#83 - Tom Barnes interviews Greg Funnell

On this week’s show, we sit down with photo agent and industry veteran Tim Paton for an unflinchingly honest look at life behind the lens — and the spreadsheets. From running a successful agency through the digital revolution to helping launch careers at Magnum Photos, Tim shares war stories, hard-won wisdom, and practical insights for navigating the unpredictable world of commercial photography. We discuss everything from creative authenticity and career pivots to why AI might not just be the future — it could be your competition. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is a goldmine of real-world advice, told with humour, humility, and heart.Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the shownotes;Nick Turpin: https://nickturpin.com/Alan Clarke: https://alanclarke.com/Benedict Redgrove: https://benedictredgrove.com/Allan Schaller: https://www.alanschaller.com/Martin Parr: https://www.martinparr.com/Russell Miller | Magnum: Fifty Years at the Front line of History: https://amzn.to/45yKeorJosef Koudelka: https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/josef-koudelka/To get in contact with Tim: [email protected]: timpaton1Desert Island CameraRicoh GRIIDesert Island BookAlex Webb - The Suffering of Light: https://amzn.to/4dV1o1yJoel Sternfield - American Prospects: https://amzn.to/446HMUJ

In this engaging conversation, Tom Barnes interviews Greg Funnell, exploring his journey into photography — from childhood curiosity to becoming a professional photojournalist. Greg shares his early fascination with cameras, the magic of darkroom photography, and the experiences that shaped his career, including assignments in conflict zones.They discuss the importance of storytelling in photography, the emotional toll of working in difficult environments, and the ongoing pursuit of growth in the craft. Greg also reflects on the thrill of capturing powerful moments, the balance between personal and editorial work, and the future of photography in a rapidly evolving digital world.Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you’ve found it helpful and interesting. If you’d like to support us — whether by buying us a beer or helping with the running costs — we’d be incredibly grateful.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/exposednegativeOne-time donation via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/exposednegativeThank you for your support!Show Notes:Greg’s early fascination with cameras began in childhoodInfluenced by his father’s interest in photographyThe magic of the darkroom hooked him instantlyHoned his skills at university and through student journalismFirst major assignments were in conflict zonesStresses the importance of storytelling in visual workAdmires photographers with strong narrative voicesPhotography as a tool for preserving fleeting momentsCalls photography a “passport for lifelong learning”Describes the thrill of capturing moments as similar to fishingTalks about the emotional cost of witnessing sufferingDiscusses photography as a means of gaining perspectivePredicts future tech shifts in the industryEmphasizes the need to prioritise personal projectsSays being trusted with someone’s story is a true privilegeBelieves the magic of photography will always resonate

On this week’s show, Tom and Greg sit down for an unscripted fireside-style catch-up, diving deep into the realities of freelance creative life. From using ChatGPT to manage work on the move, to staying fit without a gym, they unpack the routines and mindsets that keep them sane. Expect candid talk on burnout, personal freedom, mental health, and the not-so-glamorous truths behind portfolio prep and gear failures. A must-listen for photographers, freelancers, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of self-employed life.Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the shownotes;FAQ pageswww.gregfunnell.com/faqwww.tombarnes.com/faqRunning Belt: https://amzn.to/4kcXDXfPeak Design Packing Cube: https://amzn.to/4iUEtnHPeak Design Adventure Backpack: https://amzn.to/3YxYjOq

On this week’s show, we sit down with the phenomenal Jenny Lewis to explore her artistic journey — from cutting her teeth in the darkroom to capturing raw, empowering portraits of new mothers. We discuss the intimacy of photography, what it means to truly see someone, and how self-portraiture became the most confronting — and healing — work of her career. This is a deeply personal, honest and inspiring conversation.Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the shownotes;Touch digital: https://www.touchdigital.co.uk/The Douglas brothers - https://www.artimage.org.uk/artists/d/the-douglas-brothers/Polly Borland: http://www.pollyborland.com/One Day Young Project: https://jennylewis.net/one-day-young/Rineke Dijikstra Project; New Mothers - https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/11437DUnbecoming Project: https://jennylewis.net/unbecoming/Wolfgang Tillmans: https://tillmans.co.uk/Finding Vivian Mayer: https://amzn.to/3EbvIraSally Mann Documentary: https://zeitgeistfilms.com/film/whatremainsSian Davey - Larry Burrows Book: Family Album -Jenny Lewis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jennylewis_/Jenny Lewis website: https://jennylewis.netPhoto OxfordPallant House Gallery, Chichester - Show (May 17th)Desert Island CameraCanon AE-1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_AE-1Desert Island BookHold Still: Sally Mann - https://amzn.to/3EeqZ89

