Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz

In this conversation, we sit down with portrait photographer John Boaz to talk about where his work really comes from. From an early moment of seeing deer move through golden light at Bradgate Park to having his portraits on the cover of Portrait of Britain, John shares a thoughtful and honest look at his creative journey.

We talk about the influence of university on his understanding of visual storytelling, the importance of personal projects alongside paid work, and why connection always matters more than technical perfection. John reflects on slowing down in a fast-paced, social-media-driven industry, how nature, music and everyday life feed into his work, and why imperfections often carry the most truth.

This episode is about portraiture as a human exchange rather than a technical exercise, and about protecting artistic integrity while navigating commercial realities.

Guest Bio

John Boaz is a multi-award-winning portrait photographer based in Northamptonshire, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019 with a degree in Visual Communication (Photography).

John is a multiple winner of the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain awards, including having a portrait selected as the front cover of Volume 7. His work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s IPE 166 exhibition and features in major publications such as The Guardian, Financial Times Magazine, Le Monde and Der Spiegel. His ongoing series Rivers Of Living Water explores Christianity in Britain through portraiture and observational images.

Key Topics

John’s early inspiration at Bradgate Park

University and learning visual storytelling

Balancing paid work and personal projects

Human connection in portraiture

Feeling over technical perfection

Inspiration from nature, music and everyday life

Maintaining artistic integrity across mediums

Slowing down in a fast social media world

The impact of awards on creative confidence

Notable Quotes

“Imperfect images tell a story.”

“Connection and context come first.”

“Imperfections add authenticity.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and background

02:50 Early photography experiences

06:00 University and visual storytelling

08:56 Transitioning into professional work

11:45 Personal projects and why they matter

14:37 Balancing paid work and passion

17:30 Current projects and future direction

20:32 Family and photography

23:51 Artistic reflection and intention

25:21 Digital versus film

27:29 Human connection in portrait photography

31:15 Planning versus spontaneity

34:17 Managing pressure and anxiety

38:34 Comfort and trust in portraits

41:35 Environment, light and atmosphere

45:15 Subconscious decision-making

47:42 Connection and context revisited

50:39 Emotion versus technical control

54:16 Storytelling through portraiture

57:57 Navigating wedding photography

01:01:16 Humility and growth

01:04:12 Finding inspiration beyond photography

01:07:07 Creative pressure

01:09:52 Social media and evolving perspectives

01:11:16 Fulfilment beyond Instagram

01:12:54 Balancing work and personal life

01:15:34 The impact of awards

01:17:43 Inspiration from fellow photographers

Mentions

Alex Soth

Alys Tomlinson

Portrait of Britain

Where to find John

johnboaz_

Johns Website

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Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin

It feels good to be back. We’ve missed the chats, the stories and the bit of craic that always sneaks in when we hit record. And we’re kicking things off with Emma Walkin from EditHouse, who’s had a winding path through sport, corporate media and into wedding videography, shaping a whole corner of the industry along the way.

Emma talks about being one of the few women shooting weddings in Ireland in the early days, the graft of building a business, and the pressure that comes with fast turnarounds and big expectations. We also dig into how AI is changing the creative world, how the wedding industry has shifted, and what it actually takes to keep going in a job that’s half filmmaking and half emotional endurance.

There’s plenty here about editing, family life, creative burnout and the chaos of modern wedding days. She also brings us through her time filming in South Sudan and how it changed her outlook on work and life. It’s honest, funny, and full of reminders of why real moments still matter more than anything else.

Mentions

@flatrocfilms

https://www.flatrocfilms.com

@kreativwedding

https://www.kreativ-wedding.de⁠

Loreto Rumbek

Where to find Emma

http://www.edithouse.ie

@edithouse

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Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache

The man responsible for hundreds of photographers descending on Dublin’s streets each year for the famous Doc Day conference sits down for a chat. Kevin Kheffache has become a central figure in the Irish documentary photography scene but his path here wasn’t straightforward.

From banking and running a language school to picking up a camera alongside Annie, Kevin’s journey has been full of sharp turns and unexpected lessons. We get into the leap from videography to photography, how his background shaped his eye for moments, and why he believes community is the heartbeat of this craft.

There’s talk of creativity and confidence, the pressures photographers face in today’s online world, and the simple joy of seeing a roll of film come back to life. Kevin’s story is part evolution, part reflection, and a reminder of why capturing real moments still matters most.

Settle in for this one. It’s full of heart, insight, and plenty to take away.

