In this episode of the podcast, I chat with David duChemin, a humanitarian photographer who emphasizes the importance of mastering the creative aspects of photography. David encourages us to move beyond technical perfection, focusing instead on telling compelling stories through images.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Focus on Fundamentals: Mastering the basics of exposure, composition, and manual controls will elevate your creative expression.
• Creativity Over Technicality: Prioritize storytelling and emotional impact over perfect technical execution to create compelling images.
• Explore and Experiment: Regularly experiment with different settings and compositions to discover what works best for your creative vision.
• Embrace Constraints: Utilize restrictions, like shooting with one lens, to sharpen your focus on composition, light, and color.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Practice Manual Controls: Switch your camera to manual mode and experiment with different settings to understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interact. Set up a series of test shots adjusting only one setting at a time, taking notes on how each adjustment affects the final image.
2. Explore Exposure Creativity: Experiment with different combinations of aperture and shutter speed while maintaining the same exposure to see how they change the aesthetic of the image. Use exposure compensation in aperture priority mode to control the brightness of your photos creatively.
3. Experiment with Composition: Dedicate a day to shooting the same subject from multiple angles, distances, and perspectives to understand the impact of composition. Apply the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques to your shots, comparing the results.
4. Embrace Constraints: Challenge yourself to shoot exclusively with one lens or your smartphone for a week, focusing entirely on composition and lighting. Choose a single location and spend an extended period capturing its various features, moods, and stories.
5. Reflect and Adjust: After each photo session, review your images and identify which ones best tell the story or evoke the intended emotion. Keep a journal of your photographic experiments, noting what worked, what didn’t, and how you felt during the process.

RESOURCES:
Visit David duChemin's Website - https://davidduchemin.com/
Follow David duChemin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davidduchemin/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Start Building Your Dream Photography Business for FREE with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

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

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Nick Carver, an inspiring large format film landscape photographer with a passion for architecture and personal projects. Nick reveals the profound impact of trusting your inner voice and focusing on meaningful photography over commercial success. He shares unique insights into finding joy in the photographic process itself and the importance of persisting despite challenges.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Trust Your Inner Voice: Listen to your instincts and take the photos that truly resonate with you, rather than what you think others might like.
• Embrace the Process: Enjoy each step of creating a photograph, from planning to shooting, valuing the journey over the final result.
• Persist Through Challenges: Stay motivated and keep pursuing your passion for photography despite obstacles or setbacks in life.
• Avoid Comparison: Limit the influence of social media and other photographers to maintain the purity and authenticity of your own style.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Identify Your Passion: List the types of photography that excite you the most. Plan a shoot focusing on a subject that aligns with your passion.
2. Simplify Your Workflow: Evaluate your current photography process and identify areas for simplification. Implement one new technique to streamline your shooting or editing workflow.
3. Limit Social Media Influence: Set a specific time limit for consuming photography content on social platforms. Dedicate more time to creating original content rather than consuming others' work.
4. Create a Personal Project: Choose a theme or subject you are passionate about for a long-term photography project. Set realistic goals and deadlines to keep yourself motivated and on track.
5. Seek Constructive Feedback: Share your work with a trusted mentor or photography group and request specific feedback. Use the constructive criticism to improve your skills and develop your unique style.

RESOURCES:
Visit Nick Carver's Website - https://nickcarverphoto.com/
Follow Nick Carver on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickcarver/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Start Building Your Dream Photography Business for FREE with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

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

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Fujifilm X-Photographer, Bryan Minear, a passionate documentary and landscape photographer whose creative journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. Bryan shares how he rekindled his love for photography by focusing on landscapes and personal projects that resonate deeply with his life experiences. Learn from his meticulous trip planning to White Sands and the emotional significance of his project with his son.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Find Joy in Creativity: Embrace the beginner’s mindset to discover the joy in every shot. This mindset can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary captures.
• Pursue Personal Projects: Personal photography projects provide a deeper connection to your work, fuel creativity, and can teach you unique lessons about storytelling.
• Value Planning and Spontaneity: Balance meticulous planning with the flexibility to embrace unexpected moments. Both elements contribute to capturing authentic, powerful images.
• Emotional Resonance: Aim to create images that evoke emotions and tell a compelling story, adding depth and meaning to your portfolio.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Begin a Personal Project: Choose a theme that resonates with your life experiences or passions. Plan a detailed roadmap, setting milestones and goals to guide your progress.
2. Focus on Storytelling: Identify the story you want each image to tell before pressing the shutter. Include elements in the frame that support and enhance the narrative of your photo.
3. Schedule and Plan Shoots: Research and plan your photography trips meticulously, including contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances. Use tools like maps, apps, or online forums to scout locations and understand the best times for optimal lighting and weather conditions.
4. Embrace Spontaneous Moments: Stay flexible and ready to capture unplanned, authentic moments that may arise during your shoots. Keep your camera accessible and practice taking quick, candid shots in various settings.
5. Reflect and Review: After each shoot, take time to review your work, noting what worked and what could be improved. Gather feedback from peers or mentors and use it constructively to refine your approach and technique.

RESOURCES:
Visit Bryan Minear's Website - https://bryanminear.com/traveler/
Follow Bryan Minear on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bryanminear/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Start Building Your Dream Photography Business for FREE with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast!

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

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!