The Beginner Photography Podcast

• How to Pack Light and Shoot Smart for Travel Photography with Mark Hemmings

  #585 Mark Hemmings is an internationally recognized travel photographer and educator. Mark shares his inspiring journey, beginning with his early days in Canada when he first discovered photography while traveling in Japan. He walks listeners through the evolution of his career—from working in the movie industry and commercial photography to finding his true passion in travel and photography workshops around the globe.KEY TOPICS COVEREDPreparation and Mindset for Travel Photography - Mark describes two key approaches: meticulous pre-trip research and spontaneous, immersive travel. He discusses the creative advantages and excitement that come from unfamiliar environments and even a bit of discomfort or fear.Gear Choices and Minimalism - The benefits of packing light—such as bringing a single camera and prime lens—are highlighted, along with advice about travel safety, avoiding gear overload, and tailoring your kit to your creative needs.Creative Techniques for Captivating Travel Photos - Mark emphasizes using framing, foreground elements, and unique perspectives to avoid cliché photos and elevate your work. He discusses storytelling, engaging viewers’ imaginations, and composing photos that invite longer reflection.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSForeground Element: An object or shape in the front of the image used to frame or partially obscure the subject, adding depth, intrigue, and composition interest.Slide Film: A type of photographic film producing direct positive transparency, requiring precise exposure and often used for projecting images; discussed as foundational to Mark’s photographic education.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow does limiting your gear influence your creativity or challenge you on a shoot?What are some ways you can move beyond basic “snapshot” photography during your next trip?In what environments do you feel most creatively energized, and why?RESOURCES:Visit Mark Hemmings’ Website - https://markhemmings.com/Follow Mark Hemmings on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markhemmings/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect 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!

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• You Don’t Have to Fix Your Photos. They’re Not Broken.

  #584 In this episode of the podcast, I explore the idea that your photos are not broken just because they aren’t technically perfect or heavily edited. I share my own experiences as a photographer, reflecting on how the rise of digital editing and AI has made many of us feel like every photo needs to be “fixed” to be worth keeping or sharing. I encourage you to let go of those expectations and to rediscover what made you pick up a camera in the first place—whether it was to slow down, see the world differently, or simply enjoy making images.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Pressure of Perfection and Editing in Modern Photography - Raymond discusses how digital tools, social media, and AI have shifted expectations toward perfection. He challenges the presumption that photos must always be edited, and recalls the joy of simple, unedited film photography. The key takeaway is to let go of perfection and rediscover the fun in photography.Imperfection as Art and Authenticity - The episode illustrates, with anecdotes from Raymond’s wedding photography, the value of candid moments (like a flower girl picking her nose), emphasizing that these “flaws” make photos memorable and human. He connects this to the broader theme of authenticity, suggesting that imperfection is what sets human-made images apart from AI-generated ones.Practical Approach: Enjoyment and Mindset Shift (Plork) - Raymond introduces “plork” (play + work). He encourages listeners to shoot for enjoyment, intentionally practicing and experimenting with their cameras rather than working only to “fix” images later. Actionable advice includes shooting JPEGs, skipping editing, and focusing on moments that feel right rather than those that look perfect.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSPlork: A blend of play and work, meaning practicing a craft with a playful, no-pressure attitude. In photography, “plorking” means shooting for enjoyment while still improving your skills—the core mindset Raymond urges listeners to adopt.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSWhen do you feel most pressure to edit your photos, and how does it affect your enjoyment of photography?Can you think of a photo you love because of, not in spite of, its imperfections? Why does it resonate with you?What habits can you adopt to “plork” more during your photography sessions?RESOURCES:Check out the Headway App for book summaries - https://makeheadway.com/Book: "The Creative Act" by Rick RubinBook: "The Dude and the Zen Master" by Jeff BridgesSign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect 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!

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• Inside the Creative Process of Making Photo Series with Dina Goldstein

  #583 Dina Goldstein is an acclaimed photographer and visual artist known for her provocative, narrative-driven imagery and a career spanning over 30 years. Dina shares her unconventional journey into photography—from her early fascination with how she saw the world, to a pivotal trip in her 20s that inspired her to take her first photography course. She discusses her drive for continual learning, willingness to make mistakes, and evolving artistic process.KEY TOPICS COVEREDFinding Your Path in Photography - Dina shares how she did not set out to become a photographer, but her distinct way of seeing the world and a curiosity about visual storytelling led her to the camera. She discusses her transition from aspiring actor to dedicated photographer, and encourages beginners to “just do it”—advocating for action and experimentation over perfection from the start.Embracing Mistakes and Gaining Technical Mastery - Dina recounts real-life stories from her early career, emphasizing how setbacks and mistakes—like disappointing film results or technical failures on major shoots—became opportunities for growth. She underscores the importance of preparation, learning the fundamentals (especially light), and practicing relentlessly before critical assignments. Her approach includes making and learning from mistakes, remaining humble, and valuing ongoing practice.Editorial vs. Artistic Photography - The episode dives into the distinctions between editorial work (client-driven, often for magazines or businesses) versus personal art projects (driven by the artist’s own vision). Dina explains the expectations, pressures, and creative compromises involved in each. She provides examples from her own career, contrasting the demands of magazine portraits with the fully conceptualized, collaborative productions required for series like Fallen Princesses and The Ten Commandments.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSEditorial Photography: Photography commissioned for publications, shaped by specific requirements from art directors or clients, as opposed to personal, self-driven art pieces.Artistic Eye: The innate or cultivated ability to see images, light, and composition in unique ways. Essential for transcending mere technical competence and creating meaningful work.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow do your personal experiences and worldview shape the themes you explore in your photography?When faced with setbacks or mistakes, what strategies can help you learn and grow rather than lose confidence?What distinguishes a meaningful personal project from a commercial or editorial assignment for you?RESOURCES:Visit Dina Goldstein's Website - https://dinagoldstein.com/Follow Dina Goldstein  on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dinagoldstein/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect 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!

