474: Casey Fatchett - More Gear Doesn't Mean Better Photos: Master Photography Without Breaking the Bank

05/21/24 • 52 min

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In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Wedding Photographer Casey Fatchett, who shares how to make the most of the gear you have. Together, we explore the common misconception that newer equipment automatically leads to better photos and emphasize the importance of understanding and mastering your current gear. Casey shares his experiences with both digital and film photography, offering practical advice on how to push your creative boundaries without succumbing to the pressure of having the latest technology.

THE BIG IDEAS

Intentionality Over Abundance: Limitations can foster creativity. Choose your shots wisely to deepen your artistic expression.
Practice Made Perfect: Regular, intentional practice with your camera will sharpen your skills faster than any new gadget.
Embrace Constraints: Enforcing restrictions, like using older or manual equipment, can teach you the fundamental principles of great photography.
Value Artistic Vision: Focus on developing a unique artistic vision rather than mimicking prevailing trends for broader appeal.

Photography Action Plan:

Use a Film Camera: Find a film camera, whether by borrowing or purchasing a used one, to experience the process of manual exposure and intentional shooting. Use an entire roll to photograph a single subject or scene under different conditions and study how each image differs.
Master Manual Mode: Shift to using manual mode on your digital camera. Begin by setting your own aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to see their direct impact on your images. Practice this in various lighting scenarios to gain confidence and improve your technical skills.
Practice with Flash: Start with a basic external flash unit and experiment with bounce flash technique by aiming the flash at ceilings or walls instead of directly at the subject. Progress to using a diffuser or a reflector to soften the light and reduce harsh shadows in your images.
Analyze Your Work: After each shooting session, set aside time to review your photos critically. Identify one thing you like and one area for improvement in each photo. This self-critique process will accelerate your learning and refine your photographic eye.
Limit Your Shots: Challenge yourself with a 'single shot' day where you allow yourself only one photograph per subject. This will force you to think critically about framing, composition, and all camera settings before taking the shot, enhancing your decisiveness and precision in photography.

Resources:
Visit Casey Fatchett's Wedding Photography Website - https://fatchett.com/
Listen to the Nerdy Photographer Podcast - https://nerdyphotographer.com/
Follow Casey on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenerdyphoto/

Download your free copy of
46 Creative Photo Ideas to Get You Out of a Rut
at https://creativeimageideas.com/

Connect 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!

THE BIG IDEAS

Intentionality Over Abundance: Limitations can foster creativity. Choose your shots wisely to deepen your artistic expression.
Practice Made Perfect: Regular, intentional practice with your camera will sharpen your skills faster than any new gadget.
Embrace Constraints: Enforcing restrictions, like using older or manual equipment, can teach you the fundamental principles of great photography.
Value Artistic Vision: Focus on developing a unique artistic vision rather than mimicking prevailing trends for broader appeal.

Photography Action Plan:

Use a Film Camera: Find a film camera, whether by borrowing or purchasing a used one, to experience the process of manual exposure and intentional shooting. Use an entire roll to photograph a single subject or scene under different conditions and study how each image differs.
Master Manual Mode: Shift to using manual mode on your digital camera. Begin by setting your own aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to see their direct impact on your images. Practice this in various lighting scenarios to gain confidence and improve your technical skills.
Practice with Flash: Start with a basic external flash unit and experiment with bounce flash technique by aiming the flash at ceilings or walls instead of directly at the subject. Progress to using a diffuser or a reflector to soften the light and reduce harsh shadows in your images.
Analyze Your Work: After each shooting session, set aside time to review your photos critically. Identify one thing you like and one area for improvement in each photo. This self-critique process will accelerate your learning and refine your photographic eye.
Limit Your Shots: Challenge yourself with a 'single shot' day where you allow yourself only one photograph per subject. This will force you to think critically about framing, composition, and all camera settings before taking the shot, enhancing your decisiveness and precision in photography.

Download your free copy of
46 Creative Photo Ideas to Get You Out of a Rut
at https://creativeimageideas.com/

Connect 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!

Previous Episode

473: The Photo Critique Blueprint: Learn What Professional Photographers Look For

In this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, we explore the invaluable skill of critiquing your own photos to elevate your art. By understanding what your images are trying to convey and asking targeted questions like "Where does my eye go?" and "How is the visual weight and composition?", you can discern the strengths and areas for improvement in your work. Drawing parallels with Jerry Seinfeld's method of refining jokes, I highlight how revisiting and refining initial ideas can lead to profound outcomes.
The Big Ideas:

Embrace Critique for Growth: Critiquing your work helps pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, accelerating your growth as a photographer.
Seek the Good Moments: Focusing on capturing compelling moments enhances your ability to tell powerful stories through your images.
Analyze Composition Thoughtfully: Assess where the eye is drawn in your photos and adjust the visual balance to improve overall impact.
Know Your Artistic Voice: Understanding what you love about photography guides your style and helps you communicate more effectively through your images.

