497: Todd Laffler: Create Natural, Playful Photo Sessions for Genuine Moments

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Craig Strong, an innovative wedding photographer with a flair for storytelling. Craig shares how his unique Lensbaby experimentations transformed his approach to capturing moments, making his work stand out. He dives into the importance of storytelling, relying on photojournalism skills, and learning from sports photography. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Storytelling: Great photography is about capturing the essence of moments, not just staged shots. Focus on the narrative behind each image.Learn from Missed Moments: Reflect on missed moments to anticipate future important events and improve your ability to capture them.Experiment with Equipment: Don't shy away from trying new lenses or gear. Experimentation can lead to discovering new creative possibilities.Push Through Fear: Transitioning into new methods requires courage. Embrace the fear of the unknown as a part of your growth process.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Authentic Moments: Start by photographing candid moments at local events or family gatherings. Focus on the emotion and story behind each shot rather than setting up posed pictures.Create a Practice Schedule: Dedicate time each week to practice anticipatory shooting, especially in dynamic environments like sports or street photography. Review your photos to identify successful captures and missed opportunities to learn and improve.Experiment with New Gear: Try using different lens converters or lens baby products to see how they alter your perspective and creativity. Document the outcomes and analyze how each tool changes your photo’s storytelling potential.Join a Photography Community: Engage in online forums or social media groups such as Instagram and Facebook communities where photographers share their experimental work. Participate in challenges or critique sessions to receive feedback and get inspired by others’ creativity.Develop a Storytelling Portfolio: Assemble a collection of photos that tell a story, including a mix of candid moments, detailed shots, and environmental context. Continuously update your portfolio to reflect your growth and experiments, showcasing your ability to capture authentic narratives.RESOURCES:Visit Lensbaby's Website - https://lensbaby.com/Follow Lensbaby on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lensbabyusa/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 asked BPP community moderators Jim Sinicki and Kim Irish to join me in a fun discussion about photography and the community. They asked you, members of the BPP community questions and I do my best to answer them. The Big Ideas:Embrace Discomfort in Your Photography Journey: Challenging environments yield unique opportunities. Whether it’s a rugged landscape or dense urban streets, discomfort can push your creative boundaries.Start planning a photo expedition to a challenging location, like a local street photography workshop or a remote nature hike.Prepare for these conditions with proper gear and mental readiness to turn discomfort into creative success.Tackle Imposter Syndrome Head-On: Feelings of doubt are common, especially when pricing your work or comparing yourself to others. Recognizing them as part of the journey can reduce their power.Reflect on your achievements and client feedback regularly to build confidence.Engage with a supportive photography community for encouragement and constructive feedback.Value Your Work Appropriately: Pricing should reflect the quality and effort you put into your photography. Reassessing your rates can prevent undervaluation and communicate professionalism.Conduct market research to understand the going rates for comparable work.Don’t be afraid to incrementally increase your prices and communicate the value you bring to clients.Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 talented wedding and engagement photographer Terri Baskin, whose unique engagement sessions stand out in the photography world. Terri shares exceptional insights from a memorable Las Vegas engagement shoot that required meticulous planning and coordination. She emphasizes the importance of truly understanding and connecting with your clients to capture their personalities and emotions authentically. Throughout our discussion, you'll learn practical techniques to elevate your engagement sessions and foster lasting client relationships. Today you'll learn how you can transform your approach, making your photoshoots more relaxed, enjoyable, and visually stunning for your clients.THE BIG IDEASClient Connection: Understanding your clients' personalities and preferences is essential for capturing authentic and emotional photos.Thoughtful Planning: Meticulous planning ensures that every detail, from locations to outfits, aligns with the couple's vision and the photos' aesthetic.Natural Posing: Direct couples into natural, relaxed poses to avoid stiff, posed looks and bring out their genuine connection.Versatility in Shots: Providing a variety of poses, angles, and backgrounds keeps the sessions dynamic and ensures the couple has diverse images to cherish.