Shows
The Beginner Photography PodcastYou Don’t Have to Fix Your Photos. They’re Not Broken.#584 In this episode of the podcast, I explore the idea that your photos are not broken just because they aren’t technically perfect or heavily edited. I share my own experiences as a photographer, reflecting on how the rise of digital editing and AI has made many of us feel like every photo needs to be “fixed” to be worth keeping or sharing. I encourage you to let go of those expectations and to rediscover what made you pick up a camera in the first place—whether it was to slow down, see the world differently, or simply enjoy making i...2025-07-2925 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastComparison is Killing Your Photography#582 In this episode of the podcast, I take a deep dive into how comparison can seriously derail your progress and enjoyment as a photographer. Inspired by my own experiences learning new skills—like learning to juggle and nurturing my lawn—I share how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially in the age of social media. I remind listeners that success in photography, or any art, isn't reserved for those who started young or have the best equipment—it's all about showing up, being consistent, and putting in the work over time.I...2025-07-2231 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastHonoring the Human Touch in a World of AI Photography with Shane Balkowitsch#581 Shane Balkowitsch is a dedicated wet plate collodion photographer whose passion for history, authenticity, and the human experience shapes both his artwork and his views on the future of photography. In this episode, Shane shares the journey that led him from having no experience with a camera to mastering one of photography’s oldest analog processes—a craft involving silver on glass that dates back to 1851. He highlights how the permanence and tangible nature of wet plate images, created through capturing real light and human presence, starkly contrast with the ephemeral, intangible nature of digital and AI-generated images.2025-07-1757 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastPhoto Q&A: Why Do My Photos Look Different on My Camera vs. Lightroom?#580 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I tackle listener-submitted questions for our monthly Photo Q&A session. We cover a variety of challenges that many beginner photographers run into—from understanding the difference between RAW and JPEG files, managing noise in corporate event shots, to building a strong portfolio through strategic “model calls.” I’ll also share practical insights on why your photos might look different across devices or editing programs, when to use settings like aperture priority or manual mode, and how to set up and communicate a successful...2025-07-1547 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastDo You Have Gear Lust Or Photo Love#578 In this episode of the podcast, I deliver a thoughtful exploration into the emotional and psychological aspects that underlie the pursuit of photography. I dissect the difference between being infatuated with photography—often characterized by a focus on gear, novelty, and aesthetics (“lust”)—and a mature, enduring engagement with the craft, marked by sustained commitment and personal growth (“love”). Throughout the episode, I draw parallels between our relationships with people and with photography, making the argument that both require effort, patience, and vulnerability for genuine fulfillment. KEY TOPICS COVEREDLust vs Love in Photography...2025-07-0838 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastPhotographers Hate to Admit This… But It’s True#574 In this episode of the podcast, I got brutally honest about an uncomfortable truth many photographers—myself included—often avoid: believing new gear will instantly make us better photographers. I dove into why so many of us, at some point, fixate on the idea that lack of equipment stands between us and the images we want to create. Drawing from my own experiences—like nearly convincing myself to buy a $7,500 Fujifilm GFX100 medium format camera after I left wedding photography—I shared how easy it is to fall into the "gear will fix it" trap, when what I really needed w...2025-06-2430 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastYour Most Photographed Summer Ever#572 In this episode of the podcast, I talk about what it really means to capture summer memories as a beginner photographer. As a parent with two kids on summer break, I know how chaotic this season can get—plans change, weather interrupts, and sometimes my camera is nowhere near when moments unfold. That’s why this episode is all about embracing progress over perfection and being present with your camera, no matter if it’s a phone or a “real” camera. I share personal stories, like the time I snapped a treasured summer photo with just my phone because my camera...2025-06-1739 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastPhoto Q&A: Is It Too Late to Break Into Wedding Photography at 38?#570 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I tackle a wide range of listener questions covering every stage of the photography journey. I respond directly to your real-world concerns, offering practical advice and personal insights on topics like preparing for photography trips, finding and owning your unique editing style, breaking into specialized fields such as wedding or food photography, and building a sustainable photography business even when time and energy are limited.KEY TOPICS COVEREDTrip Preparation & Gear Selection - Raymond breaks down ho...2025-06-1046 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastThe Mirror and the Megaphone: How Photography Reveals Who You Truly Are#566 In this episode of the podcast, I explore how photography can be a powerful tool for self-discovery—not just a way to create beautiful images or chase technical perfection. I share my belief that the most meaningful photos aren’t always the ones that earn the most likes or comments. Instead, our true value as photographers comes from how honestly we depict our lives and the world around us. KEY TOPICS COVEREDPhotography as Self-Discovery - Raymond explains that photography is more than just technical skill or visual appeal—it's a tool for sel...2025-05-2725 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastPhoto Q&A: How Do You Keep Kids Smiling and Still During a Photo Shoot?