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• Comparison is Killing Your Photography

  #582 In this episode of the podcast, I take a deep dive into how comparison can seriously derail your progress and enjoyment as a photographer. Inspired by my own experiences learning new skills—like learning to juggle and nurturing my lawn—I share how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially in the age of social media. I remind listeners that success in photography, or any art, isn't reserved for those who started young or have the best equipment—it's all about showing up, being consistent, and putting in the work over time.I discuss the myth of overnight success by highlighting stories of people like Morgan Freeman and Stan Lee, who found their big breaks later in life. I emphasize that wherever you are in your journey is exactly where you need to be, and it’s totally normal to have doubts and setbacks. What matters most is your willingness to keep going and focus on your own growth, not what others appear to be achieving.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Perils of Comparison in Photography - Raymond explains how comparing one’s progress or results to others—whether it’s speed of learning (like juggling), gear, or social media metrics—can steal the joy from personal growth. He urges photographers to focus on their individual journey and celebrate each step forward.The Myth of Instant Success and the Power of Consistency - Using stories of well-known figures like Morgan Freeman and Stan Lee, Raymond underscores that it’s not too late to start or improve at photography (or any art). He highlights the importance of steady effort, practice (“putting in the reps”), and embracing the “gray areas” of life and art.Setting Intentional Goals and Noticing the World - The episode shifts towards actionable advice—encouraging listeners to discover what draws them to photography, rather than chasing external validation. Raymond introduces a practical seven-day photo diary challenge, urging listeners to capture images that make them “pause and notice,” fostering mindfulness and personal vision.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSComparison Trap: The tendency to measure one’s worth or progress against others, leading to dissatisfaction and doubt. Relevant throughout the episode as Raymond identifies it as a major hindrance to creative growth.Reps (Putting in the Reps): A term borrowed from training, here meaning to consistently practice taking photos. The more you shoot, the better you’ll become—emphasizing process over perfection.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow has comparing your work to others affected your enjoyment of photography?What motivates you to pick up your camera—validation from others, or personal fulfillment?In what ways can you adopt more consistency in your photographic journey?Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect 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!

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• Honoring the Human Touch in a World of AI Photography with Shane Balkowitsch

  #581 Shane Balkowitsch is a dedicated wet plate collodion photographer whose passion for history, authenticity, and the human experience shapes both his artwork and his views on the future of photography. In this episode, Shane shares the journey that led him from having no experience with a camera to mastering one of photography’s oldest analog processes—a craft involving silver on glass that dates back to 1851. He highlights how the permanence and tangible nature of wet plate images, created through capturing real light and human presence, starkly contrast with the ephemeral, intangible nature of digital and AI-generated images.KEY TOPICS COVEREDDefining Photography in the Age of AI - Shane and Raymond dissect the core of what makes an image a "photograph," highlighting the necessity of light, a subject, and a photosensitive medium or sensor. They underscore the risk of confusing AI-based image generation—which lacks these elements—with authentic photography, causing potential chaos in art, media, and historical documentation.Ethics, Ownership, and Historical Accuracy - Shane raises significant ethical concerns about AI training on billions of images without permission, including his own work, and questions who owns the resulting visuals. He warns about the dangers this presents to historical accuracy, imagining future scenarios where AI-generated portraits of people who never existed could mislead researchers or the public, blurring the line between fact and fiction.Terminology, Transparency, and the Future of Art - Shane advocates for distinct labeling of AI-generated imagery—suggesting terms like "promptography"—to prevent confusion and uphold the integrity of photography. He stresses the need for transparency so viewers know whether an image is a genuine photograph or an AI creation, believing that honesty and accurate terminology are essential as technology continues to evolve.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSWet Plate Collodion Photography: An early analog photographic process invented in 1851, involving capturing images on glass plates coated with chemicals sensitive to light. Shane’s work in this medium exemplifies photography’s physical, archival, and intentional qualities.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSWhat makes an image a photograph, and why does this distinction matter when considering AI-generated content?Should AI-generated images be considered art? If so, who holds the authorship—the prompt user or the AI?How might the widespread adoption of AI imagery change the way we perceive, document, or trust history?RESOURCES:Visit Shane Balkowitsch's Website - https://nostalgicglasswetplatestudio.zenfolio.com/Follow Shane Balkowitsch on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balkowitsch/Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect 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!

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