501: Craig Strong: Art of Playful Photography: Custom Lenses and Creative Freedom

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 IDEASPlan 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 PLANCreate 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.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.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.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.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/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 focus on mastering what’s within your control in photography. I share personal stories about overcoming unexpected challenges, such as weather disruptions, to emphasize the importance of capturing meaningful moments. You'll learn the value of building expertise in manual camera settings, thorough preparation, and honing your skills with the gear you already own. THE BIG IDEASPreparation and Adaptability: Prepare for your sessions but stay adaptable. Capture meaningful moments even when plans change.Client Satisfaction Over Perfection: Clients value photos that reflect their true selves more than perfect settings.Maximize Current Gear: Focus on developing your skills and making the most of the equipment you have.Control What You Can: Concentrate on controllable factors like lighting and composition, freeing yourself from worrying about external elements.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANMaster Manual Settings: Spend time daily practicing manual settings, adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Test these settings in various lighting conditions, recording your results to understand their impact.Prepare for Shoots: Create a detailed pre-session checklist: Ensure batteries are charged, memory cards are cleared, and camera settings are ready. Scout your shoot locations in advance to identify ideal shot angles and lighting scenarios.Improve Composition Skills: Dedicate weekly sessions to studying and practicing different composition techniques like the Rule of Thirds and Leading Lines. After each session, review and analyze your shots to learn what works and what needs improvement.Enhance Client Communication: Clearly discuss and agree on shot expectations with clients before the session to avoid any misunderstandings. Follow up with clients after the shoot to gather feedback and improve future sessions.Continuous Skill Development: Regularly engage in skill-building activities, such as taking online photography courses or watching instructional videos on challenging topics. Participate in photography challenges or projects to push your boundaries and expand your creative and technical abilities.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 Hope Taylor, a seasoned senior photographer who shares her journey from a high school hobbyist to a full-time professional. Hope emphasizes the value of digital tools for client convenience and business professionalism, the challenges of instilling confidence in solo subjects, and the intricacies of pricing and marketing your services. THE BIG IDEASPrioritize Client Convenience: Making processes easier for clients increases satisfaction and builds loyalty. Tools that offer seamless interactions are vital. Capture Confidence: Senior photography often involves capturing individuals' self-assurance; a confident connection between subject and lens is critical. Professionalize Your Business: Implementing digital contracts and a cohesive branding strategy imparts a professional image and adds trustworthiness. Trust Your Journey: Balance your creative passions with entrepreneurial instincts. Trust your gut and stay focused on incremental growth.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANStreamline Client Interactions: Set up a digital contract system to simplify agreements and ensure both parties are clear on terms. Use online scheduling tools to manage bookings and provide clients with an easy way to set appointments.Enhance Your Online Presence: Regularly update your portfolio website with your best work, ensuring it reflects your current style and capabilities. Engage with potential clients on social media by sharing valuable content and behind-the-scenes insights.Refine Your Pricing Strategy: Create a tiered pricing system to offer different levels of service, catering to diverse client needs and budgets. Review and adjust your pricing annually to reflect your growth and market demand.Improve Client Communication: Use customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track client interactions and maintain organized communication. Deploy automated follow-ups after sessions to request feedback and encourage referrals.Boost Marketing Efforts: Collaborate with local businesses frequented by your target clients to increase visibility and create cross-promotional opportunities. Offer complimentary mini-sessions or special promotions during slow seasons to attract new clients and keep your calendar full.RESOURCES:Visit Hope Taylor's Website - https://hopetaylor.com/Follow Hope Taylor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopetaylorphotography/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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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 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 IDEASFocus 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 PLANPractice 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.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.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.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.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/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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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 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 IDEASTrust 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 PLANIdentify Your Passion: List the types of photography that excite you the most. Plan a shoot focusing on a subject that aligns with your passion.Simplify Your Workflow: Evaluate your current photography process and identify areas for simplification. Implement one new technique to streamline your shooting or editing workflow.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.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.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/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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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 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 IDEASFind 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 PLANBegin 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.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.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.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.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/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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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 share my most effective tips for staying motivated, drawn from my personal experiences in the field. You'll learn how to start fresh by decluttering your past work, capture the beauty in everyday moments, and embrace spontaneity in your photography. By the end, you'll be inspired to adopt new habits that will not only keep your passion for photography alive but also help you refine your unique style. THE BIG IDEASCapture the Mundane: Embrace daily photography by snapping pictures of everyday items to enhance creativity and sharpen your photographic eye.Start Fresh: Create a new folder for your photos to organize and declutter, letting you focus on fresh creativity without the burden of past projects.Shoot Aimlessly: Allow yourself to take photos without any specific goal. This can unlock new creative avenues and rekindle your love for the craft.Consume Less, Create More: Reduce time on digital platforms and dedicate more energy to creating original content. This focus on creation over consumption nurtures artistic growth.