#531 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Matthew Jordan Smith, a renowned celebrity fashion and beauty photographer. Matthew shares his inspiring journey, from his initial spark of passion ignited by his father, to working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, preparation, and developing a unique vision.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Persist Through Challenges: Learning photography is a marathon, not a sprint. Continuous practice and perseverance lead to progress and success.
• Prepare Meticulously: Visualization and preparation are key. Develop storyboards or vision boards to communicate your ideas clearly to clients and team members.
• Embrace Your Unique Vision: Identify what you love in life and let that passion drive your creativity. Your unique perspective is what sets you apart.
• Value Continuous Learning: Never stop learning, whether it's about lighting techniques or new trends. Knowledge and skill refinement keep your work relevant and captivating.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Visual Storyboarding: Create a vision board using images from magazines, Pinterest, or your previous work that reflects the mood and style you want to achieve. Share your storyboard with peers or mentors to get feedback before your actual shoot.
2. Lighting Practice: Use a simple lamp to practice different lighting techniques, experimenting with angles and light intensity. Capture the same subject under various lighting conditions to understand how light direction and quality impact your photos.
3. Portfolio Development: Curate a collection of your best work in a digital portfolio, focusing on a consistent theme or style. Update your portfolio regularly, replacing outdated images with your latest and best work.
4. Networking and Learning: Join photography forums, social media groups, or local clubs to connect with other photographers and exchange feedback. Attend photography workshops or webinars to continuously improve your skills and stay updated on industry trends.
5. Client Communication: Draft a clear project brief outlining your vision, the shoot's purpose, and key details to share with your client. Follow up with clients post-shoot to get feedback and ensure their expectations were met, reinforcing professional relationships.

RESOURCES:
Visit Matthew Jordan Smith's Website - https://www.matthewjordansmith.com/
Follow Matthew Jordan Smith on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
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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!

#530 Photo Q&A
In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I answer your top photography questions. You’ll discover the benefits of back button focus, learn how to communicate the value you offer as a photographer, and explore essential backup strategies to protect your photos.

What You'll Learn:

1. Achieving Depth of Field Without Telephoto Lenses
   Discover practical tips for creating stunning portraits with a blurred background using aperture and subject distance.
2. Mastering Back Button Focus
   Learn how to use back button focus to improve your efficiency and capture those fleeting, key moments.
3. Communicating Your Unique Value
   Understand how to articulate what makes your photography special and attract clients who resonate with your style.
4. Backups and Photo Safety
   Get essential advice on safeguarding your photos from unforeseen events with proper backup strategies.

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
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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!

#529 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Karen Doughman, a middle school English teacher turned photographer. We dive into Karen's journey, her struggles with self-doubt, and her strategies to overcome them. Karen shares her experiences from joining the photography community during COVID, her ambitions to evoke memories through her photos, and her aspirations to master lighting.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Acknowledge your fears but don't let them hold you back. Build confidence by taking your camera with you everywhere. 
• Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the need for complete control in every shot, allowing for creativity and spontaneity. 
• Focus on Authenticity: Aim to evoke genuine emotions and memories in your photos, rather than seeking perfection. 
• Persistent Practice: Consistent practice and learning from feedback are key to gradually enhancing your photography skills.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Carry Your Camera Everywhere: Make it a habit to bring your camera to all your daily activities, even if you don't intend to shoot. Challenge yourself with small, spontaneous photography projects to get more comfortable shooting in various settings.
2. Work on Lighting: Observe how natural light changes throughout the day and practice shooting in different lighting conditions. Use simple tools like reflectors or white cards to manipulate light and learn how it affects your subjects.
3. Embrace Spontaneity: Engage in Raymond Hatfield’s challenge to take 100 photos within 10 minutes to push your creative boundaries. Photograph a family member jumping, focusing on capturing their movement and expressions rather than aiming for flawless shots.
4. Build a Support Network: Join local photography groups or online communities to share your work, receive feedback, and connect with other photographers. Actively participate in discussions and group activities to gain new perspectives and techniques.
5. Plan and Execute Creative Projects: Brainstorm and plan a thematic photo shoot with a clear vision. Execute your planned shoot, taking time to set up props and lighting, then reflect on the results to identify areas for improvement and celebrate your progress.

RESOURCES:
Visit Karen Doughman's Website - https://doughmanphotography.mypixieset.com/
Follow Karen Doughman on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doughman_photography/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
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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!

