The Beginner Photography Podcast

#366 Urban Street Photographer Steve Rolfe he was inspired by a book of Street Photography, which provided the fuel for his creativity.. He explains how, with his own figures, he began to capture stories of the world around him. Finally, after having some of his work published, he decided to leave his job in 2014 and go professional. Host Raymond Hatfield also talks about what captivates him in certain stories or series within photography.

Steve Rolfe has been a professional photographer since 2014, when he took a leap of faith and left his 22-year-long job in the civil service. His journey to success began when he picked up a book of street photography and was captivated by the images. Steve then purchased a bridge camera and began experimenting with creating miniature architectural figures, which were eventually published in magazines and newspapers. He continues to use this creative process in his work as a professional photographer.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Creativity Comes From Playfulness: Allow yourself to experiment and find inspiration in quirky, everyday objects or scenes.
• The Power of Simplicity: Simple stories and minimal compositions often have the greatest impact—don’t overcomplicate your images.
• Long-Term Projects Lead to Mastery: Dedicate yourself to a project over time; persistence and gradual improvement yield remarkable results.
• Trust Your Artistic Judgment: Value your own satisfaction with your work over external validation. Authenticity drives growth.

Resources:

• Urban Street Photographer Steve Rolfe’s website
• Follow Steve on Instagram
• Buy Steve’s new book - “Small World”
• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Community
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today
• Free Lightroom Presets!

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#365 On this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, we talk about the importance of being familiar with your camera and quickly changing certain settings for capturing unexpected moments. I discuss the usefulness of presets in editing and experimenting with different photography styles, including the concept of film recipes. Additionally, I'll give tips on accessing camera settings and creating presets for different shooting situations. The conversation covers technical aspects of photography, such as the effect of aperture on small details and understanding camera manuals. Listeners will learn about overcoming limitations in photography and upgrading their camera when necessary. Tune in for insightful tips and tricks to improve your photography skills

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Read the Manual - Learn things you never knew your camera was capable of!
• Spend a few hours with the camera shooting - Get to know the tool you use to capture the world and blur the line between visualization and capture!
• Ask WHY you feel limited - When you know the limitations of your camera you know how to best use your camera. 

Links and Resources

• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Community
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today
• Free Lightroom Presets!

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#364 On this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, host Raymond Hadfield interviews fashion and lifestyle photographer Amanda Thomas. They discuss Amanda's journey into photography, her use of unconventional lighting techniques, and the importance of emotional engagement in photography. Amanda also shares tips on collaboration and preparation for shoots, drawing from her experience with editorial and fashion shoots. Additionally, she talks about starting with just one light and using it creatively to achieve unique and beautiful results. The episode also includes Amanda's perspective on the value of experimentation in photography and the importance of building relationships in the industry.

Amanda Thomas is a photographer and visual artist who was inspired to pursue her passion from a young age. As a teenager, she went with her father to a photographer's studio to get his promo shots done, and was captivated by the electric atmosphere of the studio and the tools of the trade. This was the moment that changed her life, and she knew she wanted to explore the potential of the medium. She has since gone on to pursue a career in photography and visual art, creating stunning and captivating works of art.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Embrace Creative Experimentation: Step beyond your comfort zone and use lighting or composition in new ways—every mistake is a lesson toward discovering your style.
• Prioritize Preparation: Success in photography comes from solid pre-shoot planning, from mood boards to knowing your subjects, ensuring a smooth and intentional session.
• Expect Imperfection: Things will go wrong—accepting this and staying flexible will help you grow as a photographer and handle any situation with confidence.
• Foster Collaborative Spirit: Creating great photos is a team effort—listen, communicate, and guide your subjects to bring out authentic expressions and powerful imagery.

Resources:

• Fashion and Lifestyle Photographer Amanda Thomas’s website
• Follow Amanda On Instagram
• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Community
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today
• Free Lightroom Presets!

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#363 Michael Collins is a member of the Beginner Photography Podcast Community and today shares his photography journey from picking up a camera to capturing amazing wildlife and birds in flight!

THE BIG IDEAS

• Start Before You’re Ready: Don’t wait for mastery to begin—dive in, learn as you go, and let early mistakes fuel your progress.
• Embrace Community Support: Surrounding yourself with an encouraging group accelerates learning and makes photography more fulfilling.
• Stay Curious and Experiment: Trying different modes, settings, and approaches leads to breakthroughs and deeper camera understanding.
• Celebrate Process Over Perfection: Every image, even imperfect ones, brings valuable experience. Share your growth, not just your best shots.

Resources:

• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Group!
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#362 In today's episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, Casey Fatchett shares tips on how to be a bad wedding photographer. He talks about some of his own photography mistakes, such as his flash going out mid-wedding and his camera dying the day before a wedding he was scheduled to shoot. He also offers advice on what photographers can do to ruin a couple's wedding day.

Casey Fatchett hosts The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, an informative, entertaining, and irreverent look at the photo industry. Casey brings his more than twenty years of professional photography experience, primarily as a wedding photographer, to every episode.

Casey is lactose intolerant, loves talking about himself in the third person, and can be found making his wife laugh or hiking with his dog when not creating images for his clients.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Preparation Over Perfection: True professionalism means always having backup gear and being ready for surprises. Being prepared matters more than flawless images.
• Collaboration Over Ego: Your artistic vision is important, but collaborating and listening to clients’ preferences ensures you deliver photos they value.
• Adaptability Fuels Growth: When things inevitably go wrong—like equipment failure or missed moments—adapt, improvise, and learn to turn challenges into growth.
• Resilience Is Key: Mistakes will happen, but your ability to own them, recover, and improve builds trust and credibility for your future work.