Show Links

Kevin’s Website - https://www.kevinkheffache.com/

DocDay - https://docday.international/

Cafa Liu - https://cafaphoto.com/

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@davidmcclellandphotography

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How do you introduce someone who’s practically part of the furniture in Irish photography? Jay Doherty’s name is woven through so many corners of the industry it’s almost become folklore – from creating the much-loved Learning to Fly retreat to bringing Doc Day to a close each year with his signature style.

Jay’s a photographer who doesn’t just take pictures; he lives and breathes his craft. He’s curious, restless, and fiercely passionate about learning – but what makes him stand out is how much he loves seeing others grow. We talk about where that drive comes from, how he’s helped shape a community of photographers, and what’s next for him.

Expect plenty of laughs, insights into the Irish photography scene, and a good few moments where you might find yourself asking, “What would Jay do?”

Grab a bottle of Football Special and settle in – this one’s worth the listen.

Photographers to Checkout

Rich GilliganSimon murphy - https://www.youtube.com/@simonmurphy265/

Harry Borden https://www.harryborden.com/

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@davidmcclellandphotography

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Episode 54 – A conversation with Martin Ellard

This week’s guest is Martin Ellard – a documentary wedding photographer based in South Wales with one of the most varied and fascinating paths into the industry we’ve heard yet.

Martin’s background takes us from the offices of Magnum Photos, where he somehow managed to land a one-on-one with the legendary Elliott Erwitt, through years spent on the front lines as a press photographer, and on to commercial gigs before finding his home in wedding photography.

We chat about what each of those roles taught him, how they’ve shaped the way he sees and shoots, and why the documentary approach speaks to him most. There’s plenty about the realities of press work, the pace and politics of editorial assignments, and the shift in mindset that comes with photographing a wedding day instead of a protest or breaking news.

We also touch on his personal projects, zine-making, and whether he’s planning more. And of course, there’s gear talk, stories from the field, and plenty of odd tangents too.

A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with someone who’s been around the block and still sees photography with a beginner’s curiosity. We could’ve gone on for hours, we probably will next time.

Show Links.

Martin’s Wedding Work https://www.martinellardweddingphotography.co.uk/

Martin’s Commercial Work https://www.martinellardphotography.co.uk/Chris Killip https://www.chriskillip.com/

Sebastião Salgado https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/sebasti%C3%A3o-salgado

Joey’s Shots YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JOEYSSHOTS

Bristol Books on Photography https://bopbristol.org/

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Episode 53 - The Photowalk with Bermingham Cameras

A break from the norm this week.

This episode was recorded during our photo walk through Dublin in association with Bermingham Cameras. It’s a mix of sound bites and conversations, capturing moments from the day and voices from across the photography community.

We talk about the value of connection, the supportiveness of the scene in Ireland, and what it means to be open and approachable in the industry. There’s a bit of fun, a bit of reflection, and a strong sense that community really does matter – no matter what stage you’re at.

And a quick word from Brian – whose love of horse racing and charity work added something unexpected and heartfelt to the day. Thanks again to Berminghams for making this all possible.

Show Links.

Mentioned in this podcast

If you would like to sponsor Brian for his upcoming Pat Smullen Charity Race please : visit this link here

@berminghamcameras

@johngillooley

@derycktormey

@forgedinlovephotography

@jannthings

@dark.clouds.photography

@lisachonier

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⁠⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠

⁠@moathillphotography⁠

Episode 52 – A conversation with Janina Brocklesby (Reportage Studios)

This week we’re joined by Janina Brocklesby – one half of Reportage Studios and someone whose work manages to hit that sweet spot between honest, emotional and, quite often, properly funny. Her images have a real heart to them – shaped by culture, personality and the chaos of a wedding day in full swing.

We talk about how she got started in photography and the early days of setting up Reportage Studios. There’s plenty of chat about the realities of working as a duo, travelling for weddings across the UK and beyond, and how different cultural backgrounds have shaped the way she approaches the job.

She’s going to be speaking at Doc Day next year – so we dig into how that’s feeling, and the nerves and excitement that come with stepping onto a stage rather than behind a lens.

There’s also a really personal and powerful part of the conversation where Janina opens up about the recent passing of her brother. She talks with such grace about wanting the day of his funeral photographed, and how important that felt. The photographer she asked, by the way, was none other than past guest Ronan Palliser – not sure if we mentioned that during the chat, so worth saying here.

We also dive into gear choices, the tension between documentary and editorial styles, the pressure of trends, and whether awards are worth the bother. Social media comes up too – whether it’s a useful tool or just something that gets in the way.

