Raw Photography Podcast - EP62 - A conversation with David Olsthoorn

In this episode, we sit down with David Olsthoorn, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Awake & Dreaming Photography. Together with his wife Laurie, Dave has built a thriving wedding photography business with a high-volume workflow, while maintaining a strong focus on creativity, client experience and storytelling.

We chat about everything from managing a busy wedding calendar and working together as a couple, to destination weddings, film photography and the impact of AI on the industry. Dave shares his thoughts on image rights, gear choices, editing workflows and why film photography has reignited his passion for shooting. We also dive into the realities of running a successful photography business, balancing family life with a demanding workload, and the systems that help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Whether you’re a wedding photographer, a portrait photographer or simply someone who enjoys hearing honest conversations about creativity and business, there’s plenty to take away from this one. It’s a wide-ranging conversation packed with practical advice, personal stories, and plenty of insight from someone who has spent decades refining both his craft and his approach to running a photography business.

David’s Links

Awake and Dreaminghttps://awakeanddreamingweddings.com/

West South Westhttps://westsouthwest.net/

Photographers Mentioned.

Oskar Bakke

https://www.instagram.com/oskarbakke

Riley Harper

https://www.instagram.com/lifeof_riley

Chris Burkard

https://www.chrisburkard.com

Show Hosts

Dave McClelland Photography

https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com

Moat Hill Photography

https://mhphoto.ie

Podcast Partner

Bermingham Cameras

https://berminghamcameras.ie

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@therawpodcast

@davidmcclellandphotography

@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP61 - A conversation with Katie Kavanagh

Episode 61! The one and only Katie Kavanagh. A great friend and an inspiration to many of us in the wedding photography scene.

Katie made the move from graphic design into full-time wedding photography, and it shows in how she approaches her work. With a strong online presence, she has a real understanding of branding, marketing, and how to present yourself in a way that actually connects with your audience and future clients.

There’s no better guest to get into social media with. What’s working, what’s not, and how to approach it without it taking over your life. There’s some really practical thinking around content, consistency, and why it’s less about chasing trends and more about knowing what you’re trying to say.

We also talk about pricing, workflow, and building a business that’s actually sustainable. Not just in terms of money, but in terms of time, energy, and avoiding burnout.

There’s a lot in here around staying true to your own style, even when there’s pressure to follow what everyone else is doing. Along with that, some honest chat about the realities of the job and trying to balance work with the rest of life.

There really is loads to take away, whether you’re starting out or a few years in.
Enjoy!
Dave and Paul.

A few links for you all.
Katie Kavanagh Website - https://katiekav.com
Katie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katiekavphoto/
Refocus Workshop - https://www.refocusworkshop.eu/

Learn to Fly Conference - https://www.learningtofly.ie/Irish-wedding-photography-retreat-2026-Clare
Katie's Recommendations for Photographers to Follow
JP Bevelard's Photography - https://www.instagram.com/jpbevillard_colour/
Lorcan Finnegan - https://www.instagram.com/lorcanfinnegan/

Later App for Scheduling - https://later.com/

Hosts

Dave - https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com/

Paul - https://mhphoto.ie/

Raw Podcast - EP60 - A conversation with Drew Forsyth

This week we’re chatting with Drew Forsyth, a portrait photographer and director working at the commercial end of the industry across the UK and internationally.Drew’s work is centred around people and the stories behind them, and that’s something we connected with straight away, even though his world looks very different to ours on the surface.We get into what that world actually looks like day to day. From shoots that take all day to get a single frame, to moments where everything has to come together in under 90 seconds. There’s a lot of pressure there, and Drew shares how he handles it.We also talk about how he found his way into commercial work, the importance of putting yourself out there, and why personal projects are often the thing that leads to the jobs you actually want.There are some brilliant stories in this one, along with a really honest look at the ups and downs. Big wins, mistakes, things that worked and things that didn’t. It’s a very open conversation.We also touch on networking, staying visible, and how things are shifting with AI and the wider industry.A really good chat with someone working in a completely different lane, but with a lot of crossover in how he thinks about people and photography.Drew’s Website - https://www.drewforsyth.com/Drew’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_drewforsyth/

Photographers / Artists to Check Out

https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.penfold/

https://www.georgieglass.com/what-we-do

https://www.artstreiber.com/work

Follow us on Instagram

⁠@therawpodcast⁠

⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠

⁠@moathillphotography⁠

Episode 59 Chris Copeland. The Art of Storytelling Through the Lens: A Conversation with Chris Copeland

This episode takes us into the world of Chris Copeland, a Belfast-based photographer whose approach to wedding photography is both timeless and unmistakably his own. Chris’s work is instantly recognisable. Cinematic, emotional, and rooted in an artful documentary sensibility that celebrates real life as it unfolds.

