#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 COVERED

1. The 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.
2. Foundational Skills: Light, Composition, and Camera Settings - I designed the content to help both beginners and experienced photographers by focusing on the essentials—how to use your camera, how to “see” light, and how to compose compelling images. I shared personal images, good and bad, to spark discussion, and guided everyone through hands-on practice, including a photo walk with a model.
3. Streamlining Editing with Imagen AI - I talked about my early struggles with editing and how it almost made me quit at the start. Now, with tools like Imagen AI—which learns your editing style and speeds up post-processing—I can spend more time doing what I love: shooting. The workshop gave attendees hands-on exposure to this workflow, empowering them to consider new tech solutions to old challenges.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• “Getting it Right in Camera”: For me (and now for Kim!), this means achieving the look I want straight out of the camera, not just aiming for the “perfect” exposure meter reading. It’s about matching your image to your style and not being afraid to shoot for your own vision.
• Quality of Light: Quality isn’t just about how bright the light is; it’s about its softness, direction, and how it shapes your subject. Understanding and controlling these qualities, even when using flashes or dealing with tough outdoor light, can level up any photo.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How have your experiences learning photography in person differed from learning online?
2. What does “getting it right in camera” mean for your own style, and how do you apply this when shooting?
3. Can you share a breakthrough moment you’ve had with light or composition?
4. What’s your biggest editing headache, and could something like Imagen AI help you enjoy photography more?

RESOURCES:
Check out Imagen AI - beginnerphotopod.com/imagen
See Behind-the-Scenes Workshop Photos  - https://adobe.ly/44oOIxe

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Connect with Raymond!

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

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!