system that is always #EmpoweringPhotographers
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Top 10 The Beginner Photography Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Beginner Photography Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Beginner Photography Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Beginner Photography Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Beginner Photography Podcast - 299: Joe McNally - The Real Deal

299: Joe McNally - The Real Deal

The Beginner Photography Podcast

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04/26/22 • 58 min

Joe McNally is a legendary photographer. When it comes to masterful use of light, there are only 4 photographers that I think of and Joe is one of them and it comes from 40 years of battle tested experience with it. Joe has come out with a new book, The Real Deal: Field notes from the life of a working photographer. Its equal parts hearing amazing stories of being behind the camera and real technical and tangible information you can use to take better photos today.

In this interview Joe shares why he considers himself a generalist, what caused him to make some of the biggest mistakes in his career, and what elements Joe looks for to make an image a show stopper.

Resources:

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

2 Listeners

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The Beginner Photography Podcast - Rewind: Learning Photography Roadmap

Rewind: Learning Photography Roadmap

The Beginner Photography Podcast

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09/15/22 • 59 min

In todays episode of the podcast we breakdown the roadmap in which to learn photography. From buying your first camera to creating beautiful works of art there is a proven roadmap to follow to focus on what matters most.
Resources:

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

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The Beginner Photography Podcast - 334: Photography Manifesto for Beginners - Focus on The Essentials
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01/03/23 • 29 min

It's 2023 and that means it's time for a fresh start.
This year we don't have resolutions, we have a manifesto.
A set of rules to live your life by as a photographer.
Download a printable version of the manifesto at - https://beginnerphotopod.com/rules
The Beginner Photography Podcast Photography Manifesto

  1. The point of photography is to enrich the human experience
  2. To be a half way decent photographer you must dedicate all of your time to it
  3. Moment matters most in a photograph. Not settings
  4. You dont need to know everything about photography to know anything.
  5. Your camera gear is not holding you back, you are holding yourself back.
  6. If there is no intention, there is no image
  7. The only photographer you are in competition with, is yourself
  8. Community is the only external source that will make you a better photographer
  9. You cant make money from your creativity as a photographer
  10. Kill your photography teachers

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

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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 IDEAS

  • Embrace 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 PLAN

  1. Capture 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

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The Beginner Photography Podcast - 477: Jenny Stein - How Everyday Photos Can Change Your Life
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05/30/24 • 81 min

In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Jenny Stein, a heartfelt family documentarian photographer dedicated to capturing real emotions. Jenny reveals the challenges of maintaining a love for photography when it becomes a business and shares powerful insights on how photography can provide closure in times of grief. We dive deep into balancing conflicting emotions and the significance of capturing authentic moments, even during difficult times.
The Big Ideas:

  • Balancing Emotions: Conflicting emotions can coexist in photography; both joy and sorrow are real and valuable to capture. This duality enriches your work.
  • Authenticity in Moments: Authentic photos during difficult times can offer significant comfort and closure, preserving the true essence of the moment.
  • Personal Connection: Personal losses and experiences shape your perspective and add depth to your photographs. Let your unique story enhance your creative vision.
  • Evolving Perspectives: As you grow, allow your photography interests to evolve. Focus on what you're good at and what genuinely inspires you to keep the passion alive.

Photography Action Plan:

  1. Capture Real Emotions: During your next shoot, create space for authentic moments by engaging with your subjects and encouraging natural interactions. Review your photos with a critical eye, selecting those that genuinely capture raw emotions and telling a compelling story.
  2. Diversify Your Portfolio: Set up scenes that depict both joyful and solemn emotions. This practice will help you become more versatile and empathetic in your work. Gather these varying shots into a mixed portfolio to showcase your ability to capture the full spectrum of human experience.
  3. Reflect on Personal Losses: Take some time to reflect on moments of personal loss. Consider how these experiences can inform and deepen your photography practice. Write down three ways in which these experiences can shape your approach to photographing others.
  4. Engage in Personal Projects: Start a personal project focusing on a theme close to your heart, such as family moments or personal loss, and make it a point to capture these authentically. Share your project with a trusted group or online community to receive feedback and refine your narrative approach.
  5. Embrace Daily Practice: Commit to a 365 project where you take a photo every day, focusing on capturing real-life moments. This consistency will improve both technical skills and emotional depth. Maintain accountability by joining a group or setting reminders, and reflect weekly on the emotional journey and learnings from your daily shots.

