Almost in Focus

Join us for episode 17 of Almost In Focus as we dive into the world of Kickstarter photography projects, creative entrepreneurship, and the stories behind innovative camera gear and accessories. In this episode, our hosts Tobias, Tom, Dave, Rich, and guests share their insights on crowdfunding strategies, launching camera projects, and the importance of storytelling in product success.In this episode:

• The evolution of Kickstarter campaigns in photography over the past four years
• Lessons learned from launching Alfie Cameras Tych and the new Alfie [BOXX]
• Strategies for building an audience and leveraging storytelling for crowdfunding success
• The significance of attention to detail, branding, and human elements in marketing
• The role of DIY craftsmanship and "Men in Sheds" culture in creating authentic camera gear and accessories
• Insights from Rich on his experience with the Increment Labs Light Meter Watch and the challenges of Kickstarter campaigns
• The value of transparency, community engagement, and behind-the-scenes storytelling on social media platforms
• Tips for managing the mental fatigue of running successful crowdfunding projects
• Future project plans, including upgrades to materials, adding rewards, and expanding product lines

The Important Links:

• Alfie Cameras [BOXX] Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davefaulkner/alfie-boxx-camera?ref=discovery&term=alfie%20cameras&total_hits=1&category_id=333
• Increment Labs LMW-V1 Watch Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/light-meter-watch/the-light-meter-watch-lmw-v1?ref=discovery&term=light%20meter%20watch&total_hits=1&category_id=333

• Crowdfunded (Book) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CDF4M692/?bestFormat=true&k=crowdfunded&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ser_k2_1_6_de&crid=2QBJ0ATKTS3I0&sprefix=crowdf

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Join Toby and Tom in this episode of Almost in Focus as they explore the magic of photowalks — and why simply heading out with a camera can completely change the way you see the world. From quiet suburban streets to busy city centres, they discuss how photowalks encourage creativity, observation, and unexpected moments of connection.

Along the way, they share stories from past walks, chance encounters, overlooked details, and the small discoveries thatoften become the most memorable photographs. The conversation also touches on community, slowing down, and how photographing familiar places can reveal entirely new perspectives.

Whether you shoot film, digital, street photography, documentary work, or simply want an excuse to get outside with a camera, this episode is a reminder that inspiration is often much closer than you think.

Latent Hour Print Competition
Hosted by Tom via Instagram @tombobwarland. Win a Print. Follow, Like and Share to be in with a chance to win a darkroom print. Entries close Friday 15th May.

https://www.instagram.com/tombobwarland/

Analogue Wonderland Big Film Photowalk – Almost in Focus in Market Harborough
Join the upcoming community photowalk from Analogue Wonderland Big Film Photowalk – loads of locations and still room to add more. IF you are in the midlands come meet us in Market Harborough

https://analoguewonderland.co.uk/collections/the-big-film-photowalk-2026-tickets

Tom’s Other Upcoming Events & Photowalks

https://photowalk.me/tombobwarland

In this episode of Almost in Focus, Tom Warland and Tobias Beach-Wyld celebrate the people, places, and experiences that keep photography exciting. Tom begins with a chance street encounter in Russell Square, where he meets a self-taught Wing Chun practitioner who learned entirely from old YouTube videos. It becomes a reminder that stopping to speak with subjects can transform a fleeting street photo into a much richer story.

The conversation then turns to Tom’s recent visit to see legendary photographer Joel Meyerowitz speak at UCL. The hosts discuss his warmth, humour, and stories about meeting Robert Frank, influencing William Eggleston, and even helping shape early versions of Adobe Photoshop. It sparks a wider chat about how valuable photographer talks can be—not just for learning technique, but for inspiration and perspective.

Tom also reflects on rediscovering freedom in photography by shooting slower black-and-white film, embracing blur, shallow depth of field, and imperfection rather than chasing technical perfection. Tobias adds that many photographers lose their early spontaneity over time, and that reconnecting with that instinctive joy is one of the most rewarding parts of the craft.

The episode continues with memories of talks and encounters with respected photographers including Chris Killip and Alex Soth, plus reflections on galleries, volunteering, and how being around exhibitions can shape the way photographers think about sequencing and presenting work.

Finally, the hosts share upcoming projects, photo walks, and creative opportunities—including Tobias setting himself an eight-day daily photography challenge. A lively and funny episode about staying inspired, meeting people, and saying yes to photographic opportunities.

Links & Mentions

Colour Hunt Photowalk in London
https://www.photowalk.me/photowalk/colour-hunt-photowalk

Alfie Cameras BOXX
https://alfiecameras.com/

Almost in Focus Podcast Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/almostinfocuspodcast/

Almost in Focus Podcast YouTube (upcoming videos)
https://www.youtube.com/@almostinfocuspodcast

TomBobWarland YouTube (Latent Hour livestream darkroom)
https://www.youtube.com/@TomBobWarland

Support the Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, comment, and share — it really helps more photographers discover the show.

Exploring Photographic Practice and Community: An Interview with Paul Clements

Join us in this episode as we delve into the varied career ofphotographer and educator Paul Clements, exploring his journey from NHS operating theatre work to Journalistic and documentary photography, and his insights into photographic education, industry challenges, and the joy of film processing in unconventional settings.