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANOrganize Your Work: Create a new folder on your computer to sort your most recent photos. Review and delete any photos that no longer inspire you, keeping only the best to build upon.Daily Photography Practice: Set aside 10 minutes each day to photograph mundane objects around you. Experiment with different angles and lighting to explore your creative boundaries.Go on a Photo Walk: Plan a walk without a specific route and take your camera along. Capture at least five interesting subjects that catch your eye along the way.Focus on JPEG Shooting: Switch your camera settings to JPEG for personal projects to save time on edits. Use this opportunity to explore in-camera settings like color profiles and film simulations.Share via Email: Choose a set of your recent photos and share them via email with friends or family. Reflect on the feedback you receive and consider how it can guide your next photography project.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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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 Kim Grant, a passionate nature photographer whose journey is both inspiring and filled with valuable lessons. Kim discusses the significance of mindfulness in capturing authentic moments, her unique approach to engaging with subjects, and the benefits of simplifying both gear and language in photography. THE BIG IDEASMindfulness Enhances Creativity: Being present and attentive enhances your ability to create meaningful, emotionally resonant images that deeply connect with viewers. Simplify Your Gear: Often, using minimal equipment can increase your creativity and enjoyment, focusing more on the art rather than the technical aspects.Balance Social Media Use: Limiting time on social platforms helps you stay grounded in real-world experiences, reducing stress and fostering creativity.Personal Exploration: Discover your unique style by experimenting with different techniques and genres, exploring what personally resonates and brings you joy.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANPractice Mindful Photography: Schedule quiet photo sessions in nature where you can focus fully on your surroundings without distractions. Pay close attention to natural light, colors, textures, and moments, allowing these elements to inspire your shots.Simplify Your Gear: Limit yourself to one primary lens for a week to challenge your creativity and adaptability. Use a basic camera setup to practice capturing stunning images without relying on advanced gear.Reduce Social Media Time: Allocate specific periods throughout the day for checking social media, and stick to these times to avoid constant distractions. Invest the additional free time in exploring local areas to photograph, allowing for spontaneous and mindful captures. Explore Different Genres: Dedicate a day each week to experiment with various photography genres like portrait, macro, wildlife, or astrophotography. Reflect on your experiences and assess which styles evoke the most emotional response and enjoyment for you.Engage with a Photography Community: Join photography groups, whether on platforms like Mighty Networks or local meetups, to connect with other enthusiasts. Actively participate by sharing your work, offering and receiving feedback, and attending workshops to continually improve and network.RESOURCES:Visit Kim Grant's Website - https://www.photographicconnections.com/Follow Kim Grant on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography/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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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 Mary Fisk-Taylor, an inspiring family portrait photographer and former president of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Mary discusses the pitfalls of comparison in the photography industry, stressing the importance of setting and focusing on personal goals. She shares insightful stories about adapting her business during the pandemic, highlighting the shift to online consultations and maintaining quality service. THE BIG IDEASOvercome Comparison: Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your unique goals and progress.Maintain Quality: Ensure your online sales and consultation processes mirror the quality of in-person experiences.StoryBrand Framework: Make your clients the hero by telling a relevant and compelling story in your marketing.Adapt and Thrive: Use downtimes to refine your business, focusing on development and leveraging modern tools.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANRefine Online Sales Process: Create a structured virtual consultation script to maintain high-quality client interactions. Prepare physical sample kits to send to clients, enhancing the virtual experience.Develop Client-Centered Marketing: Craft a brief story loop that makes your client the hero and addresses their needs. Update your website to reflect this narrative, ensuring clarity and engagement.Participate in Professional Communities: Join the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) to access resources, support, and educational events. Engage in local photography groups for networking and peer feedback.Implement StoryBrand and Profit First: Read and apply the principles from "StoryBrand" and "Profit First" to create effective marketing and financial strategies. Introduce profit-first bank accounts to manage your finances better and ensure business sustainability.Enhance Virtual Experiences: Use Pro Select for virtual image displays to give clients a professional and immersive viewing experience. Incorporate personalized touches like curated sample boxes and custom snacks to make online consultations special.RESOURCES:Visit Mary Fisk-Taylor's Website - https://www.maryfisktaylor.com/Follow Mary Fisk-Taylor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maryfisktaylor/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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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 Russell Klimas, a passionate light painter who sheds light on the importance of creativity and experimentation in photography. Russell emphasizes the thrill of capturing a perfect shot in-camera and discusses the joy of happy accidents. He shares valuable tips on using affordable gear, refining techniques through trial and error, and maintaining self-awareness during shoots. THE BIG IDEASEmbrace Experimentation: Dare to try new techniques and tools; it's through trial and error that creativity thrives.Value Shapes Over Colors: Focus on perfecting the shapes in your light painting to maintain clarity and simplicity.Enjoy the Process: The true joy of photography lies not just in the final image, but in the experience and learning along the journey.Learn From Mistakes: Treat every failure as a learning opportunity, allowing you to improve and refine your skills.PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLANBegin Light Painting: Start with inexpensive equipment like a $10 tripod and a Folomov 18650 flashlight. Practice in low-light conditions, focusing on creating clear shapes with consistent strokes.Experiment with Gear: Try shooting with different lenses like 24-70mm or 16-35mm to understand their impact on your compositions. Use your smartphone with long exposure apps to explore basic light painting techniques.Refine Your Techniques: Set aside time for regular photo sessions, aiming to perfect one good photo each time. Experiment with different light sources and ambient light considerations to see how they affect your images.Collaborate and Communicate: Work closely with your subjects, guiding them and using their bodies to shape the light painting. Ensure clear communication about the pose and expectations for the shoot to achieve cohesive results.Learn and Reflect: Review and analyze your shots after each session, noting what worked and what didn’t. Keep a journal of your light painting experiments, including settings, techniques, and insights, to track your progress and inspire future shoots.RESOURCES:Visit Russell Klimas's Website - https://lightandlense.com/Follow Russell Klimas on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lightnlense/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/ Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://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!