Photography Action Plan:

Practice Shooting in Manual Mode: Set aside 15 minutes daily to use your camera in manual mode. This will help you understand light, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings better. Aim to capture five varied photos during this practice session, like a portrait, a landscape, and a close-up to challenge your settings adjustment skills.
Critique Your Own Photos Using the Four Key Questions: After each photo session, pick out at least three photos and critique them based on, Is there a good moment here? Where does my eye go? How is the visual weight and composition? Is the subject clear? This method sharpens your photographic eye and helps quicken your learning curve by identifying common missteps and success patterns.
Watch a Video Walkthrough on Photo Critiquing: Visit https://beginnerphotopod.com/313 to view a break down photo critiquing in easy-to-follow steps. Focus on applying one new technique from the video during your next photo shoot session.
Create a Portfolio of Your Work: Select 10 of your best images from your critiques and compile them into a digital portfolio. This portfolio will serve as a practical reference for your progress and helps you visualize your improvements, strengths, and weaknesses.
Share Your Photos for External Feedback: Join photography groups online or engage friends and family to get their opinions on your work. Asking specific questions about your photos, such as "How does this composition make you feel?" or "What story do you think this photo tells?" can provide insightful feedback and fresh perspectives.

Resources:
Free Photo critique breakdown video - https://beginnerphotopod.com/313

Download your free copy of
46 Creative Photo Ideas to Get You Out of a Rut
at https://creativeimageideas.com/

Connect 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!

Next Episode

475: Nate Crawford - The Art of Selling Your Photography to Big Brands

In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Nate Crawford, a vibrant food photographer who turned his passion into a thriving career. Nate outlines the essence of connecting with brands, stressing the importance of a strong portfolio and personalized follow-ups. He also delves into the technicalities and emotional aspects of food photography, sharing invaluable tips on capturing images that resonate with warmth and authenticity. As you listen, I encourage you to apply Nate's lessons by experimenting with different settings on your camera, prioritizing the story behind each photo, and refining your approach to engaging with potential clients. Always remember, each shot is a step towards mastery.
The Big Ideas:

Embrace Persistent Selling: Consistently following up with potential clients can dramatically increase your success rate. Persistence pays off in this competitive field.
Respect and Professionalism: Ensuring your interactions with brands are respectful and professional can make or break future opportunities. Your reputation precedes you.
Harness the Power of Storytelling in Food Photography: Your images should tell a story, more than just showcasing a dish, they should evoke emotions and tell tales.
Understand the Impact of Equipment Mastery: Learning the technical nuances of your camera elevates your ability to capture compelling images. Know your tools intimately.

Photography Action Plan

Master Lighting Basics: Begin by observing the natural light during different times of the day and notice how it affects the mood and texture of your photos. Use a simple reflector (even a piece of white cardboard) to manipulate light and fill in shadows when shooting under harsh sunlight.
Practice Food Photography: Set up a mini home studio with a basic backdrop (a large sheet or plain wall) and natural light from a nearby window. Style your food using simple props like utensils or raw ingredients to add authenticity and appeal to your shots.
Develop a Portfolio: Start gathering your best work in a digital portfolio that can be easily shared or updated. Focus on including varied subjects and styles to show your versatility and ability to handle different photography challenges.
Engage with Other Photographers: Join local or online photography groups to connect with peers. Participate in discussions, ask for feedback on your work, and attend group shoots or workshops to expand your network and skills.
Embrace the Business Side: Educate yourself on basic business practices relevant to photography like drafting contracts, setting pricing strategies, and managing client relationships. Consider attending a workshop or taking an online course focused on photography as a business to ensure you’re well-prepared to monetize your passion.

Resources:

Chicago Food Photographer Nate Crawfords Website

Download your free copy of
46 Creative Photo Ideas to Get You Out of a Rut
at https://creativeimageideas.com/

Connect 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!

The Beginner Photography Podcast - 474: Casey Fatchett - More Gear Doesn't Mean Better Photos: Master Photography Without Breaking the Bank

Transcript

Casey Fatchett00:00:00.000

Yeah. I mean, go look at photos from the, twenties and thirties The nineties, yeah, look at those photos and go like, oh, hey. They didn't have all of this stuff and they, they were still capable of creating amazing like Ansel Adams was not out there like shooting at,

Raymond Hatfield00:00:16.763

Casey Fatchett00:00:17.128

128, 000 ISO. Yeah, it's not a knock against new gear