Podcasts Posts - The Beginner Photography Podcast

#575 Sandra Coan is a seasoned film photographer from Seattle with two decades of experience in newborn, family, and classic portraiture. Sandra shares her inspiring journey—how she turned a creative passion into a thriving business, the challenges of building a successful brand, and the importance of letting your authentic style shine. As you listen, you’ll learn how to define what makes your photography truly unique, why focusing on what brings you joy can fuel both your growth and client satisfaction, and concrete steps for aligning your artistic voice with your business. Take Sandra’s wisdom and start building a brand that’s unmistakably yours.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe True Nature of Branding - Sandra explains that branding is not just visual identity (logos, colors, fonts), but the entirety of how your work, personality, voice, and client experience come together. Strong branding makes your photos instantly recognizable and helps build trust and authority with clients.Finding Your Unique Voice & Overcomi

#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 was to spend more time shooting.I challenged listeners (and myself) to rekindle excitement by using the equipment we already own. Whether that’s taking a “camera date” or giving ourselves quirky creative assignments, the goal is to reconnect with the fun and freedom of shooting—without the pressure of perfection or the itch for an upgrade.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Gear Myth and Creative Ruts - Raymond explains how photographers often

#573 Jim Sinicki is a longtime and active member of the podcast’s Facebook group. The episode explores Jim’s personal photography journey, beginning with what initially inspired him and carrying through his transition from enthusiast to business owner and creative community contributor. Listeners will gain insights into how Jim found inspiration by witnessing another photographer’s vibrant depiction of Milwaukee—a perspective that reignited his love for his hometown and drove him to create meaningful images. KEY TOPICS COVEREDInspiration & Starting Out - Jim shares how discovering Martin Moore’s photography changed his view of Milwaukee and motivated him to pick up a camera. He discusses the emotional and nostalgic appeal of recreating positive memories from his childhood, which underpinned his drive to document his city and, later, his family.Learning, Community, and Overcoming Failure - The importance of the Beginner Photography Podcast’s Facebook community is highlighted as Jim explains how accessible,

#572 In this episode of the podcast, I talk about making this your most photographed summer ever, no matter what camera you are using, even if it's just your iPhone. Whether you're capturing spontaneous moments, managing family summer plans, or building a photography business, this episode is for you. I aim to help you better see the moments in front of you, create a habit of shooting daily, and share your images with confidence.KEY TOPICS COVEREDWhy Summer Light Is Your Playground - I share why summer light is so dynamic and exciting—from the harshness of midday to the drama of golden hour, and even the sparkle of artificial lights at the fair. I challenge you to explore light at all times of day, not just the “pretty” hours.How to Practice Seeing and Using Light Differently - I break down how to train your eye by watching shadows, highlights, and even weather patterns. I explain how small photo experiments—like shooting the same subject at different times—can build your intuition and help you anti

#571 Valerie Jardin is a renowned street photographer, educator, and host of the Hit the Streets podcast, celebrated for her candid approach to capturing everyday moments. She recounts how her early influences growing up in France and her father's passion for wildlife photography shaped her artistic vision, even before she picked up a camera in her twenties. Valerie’s evolution from shooting wildlife and family portraits to running a commercial studio, and finally transitioning to street photography, offers listeners valuable lessons on adaptability and following creative passions.KEY TOPICS COVEREDNavigating the Photographer’s Journey - Valerie shares her gradual shift from wildlife and portrait work to full-time street photography, emphasizing experimentation and personal projects as core to discovering one’s true passion.Cultivating Photographic Vision - She explains why vision trumps technical perfection, advocating for real-world practice, making creative choices in-camera, and learning to see the w

#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 how to plan a photography trip, using Alaska as an example. He stresses focusing on desired shots first, packing only essential gear, planning for power and backup needs, and not letting equipment overshadow the enjoyment of the trip.Finding & Owning Your Editing Style - A listener asks about confidence in a "purposefully imperfect" editing style. Raymond encourages embracing what moves you emotionally rather than succumbing to tre

#569 Sean Kim is a passionate photographer whose journey explores the ways photography can help process emotions and discover meaning in life. Originally from South Korea and now living in the U.S., Sean transitioned from running a family business to finding profound purpose and self-expression through photography. His story is a testament to how picking up a camera can become a deeply personal tool for processing emotions, spiritual reflection, and connecting with the world, especially during times of personal upheaval.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Transformative Power of Photography - Sean reveals how photography helped him process emotions, find meaning during hard times, and discover beauty amidst chaos. He describes how immersive engagement with photography—especially during periods of personal struggle—can be both therapeutic and spiritually fulfilling.Learning Through Practice and Reflection - Emphasizing self-education, Sean advocates borrowing books from the library, consuming a broad range of resources, and

#568 Brian Doben is a celebrated commercial photographer whose journey into the craft was driven by pure instinct and a love for observing life—what he calls the “greatest romance” of his life aside from his marriage. Key themes throughout the episode include Brian’s unexpected entry into photography after realizing his first passion, professional cycling, wouldn’t pan out. He credits his success to a willingness to follow instinct, embrace humility, and prioritize listening—to both his own creative impulses and to clients. KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Role of Instinct and Human Connection in Photography - Brian recounts how his instinct led him to pick up a camera during a period of personal uncertainty. He has since trusted his intuition not only in what he photographs but in how he forms connections with his subjects. Takeaway: Success in photography relies as much on empathy and actively listening as it does technical skill.Professional Development and Navigating the Photography Industry - The episode discusses