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANEngage with Clients: Schedule a pre-shoot meeting to discuss their story, preferences, and vision. Prepare a detailed engagement prep guide to help them feel ready and excited.Plan and Scout Locations: Select locations that reflect the couple's personalities and desired theme. Visit the sites in advance to determine the best spots and lighting.Natural Directing Techniques: Use prompts and playful activities to help couples relax and interact naturally. Communicate consistently during the session to keep them engaged and comfortable.Build a Balanced Portfolio: Capture a mix of wide, medium, and tight shots, both horizontally and vertically. Include diverse poses and locations to showcase your versatility and meet various client needs.RESOURCES:Check out Wedding Photographer Terri Baskins Website - Follow Terri on Instagram - Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 BPP Community Member Shane Wilkie, who transitioned from photographing skateboarding to Hockey and sports photography and commercial work while focusing on emotional storytelling. Shane shares his experiences capturing university events, the emotional depth he aims to achieve in his photos, and the impact of his volunteer work on his career. He also discusses the importance of seeking constructive feedback and the enriching journey of creating art that resonates emotionally with viewers. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Emotional Storytelling: Focus on capturing photographs that evoke deep emotions and tell compelling stories. Your images should invite viewers to feel and imagine beyond the frame. Build Confidence Through Practice: Consistent practice in varied environments helps you become more comfortable and proficient, leading to stronger, more impactful photos. Learn from Unpaid Opportunities: Volunteering or taking unpaid photography assignments can provide invaluable experience, grow your network, and enhance your skills while building your portfolio. Constantly Seek Constructive Feedback: Constructive criticism is vital in refining your craft. Engage with photography communities and mentors to gain views and critiques that will help you improve.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANFocus on Emotional Storytelling: Spend time conceptualizing the emotion you wish to convey before shooting. Pay attention to your subjects' expressions, body language, and surroundings.Build Your Confidence: Attend a variety of events, from local sports games to community festivals, to practice photographing different scenarios. Review your work critically, identifying your strongest photos and understanding what made them successful. Volunteer for Experience: Reach out to local organizations, events, or non-profits that could benefit from your photography services. Treat each assignment as a learning experience and push your creative boundaries.Seek Constructive Feedback: Join local photography clubs or online forums where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism. Approach experienced photographers for feedback and mentorship. Upgrade Your Gear: Research and invest wisely in cameras, lenses, and accessories that will enhance your capabilities. Experiment with the settings and functions to fully understand its capabilities, enabling you to use your gear effectively and creatively.RESOURCES:Visit Shane Wilkie's Website - https://www.shanewilkie.com/ Follow Shane Wilkie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shanewilkie/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 Todd Laffler, an experienced wedding photographer who shifted his focus from technical perfection to capturing authentic, candid moments. Todd shares his journey, evolving from prioritizing creative techniques to cherishing genuine connections between couples. THE BIG IDEASCherish Authentic Moments: Capturing genuine emotions over staged shots creates more meaningful images that resonate with your subjects and audience.Develop Observation Skills: Being attentive to people's emotions and relationships allows you to seize candid, heartfelt moments in your photography.Prioritize Simplicity: Simple compositions with clean backgrounds and even lighting enhance the couple's connection without overcomplicating the scene.Focus on Genuine Connections: Emphasize the couple's bond by directing positive body language and authentic interactions, creating more natural and timeless photos.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANObserve and Read Emotions: Spend time watching body language and facial expressions in everyday settings to hone your observational skills. During photo shoots, take a step back and let moments unfold naturally, capturing genuine interactions.Simplify Your Compositions: Focus on clean backgrounds and even light to minimize distractions and emphasize your subjects. Use a longer lens to capture candid moments from a distance, ensuring a more authentic capture.Encourage Authentic Interactions: Prompt couples with fun activities like thumb wrestling or simple games to elicit genuine emotions. Allow enough time for couples to relax and connect, adding movement if they seem stiff.Embrace Spontaneity: Go beyond planned shots and seek different perspectives and angles to maximize each moment's potential. Trust your instincts and experience to capture unexpected, authentic moments without over-relying on creative setups.Focus on Genuine Images Over Techniques: Avoid overcomplicating shots with excessive techniques and prioritize the couple's connection. Reflect on each shot's meaning to your subjects, focusing less on impressing others and more on authentic storytelling.RESOURCES:Visit Todd Laffler's Website - https://lafflerphotography.com/Follow Todd Laffler on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddlafflerGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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, I chat with Wedding photographer Alison Conklin, an incredibly resilient and passionate photographer whose story truly redefines the art of capturing memories. Alison opened up about her remarkable journey, from overcoming serious health challenges to emphasizing the raw emotional authenticity in her work. She shared some deeply personal experiences that really highlight the importance of creating meaningful and lasting images.THE BIG IDEASEmotional Authenticity: Focus on capturing genuine emotions over technical perfection; let the moments speak for themselves and create timeless memories.Personal Storytelling: Shoot from your own honest perspective; this personal touch makes your work stand out and resonate more with viewers.Embrace Challenges: View setbacks and personal struggles as experiences that can fuel your creativity and storytelling in photography.Celebrating Life: Use your camera as a tool to celebrate and preserve life’s fleeting moments, making each photo a heartfelt story.