#528 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Talor Stone, a passionate photographer and PhD researcher. Talor shares her insights on enhancing your travel photography, balancing planning with spontaneity, and using storytelling to create more impactful images.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Invest in Local Expertise: Hiring a local guide or joining a group can add immense value to your travel photography, offering unique perspectives and insights you might miss independently.
• Flexibility in Planning: While planning is essential, being able to pivot and improvise can lead to your most memorable shots. Adapt your strategies based on the situation.
• Importance of Storytelling: Move beyond mere documentation; focus on capturing stories. Consider environmental context and the behavior of subjects to add depth to your images.
• Patience and Intent: Patience and a clear photographic intent often result in more meaningful photos. Understanding your subject's behavior can help you anticipate the perfect moment.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Use Google Earth for Scouting: Spend time exploring potential locations and angles for your next shoot. Identify key features like bodies of water or unique land formations that can frame compelling shots.
2. Hire a Local Guide: Research and connect with local guides who are knowledgeable about the area's hidden gems. Collaborate with them to access exclusive spots and gain insider information that enriches your photography.
3. Balance Planning with Flexibility: Set a flexible itinerary, allowing extra time for spontaneous photo opportunities. Be prepared to change plans based on weather or unexpected scenes, keeping an open mind to what unfolds.
4. Storytelling through Environmental Context: Integrate elements of the environment into your photos to provide context. Focus on capturing interactions and relationships between subjects and their surroundings.
5. Improve Patience and Focus: Sit quietly in a chosen location, observing and waiting for the right moments to develop naturally. Practice understanding your subject’s behavior to predict and capture significant actions and expressions.

RESOURCES:
Visit Talor Stone's Website - https://www.talorstonephotography.com/
Follow Talor Stone on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talorstonephotography/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

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!

#527 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with TahJah Harmony, an inspiring photographer who shares her perspective on managing connectivity and avoiding burnout. TahJah shares her invaluable insights on setting boundaries, balancing hustle initially, establishing business hours, and the significance of rest.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Set Boundaries: Clearly defined business hours help maintain healthy relationships and provide time to recharge.
• Embrace Hustle, but Balance: An initial hustle mindset is beneficial, yet balance is crucial for long-term sustainability.
• Identify Rest: Discover meaningful ways to rest that truly relax you and prevent burnout.
• Turn Off Notifications: Reducing distractions increases focus and time management, leading to more productive and creative sessions.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Establish boundaries: Define specific business hours for client communications and stick to them. Inform your clients about your availability to manage expectations.
2. Plan for Creative Rests: Schedule regular breaks during your day to step away from work. Choose relaxing activities, like gardening or coffee brewing, to disconnect and recharge.
3. Manage Notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications on your phone. Use dedicated work times where communication is limited to family or essential contacts.
4. Evaluate Your Tasks: Conduct an audit of all tasks related to your photography business. Use note cards to identify and outsource less enjoyable tasks, focusing on those that spark creativity.
5. Pursue Non-Commercial Hobbies: Identify hobbies unrelated to photography and engage in them regularly. Protect these hobbies from becoming side businesses, allowing them to remain sources of inspiration and relaxation.

RESOURCES:
Visit TahJah Harmony's Website - https://www.quaintandwhim.com/
Follow TahJah Harmony on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tahjahharmony/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
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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!

#526
In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I share the most powerful habits that can propel your photography journey in 2025. Instead of fleeting resolutions, I emphasize adopting purposeful habits that build skill and confidence over time. Discover the importance of focusing on your craft rather than gear, cultivating punctuality, and the power of daily practice. My goal is to share actionable ways to embed these habits into your routine. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with practical strategies to enhance your photography skills, boost client relationships, and foster a growth mindset.

The 14 Habits to Adopt

1. Stop Watching Gear Reviews
2. Be On Time
3. Always Do Your Best
4. Shoot Daily
5. Prep For Every Shoot
6. Build Relationships
7. Slow Down
8. Keep Going, Even When Its Tough
9. Be Strict With Yourself, and Tolerant Of Others
10. Work For Free
11. Give Without Expectation
12. Don't Complain
13. Participate in a Photography Community
14. Just Start

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
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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!

