#525 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Chris Britton, a talented photographer and father who juggles family life with his passion for capturing moments. Chris beautifully articulates the balance between creative freedom and client expectations, the importance of being present, and overcoming social media pressures.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Balance Creativity and Client Desires: Blend your artistic vision with client needs to create compelling images that satisfy both parties.
• Be Present in the Moment: Stay engaged and mindful during shoots to capture authentic, meaningful photographs.
• Overcome Social Media Pressure: Focus on personal growth and expression rather than social media metrics like likes and shares.
• Embrace Imperfection: Accept noise and other imperfections as part of the creative process, enhancing your willingness to experiment.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Stay Present in Your Shoots: Turn off notifications during photo sessions to minimize distractions. Take a moment to breathe and observe your surroundings before pressing the shutter.
2. Experiment with Light and Color: Use natural window light to explore different moods and effects. Try adding warm tones in Lightroom by adjusting the color temperature or using split toning.
3. Blend Creativity and Practicality: Plan a family photoshoot with a mix of candid and posed shots to practice balancing client and personal creativity. Set specific creative goals for each shoot, such as trying new compositions or lighting setups.
4. Improve Your Technical Skills: Spend time learning to control shutter speed and aperture to tell clearer stories. Experiment with different ISO settings to find the balance between reducing noise and maintaining image quality.
5. Enhance Your Post-Processing Consistency: Calibrate your monitor using built-in tools or a dedicated calibration device to ensure color accuracy. Create a preset in Lightroom that matches your preferred style for easy and consistent editing.

RESOURCES:
Follow Chris Britton on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamchrisbritton/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#524 Photo Q&A
In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I dive into your questions and talk about the crucial aspects of choosing camera bags, the importance of quality memory cards and accessories, and how to keep your photos sharp. You'll discover how to boost your creativity with actionable photography goals for 2025.

What You'll Learn:

1. The Power of a Good Camera Bag
   Discover why investing in quality bags like ThinkTig or Timba enhances your photography experience.
2. Optimizing Your Accessories
   Learn why reliable memory cards and card readers are essential for smooth, fast data transfer.
3. Capturing Sharp Photos
   Understand how quality lenses and correct camera settings can drastically improve photo sharpness.
4. Creative Photography Goals
   Get inspired by actionable personal projects to release your creativity and share your journey.

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, we learn from photographers Shane Wilkie, Rachael Boer, Connor Walberg, Sandra Coan, and Brian Leahy. They share their experiences on overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of SEO in growing your photography business, and the value of persistence and community support.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Authenticity and self-belief are at the heart of successful photography. Sandra Coan and Rachael Boer emphasize the importance of confidence and the value of seeking mentorship.
• The Power of Networking: Brian Leahy's journey demonstrates that meaningful relationships with clients and vendors often matter more than technical skills. Networking can open doors to opportunities you wouldn't have otherwise.
• SEO for Photographers: Connor Walberg explains the critical role of effective SEO strategies, including the use of Google My Business and authentic content, to help your work get discovered online.
• Persistence Pays Off: Both Shane Wilkie and Sandra Coan highlight persistence as key to overcoming early struggles. Continuous learning and adapting are crucial for long-term success in the photography business.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Upgrade Your Online Presence: Set up or optimize your Google My Business profile. Ensure you are using keywords and locality to improve your search rankings.
2. Build Your Network: Dedicate time each week to network with other photographers, vendors, and clients. Attend industry events or join local photography groups to expand your contacts.
3. Seek Constructive Feedback: Find a mentor or join a critique group to get valuable feedback on your work. Constructive criticism will help you grow and refine your skills.
4. Focus on Authentic Content: Create blog posts or social media content that authentically documents your experiences and learnings. Genuine storytelling resonates more with your audience.
5. Invest in Continuing Education: Take a comprehensive online course or attend a workshop to sharpen your technical skills and business acumen. Immediate skills application can rapidly improve your confidence and capabilities.