In this engaging conversation, Tom Barnes and Greg Funnell discuss various topics related to photography, including equipment repair, sustainability in the industry, highlights from a recent photography show, and the setup of Tom's new studio. They emphasize the importance of being able to repair equipment, share experiences from the photography show, and delve into the excitement of kitting out a personal studio space. In this conversation, Greg and Tom discuss a new software that enhances image cataloging and searching through AI, battery solutions for photographers on the go, and the transition from still photography to video production. The conversation also delves into color grading techniques for maintaining consistency between images and video, and concludes with a discussion on exciting Kickstarter projects that are revolutionising photography tools. In this engaging conversation, Greg Funnell and Tom Barnes discuss the latest innovations in photography gear, including a successful Kickstarter campaign for a new rolling bag. They explore the challenges of finding the perfect camera bag for various shooting environments and share personal travel experiences that highlight the importance of practical solutions for photographers on the go. The discussion wraps up with reflections on their projects and future endeavours in the photography world.Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the shownotes;Manfrotto Spares: [https://www.manfrottospares.com](https://www.manfrottospares.com/?gad_source=1)Platypod: https://www.platypod.com/Tilta: https://tilta.com/Innovative Voyager 36 EVO: https://aj-s.co.uk/products/inovativ-voyager-evo-36-x-workstation?variant=46965235974390¤cy=GBP&gad_source=1Manfrotto Expan Background roll set: https://amzn.to/4jlUDHJ[polyboardstands.co.uk](https://polyboardstands.co.uk/)Peakto software: https://cyme.io/peakto-photo-organizer-software/Nightcore Canon charger: https://amzn.to/4iEsED9Smallrig Canon charger: https://amzn.to/4cckak3LP-E6P batteries for Canon: https://amzn.to/4l0sPdrXenelabs pen tablet and Puck bundle: https://amzn.to/4l6AGGyClassic color meter: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/classic-color-meter/id451640037?mt=12Mark Bone’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@markboneDarren Mostyn’s YouTube channel (DaVinci Tutorials): https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenMostynLumo Lightmeter - Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattbechberger/lumoPeak Design Roller Pro Carry-On: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/peak-design/roller-pro-carry-on-luggage-by-peak-design?ref=6bbikv&gad_source=1Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L: https://www.parkcameras.com/shop/peak-design-outdoor-backpack-45l-black_9851172b?of_tid=MFRWG5B5GM3TMJTGMVSWISLEHUYSM4DSN5SESZB5G42TSMZU&gad_source=1Tenba Rolling bags: https://uk.tenba.com/shop-by-category/rolling-cases/?srsltid=AfmBOopJhcEZd2--stvjElJvQXv2i6NEy6FUV_CEP6tlfOY9MiKGw1Z_Peak Design anchor points: https://amzn.to/4l1XgQuPeak Design Duffel bag: https://amzn.to/4hIrftS

In this conversation, Josh K. Jackson shares his journey from a corporate desk job to becoming a full-time street photographer. He discusses the importance of social media, finding motivation, and maintaining joy in his work. Josh emphasizes the significance of being present and aware in the moment while shooting, and how he organizes his extensive archive of images. His insights provide a deep understanding of the creative process and the challenges faced by photographers today. In this conversation, Joshua discusses his evolution as a photographer, focusing on the refinement of his shooting process, the organization of his work, and the importance of gear selection. He shares insights on street photography techniques, the significance of body language and demeanour when photographing strangers, and the influence of notable photographers on his work. Joshua also reflects on his favourite camera and photography book, emphasising the emotional depth and narrative power of visual storytelling.Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the shownotes;Ted Forbes YopuTube series: https://www.youtube.com/TheArtofPhotographyBackblaze: https://www.backblaze.com/Lightroom collections explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZfDtwv86qoRains Toe Bags: https://www.uk.rains.com/collections/waterproof-tote-bags?gad_source=1Garry Winogrand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5MEFLgqnMY&pp=ygUPZ2Fycnkgd2lub2dyYW5kJoel Meyerowitz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Cv_Z_4mYM&pp=ygUPam9lbCBtZXllcm93aXR6Martin Parr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60-EJ6RCiTE&pp=ygULTUFydGluIFBBcnI%3DErnst Haas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-kP8N13VIk&pp=ygULRXJuc3R0IEhBYXM%3DJosh K Jack - instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshkjack

In this conversation, Greg and Tom discuss their experiences with studio setups, the Camera Club in London, the launch of the FOTO app, and their anticipation for the upcoming Photography Show. They share insights on the challenges of studio ownership, the benefits of community spaces for photographers, and the excitement surrounding new camera technology. In this engaging conversation, Greg Funnell and Tom Barnes delve into various aspects of photography, discussing camera features, preferences, and the latest innovations in the industry. They share personal experiences with brands like Leica and Fuji, explore the importance of quality studio equipment, and debate the practicality of electronic viewfinders. The duo also reflects on the challenges of editorial shoots, the significance of flexibility in photography, and even touch on the humorous side of passport photos. With insights into their workflows and gear preferences, this episode is a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts.Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the show notes;The Camera Club, London: www.thecameraclub.co.ukwww.instagram.com/cameraclubukThe Foto App: https://fotoapp.co/Foto App episode with Michael Howard: https://www.exposednegative.com/exposed-negative-podcast-045-social-media-the-future-w-foto-app-founder-michael-howard/Aputure XT52: https://aputure.com/pages/storm-xt52Fuji GFX Rumours: https://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-gfx-fixed-lens-camera-coming-in-2025-your-questions-and-my-riddles-and-your-help/Leica EVF M camera rumour: https://leicarumors.com/2025/02/08/new-leica-m-camera-with-electronic-viewfinder-is-rumored-to-be-announced-later-this-year.aspx/Avenger Mega Boom: https://aj-s.co.uk/products/mega-boom-black-telescopic-with-remote-pan-tilt-and-rotate-12-3-6m?variant=38038829072564¤cy=GBP&gad_source=1Avenger Baby Stand A0030B: https://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/baby-stand-30-aluminium-black-a0030b/Profoto A2: https://aj-s.co.uk/products/profoto-a2Manfrotto 244 Arms: https://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/photo-variable-friction-arm-with-bracket-244/

In this episode of Exposed Negative, Daniel Cuthbert, a former fashion and documentary photographer turned cybersecurity expert, discusses the evolving role of AI in photography. He shares his unconventional career path, the financial struggles of documentary photography, and how cybersecurity allowed him to fund passion projects. The conversation explores AI’s benefits in research and workflow efficiency, alongside concerns over authenticity, copyright, and misinformation. Cuthbert reflects on the decline of stock photography, the potential revival of photo blogs, and the future of creative control in a digital landscape. He also shares his love for Leica cameras and film photography while envisioning AI’s role in improving editing processes. Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the shownotes; Jason P Howe: http://www.jasonphowe.com/ Paramedic project Google notebook LLM: https://notebooklm.google/ Paul Lowe - Obituary: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/oct/28/paul-lowe-obituary Bitcoin appears in AI generated image: https://petapixel.com/2025/01/09/adobes-generative-ai-jumps-the-shark-adds-bitcoin-to-bird-photo/ Deepseek: https://www.deepseek.com/ Company aiming to remove photographers and Models from Fashion: https://petapixel.com/2025/01/16/ai-company-aims-to-remove-photographers-and-models-from-fashion/ Klarna ditching photographers in favour of AI: https://petapixel.com/2024/06/04/klarna-ceo-says-he-is-spending-less-on-photographers-thanks-to-ai/ Solid Project - Sir Tim Berners Lee: https://solidproject.org/ Swash: https://swashapp.io/ whisper / apple notes: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/whisper-notes-speech-to-text/id6447090616 Local AI Ollama: https://ollama.com/ Perou’s Secret Diary: https://www.secretdiary.perou.co.uk/ Chris Floyd’s blog turned book: https://www.chrisfloyd.com/not-just-pictures/ Egde compute - Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edge_computing Glossy look Leica: https://www.parkcameras.com/shop/leica-m11-rangefinder-camera-glossy-black_l014467g Audi Designed Leica: https://www.designboom.com/technology/leica-m-edition-60-audi-09-17-2014/

