#568 Brian Doben is a celebrated commercial photographer whose journey into the craft was driven by pure instinct and a love for observing life—what he calls the “greatest romance” of his life aside from his marriage. Key themes throughout the episode include Brian’s unexpected entry into photography after realizing his first passion, professional cycling, wouldn’t pan out. He credits his success to a willingness to follow instinct, embrace humility, and prioritize listening—to both his own creative impulses and to clients.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. The Role of Instinct and Human Connection in Photography - Brian recounts how his instinct led him to pick up a camera during a period of personal uncertainty. He has since trusted his intuition not only in what he photographs but in how he forms connections with his subjects. Takeaway: Success in photography relies as much on empathy and actively listening as it does technical skill.
2. Professional Development and Navigating the Photography Industry - The episode discusses Brian's transition from student to professional, the value of assisting, and how humility and a willingness to start from the bottom are essential for long-term career success. Doben highlights lessons learned through real-world experiences—such as working in demanding client settings and building resilience.
3. Personal Projects and Creative Renewal: The "At Work" Project - Brian shares the origin and evolution of his personal project, “At Work,” which helped reignite his passion after creative burnout. He describes his process for finding subjects, the importance of curiosity over agenda, and how personal storytelling elevates his portraiture. Real-world anecdotes illustrate how life experiences, vulnerability, and setbacks inform creative vision.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Instinctual Photography: Trusting one’s gut feelings and spontaneous creative urges rather than rigid planning; essential to finding authenticity in both subject matter and method.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How can following your instincts guide your creative or career choices in photography?
2. What strategies can photographers use to build authentic connections with clients or subjects, especially in high-pressure environments?
3. In what ways can personal setbacks or life events inform and enrich your photography or storytelling?

RESOURCES:
Visit Brian Doben's Website - https://www.briandoben.com/
Follow Brian Doben on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/briandoben/
“At Work” Project and Gallery -  https://www.atworkproject.com/
“At Work” Book by Brian Doben – https://www.amazon.com/At-Work-Brian-Doben/dp/195196330X

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Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#567 Allie Siarto is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in East Lansing, Michigan, and host of the Photo Field Notes podcast. The episode is a deep dive into the importance of creating a world-class experience for portrait clients, a factor Allie emphasizes as crucial for building client loyalty and generating referrals in the photography business. Through engaging stories and clear advice, Allie illustrates how exceptional service, thoughtful preparation, and emotional connections often outweigh technical perfection in client satisfaction.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. The Power of Client Experience Over Technical Perfection - Allie explains that while technical skill is important, the client’s emotional experience during the shoot has a greater impact on their satisfaction. Providing guidance, being prepared, and making clients comfortable often leads to higher perceived value and greater word-of-mouth referrals.
2. Practical Steps for Improving Client Experience - Major points include communicating proactively (e.g., style guides, prep emails), planning for logistics (like family lists and timeline management), dressing professionally, and using prompts to create genuine moments. Real-world examples such as helping clients find venues or ensuring parents feel included underscore how small efforts make a big difference.
3. Continuous Learning and Reflection - Allie shares her own learning curve, including mistakes (like not asking parents if they wanted more photos), and details how she implements those lessons to continually improve. The importance of treating early years in business as an extension of education is highlighted, encouraging listeners to seek feedback and view setbacks as opportunities.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Client Experience: The cumulative impressions and feelings that clients have throughout their interactions with a photographer, from initial inquiry to final image delivery. Ensuring a positive client experience can be a greater predictor of success and referrals than technical image quality alone.
• Unposed Posing: A posing style that uses prompts and interactive questions to evoke natural expressions and genuine emotion, rather than traditional, static posing. This approach helps even uncomfortable clients relax, leading to more authentic and memorable images.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How do you currently manage the experience of your clients before, during, and after a shoot? What areas can you improve based on Allie’s advice?
2. Think about a time you had a remarkable or disappointing service experience (outside of photography). What specific factors made the difference, and how can you apply those lessons to your photography business?

RESOURCES:
Visit Allie Siarto's Website - http://alliesiarto.com/
Follow Allie Siarto on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alliesiarto/

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#566 In this episode of the podcast, I explore how photography can be a powerful tool for self-discovery—not just a way to create beautiful images or chase technical perfection. I share my belief that the most meaningful photos aren’t always the ones that earn the most likes or comments. Instead, our true value as photographers comes from how honestly we depict our lives and the world around us. 