#567 Allie Siarto is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in East Lansing, Michigan, and host of the Photo Field Notes podcast. The episode is a deep dive into the importance of creating a world-class experience for portrait clients, a factor Allie emphasizes as crucial for building client loyalty and generating referrals in the photography business. Through engaging stories and clear advice, Allie illustrates how exceptional service, thoughtful preparation, and emotional connections often outweigh technical perfection in client satisfaction.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Power of Client Experience Over Technical Perfection - Allie explains that while technical skill is important, the client’s emotional experience during the shoot has a greater impact on their satisfaction. Providing guidance, being prepared, and making clients comfortable often leads to higher perceived value and greater word-of-mouth referrals.Practical Steps for Improving Client Experience - Major points include communicating proactively (e.g

#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 self-exploration. The choices you make behind the camera act as a "mirror," revealing your interests, values, and the way you see the world.The Mirror and the Megaphone Metaphor - The “mirror” captures your authentic, unfiltered truth, while the “megaphone” amplifies what you choose to share with the world—curated, staged, or idealized moments. The real magic happens when your megaphone projects your mirror’s truth.Practical Ways to Shoot Authentically -

#565 Chris Owens is the Director of Photo Operations for IndyCar, and in this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, he shares what it’s really like to photograph the iconic Indianapolis 500. From his first experiences with disposable cameras as a child to leading a team of photographers at one of the world’s largest single-day sporting events, Chris details the technical, creative, and logistical challenges that come with high-paced event photography.He explains how persistence, adaptability, and a passion for storytelling have shaped his career. Chris offers practical advice for breaking into event and sports photography, highlighting the importance of volunteering, networking, and being proactive with your portfolio. KEY TOPICS COVEREDBreaking into Event Photography & Building a Career - Chris discusses his early fascination with capturing memories, the path from hobby to professional, and strategies for getting noticed—including the power of volunteering and keeping a portfolio visible.Operation

#564 In this episode of the podcast, I dive deep into the idea that while capturing the right moment in photography matters most, it’s not everything. I share my own experiences as a photographer, especially those early days when I felt overwhelmed by all the camera settings—aperture, shutter speed, ISO—and how easy it is to get distracted by what influencers say you need in terms of new gear. I open up about how sharing my photos online sometimes left me second-guessing myself when the feedback was harsh or not constructive, and how important it is for our mental health to not tie our self-worth to internet commentary.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Role of Moment in Great Photography - I talk about why the “moment” is king, but also share a story of photographing race cars with my son to show that technical choices—like shutter speed—are what give your images the power to convey emotion and story.Overcoming Overwhelm and Gear Envy - I reflect on my struggles with self-doubt, gear lust, and how feeling unskilled led m

#563 Kimberly Irish is a community member and moderator of the Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook group. Kim, based in Wisconsin, shares her journey from picking up a camera out of necessity to document her family’s life, to becoming a sought-after photographer who now primarily shoots weddings. The discussion explores the evolution of Kim’s skills, her approach to learning both technical and creative aspects of photography, and her philosophy on gear upgrades, creativity, and client relationships. The episode is both an inspiring personal story and a practical guide for beginners, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice, embracing imperfections, and cultivating one’s own style.KEY TOPICS COVEREDGetting Started & Overcoming Beginner Struggles - Kim’s entry into photography was motivated by wanting to capture her children’s lives on a tight budget. She learned the basics, especially the exposure triangle, before even getting her camera, but struggled with focus and indoor low-light conditions.

#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 on Photos - Raymond explains when photographers should (and shouldn't) add their signature or logo to images, distinguishing between branding needs and concerns over theft. He notes that landscape photographers may benefit more from signatures due to wider image use, while portrait photographers often don't need them unless for advertising.Managing Kids in Family Photography - The episode offers strategies for keeping young children engaged during sessions, such as ma

#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 pivot from landscapes to portraits taught John that technical skill must be paired with people skills, client feedback, and creative planning for portrait success.Community and Growth - Engaging with photography communities, drawing inspiration from other creatives, and pursuing personal projects help accelerate development and confidence.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSManual Mode: Comple

#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 - Bringing listeners together in Chicago broke down the walls of digital connection. Everyone experienced firsthand how learning alongside others, asking questions in real time, and building bonds can accelerate growth in ways online learning rarely can. I saw people relax, open up, and walk away with real friendships and new confidence.Foundational Skills: Light, Composition, and Camera Settings - I designed the content to help both beginners an

#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.Key themes include being intentional with every shot, appreciating and mastering different types of light (even the ones we usually try to avoid), developing an efficient editing workflow, and learning to tell complete stories with your images. My hope is that by giving you these specific assignments, you’ll find not only growth in your technical skills, but also gain confidence and a deeper understanding of your personal

#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. KEY TOPICS COVEREDJourney into Photography - Matt shares his initial exposure to photography through Twitch streams, leading to his active interest and practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. His personal story emphasizes the importance of seeking inspiration and mentorship through unconventional channels.Learning and Growth - The episode highlights the education

#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 led to his purchase of a camera. The key takeaway is the power of personal motivation in learning a new craft.Progression and Style Development - Mario discusses his journey from photographing street scenes to more intentional family portraits and engagement shoots. This progression highlights the importance of adapting one's style based on personal interests and experiences.Use of Lighting and Technology

#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 shares her experience evolving from family photography to a specialized focus on dance. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to document her daughter's dance performances, leading her to pursue professional skills in this niche.Technical Aspects and Equipment: The episode discusses the critical role of the right equipment, like DSLRs and