Dial and Aperture

In this week’s episode of Dial and Aperture, Morgan and Nacho explore the importance of authentic photography in watch marketing and criticize the overuse of digital renders and stock images. They discuss how real images tell better stories and connect more deeply with audiences. Before that, they quickly catch up: Nacho is in Holland, doing some work at Fratello HQ, and Morgan has been keeping busy with work for an upcoming VPC launch. They wrap up the show with Snapshots that include a great YouTube video and a photographer worth following for Fujifilm medium-format goodness.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• Samuel Elkins Photography: Instagram / YouTube
• Testing The Best-Selling Cameras From Every Decade - Speeed YT

We are back on Dial and Aperture, after a break last week. Today, Nacho and Morgan take some time to catch up and chat about what they’ve been up to. This includes a return to running and photography for Morgan. Nacho has had a lively few days. With the big move behind him, he was away in Spain for a wedding, as well as on a Tudor press trip to San Diego, to discover more about a chapter of the brand’s heritage supplying watches to the US Navy SEALs. They wrap things up with some Snapshots, including a YouTube video and a must-have for frequent travelers.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Nacho's Tudor Navy SEAL Museum article

Godox iT32 + X5

GMC Yukon XL

• The process of making a camera lens - ProcessX on YT
• A cheap/packable tote bag

In this episode, Morgan and Nacho reflect on their experiences posting on Instagram, the impact on their photography, the social aspect of the platform, and the importance of finding a healthy balance in social media use. We start with a move update from Nacho, who is in the final days leading up to it. Morgan continues to live the island life, keeping busy and enjoying the routine. They wrap it up with a couple of great recommendations to watch whenever you find yourself with some time off.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Morgan and Nacho with David Backham

@Caliberwhatever on IG

• The Gentlemen Season 2 - Netflix
• My Hero Academia - Manga

In this episode, Nacho and Morgan catch up on recent travels, getting back into their fitness routines, and Nacho’s progress on moving to Germany before diving into the Focus Point: Geneva Watch Days. They break down their favorite watch releases from the fair. Nacho also shares what it was like to attend this year and connect with friends and listeners in person. Finally, they close out the show with Snapshots, featuring a fresh TV recommendation and a quick trick to elevate your home coffee setup.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• Alpina - Startimer Pilot Solarmetre
• Berneron - Mirage Mirroir
• MING - 57.05 Comet Polymesh
• Girard-Perregaux - Laureato Fifty Tourbillon Micro-Rotor 39mm
• Frédérique Constant - Classics Index and Highlife French Foreign Legion and mechanical Moneta
• Laurent Ferrier - Classic Moon "Dusk"
• Doxa - SUB 300 Ti5
• Micromilspec - Fieldmaster
• Ferdinand Berthoud - Chronomètre FB 3 SPC.4-1
• Greubel Forsey - Qualité Musée

Dark Matter - Apple TV
Coffee grinder - Bodum (for example)

In this episode, Morgan and Nacho explore their dream photography trips, discussing destinations, gear, and watches to accompany their adventures. First they catch up on recent events, including some recent incidents involving home renovations and local wildlife. They wrap things up with an analog solution for keeping yourself organized and a perfect souvenir idea.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• Field Notes notebooks
• Pottery

In this episode, Morgan and Nacho share practical tips for traveling with your photography gear (like a pro), including bags, packing strategies, weatherproofing, and security measures. If you want to keep your gear safe, avoid hassle at airport security, and to get other practical tips, be sure to tune in.  They also catch up on their experience viewing the eclipse and their attempts to view and photograph it, recent travel, and other projects. Finally, they wrap up with a TV show recommendation and a practical piece of travel advice.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Andrea's eclipse photos

Andrea's watch page

Marcelo Maragni's eclipse photos

Formex Video Project

• Gravity Falls - TV show
• Make sure you have an ESTA!

This week, on Dial and Aperture, it’s back to business as usual. Morgan and Nacho catch up on the latest. This includes Morgan’s trip to France and Switzerland, as well as Nacho’s new camera bag. For the main topic, they explore how to handle creative slumps, the importance of taking breaks, and how to find inspiration again in photography and other creative pursuits. Snapshots today include a great belt from Decathlon as well as a podcast recommendation.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Nacho's new camera bag: Tenba Messenger Large

• Solognac Belt 100 - Decathlon
• Tattoo Tales - Podcast

In this episode of Dial and Aperture, the boys are thrilled to welcome special guest Kat Shoulders to the show. Kat shares her journey from casual photography to professional work, her approach to shoot planning, and her insights on the impact of AI on photography and a new trend towards realness over perfection. We also get into gear, the creative process, and thoughts on authenticity in watch and lifestyle photography. In this episode, Kat shares detailed insights on photography gear, shooting techniques, and her experiences at watch events and campaigns. We explore the nuances of camera systems, lens choices, and the creative process behind some of her favorite campaigns. The show wraps up with snapshots, including a lifestyle tip from Morgan, a film suggestion from Kat, and a YouTube video from Nacho. Thank you, Kat, for joining us!

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Follow Kat on IG!

Tenn and Two podcast

Serica Campaign

Zach Piña

Chris Coe

Garrett Jones

Ora Orea Coreolis

"The Moneymaker" camera strap

Leica, APO-MACRO-ELMARIT SL, 100mm f2.8

Avi-8 Campaign

Zodiac Campaign

• Get outside and go for a walk!
• 1200km in a 60-Year-Old Alfa Romeo — The Slow Road Home - Soulspec YT
• The Odyssey (2026)

Today, on Dial and Aperture, Morgan and Nacho discuss the challenges of a less-is-more approach to watch photography. Minimalism can be appealing, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges and considerations. Before getting into it, they catch up on recent events, including Morgan’s quest for inspiration and Nacho’s impending move to Germany. Finally, they wrap things up with Snapshots, featuring a new film and a recommendation for a great YouTube channel for photography tips.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

Tom's (@bowlofsalmon) white background shot

Morgan's white background shots: Rolex Explorer / Grand Seiko

The Rolex shot that inspired Morgan

Nacho's white background shot

• @matthewruderman - YT
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)

This week’s episode of Dial and Aperture begins with the usual catch-up. Morgan highlights his ongoing tattoo process (two sessions away from completion) and upcoming travel to France and Switzerland. Nacho talks about a recent trip to Biel for a video project, Amsterdam for a product presentation, and the upcoming Geneva Watch Days. The guys then share a detailed breakdown of their process for taking a perfect lume shot of your watch. Finally, the show wraps up with an Instagram follow recommendation and an interesting way to post your images, as well as a show to binge on Netflix.

Show Notes / Snapshots:

• @bradflowerss - IG photo collage
• The East Palace - Netflix