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. Photography as Self-Discovery - Raymond explains that photography is more than just technical skill or visual appeal—it's a tool for self-exploration. The choices you make behind the camera act as a "mirror," revealing your interests, values, and the way you see the world.
2. The Mirror and the Megaphone Metaphor - The “mirror” captures your authentic, unfiltered truth, while the “megaphone” amplifies what you choose to share with the world—curated, staged, or idealized moments. The real magic happens when your megaphone projects your mirror’s truth.
3. Practical Ways to Shoot Authentically - Raymond recommends concrete strategies, like setting reminders to document ordinary scenes (e.g., your fridge, messy rooms) to foster honesty in your work. He challenges listeners to photograph something honest, unpolished, and meaningful—if only for themselves.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Mirror: The aspect of photography that reflects your true self—your interests, emotions, and what you naturally notice. It’s about authenticity.
• Megaphone: The way you present or share your images, shaping how your story is told to others. This can be more curated or staged but is most powerful when aligned with your mirror.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What do your everyday photo choices reveal about you?
2. Have you ever felt pressure to shoot for an audience instead of for yourself?
3. How can you begin to capture more authentic and honest moments in your daily life?

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Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#565 Chris Owens is the Director of Photo Operations for IndyCar, and in this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, he shares what it’s really like to photograph the iconic Indianapolis 500. From his first experiences with disposable cameras as a child to leading a team of photographers at one of the world’s largest single-day sporting events, Chris details the technical, creative, and logistical challenges that come with high-paced event photography.

He explains how persistence, adaptability, and a passion for storytelling have shaped his career. Chris offers practical advice for breaking into event and sports photography, highlighting the importance of volunteering, networking, and being proactive with your portfolio. 

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. Breaking into Event Photography & Building a Career - Chris discusses his early fascination with capturing memories, the path from hobby to professional, and strategies for getting noticed—including the power of volunteering and keeping a portfolio visible.
2. Operational & Creative Challenges at the Indy 500 - The massive scale of the event requires intricate planning, teamwork, and shot lists; photographers often multitask and cover everything from action shots to sponsor events.
3. Creative Storytelling in Fast-Paced Environments - Chris shares the importance of finding unique angles, moving beyond standard shots, and using techniques like slow shutter speeds to capture both speed and atmosphere.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Shot List: A detailed plan assigning photographers to specific events, angles, or moments, ensuring coverage of all necessary aspects of a large event. Relevance: Essential for organizing coverage at events as vast as the Indy 500.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How does volunteering and working for free early in your career add value, and when should you start charging for your work?
2. What are the unique storytelling opportunities at massive sporting events compared to smaller assignments?
3. In what ways can photographers push themselves beyond “safe shots” to develop a recognizable style or perspective?

RESOURCES:
Visit Chris Owens' Website - https://www.chrisowensphotography.com/
Follow Chris Owens on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisowens/

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#564 In this episode of the podcast, I dive deep into the idea that while capturing the right moment in photography matters most, it’s not everything. I share my own experiences as a photographer, especially those early days when I felt overwhelmed by all the camera settings—aperture, shutter speed, ISO—and how easy it is to get distracted by what influencers say you need in terms of new gear. I open up about how sharing my photos online sometimes left me second-guessing myself when the feedback was harsh or not constructive, and how important it is for our mental health to not tie our self-worth to internet commentary.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. The Role of Moment in Great Photography - I talk about why the “moment” is king, but also share a story of photographing race cars with my son to show that technical choices—like shutter speed—are what give your images the power to convey emotion and story.
2. Overcoming Overwhelm and Gear Envy - I reflect on my struggles with self-doubt, gear lust, and how feeling unskilled led me to blame my camera for missed shots. I encourage you to focus on learning and being patient with yourself instead of obsessing over equipment or social media critique.
3. Shooting in Manual and Preparing for the Moment - I break down my personal workflow, from choosing settings to working with couples, so you can enter your sessions confident in exposure and ready to pay attention to the fleeting moments that matter.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Manual Mode: The camera setting where the photographer controls ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, rather than letting the camera choose. This gives more creative control and removes uncertainty about exposure.
• Exposure: The overall brightness or darkness of a photograph, determined by settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Proper exposure is essential for capturing high-quality moments.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How has mastering camera settings changed the way you feel during a shoot?
2. Have social media comments ever affected your confidence? How can you protect your creative process?
3. What can you do before a session to minimize stress and maximize your ability to catch authentic moments?

