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Modes and the exposure triangle revisited:

I spoke about this subject some time ago and I had a very positive reaction to it. So, I thought it was worth a revisit!

If you don’t understand the exposure triangle, your results will be limited and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to shoot the kind of photographs you would like to. I say this with some conviction as one of the most common questions I am asked is ‘How can I get a sharp subject and an out-of-focus background?’.

Simply put, once you understand the exposure triangle, the full creative capability of you and your camera can be realised. Without that understanding, you’re likely to be stuck on ‘Auto’.

The exposure triangle is the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO (sensitivity). To some people, it looks quite complicated at first. But, especially if you drive a car, you are already, instinctively, dealing with a similar relationship.

Modes take advantage of the automation offered by today's cameras. They relate to the exposure triangle and allow the camera to do some of the heavy lifting for you, freeing you to indulge in your creativity and produce great results.

If you are struggling with the exposure triangle (or any other aspect of photography), check out my course: Discovering DSLR and Mirrorless Photography. 

I hope you enjoy the podcast.

Graham

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As I'm recording this towards the end of 2024, I've been looking back at what went well, and what didn't. And identifying the lessons I've learned this year that I can take with me into 2025 (and make a lot of new mistakes!).

Something that I believe can be very helpful is to take part in a photography project. In this podcast, I'll take you through a few project ideas, and outline why I think they can be very valuable to improving your photography.

Here's the link to my 14 day challenge (discussed in the podcast).

I hope you enjoy it...

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Have you ever tried street photography?

If you haven't, but you're thinking about it, now is a good time to start.

The primary reason for this is the frequent use of smartphones in the street. I'm sure you've had to avoid a few "phone zombies" in your time, and this makes it very easy to discretely take street photographs. People will just assume that you're on your phone.

So what do you need to think about before you get started? You're probably already carrying the ideal camera, in your phone. And that allows you to blend into the general street traffic. But there are a few other things:

• What should you definitely avoid?
• What's the best way to approach someone if you'd like to photograph them?
• Which composition rules apply?
• How should I time my shot?
• What makes a good street photograph?

I've made a few suggestions. See what you think of them!

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Hello again,

I'm recording this podcast at the end of 2024 (Boxing Day, actually) and thought I'd share a little background to my activities this year. I've referred to it as my 'Blooper Reel' because I share some of the less glamorous aspects of wildlife photography.

In particular, I thought I'd share the story of my trip to Namibia, to support EHRA. And, some reasons why I always hope for the best, but plan for the worst!

I hope you enjoy it.

Best wishes,

Graham

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This week I speak with Matt Jacob. Matt is a British born Bali based photographic artist with a passion for capturing narratives through photography. He offers his audiences valuable insights into untold stories, inviting them into unfamiliar lives through aesthetically beautiful and meaningful images. From his early days with a disposable camera to his current status as a master storyteller, Matt's journey is motivated by his deep-seated passion for visual storytelling.

After successfully fighting cancer, Matt reshaped his outlook on life. He infuses his artistic practice with a profound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of existence. Through his lens, he crafts timeless snapshots that speak to the soul, inviting audiences to cherish life's fleeting moments and embrace the richness of diverse cultures.

Beyond the confines of his studio, Matt is a modern-day explorer, traversing the globe as a pilot. His time in the cockpit allows him to fly around the world and to uncover cultures through his camera. With each photograph, he offers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of humanity, fostering empathy and understanding among global communities. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Matt's insightful podcast delves into the philosophical depths of photography and filmmaking, enriching conversations with wisdom drawn from his own journey and the experiences of fellow creatives. In the world of visual  storytelling, Matt is a beacon of creativity and inspiration.

Website: https://mattjacobphotography.com/

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Being part of a photography community is a great way to improve your photography, connect with other photographers, and have more fun!
 
 Not everyone has access to a local photography community. So, in this podcast, I'll talk through a few options you have if you live in a more remote location. And I'll make a few suggestions for those of you in larger communities where photography groups might exist.
 
 And, if all else fails, you can always take on photography challenges.
 
 For me, photography is a creative outlet, and having that outlet is a great way to step back from the stresses of everyday life. 
 
 So, whatever you do, commit to it, make it a habit, and hold yourself accountable!
 
 I hope you enjoy it.
 
 Graham 

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Macro-photography can be very rewarding. Things to think about:

1. Magnification & Ratio

How large the subject appears in the frame compared to its actual size. In macro photography, the subject is typically life-sized or larger.

2. Depth of Field (DOF)

Using a small aperture like f/16 or f/22 can help increase DOF and keep more of the subject in focus, but may require slower shutter speeds or higher ISO.

If you’re not familiar with DoF, check out my course!

3. Lighting

Consider using diffused light to reduce harsh shadows and evenly illuminate the subject. Ring lights or macro flashes can be very useful because they provide even, directional lighting.

4. Focusing Techniques

Macro lenses typically offer manual focus due to the extreme precision required at close distances. 

5. Stability and Camera Shake

Consider a tripod, remote- shutter release or self-timer to minimize camera shake.

