In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I interview fine art photographer Melanie Osaka. Melanie shares her unique approach to photography, focusing on self-directed work and not being driven by the need for an audience or financial success. She discusses the importance of creativity and trying new things, and offers insights into photography history and her own captivating images. 

The Big Ideas with Timestamps:
[00:01:50] Meaningful photographs in a digital world.
[00:05:57] Image making and its purpose.
[00:09:46] Constraints and creativity.
[00:12:46] Repurposing old printers.
[00:17:46] Categorizing my photography work.
[00:23:05] Photographing myself during lockdown.
[00:26:46] Photographs and their impact.
[00:32:59] Uncomfortable with self-portraits.
[00:35:00] Confronting self-image through photography.
[00:41:15] Developing photosensitive cotton.
[00:44:48] Exposure time and calculations.
[00:48:21] Losing interest in artistic process.
[00:52:59] The power of constraints.

Resources:Melanie Issaka’s websiteFollow Melanie on InstagramWatch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE 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!

415: Melanie Isakka - Exploring Creativity and Self-Discovery Through Photography

The Beginner Photography Podcast is a free weekly podcast hosted by professional photographer Raymond Hatfield who interviews world class photographers of all genres who share what they wish they knew when they got started so you can grow your creative photography skills faster! The podcast is brought to you by CloudSpot.io, the client gallery system that is always #EmpoweringPhotographers

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In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with Family, Newborn, and Maternity photographer Sabrina Gebhardt, about the importance of personal growth in photography amidst the trials of starting and maintaining a business. The Big Ideas:Embrace Your Own Journey: Avoid comparing your progress with others; focus on your unique path and growth.Invest in Learning: Prioritize education to build a strong foundation and gradually enhance your skills.Balance is Key: Find harmony between your passion for photography and life commitments to prevent burnout.Practice with Purpose: Set attainable goals and projects that challenge your creativity and technique.Photography Action Plan:Set Achievable Photography Goals: Decide on a simple, attainable goal you can achieve this week, such as mastering one new camera setting or taking a photo that captures an emotion. Write down this goal and the steps you need to accomplish it; keep it visible for daily motivation.Engage in Daily Practice: Choose a subject or theme each day and capture it using different angles and perspectives. Remember, experience is your greatest teacher. The more you shoot, the faster you’ll bridge the creative gap. Limit Social Media Influence: Allocate specific times for viewing social media to avoid constant comparison that might hinder your creativity. Use this saved time to focus more on your personal development in photography.Invest in Your Education: Pick a tutorial or course on an aspect of photography you’re unfamiliar with, such as lighting or composition. Consistently applying new knowledge will not only build your skills but also boost your confidence behind the lens. Initiate a Personal Project: Start a 365-day photo project, giving yourself permission to bend the rules, such as taking multiple photos in one day or not adhering to consecutive daily posts. This project is meant to fuel your growth and enjoyment in photography, not add pressure, so keep it fun and flexible.Resources:Visit Sabrinas Website - https://sabrinagebhardt.com/Follow Sabrina on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotographyWatch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE 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!

467: Sabrina Gebherdt - 5 Mistakes All New Photographers Make and How to Avoid Them

In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with portrait photographer Cris Duncan about mastering light with an umbrella for your flash and creating dimension in your photographs to transform your photographic techniques and storytelling. The Big IdeasEmbrace Manual Mode with Flash: Unlock the true potential of your creativity by understanding how aperture and shutter speed interact with flash, enhancing your artistic expression.Practice Leads to Instinct: With regular implementation, you'll develop an instinctual grasp of lighting, leading to faster setups and more confident shooting.Light Shapes Stories: Learn to control light to sculpt the narrative of your photos, using hierarchy and contrast to direct the viewer's attention where you want it most.Modifiers are Game-changers: Discover affordable tools like umbrellas that soften light, adding depth and nuance to your portraits, and elevate the professional quality of your work.Photography Action Plan:Practice Shutter Speed Variations with Flash: Take your camera and flash unit, set the camera to manual mode, and experiment with various shutter speeds. Observe how changing the shutter speed affects the areas of your photo not illuminated by the flash. Aim to shoot in both bright and dimly lit conditions to see how ambient light interacts with the flash at different shutter speeds, remembering that flash exposure remains constant.Master Lighting Placement: Position your light source at a 45-degree angle from your subject to create appealing shadow and depth, enhancing the three-dimensionality of your portraits. Use a reflector to bounce light onto the shadow side of the subject, experimenting with reflector distance and angle to manipulate shadow density and contrast.Utilize Umbrellas for Soft Lighting: Incorporate a bounce or translucent umbrella into your setup to diffuse and soften the light. Begin by pointing a bounce umbrella towards your subject and adjusting the spread of light accordingly. For larger groups, opt for a bigger umbrella to ensure even light distribution across all individuals, and try using translucent umbrellas for a wider light spread when necessary.Control Contrast with Off-Camera Flash: Detach your flash from the camera and place it off to the side to create more dynamic lighting with visible shadows, which contribute to the form and texture in your photos. Test shooting outdoors with off-camera flash to balance the daylight and flash exposure, giving you more control over the contrast and mood of your images. Learn and Apply Light Hierarchy: Begin by crafting a lighting plan that assigns priority to different elements of your scene, such as main subject illumination, background, and accent lighting, based on your creative objectives. As you arrange your seWatch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE 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!