#562 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I dive into your most pressing photo questions. I take listener-submitted questions and share advice, stories, and practical strategies based on my own experiences as a photographer. Whether you’re wrestling with when to put a signature or logo on your images, trying to wrangle energetic kids during a family session, or feeling overwhelmed by all the technical settings on your camera, I’m here to help you navigate those common hurdles.KEY TOPICS COVEREDSignature & Logo Usage...2025-05-1335 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastHow to Practice Photography and Community Accelerated Growth with John Kenny#561 John Kenny is a dedicated photographer based in rural England who shares his journey from picking up a camera for a family trip to building a portrait and headshot business. The conversation highlights John’s transition from landscape to portrait and headshot photography, underlining the importance of hands-on learning, continual practice, and client communication. KEY TOPICS COVEREDGetting Started and Early Learning - John’s experiences underscore the importance of learning manual settings, understanding light, and learning from mistakes rather than relying solely on equipment.Building a Photography Business - The p...2025-05-0845 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastHighlights from The Beginner Photography Podcast Workshop#560 In this special “Workshop Episode” of the podcast, I, Raymond Hatfield, share my thoughts and experiences fresh off hosting our very first in-person workshop in Chicago. After nine years of connecting with listeners online, I finally brought together members of our community for a full day focused on photography, education, and camaraderie. This episode is a personal reflection on how meaningful it was to see faces behind the names, and why getting together in person can be a game-changer for learning and growth.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Power of In-Person Workshops - Brin...2025-05-0625 min
The Beginner Photography Podcast5 Photo Assignments to Kickstart Your Creativity This Weekend#558 In this episode of the podcast, I wanted to shake things up by sharing five practical photo assignments that can help you build your skills no matter where you are in your photography journey. My goal was to get you out of passive learning mode and encourage you to actually take action—because in photography, ideas mean little without execution. Throughout the episode, I weave in personal stories and lessons learned from both my professional work and family life, emphasizing that constraints (like shooting with only 12 photos or at high noon) aren’t your enemy—they’re your creative fuel.2025-04-2935 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastHow Self-Education Turned an Amateur into a Pro Sports Photographer with Matt Austin#557 Matt Austin is a dedicated sports photographer whose journey from a novice to a professional has been nothing short of inspiring. Matt’s life transformed dramatically as he went from using a basic camera to shooting high-profile sports events. Initially motivated by watching a Twitch stream of a videographer he admired, Matt took the dive into photography, capturing his local youth soccer league and rapidly advancing to sports photography on a larger scale. The episode not only highlights Matt's educational journey through podcasts and self-taught practices but also underscores the creative spark that ignited his love for sports photography. 2025-04-2445 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastFrom Family Snapshots to Captivating Photography with Mario Martinez#556 Mario Martinez is a dedicated photographer driven by the desire to capture genuine memories for his family. Mario shares his journey from an amateur photographer, motivated by a disappointing family photo experience, to a passionate pursuer of capturing genuine moments. The episode primarily revolves around the evolution of Mario’s photography skills, his intrinsic motivation, and the seamless integration of his camera into his life as a tool for cherishing memories.KEY TOPICS COVEREDDiscovery of Photography - Mario reflects on his initial interest in photography after a family photo mishap, which le...2025-04-2247 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastEmbracing Precision and Collaboration in Dance Photography with Emily Brunner#555 Emily Brunner is a performance dance photographer from Philadelphia. The discussion focuses on Emily's journey from capturing casual photos of her children to specializing in dance photography. Key themes include transitioning into a photography niche, understanding the technical and artistic elements of dance photography, and the importance of collaborating with dancers to accurately capture their art. A central takeaway is Emily's emphasis on intentional photography, highlighting the need to capture movement with precision and artistry by mastering both technical settings and the dancer's form.KEY TOPICS COVEREDJourney into Dance Photography: Emily...2025-04-1747 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastProven Marketing Strategies for New Photographers with Jeff Poole#554 Jeff Poole is a professional photographer who transitioned from a career as a paramedic to running a highly successful photography business. Jeff recounts how photography became pivotal in his life following the birth of his first child and the supportive push from family that set him on a path to transform a hobby into a profitable venture. The episode emphasizes the necessity of proper pricing and marketing strategies in photography, particularly highlighting the struggles of starting out with competitive pricing that fails to be profitable in the long run.KEY TOPICS COVERED2025-04-1547 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastCrafting Impactful Narratives Through Long-Term Projects with Dan Milnor#553 Dan Milnor is a seasoned photographer with over 25 years of experience. His career began with an unexpected twist when a lost transcript led him to a community college with a renowned journalism program. Milnor narrates his early experiences as a photojournalist, detailing the adrenaline-filled assignments and his eventual transition to documentary photography. The discussion delves into the challenges of keeping photography authentic amidst the current digital age, where social media often overshadows genuine skill and creativity. KEY TOPICS COVEREDDan Milnor's Journey into Photography - Milnor details his unexpected path into photography s...2025-04-101h 18