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

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The Beginner Photography Podcast - 470: Annemie Tonken: Avoid the Overwhelm in Photography by Creating Systems
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05/07/24 • 47 min

In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with family photographer and host of the This Cant Be That Hard podcast, Annemie Tonken about developing essential systems in your photography business to ensure efficiency, client satisfaction, and growth. Learn how strategic planning can transform your operational approach for the better.

The Big Ideas:

  • Embrace Systemization: Treat your photography business like a well-oiled machine. You'll save time and avoid stress.
  • Audit Your Processes: Regularly checking your current processes teaches you where improvements can be made for smoother operations.
  • Focus on Fulfillment: Perfect your fulfillment system first; this ensures your client’s last interaction with you is memorable and professional.
  • Use Tools Wisely: Leveraging tools like CRMs can drastically improve your workflow and client management.

Photography Action Plan:

  • Audit Your Current Workflow: Review each step in your current process from handling initial client inquiries to final delivery of photos. Identify any bottlenecks or repetitive tasks that slow you down. Document your findings in a simple spreadsheet or flowchart. This will give you a clear visual representation of where you can begin implementing improvements.
  • Set Up Basic Systems for Marketing, Sales, and Fulfillment: Implement a CRM tool to manage client communications and keep track of sales leads. This step is crucial for maintaining organized client interactions. Create a checklist for each project phase. This ensures that nothing is missed and each client receives consistent, high-quality service.
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Identify tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming, such as appointment scheduling, email responses, or social media posts. Find tools that can help automate these processes. Start small, perhaps with automating appointment confirmations or thank-you emails, and gradually expand as you become comfortable with the technology.
  • Focus on Client Experience: Map out your ideal client journey from first contact to post-delivery follow-up. Think about how you want your clients to feel at each stage. Solicit feedback from recent clients to understand what they loved about working with you and areas where you might improve the experience.
  • Educate Yourself Continuously: Enroll in online courses or workshops that focus not only on photography techniques but also on business practices specific to photography. Seek out resources that offer practical advice on systematizing your business, such as free video lessons or worksheets that help you develop efficient workflows.

Resources:

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

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The Beginner Photography Podcast - 275: Photography and your Health

275: Photography and your Health

The Beginner Photography Podcast

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11/02/21 • 30 min

Im renaming November to MEvember and focusing on my health. Since photography is a large part of my life I wanted to examine how it contributes to my health. Today I want to share with you the 4 ways that photography is incredibly beneficial to your health and well being and how photography can take care of you.

Memory

Have you ever noticed how you have strong memories of taking photos more so than the event itself? Science may have an answer as to why! Reviewing our photographs builds new path ways from our hippocampus to more visual memory parts of our brain.

Creative

Have you ever wished you were a born creative? According to science, creativity really can be strengthened like a muscle when practiced regularly. The key, the more you do, the more experience you have, the more experience you have, the more you can tweak that experience to apply to the current situation at hand.

Physical

I routinely get 20k steps in at a wedding. While photography is not the most physically demanding job it’s far more demanding than a desk job or video game hobby. Physical exercise also helps in the creative aspect. When you move your body, get your blood flowing to the brain, reduces inflammation, and lowers stress hormones which can help create more connections between brain cells and brain areas.

Feels good to give to others

We all know that when we give to others, the mesolimbic pathway lights up increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex and activating the subgenual area which is also associated with higher levels of social belonging.

Resources:

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

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The Beginner Photography Podcast - 486: How I Beat Burn Out as a Photographer

486: How I Beat Burn Out as a Photographer

The Beginner Photography Podcast

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08/06/24 • 47 min

In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I talk about my experience getting out of the often-overlooked topic of burnout, sharing my personal experiences and 3 step process to reigniting my creative spark. We'll explore a three-phase process to help you rediscover your passion for photography, including shooting more, seeking inspiration, and thematic storytelling. I'll also share a valuable exercises to learning how to tell stories with your camera, like using an Instax camera. Join me in our revamped Facebook group for ongoing support from our vibrant community of photo friends!

