#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?

Watch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis

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!