In this episode:

Paul shares his transition from healthcare to photojournalism and academia

The importance of research and contextual understanding in photography

The evolution of the photography industry, including issues with funding, gatekeeping, and inclusivity

The significance of community, collaboration, and peer feedback in developing as a photographer

Personal anecdotes about contact sheet critiques and experimenting with film processing in pubs

Reflections on the beauty of imperfection and glitches in photographic images

Discussions on dangerous photos, ethical considerations, and the political role of photography

Resources & Links:

William Flusser - Towards the Philosophy of Photography

Eddie Van Viesel - The Edge of Civilization

Remedy Photo Festival

Connect with Paul:

https://thebppa.com/author/paulclements/

https://www.instagram.com/paulcclements

https://www.instagram.com/stane_street

Join us for an insightful conversation with photographer Simon Roberts as we explore his creative process, major projects including Motherland and We English, including in his latest book After London. We also discuss his new Brighton-based community space, POST Creatives, and the importance of patience, play, and experimentation in photographic practice.

In this episode, we talk about how Simon approaches landscape, scale, and perspective, how his work evolved to be more conceptual, and how ideas from earlier projects continue to develop, including in his latest book After London.

Please show your support by giving the podcast a follow/subscribe.

Key Topics

• Creative process behind his work
• The role of scale and perspective in landscapephotography
• Patience, timing, and observation inimage-making
• The development of POST community space inBrighton
• The value of play in creative practice

Links

• Simon Roberts — https://simonroberts.com/
• POST Creatives (Brighton) — https://post-creatives.co.uk/
• Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/simonroberts/
• Tom’s new book: “Light Paper Time” – https://www.tombobwarland.com/light-paper-time

In this episode, Toby and Tom recap their trip to the NEC in Birmingham, sharing stories from a busy day exploring photography stands, filming on the go, and catching up withfriends from across the analogue and digital community. From travel mishaps and camera logistics to unexpected gear discoveries, the episode captures the atmosphere of the show and the people who make it worthwhile.

In this episode:

The journey to the NEC and the realities of travelling with camera gear

Highlights from the show, including meetups, new equipment, and industry conversations

Discussion around community darkrooms and the continued growth of film photography

A look at unusual and innovative camera projects, including pinhole, camera obscura, and upcoming Kickstarter releases

Conversations with Rachel Brewster-Wright (Little Vintage Photography), Brendan Barry, and Alfie Cameras, Analogue Wonderland and many more.

Thoughts on the current state of analogue photography and where things seem to be heading

People, brands, and projects mentioned:

Little Vintage PhotographyWebsite: https://littlevintagephotography.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlevintagephotography

JFR FilmWebsite: https://jfrfilm.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfrfilm

Brendan BarryWebsite: https://brendanbarry.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendanbarry

Khandie ReesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/khandie.rees

Analogue WonderlandWebsite: https://analoguewonderland.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/analoguewonderland

Alfie Cameras

Website: https://alfiecameras.com/ (Use code TBW120 to save 10%)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfiecameras

Dragon FilmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonfilm

Increment Labs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/increment.labs

GodoxWebsite: https://www.godox.com

Events and upcomingplans

Almost In Focus photowalk: 26 April
Sign-up: https://photowalk.me

Analogue Wonderland The Big Film Photowalk - 27 June
More details to follow

Book mentioned

Tom’s new book; LightPaper Time — a book about darkroom printing, process, and slowing down in photography
Available at: https://www.tombobwarland.com

This episode includes show highlights, honest reactions, and reflections on the people, projects, and ideas keeping analogue photography alive.

In this episode, hosts Tobias Beach-Wyld and Tom Warland engage in a candid conversation about their recent experiences in photography, touching on themes of personal projects, the complexities of homelessness, and the importance of continuous learning in the field. They share insights from their teaching experiences, discuss the impact of historical photography, and reflect on the challenges and joys of capturing meaningful images.

The episode also highlights the significance of engaging with marginalized communities and the evolving nature of photographic theory.

In this episode, hosts Tom Warland and Tobias Beach-Wyld celebrate their 10th episode by discussing the challenges of justifying camera collections, accepting their levels of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) , and the impact of social media on personal branding in photography. They explore the psychology behind owning multiple cameras, the importance of using the right tool for the right job, and the joy that comes from engaging with subjects through photography. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about upcoming events and a potential competition for listeners.

In this reflective episode, Toby and Tom explore the powerful idea of “photographs we didn’t make” and how those unseen moments can shape us just as much as the images we publish. Through candid stories and hard-earned experience, they unpack the hesitation, ethics, and inner conflict that influence our decisions behind the camera.

From a teenage photographer documenting a homeless man on the streets of Cardiff without understanding his humanity, to moments in hospitals and personal crises, this conversation examines why some images stay with us as emotional archaeology—while others are left behind because they’re neither necessary nor kind.

This episode challenges photographers and storytellers to confront the ethical line between bearing witness and causing harm, asking when to shoot, when to step back, and how those choices ultimately shape our integrity, empathy, and impact.

In this episode of Almost In Focus, Tom Warland and Tobias Beach-Wyld reflect on their own photography projects and explore why working locally can be just as powerful as travelling further afield. Drawing on their university experiences—particularly the formative “grid project”—they discuss how learning to really look at what’s around you can shape both confidence and creative direction.

The conversation moves into the realities of documentary photography, from navigating awkward or confrontational moments to the importance of building trust, respect and genuine rapport with the people you photograph. Along the way, Tom and Toby encourage listeners to get involved in their own communities, start new projects close to home, and keep pushing their practice forward.

Extras & links:

• Tom is speaking at The Photography & Video Show on 14th March - come say hi to us there
  Use code SPK26 to save 20% on tickets
  https://www.photographyshow.com/

• Toby’s camera bag: Acme Made Montgomery Street

• Pete Davis: https://www.pete-davis-photography.com/
• USW: BA Documentary photography, Station to Station: https://docphotusw.com/Station-to-Station

• The Latent Hour Live Stream – last Thursday of every month
  https://www.youtube.com/@TombobWarland/streams