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANCapture Real Moments: Spend time observing and understanding people’s interactions at events. Focus on spontaneous moments where genuine feelings are evident.Develop Personal Style: Reflect on your life experiences and how they influence your photography. Experiment with different angles and compositions to see what uniquely resonates with you.Practice Empathic Shooting: Spend time with your subjects and get to know their stories before shooting. Create a comfortable atmosphere where subjects feel relaxed and natural.Improve Observation Skills: Photograph everyday life and practice noticing subtle emotions and body language. Review your photos critically to understand how these elements convey stories.Build Meaningful Connections: Engage in conversations with clients to learn their stories and what’s important to them. Use this knowledge to tailor your approach, ensuring the photos reflect their unique journey.RESOURCES:Visit Alison Conklin's Website - https://www.alisonconklin.com/Follow Alison Conklin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alisonconklinGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 Annemie Tonken, a passionate family photographer who transformed her career by shifting from wedding photography to a more flexible family-focused business. Annemie shares her journey of setting the right pricing, creating a luxury client experience, and navigating the challenges of in-person versus online sales. Her story will encourage you to reconsider your pricing model, refine your sales approach, and embrace having consistency in your business strategy.The Big Ideas:Pricing Adjustment Journey: Adjust your rates after understanding your business costs and client needs. Finding your pricing "happy place" ensures sustainability.Consistency in Business Strategy: Fully commit to a cohesive strategy. Piecing together different tactics may create a disjointed "Frankenstein" business.Educating Clients: Gradually guide clients through the decision-making process with clear, segmented information to prevent overwhelm and foster better decisions.Photography Action Plan:Evaluate Your Pricing: Analyze your cost of doing business to determine a sustainable pricing structure. Gradually adjust your rates to align with client expectations and your financial goals.Enhance Client Experience: Implement personal sales strategies, offering tangible products to enrich the client experience. Provide a seamless and luxury experience, from consultation to final delivery.Simplify Your Sales Process: Utilize online gallery software to simulate in-person sales experiences, maintaining client engagement. Set specific time limits for purchasing decisions to create urgency and drive sales.Educate Through Communication: Engage in pre-booking conversations to understand and address client concerns. Use personalized videos and timed galleries to guide clients through the purchase journey.Consistency in Strategy: Choose a single business model (in-person sales or all-inclusive) and commit fully to its execution. Avoid mixing different strategies to ensure a streamlined approach that clients can trust.ResourcesListen to the This Can't Be That Hard Podcast - https://www.thiscantbethathard.com Download Annemie's free guides - https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/bppFollow Annemie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thiscantbethathard_/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 Gary Williams, a passionate and insightful photographer who transformed his love for capturing people and places into impactful projects when he started documenting the people and shop owners of Camden Passage. Gary emphasizes the significance of pursuing personal passions, creating tangible products like books or prints, and engaging with your community through exhibitions. He offers inspiration for finding your own project and following your heart in photography. The Big Ideas:Follow Your Passion: Identify what you love to photograph and focus on it without worrying about financial gain or recognition. True passion guides your journey.Create Tangible Products: Consider turning your photography into books or prints. Tangible products can make your work accessible and memorable for a wider audience.Engage with Your Community: Hosting exhibitions or involving your local community can positively impact and bring attention to your work. Interaction fosters deeper connections.Build Relationships: Develop bonds with your subjects. Understanding their stories adds depth to your portraits and makes your photos more meaningful.Photography Action Plan:Identify Your Passion Project: Reflect on what genuinely excites you in photography. Start a small photo project focusing on this interest, setting short-term goals to keep you motivated.Create Tangible