RESOURCES:
Visit Shane Wilkie's Website - https://www.shanewilkie.com/
Visit Rachael Boer's Website - http://rachaelboer.com/
Visit Connor Walberg's Website - https://connorwalberg.com/
Visit Sandra Coan's Website - https://sandracoanstudios.com/
Visit Brian Leahy's Website - https://www.brianleahyphoto.com/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the journeys and inspirations of renowned photographers Alison Conklin, Jeff Larason, Brooke Shaden, Taylor Jackson, and Karni Arieli. Their stories reveal the importance of capturing genuine emotions, seeking meaningful critiques, and balancing creativity with technical proficiency.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Capturing Authentic Emotions: Alison Conklin's journey emphasizes the importance of focusing on genuine emotions rather than technical perfection. She encourages new photographers to shoot from a personal and honest place to create timeless images.
• Seeking Constructive Critiques: Jeff Larason highlights the value of receiving specific feedback from a trusted community. This helps photographers grow and understand how their work stands in the realm of great photographers.
• Balancing Creativity with Proficiency: Brooke Shaden shares her experience of starting with a clear vision and working backward to achieve it. She stresses the importance of letting go of perfection and learning through experimentation.
• Efficiency and Outsourcing: Taylor Jackson discusses the benefits of outsourcing editing to maintain work-life balance and improve business efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying communication and focusing on what truly matters in photography.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Capture Real Moments: During your next shoot, prioritize capturing genuine emotions and interactions over technical perfection. Focus on the stories unfolding in front of you.
2. Join a Critique Group: Find or create a community of trusted photographers to give and receive constructive feedback on your work.
3. Experiment and Refine: Start with an artistic vision for your next project and work backward to achieve it. Allow yourself to experiment and learn from the process without overthinking.
4. Outsource Editing: Consider outsourcing your photo editing to a trusted service. This will free up your time to focus on shooting and other creative aspects of your business.
5. Streamline Communication: Simplify your client communication by listing your pricing and services clearly on your website.

RESOURCES:
Visit Alison Conklin's Website - https://www.alisonconklin.com/
Visit Jeff Larason’s Website - https://www.jefflarason.com/
Visit Brooke Shaden’s Website - https://brookeshaden.com/
Visit Taylor Jackson’s Website - https://www.taylorjacksonweddings.com/
Visit Karni Arieli’s Website - https://eyemamaproject.com/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the art of creative expression in photography, with valuable insights from Cris Duncan, Alanna O'Neil, Matt Payne, and Ave Pildas. Their journey underscores the importance of understanding and mastering light, embracing personal style, pursuing authentic experiences, and curating one's archival collection. You'll learn actionable steps to refine your craft and capture images that resonate with emotion, narration, and individual perspective.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Understanding Light: Cris Duncan emphasizes the indispensable role of light in photography, shedding light on techniques to master flash and natural light to shape your images.
• Personal Style: Alanna O'Neil encourages photographers to infuse their personal interests and emotions into their work, fostering growth while maintaining a core style.
• Authenticity in Photography: Matt Payne advocates for creating real, unmanipulated photographs that truthfully represent the moments and experiences captured.
• Archiving Work: Ave Pildas underlines the value of organizing and categorizing your photographic archive to build meaningful projects and leave a legacy.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Master Light Techniques: Experiment with both flash and natural light setups. Start by practicing indoor portrait sessions with different lighting angles and modifiers, such as umbrellas.
2. Explore Personal Interests: Identify themes or elements that consistently attract your attention and incorporate them into your photography. Create a mini-series based on these interests.
3. Stay Authentic: Focus on capturing authentic moments. Avoid over-manipulating images and experiment with minimal edits to enhance the truthfulness of your scenes.
4. Organize Your Archive: Begin categorizing your existing photos by themes, dates, or locations. Use descriptive file names and consider digitizing any physical prints or negatives.
5. Create Projects: Use your organized archive to develop small photography projects or series. Share them on social media or personal blog posts to gain feedback and recognition.

RESOURCES:
Visit Cris Duncan's Website - https://cjduncan.biz/
Visit Alanna O'Neil's Website - https://alannaoneil.com/
Visit Matt Payne's Website - https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/
Visit Ave Pildas' Website - http://avepildas.com/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the journeys and wisdom of professional photographers like Christopher Gilbert, Liza Roberts, Michael Freeman, Karen Williams, and Pablo Giori. You'll learn how to embrace creative surprises, the importance of personal projects, and how to cultivate a unique photographic style. Implementing these lessons will help you break out of technical constraints and inspire you to find your own voice in photography.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Embrace Continuous Learning and Practice: Success in photography comes from an ongoing commitment to learning and practicing your craft. There are no shortcuts, only growth through experience.
• Find Your Unique Style: Avoid being a copycat by honing a distinctive visual style. This not only sets your work apart but also attracts the right opportunities and clients for your portfolio.
• Experiment Fearlessly: Accept failure as a valuable part of the creative process. Use it as a space to try new techniques and discover what truly resonates with you.
• Build and Share Personal Projects: Personal projects are key to showcasing your vision and can open doors to new opportunities. They allow you to experiment and share your creative journey with the world.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Create a Mood Board: Start by collecting images that inspire you. This will help you identify your visual preferences and guide your photography projects.
2. Schedule Practice Sessions: Dedicate regular time slots to shooting photos, experimenting with different techniques, and refining your skills.
3. Curate Your Portfolio: Select and organize your best work that reflects your unique style. Make sure your portfolio is specific and speaks to your target audience or clients.
4. Dive into Experimental Techniques: Try out new methods such as cyanotype or photo soup at home. Use these experiments to discover innovative ways to create images.
5. Join a Photography Community: Engage with local photo organizations or online photography groups. This will provide you with valuable critique, support, and networking opportunities to further your development.