#525 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Chris Britton, a talented photographer and father who juggles family life with his passion for capturing moments. Chris beautifully articulates the balance between creative freedom and client expectations, the importance of being present, and overcoming social media pressures.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Balance Creativity and Client Desires: Blend your artistic vision with client needs to create compelling images that satisfy both parties. 
• Be Present in the Moment: Stay engaged and mindful during shoots to capture authentic, meaningful photographs. 
• Overcome Social Media Pressure: Focus on personal growth and expression rather than social media metrics like likes and shares. 
• Embrace Imperfection: Accept noise and other imperfections as part of the creative process, enhancing your willingness to experiment.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Stay Present in Your Shoots: Turn off notifications during photo sessions to minimize distractions. Take a moment to breathe and observe your surroundings before pressing the shutter.
2. Experiment with Light and Color: Use natural window light to explore different moods and effects. Try adding warm tones in Lightroom by adjusting the color temperature or using split toning.
3. Blend Creativity and Practicality: Plan a family photoshoot with a mix of candid and posed shots to practice balancing client and personal creativity. Set specific creative goals for each shoot, such as trying new compositions or lighting setups.
4. Improve Your Technical Skills: Spend time learning to control shutter speed and aperture to tell clearer stories. Experiment with different ISO settings to find the balance between reducing noise and maintaining image quality.
5. Enhance Your Post-Processing Consistency: Calibrate your monitor using built-in tools or a dedicated calibration device to ensure color accuracy. Create a preset in Lightroom that matches your preferred style for easy and consistent editing.

RESOURCES:
Follow Chris Britton on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamchrisbritton/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

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!

The Beginner Photography Podcast is for anyone who wants to start taking better photos today. 

Tune in each Tuesday for a new interview from one of the world's top photographers in their field who share their tips and secrets on how they got to where they are today and how they see the world. 

https://www.beginnerphotographypodcast.com/

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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!

#524 Photo Q&A
In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I dive into your questions and talk about the crucial aspects of choosing camera bags, the importance of quality memory cards and accessories, and how to keep your photos sharp. You'll discover how to boost your creativity with actionable photography goals for 2025.

What You'll Learn:

1. The Power of a Good Camera Bag
   Discover why investing in quality bags like ThinkTig or Timba enhances your photography experience.
2. Optimizing Your Accessories
   Learn why reliable memory cards and card readers are essential for smooth, fast data transfer.
3. Capturing Sharp Photos
   Understand how quality lenses and correct camera settings can drastically improve photo sharpness.
4. Creative Photography Goals
   Get inspired by actionable personal projects to release your creativity and share your journey.

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
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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!

In this episode of the podcast, we learn from photographers Shane Wilkie, Rachael Boer, Connor Walberg, Sandra Coan, and Brian Leahy. They share their experiences on overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of SEO in growing your photography business, and the value of persistence and community support.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Authenticity and self-belief are at the heart of successful photography. Sandra Coan and Rachael Boer emphasize the importance of confidence and the value of seeking mentorship.
• The Power of Networking: Brian Leahy's journey demonstrates that meaningful relationships with clients and vendors often matter more than technical skills. Networking can open doors to opportunities you wouldn't have otherwise.
• SEO for Photographers: Connor Walberg explains the critical role of effective SEO strategies, including the use of Google My Business and authentic content, to help your work get discovered online.
• Persistence Pays Off: Both Shane Wilkie and Sandra Coan highlight persistence as key to overcoming early struggles. Continuous learning and adapting are crucial for long-term success in the photography business.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Upgrade Your Online Presence: Set up or optimize your Google My Business profile. Ensure you are using keywords and locality to improve your search rankings.
2. Build Your Network: Dedicate time each week to network with other photographers, vendors, and clients. Attend industry events or join local photography groups to expand your contacts.
3. Seek Constructive Feedback: Find a mentor or join a critique group to get valuable feedback on your work. Constructive criticism will help you grow and refine your skills.
4. Focus on Authentic Content: Create blog posts or social media content that authentically documents your experiences and learnings. Genuine storytelling resonates more with your audience.
5. Invest in Continuing Education: Take a comprehensive online course or attend a workshop to sharpen your technical skills and business acumen. Immediate skills application can rapidly improve your confidence and capabilities.

RESOURCES:
Visit Shane Wilkie's Website - https://www.shanewilkie.com/
Visit Rachael Boer's Website - http://rachaelboer.com/
Visit Connor Walberg's Website - https://connorwalberg.com/
Visit Sandra Coan's Website - https://sandracoanstudios.com/
Visit Brian Leahy's Website - https://www.brianleahyphoto.com/

Take the 2025 BPP Listener Survey and help me to create the resources that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/survey

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!