In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Vanessa Joy, a talented portrait photographer with a keen eye for creating nostalgia in her work. Vanessa shares invaluable insights on how Instagram has shaped the photography landscape and her strategies for standing out, from embracing technical imperfections to integrating timeless consistency.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Embrace Nostalgia: Leveraging trends like blurry photos and direct flash can help evoke emotions and differentiate your work. Classic techniques can bring unique character to your photos.
• Manage Comparison: Feeling inferior or jealous can be motivating. Use these emotions wisely to push your creativity forward, rather than letting them hinder your progress.
• Timeless Consistency: Avoid overediting and trend-chasing. Adopting a consistent, clean style ensures your work remains timeless and recognizable.
• Client Connections: Observing and conversing with clients helps capture natural expressions. Genuine engagement can significantly enhance the authenticity of your photographs.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Experiment with Nostalgic Techniques: Try using direct flash and intentional blur in some of your photos to evoke a nostalgic feel. Study old photos and early photography styles, then recreate similar looks using modern equipment.
2. Refine Your Editing Style: Set a consistent approach to editing; avoid excessive filters and trendy presets. Create a preset that reflects your style and apply it uniformly across your portfolio for cohesiveness.
3. Strengthen Client Engagement: Spend a few minutes chatting with your clients before shoots to understand their personalities better. Observe their natural expressions and interactions, then capture these genuine moments.
4. Evaluate Before Adopting Trends: Assess whether new techniques or platforms align with your brand and audience before integrating them. Test out new ideas on personal projects first to see if they resonate with your vision and style.
5. Build Relationships in the Industry: Reach out to local vendors and other photographers to form connections and potential collaborations. Attend industry events and join photography groups to nurture a strong network and gain referrals.

RESOURCES:
Visit Vanessa Joy's Website - https://vanessajoy.com/
Follow Vanessa Joy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy/

Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.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 Alex Bogaard, an intrepid photographer who draws parallels between photography and raising children, where opinions are abundant, but the emotional connection is key. Explore Alex's insights on balancing artistic integrity and commercial demands, mastering preparation and flexibility on photography trips, and deriving joy from both the journey and the final image.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Embrace the Journey Over Results: Focus on the experiences and practice rather than just the final images to avoid disappointment and redefine success.
• Emotional Resonance Matters: A successful photo evokes an emotional response in you, regardless of its technical perfection.
• Adaptability is Key: Always have a vision, but stay flexible to adapt to nature’s unpredictability and embrace what it offers.
• Personal Connection to Work: Ensure your photography maintains a personal connection; avoid producing work solely for commercial success.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Evaluate Emotional Impact: Review your portfolio and identify images that evoke strong emotions.Compare those with technically perfect but emotionally flat photos to understand your artistic preferences.
2. Prepare for Photographic Trips: Create a shot list and vision for your next outing. Stay open to changes and ready to capture unexpected moments, focusing on the journey.
3. Enhance Flexibility: Practice shooting in different weather conditions and at various times of the day. Learn to adapt your techniques to the environment, using natural light and surroundings creatively.
4. Engage in Constructive Critiques: Join photography groups or forums to receive and give feedback. Attend workshops where peer reviews are part of the learning process to refine your skills based on constructive criticism.
5. Maintain Personal Connection: Regularly revisit the reasons why you love photography and infuse that passion into your work. Ensure each project or shoot aligns with your personal vision rather than solely commercial demands.

RESOURCES:
Visit Alex Bogaard's Website - https://alexbogaard.com/
Follow Alex Bogaard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexbogaard/

Transform your Love for Photography into Profit for FREE with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/

Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets at
http://freephotographypresets.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 Steve Rolfe about his captivating creative process using little people figurines in his photography. Steve shares his approach to developing scenarios, prioritizing simplicity in storytelling, and the importance of trial and error.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Plan Your Scenario First: Develop a clear narrative before choosing the location. This foundation ensures your photos tell a compelling story.
• Keep It Simple: Aim for easy-to-understand, organic images. Simplicity enhances the viewer's connection to your work.
• Embrace Trial and Error: Use feedback and iterative improvements to find the right balance in your storytelling. Learning from mistakes is key.
• Stay Inspired: Regularly seek inspiration and let your environment spark new ideas. Consistent creativity keeps your work dynamic and fresh.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Create Small-Scenario Tables: Design miniature sets on small tables or surfaces to experiment with storytelling. Use household items and small figurines to navigate through different scenes.
2. Focus on Storytelling Over Location: Outline a brief story for each photo scenario you want to capture. Select locations that naturally complement, rather than dominate, your narrative.
3. Simplify Your Compositions: Limit the number of elements in your frame to avoid unnecessary distractions. Use a central subject and minimal props to retain the viewer’s focus.
4. Gather Feedback: Share your work with a small, trusted group to receive constructive criticism. Implement the feedback and observe how it transforms your work over time.
5. Experiment with Different Props: Visit local hobby shops to find unique miniature items that could add character to your scenes. Test different combinations of props to see what works best with your overall theme.

RESOURCES:
Visit Steve Rolfe's Website - https://www.steverolfephotography.co.uk/
Follow Steve Rolfe on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/steve_rolfe_photography_/
Follow Little People Media on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/little_people_media/

Transform your Love for Photography into Profit 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!