We talk about where his love for photography began, the slow rhythm of shooting film, and how the medium shapes the way he sees the world. Along the way, Chris shares honest reflections on client relationships, destination weddings, and the importance of staying true to your creative voice in a saturated digital scene.

In This Episode:

• How Chris developed his signature documentary style

• Why film still matters in a digital world

• The balance between spontaneity and preparation

• Building trust and telling authentic stories

• Lessons from destination weddings and challenging shoots

• Staying creative when photography becomes your career

• Social media, community, and the ever-evolving industry

 Chris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.uk Instagram: @chriscopelandphotography

Chris’s recommendations of Artists to Check Out

Billy Dinhhttps://www.instagram.com/billydeee

Vineet Vohrahttps://www.instagram.com/vineet_vohra

Alex Greyhttps://www.alexgrey.com

Show LinksChris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.ukInstagram: @chriscopelandphotography

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@therawpodcast

@davidmcclellandphotography

@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz

In this conversation, we sit down with portrait photographer John Boaz to talk about where his work really comes from. From an early moment of seeing deer move through golden light at Bradgate Park to having his portraits on the cover of Portrait of Britain, John shares a thoughtful and honest look at his creative journey.

We talk about the influence of university on his understanding of visual storytelling, the importance of personal projects alongside paid work, and why connection always matters more than technical perfection. John reflects on slowing down in a fast-paced, social-media-driven industry, how nature, music and everyday life feed into his work, and why imperfections often carry the most truth.

This episode is about portraiture as a human exchange rather than a technical exercise, and about protecting artistic integrity while navigating commercial realities.

Guest Bio

John Boaz is a multi-award-winning portrait photographer based in Northamptonshire, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019 with a degree in Visual Communication (Photography).

John is a multiple winner of the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain awards, including having a portrait selected as the front cover of Volume 7. His work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s IPE 166 exhibition and features in major publications such as The Guardian, Financial Times Magazine, Le Monde and Der Spiegel. His ongoing series Rivers Of Living Water explores Christianity in Britain through portraiture and observational images.

Key Topics

John’s early inspiration at Bradgate Park

University and learning visual storytelling

Balancing paid work and personal projects

Human connection in portraiture

Feeling over technical perfection

Inspiration from nature, music and everyday life

Maintaining artistic integrity across mediums

Slowing down in a fast social media world

The impact of awards on creative confidence

Notable Quotes

“Imperfect images tell a story.”

“Connection and context come first.”

“Imperfections add authenticity.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and background

02:50 Early photography experiences

06:00 University and visual storytelling

08:56 Transitioning into professional work

11:45 Personal projects and why they matter

14:37 Balancing paid work and passion

17:30 Current projects and future direction

20:32 Family and photography

23:51 Artistic reflection and intention

25:21 Digital versus film

27:29 Human connection in portrait photography

31:15 Planning versus spontaneity

34:17 Managing pressure and anxiety

38:34 Comfort and trust in portraits

41:35 Environment, light and atmosphere

45:15 Subconscious decision-making

47:42 Connection and context revisited

50:39 Emotion versus technical control

54:16 Storytelling through portraiture

57:57 Navigating wedding photography

01:01:16 Humility and growth

01:04:12 Finding inspiration beyond photography

01:07:07 Creative pressure

01:09:52 Social media and evolving perspectives

01:11:16 Fulfilment beyond Instagram

01:12:54 Balancing work and personal life

01:15:34 The impact of awards

01:17:43 Inspiration from fellow photographers

Mentions

Alex Soth

Alys Tomlinson

Portrait of Britain

Where to find John

johnboaz_

Johns Website

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⁠@therawpodcast⁠

⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠

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Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin

It feels good to be back. We’ve missed the chats, the stories and the bit of craic that always sneaks in when we hit record. And we’re kicking things off with Emma Walkin from EditHouse, who’s had a winding path through sport, corporate media and into wedding videography, shaping a whole corner of the industry along the way.

Emma talks about being one of the few women shooting weddings in Ireland in the early days, the graft of building a business, and the pressure that comes with fast turnarounds and big expectations. We also dig into how AI is changing the creative world, how the wedding industry has shifted, and what it actually takes to keep going in a job that’s half filmmaking and half emotional endurance.

There’s plenty here about editing, family life, creative burnout and the chaos of modern wedding days. She also brings us through her time filming in South Sudan and how it changed her outlook on work and life. It’s honest, funny, and full of reminders of why real moments still matter more than anything else.