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#563 Kimberly Irish is a community member and moderator of the Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook group. Kim, based in Wisconsin, shares her journey from picking up a camera out of necessity to document her family’s life, to becoming a sought-after photographer who now primarily shoots weddings. The discussion explores the evolution of Kim’s skills, her approach to learning both technical and creative aspects of photography, and her philosophy on gear upgrades, creativity, and client relationships. The episode is both an inspiring personal story and a practical guide for beginners, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice, embracing imperfections, and cultivating one’s own style.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. Getting Started & Overcoming Beginner Struggles - Kim’s entry into photography was motivated by wanting to capture her children’s lives on a tight budget. She learned the basics, especially the exposure triangle, before even getting her camera, but struggled with focus and indoor low-light conditions. Key takeaway: Embrace the learning curve, practice daily, and accept imperfections like grain as part of the process.
2. Gear Choices & When to Upgrade - The discussion details Kim’s decision-making process about purchasing her first prime lens, the importance of buying gear to match specific needs, and the benefits of buying used equipment. Takeaway: Don’t rush into expensive upgrades—let real photographic needs drive your purchases, and don’t shy away from secondhand gear.
3. Creativity & Building a Consistent Style - Kim talks about attempting to push her creativity by using tools like the Daily Photo Challenge and focusing on self-evaluation rather than external comparison. She shares her methods for developing her style organically and offers insight into the value of authenticity and daily practice. Takeaway: Consistency, self-reflection, and deliberate experimentation fuel creative growth.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What challenges did you face when you started photography, and how did you overcome them?
2. How do you decide when it’s time for a gear upgrade? What factors influence your choices?
3. In what ways do you push yourself creatively, and how do you avoid getting stuck comparing your work to others?
4. What are the benefits and challenges of using themed photo challenges to accelerate your learning?

RESOURCES:
Visit Kimberly Irish's Website - https://www.weeirishphotography.com/
Follow Kimberly Irish on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weeirishphotography/

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#562 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I dive into your most pressing photo questions. I take listener-submitted questions and share advice, stories, and practical strategies based on my own experiences as a photographer. Whether you’re wrestling with when to put a signature or logo on your images, trying to wrangle energetic kids during a family session, or feeling overwhelmed by all the technical settings on your camera, I’m here to help you navigate those common hurdles.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. Signature & Logo Usage on Photos - Raymond explains when photographers should (and shouldn't) add their signature or logo to images, distinguishing between branding needs and concerns over theft. He notes that landscape photographers may benefit more from signatures due to wider image use, while portrait photographers often don't need them unless for advertising.
2. Managing Kids in Family Photography - The episode offers strategies for keeping young children engaged during sessions, such as making games out of posing or incorporating playful pranks to elicit natural smiles and genuine interaction. These methods lower stress, capture better moments, and leave clients happier.
3. Tackling Technical Overwhelm and Regaining Enjoyment - Listeners struggling with camera settings (like manual white balance, exposure, or composition) are advised to simplify their process—using presets, prioritizing aspects like “moment” over technical perfection, and even shooting for fun with fewer controls, as with film or point-and-shoot cameras, to restore joy.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• White Balance: A camera setting that adjusts color temperature to render whites correctly under different lighting conditions, measured in Kelvin.
• Client Closet: A collection of clothing offered by a photographer for clients to use during shoots.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Why might you choose to add (or not add) your signature to your images?
2. How can playful interaction with children change the outcomes of a photo session?
3. In what ways do issues of confidence versus competence appear in your creative process, and how can you address them?
4. What steps could you take today to get more photography clients, inspired by Raymond’s strategies?

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#561 John Kenny is a dedicated photographer based in rural England who shares his journey from picking up a camera for a family trip to building a portrait and headshot business. The conversation highlights John’s transition from landscape to portrait and headshot photography, underlining the importance of hands-on learning, continual practice, and client communication. 

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. Getting Started and Early Learning - John’s experiences underscore the importance of learning manual settings, understanding light, and learning from mistakes rather than relying solely on equipment.
2. Building a Photography Business - The pivot from landscapes to portraits taught John that technical skill must be paired with people skills, client feedback, and creative planning for portrait success.
3. Community and Growth - Engaging with photography communities, drawing inspiration from other creatives, and pursuing personal projects help accelerate development and confidence.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Manual Mode: Complete control over camera settings for creative results.
• Previsualization: Planning an image before capturing it, crucial for impactful photos.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How did your photography motivations change with experience?
2. What role has community played in your learning?
3. Which personal project would challenge you most?

