Talking Shot Photography Podcast

In this episode Ross speaks to Gemma Sains.

Gemma Sains is a multi-award winning portrait photographer in London and Essex. Gemma had boundless creativity and energy. She loves to see life in a slightly alternative way and capture portraits of you and your family that truly reflects the fun of everyday life!

Gemma is well known for portraits of performers and drag artists in a unique way to help you to stand out from the crowd. Whether you want bright colours or meaningful storytelling portraiture, Gemma can curate an image to reflect the real you.

Think macro photography is just tiny bugs and blurry close-ups? Think again. Gemma Sains, a photographic chameleon, reveals how she went from newborn shots to bug-sized masterpieces and even tabletop portraits with a dash of AI magic. Her journey? It’s a wild ride through genres, patience tests, and clever tricks—like stacking 8,000 images or turning insects into bug-actors in a "bug's life" panel that would make Pixar proud.You'll discover: how to shoot a panel of insects in roles ranging from chefs to pole dancers, the crazy patience needed for macro stacking (think hundreds of images with precision), and why experimenting across genres keeps your creative juices flowing rather than drying up in a typical nine-to-five grind.

Gemma shares her secret sauce—like leveraging project management skills to balance art and admin, and why photographers should embrace all facets of their craft, from wildlife to cityscapes and beyond.This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck in their style, tempted to try macro, or just curious about the weird, wonderful world behind the lens. Gemma’s tales are a masterclass in pushing boundaries, embracing new skills, and how staying curious keeps photography exciting—and very, very nerdy (in the best way). So if you're ready to see the tiny details that make life extraordinary, hit play now—and prepare to get a little bug-eyed.

Warning: May inspire you to start your own mini insect drama or to find your next obsession in astrophotography, one tiny step at a time. Just don’t forget your tripod—or your courage to step into the dark at night!

Gemmas Website

In this episode, Rhys Warlow, an internationally experienced film and TV editor, shares insights on how technology, industry practices, and creative workflows are evolving. Whether you’re a creator, editor, or filmmaker, Rhys’s expertise highlights how staying adaptable and understanding emerging trends can future-proof your career.

• Rhys Warlow’s journey from feature films in Welsh countryside to working on fast turnaround TV shows like Gogglebox.
• The shift from traditional production crews to multi-hyphenate roles and what it means for professionals now.
• How AI and automation tools are changing editing workflows and content creation.
• The impact of mobile editing and vertical video on storytelling and marketing.
• The importance of human emotion and authenticity in editing, especially in the age of AI.
• Rhys’s mentoring and coaching approach to help creators pivot in a competitive environment.
• How to build confidence and evidence to adapt to industry shifts.
• The future of editing: Will AI replace human creativity or serve as a tool?

00:00 - Introduction and Rhys’s background in film and TV editing
02:15 - Highlights of Rhys’s career, from Welsh period dramas to Gogglebox
04:05 - Industry evolution: from large crews to multi-hyphenate roles
06:29 - Impact of lockdown and pandemic on content creation and editing workflows
07:38 - The rise of mobile editing and vertical videos on social media
09:05 - The importance of storytelling and emotional authenticity in editing
11:19 - Working on fast-turnaround shows like Gogglebox and managing deadlines
12:44 - Addressing continuity and production challenges in unscripted versus scripted content
15:04 - The allure of period dramas and visual effects back then, compared to now
16:58 - How AI and automation are likely to influence editing in the coming years
20:03 - Rhys’s approach to mentoring creatives and helping them pivot their careers
22:53 - The underestimated complexity of editing and maintaining human touch
29:54 - Predictions for editing and content creation in five years
33:45 - The importance of confidence, self-belief, and adapting in a constantly changing industry
34:07 - Light-hearted Q&A: Favorite cheese and items to survive on an island
36:13 - How to connect with Rhys for coaching or collaborations

• Rhys Warlow's Instagram
• Gogglebox Official Site
• AI in Editing - Industry Discussions
• Storytelling in Video Marketing
• VFX Masking Techniques
• The Future of Content Creation - Book

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Neil Shearer, a bit of a dark horse, to say the least. Based in Manchester, Neil has quietly carved out a name for himself as one of the go to commercial product photographers in the UK, known as much for his positive attitude as for the quality of his work.

It’s a great conversation covering the journey, the mindset, and what it really takes to build something sustainable in the industry. This episode is available in both audio and video, wherever you like to listen or watch.

Check out Neils work:

www.neilshearer.com

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In this short bonus episode Kris and I discuss that photo from Episode 59 and show you how everyone takes something different from a powerful image.

At the start of the year I spoke to the amazing Kris Anderson about how his photography has moved me. We both didnt know until we saw each other in London at The Societies Photography Convention that I had viewed his word...find out the story and so much more about Kris's work this is Part one. Part two will be online soon.

Kris is a master of visual art and story telling. Listen to his passionate stories to find out a how Kris Anderson ticks.