Podcasts about retouching

Discover the invisible art that shapes the digital storefront of a major fashion and lifestyle retailer. In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we pull back the curtain on our studio team to explore the role of retoucher, Izzy. Learn how this dedicated team manages an enormous volume of product imagery, using technical precision to keep every photograph looking authentic, considered, and true to life. Izzy shares her unconventional career journey, the reality of handling colour accuracy using calibrated light boxes , and NEXT's philosophy of "stealthy" retouching, where the best edit is the one you never notice. We also dive into a balanced discussion on AI in the creative process, exploring how it acts as a supportive tool for manual tasks without replacing human oversight. Finally, discover how our vibrant workplace culture, internal well being initiatives, and Head Office social events bring our creative teams closer togetherDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT!

An Amateur Photographer (I Just Earn My Living This Way) It's 5am. The birds woke me, the sun was already up, and I couldn't get back to sleep — so this one's recorded on a laptop in the lounge with a cup of tea that went stone cold while I was talking. There's also some big news: after twenty years and two Defenders, the Land Rover has gone. We've leant firmly into the future with a very quiet, very electric VW ID.Buzz Cargo. Some call it a van. I call it a lifestyle choice — cheaper per mile, exempt from Oxford's congestion charge, fits in a normal car park, and my feet stay dry in the rain. Which turns out to be the whole point of this episode. Stand near a group of photographers for five minutes and you'll hear two things: the (humble) brag, and the war story — the blown sync, the client from hell, the lens that died mid-wedding. We are, as a tribe, absolutely magnificent at misery. And yet we do a job we genuinely love. So why does it never sound like it? This one's about negativity bias — the ancient wiring that has us scanning for the tiger and ignoring the sunshine — and why photographers have it worse than most. We're professionally trained to find fault: judging teaches you to spot the one soft eye, retouching is hours of hunting flaws, self-critique is how we improve. The very skill that makes us good is the skill that makes us miserable when we turn it on ourselves. A few things I'm going to try — and you might too: End every shoot by naming three good frames before you're allowed to mention what went wrong Retell your war stories as the win stories they usually are Drop the fake "so humbled" and just be honestly proud Keep a note of the day's good things Celebrate someone else's work, out loud Ask your clients what they loved Because we chose this. Nobody makes you a portrait photographer — it's a tough, precarious, extraordinary way to spend a life, making people look at themselves and feel better. The war stories aren't the truth of the job; they're just the loudest bit. The critical eye that makes you a great photographer isn't going anywhere — just don't let it edit the whole of your life. I'm an amateur photographer. I just earn my living this way. Come and shoot with me. I run small, hands-on Mastering Portrait Photography workshops - strictly limited to five people so there's plenty of time with each of you - as well as one-to-one masterclass days and a 12-month bespoke mentoring programme. If this episode struck a chord, come and spend a day chasing the light with me: https://masteringportraitphotography.com/academy-portrait-workshops-mentoring And if you've enjoyed the episode, please do subscribe wherever it is that you get your podcasts — a review on Apple Podcasts genuinely helps others find the show.   Transcript: ----more---- Paul [00:00:00] As an industry, have you ever wondered why really there are only two broad modes of conversation? There's the bragging, of course there's the bragging. Sometimes humble bragging, but nearly always bragging. Somebody quietly telling you how well they've done, and they didn't even know th- they were in for a prize. "I didn't even do any editing on that image." And then someone telling you it all went horribly wrong. If you've ever stood near a group of photographers for more than a few minutes, I promise you'll hear a couple of things. You'll hear someone quietly telling you how well they've done, and someone telling you in equal detail exactly how it all went wrong. The blown sync, the client from hell, the lens that died mid-wedding. We all have these war stories, and I guess right now, AI is firmly in the mix, how AI is robbing us of [00:01:00] our work. We are, I think, as a tribe, absolutely