The Beginner Photography PodcastThe 6 Photography Mindset Shifts Every Beginner Needs to Hear#552 In this episode of the podcast, I share the core principles that shape both my personal photography journey and the mission of the podcast. Recognizing that photography can feel overwhelming for newcomers, I focus on shifting the mindset from technical skills to capturing meaningful moments. By sharing six foundational principles, I aim to inspire creativity, enhance confidence, and help photographers of all levels rediscover their passion for photography. I emphasize the importance of capturing emotions and stories over technical perfection, reminding myself and listeners that photography is about seeing and experiencing the world around us.THE...2025-04-0839 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastSchool Teacher by Day Aspiring Photographer by Night with Elizabeth DeVoe#551 Elizabeth DeVoe is a first-grade teacher in Atlanta who recently embarked on her photography journey. The discussion navigates Elizabeth's early experiences and the unexpected spark that ignited her passion for photography. Elizabeth shares her beginnings with a Canon Rebel XS, a journey that transitioned from a poor initial photo attempt to a newfound love for capturing everyday moments. The episode delves into her learning paths, notably through podcasts, and emphasizes the relatable struggles and triumphs of a beginner photographer. KEY TOPICS COVEREDBeginnings of a Photography Journey - Elizabeth describes how a m...2025-04-0448 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastPhoto Q&A: How Do You Set the Right Price for Your Photo Prints?#550 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I discuss important topics about photography that are essential for both beginners and experienced photographers. This episode's key themes revolve around the pricing of prints, motivation in photography, understanding lenses, managing photography business logistics, and addressing technical shooting challenges. KEY TOPICS COVEREDPricing Prints - Raymond addresses pricing framed prints by explaining that the photographer's value comes from capturing moments and connections, not merely selling paper and ink. He stresses that pricing should reflect the photographer's tim...2025-04-0132 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastHow to Start in Stock Photography with Rosemary Watson#549 Rosemary Watson is a successful photographer who has carved out a unique niche in the world of stock photography. The discussion primarily centers around Rosemary's journey into stock photography and the practical steps she took to build a business that thrives on creativity and market demand. Key themes include overcoming the initial barriers to entry in photography, understanding the nuances of styled stock photography, and leveraging platforms like Creative Market for business growth. Rosemary also emphasizes embracing trial and error as a learning process, encouraging photographers to experiment with different styles and niches to find their passion. 2025-03-2754 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastReclaim Your Joy For Photography with Dave Mihaly#548 Dave Mihaly is a passionate advocate of film photography who shares his journey of transforming personal loss into a therapeutic creative outlet. He recounts experiencing a turning point in 2000 following his mother's death, which highlighted for him the importance of photographing loved ones and turned photography into a personal therapy. Despite starting with analog film photography during an era when digital was emerging, Dave explains how the tactile nature and the anticipation of film photography continue to captivate him. KEY TOPICS COVEREDTherapeutic Role of Photography - Dave shares how photography became a...2025-03-2553 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastBeginner to Pro in 2 years: How To Learn Photography Fast with Nick Church#547 Nick Church is a UK-based wedding photographer who transitioned from a full-time career in the software industry to photography within 24 months. The central theme revolves around Nick's journey from picking up a camera for the first time in 2014 to becoming a professional photographer. Key learning objectives include understanding the steps involved in transitioning to a photography career, leveraging multiple photography niches for financial stability, and effective marketing strategies for acquiring clients. KEY TOPICS COVEREDTransition from Software Industry to Photography - Nick shares how his background in physics and art facilitated his u...2025-03-201h 03
The Beginner Photography PodcastAre Photo Meetups The Key To Master Photography with Richard Brodowski#546 Richard Brodowski is member of the Beginner Photography Podcast Community and innovative equestrian and portrait photographer who shares how he transitioned from taking photos at his daughter's barn to mastering equestrian portraits. He began his photography path in April 2021, initially purchasing a camera for filming barbecue videos for a YouTube channel. However, his interests shifted towards equestrian photography as he began capturing images during his daughter's horseback riding lessons. Richard shares his learning experience, from being voluntold to take portraits at a barn to experimenting with equipment and techniques.KEY TOPICS COVEREDGetting...2025-03-1843 min
The Beginner Photography PodcastGuide to Photographing Your First Major Event with Gina Milicia#545 Gina Milicia is a seasoned celebrity portrait and lifestyle photographer from Australia. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Gina shares insights into her journey from aspiring sculptor to a celebrated photographer. The episode primarily focuses on the unglamorous realities of a photographer's life, the intricacies of photography, and the art of capturing authentic portraits.KEY TOPICS COVEREDGetting Started in Photography - Gina shares how her journey began with a love for art and evolved into photography when she got exposed to a world of fashion and celebrity photography. Despite...2025-03-1358 min