The Big Ideas:

  • Explore Diverse Subjects: Experimenting with various photography genres can help spark creativity and prevent burnout.
  • Limit Social Media Inspiration: Relying on platforms like Flickr or photo books can lead to more genuine creativity than endless scrolling.
  • Tell Stories with Photos: Embrace longer-form storytelling through multiple images to add depth to your subjects.
  • "Plork": Combine play and work in your photography practice to keep it fun and educational.

Photography Action Plan

  • Shoot More Frequently: Set aside specific times each week to photograph anything that catches your interest. Keep your camera handy during daily activities to capture spontaneous moments.
  • Seek New Inspirations: Visit platforms like Flickr and explore historical photo groups for fresh ideas. Borrow or buy photography books that excite you and study them.
  • Embrace Storytelling: Choose a simple story idea and capture it through 5-10 cohesive images. Use an instant or film camera to challenge yourself with a limited number of shots.
  • Join Photography Challenges: Participate in the newly introduced monthly photo challenges within the Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook group. Follow the theme of the month (e.g., summer) to structure your creative efforts and win prizes.
  • Recommit to Learning: Dive deeper into a specific genre of photography that piques your interest (e.g., food or landscape photography). Attend online workshops or watch video tutorials to refine your techniques and broaden your skillset.

Resources:
Charlie Planespotting Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjwVlQqCWmI
Join the Revamped Facebook Community - https://beginnerphotopod.com/group

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

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The Beginner Photography Podcast - 487: Justin Anderson: How to Get Started in Astrophotography
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08/08/24 • 56 min

In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Justin Anderson, astrophotographer who captures the night sky with breathtaking mastery. Justin shares his journey of photographing Comet NEOWISE and other celestial wonders, emphasizing the importance of preparation, persistence, and creativity. Today you'll learn how to set up your camera for night photography, choose the right equipment, and find the perfect locations to shoot. You'll also learn the art of scouting dark skies, experimenting with different lenses, and appreciating the beauty of your surroundings.

THE BIG IDEAS

  • Persist Through Challenges: Consistently work on improving your skills, even when conditions don't align. Persistence is key in mastering night photography.
  • Embrace the Learning Curve: Night photography comes with a steep learning curve. Accept mistakes as part of the journey towards stunning captures.
  • Plan and Prepare: Success in astrophotography requires meticulous planning, from checking the weather to selecting remote locations away from light pollution.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

  • Scout Dark Locations: Use dark sky maps to identify potential shooting spots away from city lights. Visit these locations during the day to plan your composition and safety measures.
  • Optimize Camera Settings: Set your camera to manual mode, adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed according to the lighting conditions. Practice taking long exposures to capture more light and detail in the night sky.
  • Experiment with Lenses: Try using wide-angle lenses (e.g., 24mm) to capture expansive landscapes along with the night sky. Test prime lenses with apertures wider than F2.8 for better light capture and reduced noise.
  • Use Proper Accessories: Equip your camera with a remote shutter and intervalometer to avoid camera shake and take multiple long exposures. Bring a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposure shots.

RESOURCES
Follow Justin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aurorajanderson/
Check out Justins Website - https://highhopesaurora.com/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Beginner Photography Podcast have?

The Beginner Photography Podcast currently has 572 episodes available.

What topics does The Beginner Photography Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Leisure, Photography, Hobbies, Visual Arts, Podcasts and Arts.

What is the most popular episode on The Beginner Photography Podcast?

The episode title '299: Joe McNally - The Real Deal' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Beginner Photography Podcast?

The average episode length on The Beginner Photography Podcast is 55 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Beginner Photography Podcast released?

Episodes of The Beginner Photography Podcast are typically released every 6 days, 12 hours.

When was the first episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast?

The first episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast was released on Jan 17, 2016.

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