Resources:

• Listen to the Nerdy Photographer Podcast
• New York Wedding Photographer Casey Fatchett’s website
• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Community
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today
• Free Lightroom Presets!

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#361 Anna Harvingston is an Erie PA based documentary family photographer. Anna gets into her journey beginning with basics of photography like camera settings, taking portraits of her children, and how she experienced the difficult challenge of learning photography. She also talks about getting picked as one of the eight photographers chosen for Hulu's new photography competition show, Exposure.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Trust Your Instincts: Following your gut can help you capture images that are meaningful and authentic—even under pressure or when conditions aren’t perfect.
• Embrace Imperfection and Progress: Photography is a journey with ups and downs. Each “flawed” photo is a step forward in your creative growth.
• Moments Matter More Than Settings: Don’t miss special memories by fixating on perfect settings. Make sure you document real life, even if it’s with your phone.
• Stay Intentional, Not Overwhelmed: Focus on what draws you to a scene. Keep your intent clear so each shot has a purpose, not just technical perfection.

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#360 On this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, we continue the ten-part Photography Manifesto series by tackling the third rule:
Moment matters most in photography, not camera settings.
I encourage you to focus on capturing life's moments and define a moment as subject matter, timing, and composition. I also share the 3 step process to capturing better moments. I provides examples of moments and emphasizes that photography should capture life as it happens.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Moment Over Mechanics: The essence of a great photograph is the moment it captures, not the technical settings behind it.
• Photography Is Personal: The best shots have meaning for you or your subject—not just for viewers online.
• Visualization Drives Results: Pre-visualizing what you want to capture helps you notice and anticipate exceptional moments.
• Patience Pays Off: Being willing to observe and wait often results in the most compelling, story-rich images.

Resources:

• Listen to the full Photography Manifesto Episode, BPP 334
• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Community
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today
• Free Lightroom Presets!

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#359 In Today's Episode of the podcast I chat with...

Headshot Photographer Gary Huges, who shares actionable strategies for maintaining profitability in your photography business, from client acquisition to managing job costs. You will discover how to align your business practices with your passion for photography, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling career path.

What You'll Learn:

1. Profitability Focus
2. : Learn why taking unprofitable jobs harms your business and how maintaining a profitable portfolio is crucial.
3. Client Acquisition
4. : Gain insights into effective marketing and client acquisition strategies that align with your budget requirements.
5. Mindset Shift
6. : Understand the importance of thinking like a businessperson and prioritizing sustainable business practices over artistic sentiments.
7. Networking Opportunities
8. : Discover the benefits of engaging with local business communities, like the Chamber of Commerce, to generate new leads.

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#358 On this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, the importance of ethical decision-making in photography is explored. Host Raymond Hatfield and guest Savannah Dodd delve into the personal and contextual factors that contribute to ethical decision making, and the impact of sharing a photograph. They discuss the lack of clear-cut ethical guidelines and provide tips for cultivating ethical decision-making skills. Savannah shares her personal experience navigating ethical challenges working with a charity in Uganda and gives advice on photographing ethical subjects. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to create their own photographer's statement of ethics.

Savannah Dodd is a passionate photographer who believes in the immense power of photography for good. With her camera, she strives to shape how others see the world in a responsible and conscious way. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to be more mindful of their power and use it to create a better world.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Consider Intentions: Before taking a photograph, ask yourself why you want to capture the image and what message you want to convey.
• Question Assumptions: Challenge stereotypes and avoid using individuals as props in your photographs.
• Awareness and Responsibility: Understand the power of photography and the impact your images can have on others.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Recognize that ethical choices in photography are highly personal and context-dependent.

Resources:

• Create your own Statement of Ethics
• Check out the Photo Ethics Center and listen to the podcast!
• Savannah’s Photography Website
• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Community
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today
• Free Lightroom Presets!

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#357 You have photo questions, I want to answer them for you here on the show.

Whenever you have a question about photography, day or night, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, head to https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa , and send me your questions.

After shooting for more than a decade and interviewing 300+ world class photographers, its time to share some of that practical information with you!

THE BIG IDEAS

• Quality Over Speed Wins: Focusing on craftsmanship and genuine client connection ensures your work will stand apart, even in a world of instant digital creation.
• Safe Communities Fuel Growth: Seeking out or contributing to positive, supportive photography groups helps foster learning, creativity, and confidence without fear of harsh judgment.
• Adaptability Encourages Longevity: Being open to change—be it new technology or legal best practices—keeps your creativity and career resilient in an evolving industry.
• Clarity Builds Trust: Clear communication, especially around expectations and contracts, protects both you and your clients, leading to better outcomes and relationships.

Todays Photography Questions:

• Will AI replace the role of a photographer
• Do I need photo contracts before shooting?
• Do I need photo contracts when shooting street photography?
• Whats better, Photoshop or Lightroom?
• Can you make it as a photographer without learning Photoshop?
• What the best camera under $2000 to photograph wildlife
• What is the best lens for wildlife photography?
• What Im shooting now that Im not focused on Weddings

Resources:

• Ask your photography questions to get answered on the show!
• Join The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook Community
• Sign up for your free CloudSpot account to deliver beautiful images galleries today
• Free Lightroom Presets!

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond! 

• Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!