Mentions

@flatrocfilms

https://www.flatrocfilms.com

@kreativwedding

https://www.kreativ-wedding.de⁠

Loreto Rumbek

Where to find Emma

http://www.edithouse.ie

@edithouse

Follow us on Instagram:

@therawpodcast

@davidmcclellandphotography

@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache

The man responsible for hundreds of photographers descending on Dublin’s streets each year for the famous Doc Day conference sits down for a chat. Kevin Kheffache has become a central figure in the Irish documentary photography scene but his path here wasn’t straightforward.

From banking and running a language school to picking up a camera alongside Annie, Kevin’s journey has been full of sharp turns and unexpected lessons. We get into the leap from videography to photography, how his background shaped his eye for moments, and why he believes community is the heartbeat of this craft.

There’s talk of creativity and confidence, the pressures photographers face in today’s online world, and the simple joy of seeing a roll of film come back to life. Kevin’s story is part evolution, part reflection, and a reminder of why capturing real moments still matters most.

Settle in for this one. It’s full of heart, insight, and plenty to take away.

Show Links

Kevin’s Website - https://www.kevinkheffache.com/

DocDay - https://docday.international/

Cafa Liu - https://cafaphoto.com/

Follow us on Instagram:

@therawpodcast

@davidmcclellandphotography

@moathillphotography

How do you introduce someone who’s practically part of the furniture in Irish photography? Jay Doherty’s name is woven through so many corners of the industry it’s almost become folklore – from creating the much-loved Learning to Fly retreat to bringing Doc Day to a close each year with his signature style.

Jay’s a photographer who doesn’t just take pictures; he lives and breathes his craft. He’s curious, restless, and fiercely passionate about learning – but what makes him stand out is how much he loves seeing others grow. We talk about where that drive comes from, how he’s helped shape a community of photographers, and what’s next for him.

Expect plenty of laughs, insights into the Irish photography scene, and a good few moments where you might find yourself asking, “What would Jay do?”

Grab a bottle of Football Special and settle in – this one’s worth the listen.

Photographers to Checkout

Rich GilliganSimon murphy - https://www.youtube.com/@simonmurphy265/

Harry Borden https://www.harryborden.com/

Follow us on Instagram:

@therawpodcast

@davidmcclellandphotography

@moathillphotography

Episode 54 – A conversation with Martin Ellard

This week’s guest is Martin Ellard – a documentary wedding photographer based in South Wales with one of the most varied and fascinating paths into the industry we’ve heard yet.

Martin’s background takes us from the offices of Magnum Photos, where he somehow managed to land a one-on-one with the legendary Elliott Erwitt, through years spent on the front lines as a press photographer, and on to commercial gigs before finding his home in wedding photography.

We chat about what each of those roles taught him, how they’ve shaped the way he sees and shoots, and why the documentary approach speaks to him most. There’s plenty about the realities of press work, the pace and politics of editorial assignments, and the shift in mindset that comes with photographing a wedding day instead of a protest or breaking news.

We also touch on his personal projects, zine-making, and whether he’s planning more. And of course, there’s gear talk, stories from the field, and plenty of odd tangents too.

A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with someone who’s been around the block and still sees photography with a beginner’s curiosity. We could’ve gone on for hours, we probably will next time.

Show Links.

Martin’s Wedding Work https://www.martinellardweddingphotography.co.uk/

Martin’s Commercial Work https://www.martinellardphotography.co.uk/Chris Killip https://www.chriskillip.com/

Sebastião Salgado https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/sebasti%C3%A3o-salgado

Joey’s Shots YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JOEYSSHOTS

Bristol Books on Photography https://bopbristol.org/

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@therawpodcast

@davidmcclellandphotography

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Episode 53 - The Photowalk with Bermingham Cameras

A break from the norm this week.

This episode was recorded during our photo walk through Dublin in association with Bermingham Cameras. It’s a mix of sound bites and conversations, capturing moments from the day and voices from across the photography community.

We talk about the value of connection, the supportiveness of the scene in Ireland, and what it means to be open and approachable in the industry. There’s a bit of fun, a bit of reflection, and a strong sense that community really does matter – no matter what stage you’re at.

And a quick word from Brian – whose love of horse racing and charity work added something unexpected and heartfelt to the day. Thanks again to Berminghams for making this all possible.

Show Links.

Mentioned in this podcast

If you would like to sponsor Brian for his upcoming Pat Smullen Charity Race please : visit this link here

@berminghamcameras

@johngillooley

@derycktormey

@forgedinlovephotography

@jannthings

@dark.clouds.photography

@lisachonier

Follow us on Instagram:

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