466: Cris Duncan - The Flash Formula: How Umbrellas Can Transform Your Images

In Today's Episode of the podcast, you'll discover how embracing isolation and self-reflection can profoundly impact your photography. Fine art photographer Jason Matias shares insights on NFTs offering a new perspective on art in the digital age. The Big Ideas:Embrace Isolation for Growth - You'll learn the value of solitude for self-reflection and personal development in your photography journey.Leveraging NFTs for Art - Discover the potential of NFTs in expanding your art market and creating new avenues for connecting with buyers.Creating Context in Fine Art - Understand the significance of storytelling and context to elevate your photographic art beyond mere images.Overcoming Creative Constraints - Find inspiration in limitations and hone your craft by focusing on creating the perfect shot.Photography Action Plan:Master Your Camera: Research your camera's settings and functionalities to understand its full potential. Practice using different camera modes and settings to get a feel for what works best in various shooting conditions.Explore Fine Art Photography: Study different styles of photography to discover what resonates with you and inspires your creativity. Experiment with storytelling elements in your photography, focusing on context and creativity to elevate your images to the level of fine art.Embrace Digital Photography Trends: Learn about NFTs and their role in the art market to understand how they can potentially benefit your photography career. Consider how you can brand yourself and market your work effectively in the digital space, including social media and NFT platforms.Leverage Constraints for Creativity: Challenge yourself to capture images with intention, focusing on quality over quantity. Experiment with limiting yourself to taking only one perfect shot to hone your skills and creativity.Build Your Portfolio and Network: Compile a portfolio of your best work across different genres to showcase your versatility and artistic vision. Engage with other photographers, artists, and potential clients to expand your network and gain valuable insights and opportunities.Resources:
Follow Jason on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjasonmatias/
Visit Jason's Website - https://www.jasonmatias.com/ Watch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE 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!

465: Jason Matias - Braving the Change: Fine Art Photography in the Digital Age

In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with renowned photographer and author Michael Freeman about embracing the artistic journey of photography, where you'll learn to cultivate your creative eye and appreciate the process over the technical.

The Big Ideas:Continuous Learning: Embrace lifelong learning to elevate your art. Studying others' works is as crucial as mastering your camera.Creative Experimentation: Forget strict rules. Prioritize creativity to make photos that stand out and reflect your unique perspective.The Power of Surprise: Strive for images with unexpected elements. Predictability is the enemy of interesting photography.Intentionality Wins: Plan your shots with intention, but also leave room for spontaneity. It’s about the story you want to tell.Photography Action Plan:Immerse Yourself in the World of Photography: Visit local art galleries or explore online photography exhibitions to discover different styles and techniques.Regularly study the work of various renowned photographers to learn from their compositions and subject matter choices.Practice Intentional Shooting: Before taking your next photo, spend extra time pre-planning the shot, considering aspects like lighting, angle, and composition. After each photoshoot, review your images and note what worked and what didn't, then adjust your approach for next time.Challenge the Rules of Composition: Experiment with breaking conventions such as the rule of thirds; place your subject off-center and see how it affects the impact of your photo. Create a series of photos with unconventional framing or perspective to explore new creative possibilities.Experiment with Black and White Photography: Convert a selection of your images to black and white to see how it changes the mood and focus on textures and contrasts. Practice shooting with the intention of black and white output to hone your attention to light, shadow, and compositional elements.Connect with the Photography Community: Join the BPP group to exchange feedback, share your work, and learn from peers. Attend photography workshops or talks in your area to network, pick up new skills, and stay inspired by what others are doing.Resources:Follow Michael on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaelfreemanphotographyCheck out Michaels Collection of Photography Education books on AmazonVisit Michael Freemans WebsiteWatch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE 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!

464: Michael Freeman - Art Over Auto: Why Your Creative Vision Matters in Photography

In Today's Episode of the podcast I chat with Branding Photographer Abby Grace, and you'll discover how to infuse your photography with genuine storytelling, service, and strategy that will transform your brand photography from generic to truly compelling. The Big Ideas:Embrace the Power of Visual Storytelling: Elevate your brand photographs from mere snapshots to narrative-rich visuals that connect deeply with your audience.Service Over Shots: Begin your photography journey by serving others, and the quality of your portfolio will naturally follow.Strategic Planning Pays Off: Thorough preparation and research before shoots ensure that your photos align with your client’s branding goals.Learn from Experience: Pursue opportunities to work alongside a mentor and capture real-time events to refine your anticipation and execution in photography.Photography Action PlanEngage with Clients Before the Shoot: Schedule a consultation call to understand your client's brand, their vision, and the message they want to communicate through the images. Prepare a detailed questionnaire for your clients to fill out, capturing essential information about their brand identity, target audience, and the feelings they want to evoke with their photography.Craft a Strategic Shot List: Research your client's industry and competitors to identify visual gaps and opportunities for their brand photography to stand out. Curate a shot list that includes diverse scenes, from close-ups of the client's work process to wider shots that encompass their work environment, ensuring variety and depth in your portfolio.Master Your Camera’s Manual Settings: Take time to practice with your camera, experimenting with different ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings to see how they affect the outcome of your photos. Challenge yourself to shoot in manual mode during your next few sessions to build your confidence in adjusting settings on the fly and understanding the lighting conditions.Conduct a Beta Client Session: Identify potential beta clients in your network who might benefit from your services and approach them with a tailored pitch offering a session that aligns with your portfolio goals. Execute the session with the same professionalism and dedication as a paid shoot, ensuring valuable experience and quality images that reflect both your skill and your client’s brand.Analyze and Reflect Post-Shoot: Review the images from your session with a critical eye, assessing whether each photo aligns with the client's brand story and goals. Select the strongest images to show your client and gather feedback on what worked and what could be improved, using this information to refine your process for future sessions.Resources:Watch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE 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!

415: Melanie Isakka - Exploring Creativity and Self-Discovery Through Photography

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