RESOURCES:
Visit John Kenny's Website - https://www.johnkennyphotography.com/
Follow John Kenny on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnkenny_photography/
The Great British Photography Challenge (BBC) - https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-great-british-photography-challenge/

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#560 In this special “Workshop Episode” of the podcast, I, Raymond Hatfield, share my thoughts and experiences fresh off hosting our very first in-person workshop in Chicago. After nine years of connecting with listeners online, I finally brought together members of our community for a full day focused on photography, education, and camaraderie. This episode is a personal reflection on how meaningful it was to see faces behind the names, and why getting together in person can be a game-changer for learning and growth.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. The Power of In-Person Workshops - Bringing listeners together in Chicago broke down the walls of digital connection. Everyone experienced firsthand how learning alongside others, asking questions in real time, and building bonds can accelerate growth in ways online learning rarely can. I saw people relax, open up, and walk away with real friendships and new confidence.
2. Foundational Skills: Light, Composition, and Camera Settings - I designed the content to help both beginners and experienced photographers by focusing on the essentials—how to use your camera, how to “see” light, and how to compose compelling images. I shared personal images, good and bad, to spark discussion, and guided everyone through hands-on practice, including a photo walk with a model.
3. Streamlining Editing with Imagen AI - I talked about my early struggles with editing and how it almost made me quit at the start. Now, with tools like Imagen AI—which learns your editing style and speeds up post-processing—I can spend more time doing what I love: shooting. The workshop gave attendees hands-on exposure to this workflow, empowering them to consider new tech solutions to old challenges.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• “Getting it Right in Camera”: For me (and now for Kim!), this means achieving the look I want straight out of the camera, not just aiming for the “perfect” exposure meter reading. It’s about matching your image to your style and not being afraid to shoot for your own vision.
• Quality of Light: Quality isn’t just about how bright the light is; it’s about its softness, direction, and how it shapes your subject. Understanding and controlling these qualities, even when using flashes or dealing with tough outdoor light, can level up any photo.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How have your experiences learning photography in person differed from learning online?
2. What does “getting it right in camera” mean for your own style, and how do you apply this when shooting?
3. Can you share a breakthrough moment you’ve had with light or composition?
4. What’s your biggest editing headache, and could something like Imagen AI help you enjoy photography more?

RESOURCES:
Check out Imagen AI - beginnerphotopod.com/imagen
See Behind-the-Scenes Workshop Photos  - https://adobe.ly/44oOIxe

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#558 In this episode of the podcast, I wanted to shake things up by sharing five practical photo assignments that can help you build your skills no matter where you are in your photography journey. My goal was to get you out of passive learning mode and encourage you to actually take action—because in photography, ideas mean little without execution. Throughout the episode, I weave in personal stories and lessons learned from both my professional work and family life, emphasizing that constraints (like shooting with only 12 photos or at high noon) aren’t your enemy—they’re your creative fuel.

Key themes include being intentional with every shot, appreciating and mastering different types of light (even the ones we usually try to avoid), developing an efficient editing workflow, and learning to tell complete stories with your images. My hope is that by giving you these specific assignments, you’ll find not only growth in your technical skills, but also gain confidence and a deeper understanding of your personal style. I also encourage you to reflect on your process and results so you can identify what truly matters to you as a photographer. There were no guest speakers in this episode—just me sharing practical advice and my own experiences to help you get the most out of your camera and creativity.

THE 5 SKILL BUILDER SHOOTS

1. The One-Hour Story
2. High-Noon Portrait
3. 5-Minute Editing Baton
4. Same Subject, Four Moods
5. The 24-Frame Roll

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Three-Act Structure in Storytelling: Borrowed from filmmaking, this divides a photographic story into a beginning (context), middle (action), and end (resolution), guiding the photographer to create a cohesive narrative in a series of images.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How does imposing creative constraints (like a shot limit) shift your approach to photography?
2. After trying one of these assignments, what did you learn about your personal style or decision-making process?
3. Can you identify an image you captured with intention? What elements made it stand out?

RESOURCES:
Download The 5 Skill Builder Shoots Kit- beginnerphotopod.com/skills
Recommended Reflectors - https://amzn.to/3GnD0J3

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

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!