RESOURCES:
Follow Christopher Gilbert on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/christopher.w.gilbert/
Visit Liza Roberts' Website - https://www.lizabetroberts.com/
Visit Michael Freeman's Website - http://www.michaelfreemanphoto.com/
Visit Karen Williams's Website - https://www.blackvisualqueen.com/
Visit Pablo Giori's Website - https://www.pablogiori.com/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Hannah Marie, a passionate family and child portrait photographer. Hannah shares her journey from a wakeboard instructor to a successful photographer, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in capturing children's personalities. She shares valuable advice on improving client communication, staying organized in business, and making the most of natural lighting.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Embrace Storytelling: Ensure your images tell the unique story of each subject. Personal stories add depth and meaning to your photos.
• Value Client Communication: Prompt and clear communication with clients builds trust and sets clear expectations, enhancing your professional reputation.
• Utilize Natural Lighting: Mastering natural light can elevate the quality of your portraits, making them more intimate and engaging.
• Stay Organized: Using tools like CRM systems can help you stay organized, manage your workflow, and maintain consistency in your business.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Capture Personality in Portraits: Spend time talking with your subjects before the shoot to understand their interests and personalities. Focus on natural expressions during the session rather than overly posed shots.
2. Master Natural Lighting: Practice shooting at different times of the day to observe how natural light affects your images. Use reflectors to manipulate available light and highlight your subject's features.
3. Improve Client Communication: Implement a prompt email response system and set clear session expectations with clients to ensure a smooth experience. Prepare templates for common client interactions to save time and provide consistent information.
4. Organize Your Business: Utilize tools like "17 Hats" to manage bookings, client communications, and workflow seamlessly. Set up automated emails and reminders to streamline your processes and enhance client satisfaction.
5. Refine Your Marketing Strategies: Develop a client-focused website that showcases your best work and clearly explains your services. Participate in online and local photography groups to network, gain referrals, and stay updated on industry trends.

RESOURCES:
Visit Hannah Marie's Website - https://hannahmarie.ca/
Follow Hannah Marie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahmariephotographer/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Kimberly Irish and Jim Sinicki, moderators of our Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook group, for an engaging Community Q&A session. We share the advice we wish we’d had when starting out, dive into AI’s growing role in photography, discuss ways to profit from landscape photography, and offer practical tips for collaborating with second shooters at weddings. As you listen, reflect on how these insights can shape your approach, spark new ideas, and inspire growth in your photography journey.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Value of an Assistant: An assistant can handle logistical tasks, allowing you to concentrate on capturing magical moments.
• Embrace Spontaneity: Flexibility is key; unexpected moments often yield the most memorable photos.
• Second Shooter Benefits: They provide alternative perspectives and creative angles that enrich the final photography set.
• Lighting Challenges: Overcoming low-light situations, especially during speeches, is critical for well-rounded coverage.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Effective Use of Assistants: Train an assistant to manage equipment and setup. Delegate tasks like lighting adjustments and backdrop arrangements.
2. Preparing for Spontaneity: Always have your camera ready for unexpected moments. Develop a quick reflex for adjusting settings on-the-fly.
3. Maximizing Second Shooters: Choose a second shooter whose style complements yours. Discuss the plan and locations to cover all aspects efficiently.
4. Lighting Strategies: Invest in portable lighting equipment for versatility. Practice using your camera’s low-light settings to improve photo quality.
5. Capturing Unique Perspectives: Experiment with different angles and vantage points. Incorporate varied focal lengths to provide a diverse photo collection.

RESOURCES:
Visit Kimberly Irish's Website - https://www.weeirishphotography.com/
Follow Kimberly Irish on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weeirishphotography/
Visit Jim Sinicki's Website - https://www.charliejamesphoto.com/
Follow Jim Sinicki on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/charlie_james_photo/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.com/

Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!