6. Choosing the Right Lens

A dedicated macro lens (usually 50mm, 100mm, or 150mm) can be expensive.  Consider extension tubes. They're cheaper than buying dedicated lenses, but there may be compromises.

7. Composition

Pay attention to the background and foreground.

8. Insect & Nature Photography Considerations

If you're photographing small plants or flowers, consider the time of day as morning light can be softer and dew can add interesting details to the subject.

9. Post-Processing

Post-processing can help enhance colours, sharpen details, or even combine images for focus stacking.

Here are a few lens suggestions (November 2024):

Canon:

DSLR: EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Mirrorless: RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Nikon:

DSLR: AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Mirrorless: Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S

Sony:

Sony full frame: FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Sony APS-C: E 30mm f/3.5 Macro

Sigma:

105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro: Available for both Canon, Nikon, and Sigma cameras.

70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art: From Sigma's "Art" line. Available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony mirrorless cameras.

 Tamron:

90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD: Available for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. 

What to look for when buying a lens:

1. Magnification Ratio: 1:1.

2. Focal Length: 90mm or 100mm, for a longer working distance from the subject, (useful for shooting insects or delicate subjects). 

3. Stabilization: Image stabilization (IS, VR, or

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This podcast was inspired by another podcast that I listen to (“The rest is history”) where they spoke about Lee Miller. This, in turn, was prompted by the 2023 movie starring Kate Winslet.

Lee Miller was largely forgotten until her biography came out in the 1980’s (she died in 1977). She had a privileged upbringing and, I think it’s fair to say, lacked any purpose in her life. This changed when the Second World War started, and she became a war photographer.

If you google Lee Miller, the first photograph you’re likely to see is of her in Hitler’s bath in his flat in Munich. I understand that she was in his apartment by accident and the reason for the bath was that she was washing off the mud from the Dachau concentration camp, which she’d just visited. 

Photojournalism is a central part of my approach to photography (the “visual storyteller”) and I always respect the people who are willing to put themselves on the front line. Lee Miller was in real danger of death, and journalists and photographers are often targeted to stop the truth from getting out (this is happening in Palestine as I write).

Another aspect is censorship and misinformation. In Lee Millers case, the photographs she took at Dachau featured in two spreads in Vogue, clearly showing what had happened there. Another set, showing American bombers dropping napalm on German positions, was censored.

So, what are the takeaways for our photography? I suggest these:

Imagine you only have a roll of 12 (or 24, or 36) images available and think before you press the shutter button: What is this photograph about? What is the story you want to tell?

Try a film camera if you’re not familiar with using them, as you need a different approach and I believe this will positively impact your work.

When is a photograph dishonest? For example, some, pre-Google maps, real estate photographs create an impression of space. So the question has to be, is the intention to deceive the viewer? What is your intention? This is important with the amount of misinformation we see today, much of it photographic. 

I hope you find it thought provoking...

Graham

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You might be new to photography, or perhaps you’ve just hit a creative ‘slump’. Or, maybe, you just want to step back and revisit the basics of photography. Wherever you are, here are 12 tips that might help you:

• There’s a lot to learn, especially with some modern cameras, so, give yourself time and just take things one at a time. I always recommend a structured course if you’re just starting, the reason being that if you miss a basic step, you can be in for a very frustrating time.
• Learn to use the camera in fully manual mode (i.e. focus, shutter speed, ISO and aperture). Also, learn how your camera's metering works. It might feel irrelevant given the amount of automation available, but it will serve you well.
• Experiment with higher ISO’s. It’s better to have a grainy image that’s sharp than a smooth image that’s blurry. And it can give your photos a certain look that you might find attractive.
• While the latest gear always looks great, you probably don’t need it.
• Learn to look at how different photographers use light. This is fundamental to photography and the better you understand the use of light, the better your results will be.
• Practice getting everything right in the viewfinder (or screen) before you press the shutter button. Post-processing is helpful, but don’t rely on it.
• Always shoot in RAW.
• Learn about your preferred post-processing package by making adjustments manually. Don’t rely on presets as they will limit your results.
• Learn the rules so that when you break them, you know which ones you’ve broken. Consistency is the sign of a good photographer.
• If you do hit a slump, where you feel your photographs are getting worse, don’t worry. It happens to most of us. Just step back and return to basics. What isn’t working? What can you do to change it?
• Keep having fun recording the day-to-day. Creating great ‘art’ is rewarding, but you have a day-to-day life too.
• Photography is a continuous learning experience, so enjoy the journey!

I hope you find this useful.

Graham

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My guest on this podcast is Rachel Harris, Managing Director of EHRA Namibia.

EHRA is a project I’ve personally been involved with and I recently returned from a fundraising event with them in Namibia. Rachel talks about the aims of EHRA, their beginnings and their current activities.

She has built up an award-winning eco-tourism volunteer programme (active since 2004) which helps to fund their conservation activities. EHRA also runs a community education programme to help the local people live with the elephants and minimise conflicts.

If you’d like to learn more about EHRA or get involved in their work, you can find out more on their website: https://www.ehranamibia.org/

And you can follow them on social media: #ehranamibia

It's time for another podcast...

Support the show

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Contact Me
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Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.