A wide-ranging, honest chat with a photographer who truly cares about people, stories, and the moments that matter.

Show Links.

Reportage Studios - https://reportage-studios.com/

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@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography

Episode 51 – A conversation with Paul Williams (Gingerbeard Photography)

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Williams – though you’ll probably know him better as Gingerbeard Photography. With over 22 years of experience in photography and videography, Paul has built a name for himself with a style that blends honest documentary with a touch of editorial flair.

We chat through his journey from office life to full-time photographer, the early spark that came from a film production course, and how second-shooting a friend’s wedding changed everything. Paul shares his thoughts on branding, film photography, and the gear he loves (spoiler: he’s a Leica man). He also talks about the realities of the job – the burnout, the busyness, and why delivering prints still matters.

There’s plenty in here for anyone working in or around weddings – from destination gigs and personal projects to editing workflows and using AI to lighten the load. It’s an open, insightful chat with one of the good ones.

Show Links.Paul’s Wedding Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gingerbeardweddingsPaul’s Personal Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gingerbeard_photoFollow us on Instagram:

@therawpodcast

@davidmcclellandphotography

@moathillphotography

Mentions

Elliott Erwitt - https://www.elliotterwitt.com

(Branding etc) Tom Wright - https://www.instagram.com/bytomw

Daniel Knight Harris - https://www.danielknightharris.com

Naomi Goggins - https://www.naomigogginphoto.com

His wedding photographer - https://damianbrandon.com 

Episode 50 – Ryan Devereux

For our 50th episode, we sat down with Ryan Devereux — a man who’s quietly carved out a space as one of Ireland’s most respected wedding photographers. You’ll probably know his work even if you don’t know his name. Ryan is someone who lets the photographs do the talking, and they speak volumes — honest, considered and full of atmosphere.

In this conversation, we trace Ryan’s journey from a call centre desk to the chaos of back-to-back wedding weekends. He talks about the early pull of photography, a hand-me-down camera from a family member, and the moment he realised he had an eye for it. We dive into everything from the artistic roots that shaped his style, to navigating the peaks and troughs of the industry and why he’ll always accept a cup of tea from the mother of the bride.

There’s plenty here for anyone trying to balance commercial work with creative exploration — from his passion for film photography and street work, to personal projects and cultural festivals that offer a different kind of challenge. He’s honest about the burnout, the busyness, and the beauty of this job, and it makes for a rich, wide-ranging chat.

Highlights include:

• Ryan’s path into photography

• Why personal projects are essential for growth

• The ongoing tug between digital and film

• Balancing technical evolution with creative integrity

• The quiet artistry of capturing cultural festivals

• Tips on navigating wedding season without losing your mind

• Why breaks, bad photos, and bizarre festivals matter

Show Links.Ryan Wedding Insta https://www.instagram.com/ryandevereux.weddings/Ryan’s Personal Insta https://www.instagram.com/ryandevereux/His amazing blog on La Feria de Abrill https://www.ryandevereux.ie/blog/la-feria-de-abril-x100vi

Martin Ellard’s Zines https://www.martinellardphotography.co.uk/martin-ellard-published-photography-zines/Dave Cremin https://www.instagram.com/dave_cremin

And Ryan’s recommendation on who to check out - Sinna Nasseri AKA Strange Victory  https://www.instagram.com/strange.victory/

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Episode 49 – Tim Millen (This Modern Love)

In this episode, we chat with Tim Millen — the creative mind behind This Modern Love, and a man who lives a bit of a double life. By day, he’s a wedding photographer capturing real moments with honesty and heart. But when the cameras are down, you’ll find him in the studio painting — a slower, more solitary process that gives him space to reflect and create differently.

We talk about everything from his childhood influences and the cousin who handed down a photojournalist’s camera, to the artistic contrast between film and digital, painting and photography. There’s loads here about creative constraints, the pressures of the job, and the little things that keep us going — like staying hydrated and knowing when to drive less.

Highlights include:

• The parallels between painting and photography

• Why setting creative rules can be freeing

• Balancing commercial work with personal projects

• Shooting weddings on film in a digital world

• What the Helsinki Bus Station Theory has to do with finding your style

• Building rapport and capturing silent moments

• Working through wedding nerves — especially when shooting fellow photographers weddings.

• The ongoing journey of maintaining passion in a saturated industry

Show Links.

https://www.thismodernlove.co.uk/https://www.timmillen.com/

Helsinki Bus Station Theory – Arno Rafael Minkkinen

BuzzFeed Feature – “The Most Beautiful Wedding Photos Ever”

Kirsten Lewis

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