Works: Select your best photos and design a photobook or print series. Look for local or online services that provide high-quality printing options to give your work a professional touch.Host a Local Exhibition: Find a community space, like a library or café, willing to host your exhibition. Prepare a collection of your best work, and create simple displays with descriptions to engage viewers.Learn and Practice Portrait Photography: Schedule sessions with friends or local people willing to model, focusing on capturing their essence without forced smiles. Experiment with different lighting setups and settings to find what best highlights your subjects.Network with Other Photographers: Join local photography clubs or online forums to share experiences and advice. Attend workshops or meetups to learn new techniques and build supportive relationships within the photography community.Resources:Gary Williams Website - https://www.garywilliams.photography/Gary Williams Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/garywilliams.photography/Gary Williams Camden Passage project - https://www.instagram.com/thisiscamdenpassageGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 Ryan Tolbert, an expert in film photography and owner of The Boutique Film Lab, who simplifies the transition from digital to analog. Ryan shares his journey from hobbyist to business owner, emphasizing the beauty and imperfect charm of film. He offers practical advice on starting with point-and-shoot cameras, understanding film characteristics, and developing your own film. Ryan encourages you to embrace film’s unique aesthetic and simplicity, start with accessible gear, and experiment with different films to discover what works for you. THE BIG IDEASStart Simple: Begin with automatic point-and-shoot cameras to eliminate complexity and focus on composition and creativity.Learn to Love Imperfection: Film photography’s unique charm lies in its imperfections; embrace these as part of your creative journey.Explore Different Films: Different film stocks offer varied aesthetics; experiment to find your preference and broaden your visual style.Understand Film’s Latitudes: Film offers more latitude for overexposure but struggles with underexposed shadows; learn to expose correctly.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANChoose Your First Film Camera: Research and purchase a simple point-and-shoot camera like the Olympus XA2. Look for reliable sources such as KEH or eBay, ensuring the seller is trusted.Experiment with Film Stocks: Buy a variety of film stocks like Kodak Gold 200 and Fuji Superior 400 to see which you prefer. Take notes on the characteristics of each film to understand their strengths and weaknesses.Practice Correct Exposure: Use the sunny 16 rule to practice exposing your film correctly in natural light conditions. Overexpose by one stop to avoid losing details in shadows, especially with consumer film stock.Learn Film Development: Try developing black and white film at home to grasp the basic process. Send your color film to a lab and compare the quality of basic and premium scans.Build Your Kit: Start with a prime lens like a 50mm or 35mm to enhance your skills with a fixed focal length. Gradually expand your lens collection based on the types of photography that interest you.RESOURCES:Learn more about the Boutique Film Lab - https://www.boutiquefilmlab.com/Follow the Boutique Film Lab on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boutiquefilmlab/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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 Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Justin Tedford, an insightful photographer specializing in capturing the essence of old, abandoned structures. Today Justin shares his journey of putting together a self-published photo book, exploring the challenges of curating and arranging photos, and taking a photo roadtrip. He also dives into the significance of intention and connection with your subject matter.The Big Ideas:Embrace Emotional Connection: Engage deeply with your subject to capture photos that evoke emotions and tell a story.Value Quality over Quantity: Spend time refining your shots instead of focusing on producing a large number of images.Adaptability is Key: Be flexible and adjust your techniques based on the environment and light conditions you encounter.Curate Thoughtfully: Select and arrange your photos carefully to create a cohesive and compelling visual narrative.Photography Action Plan:Experiment with Light: Shoot during different times of the day to see how light affects your images. Use natural light and reflectors to fill in shadows for better composition.Curate Your Portfolio: Start by organizing your best photos into a digital portfolio. Arrange them thoughtfully to tell a coherent story or showcase varied styles.Slow Down Your Process: Spend more time on each shot, focusing on framing and composition. Analyze your photos on-site to identify and correct any issues immediately.Capture Emotion: Select subjects that evoke a strong emotional response in you. Aim to tell a story through your images rather than just capturing a scene.Engage with the Community: Join photography groups like the Beginner Photography Podcast Community to exchange tips and get feedback. Participate in workshops to learn from other experienced photographers.ResourcesCheck out Justin Tedfords Website - https://www.tedfordphoto.com/homeFollow Justin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jtedfordphotoGrab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Get Back your Family Time and 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!