In this engaging conversation, Greg Funnell and Tom Barnes reflect on the New Year, sharing their excitement for 2025 and discussing the importance of having a dedicated creative space. Tom reveals his new studio setup, highlighting the benefits of a separate workspace for productivity and creativity. They delve into the excitement of acquiring new equipment and tools, including a label printer, and discuss the significance of sustainability in packaging and technology. The conversation also touches on the future of user-replaceable technology and the value of community and collaboration in creative environments. In this episode, Greg and Tom discuss their latest gear acquisitions, including camera bags and the challenges of presenting portfolios. They delve into the evolution of branding and logos over the years, share exciting developments for 2025, and emphasise the importance of community engagement and feedback from their listeners. Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative).  Thank you for your support!  Here are the show notes; Niimbot B18 bluetooth label Maker: https://amzn.to/4jrlbYP Curtis Judd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Tyxi96fEu0ho4mlxOEdOQ LS digi: https://www.lsdigi.com/collections/all?srsltid=AfmBOorCRK4l1rumFWjRQbzEyJysGgN_rbz4x0JNFZNLKn8CRE2DKnI5 Streamdeck: https://amzn.to/4h7gXnC Keyboard maestro: https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/ Tenba Fulton backpack: https://amzn.to/3PLKcAp Shimoda: https://uk.shimodadesigns.com/ Pelican: https://peliproducts.co.uk/collections/cases?srsltid=AfmBOootcMXX1MXrCe-0ywyQk16W2s26rCpKc0ZI7Brqlic_awIdmf1V F-stop: [https://fstopgear.com](https://fstopgear.com/) Wontancraft Brompton bag: https://www.wotancraft.tw/en/product/pilot-for-brompton-bag-10L-khakibrownC Peak design Tech pouch: https://amzn.to/4ggsC22 Pgytech Tech bag: https://amzn.to/3WzR33t AER travel bag 3: https://aersf.co.uk/products/travel-pack-3?country=GB Hartnack and Co: https://hartnackandco.com/ Chrome industries: https://chromeindustries.com/ Blush printing: https://www.blushpublishing.co.uk/ Tom’s gear page: https://www.tombarnes.com/gear/ Greg gear page: https://www.gregfunnell.com/gear/ Tom Hole: https://www.stirtingale.com/

In this conversation, Greg & Tom interview Ted Forbes, a renowned photographic educator and YouTube creator, about his journey in photography, his new book, and the evolving landscape of visual communication. Ted shares insights from his unconventional career path, the influence of his time working in an art museum, and the importance of understanding visual language in photography. They discuss the impact of social media and AI on photography, as well as the content and purpose of Ted's new book, which aims to educate photographers on the analytical aspects of creating compelling images. In this conversation, Ted Forbes shares insights on the practice of photography, emphasizing the importance of learning to see and understand visual elements in familiar spaces. He discusses the significance of building a relationship with one's own work and the necessity of analyzing past images to improve. Forbes also delves into key principles of composition, the context of photography, and the impact of current trends and technology, including the influence of AI on the industry. In this conversation, Ted Forbes, Tom Barnes, and Greg Funnell discuss the evolving landscape of photography, focusing on the cost of equipment, the importance of simplicity, and the balance between creativity and technical skill. They explore the liberating experience of using manual cameras, the challenges of digital photography, and the significance of making intentional choices in the creative process. The discussion culminates in personal recommendations for favourite cameras and photography books, emphasising the value of inspiration and experimentation in the art of photography. Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative). Thank you for your support! Here are the shownotes; Ted Forbes: https://www.tedforbes.com Ralph Gibson: https://www.ralphgibson.com/ Jason Eskenazi: http://jasoneskenazi.com/ Elliot Erwitt: https://www.elliotterwitt.com/ Henri Cartier Bresson - The Decisive Moment: https://amzn.to/4fZTweI Ansel Adams: https://www.anseladams.com/ John Blakemore: https://britishphotography.org/artists/74-john-blakemore/overview/ Art of Photography episodes on composition: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGEE7pGLuppTEjrviNCTwDHA00VsMzsAl Provoke Magazine - Japan: https://www.1854.photography/2018/11/50-years-since-provoke/ Hiroshi Sugimoto: https://www.sugimotohiroshi.com/ William Eggleston: https://egglestonartfoundation.org/ Rick Ruben - The Creative Act: https://amzn.to/3C02ESw Holga panoramic technique: https://shootitwithfilm.com/how-to-shoot-holgaramas/ Teds Desert Island Camera Holga Teds Desert Island Book John Blakemore - Black and White Photography Workshop: [https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/john-blackmores-black-and-white-photography-workshop/product/HD_302460207?pscid=ps_ggl_OOS+-+Performance+Max+-+ROAS+(All)_&crm_event_code=20REUWWS08&gad_source=1&gclsrc=ds](https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/john-blackmores-black-and-white-photography-workshop/product/HD_302460207?pscid=ps_ggl_OOS+-+Performance+Max+-+ROAS+(All)_&crm_event_code=20REUWWS08&gad_source=1&gclsrc=ds)