magnificent at misery. And the funny thing is, when you think about it, we all do a job we genuinely love. We all came into this industry for our love of people and our love of photography. So why, why does it never really seem to sound like it? I'm Paul, and this is the Mastering Portrait Photography podcast So let's do the big news first. I know it's gonna bring tears to your eyes, The Land Rover Defender has gone. After all these years, two Defenders, and [00:02:00] it's come to an end. So if you're used to the sound of a clattering Land Rover, that is no more. If you liked it, I'm really sorry. If you didn't, well, congratulations. Uh, we now have a very quiet, very, very electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo. Now, some might call it a van. Others, myself included, a lifestyle choice. Sarah and I decided if we're gonna get rid of the Land Rover, it was one project too many in this very busy life of ours. It needed a load of work. It has had a load of work. It has more or less been, um, rebuilt from the ground up, uh, but it was just too much. So we've leant firmly and squarely into the future. Now, I've mixed views about electric cars in as much as very big battery packs and the support systems around them, I'm not sure [00:03:00] are the long-term solution. What I do know is electric cars, electric vans, electric vehicles are the future. The combustion engine is gonna come to an end, except in the world of specialisms, the world of remote areas where you can't charge things. I'm sure there is probably many, many decades, if not a century more, of combustion engines left out there. But If you look down that telescope to the future, I think electric is the way to go. And if I'm honest, I love it. Don't tell other Defender owners that, but I do. It's quiet, it's clever, it is comfortable, it's quick. Blimey, does it go. I like the gadgets. And I did a gig down in Southampton the other day, which is a round trip of a couple of hundred miles from us up here, um, which meant I knew I had to stop and charge it, not [00:04:00] because it didn't have the range, but because the next morning I had to go straight out and do another gig, which I needed the miles on the battery for. So instead of in the old days, I'd just say, "Oh, I'll just fill up on my way to the job," now I have to think ahead. So on the way back from Southampton, I stopped at a service station, plugged it into a rapid charger, went and had a coffee, did some work which I needed to do on my laptop anyway. It had to be done at some point that evening, 'cause all the images had to be backed up and managed. Got a text message when it said the car was charged about 20 minutes later, climbed back in, and off I went. It's as simple as that. And truth be told, I kind of relished the idea that I knew I had to stop. Now, I know that's not gonna be ideal all the time, I understand that, but when you bake the simplicity of it in with the fact that it's a good idea to stop, have a stretch, do some work, maybe drink an iced coffee, life isn't bad. And of course, with everything [00:05:00] going on with fuel prices at the moment, uh, the thing runs at about a quarter of the price of the Land Rover Defender per mile. So there we go. It's gone. The Defender's gone. Welcome the future, uh, VW ID Buzz. And those of you on social media, you will have seen us asking for ideas for how to brand the thing up, 'cause it's a whole new body shape. And having had Land Rovers for about 20 years, uh, it's a, a whole new style of logoing. So, um, I'm relishing it. It's quiet, it's comfortable, it's cheaper, it bypasses Oxford's congestion charges, I can park it in a normal car park, and for once, when it rains, I won't be driving with wet feet. So there we go. That's the big news. On to the topic, really, of this subject. By the way, I hope you're well. It's been a while since I've recorded one of these. Um, I'm sitting, it's 5:00 o'clock in the morning. I have a cup of tea. I have a laptop in front [00:06:00] of me. I haven't got the right microphone, so I'm hoping that the AI cleanup does a decent job of it. Uh, but I woke up, the sun was up already. The birds were singing. It's the middle of the summer, and I just could not get back to sleep, so I thought I'd take the opportunity- Of sitting and recording a, a podcast, something I love doing and haven't found time to do for, well, it seems like ages. So let's talk about the natural ability of... I mean, to be fair, it's a human trait, but photographers seem to land on it, which is to focus on the negative. You do hear photographers... I, I'm always a bit cautious 'cause I ... Here's the thing I know I do. I humblebrag. I don't mean to, I try not to, but I do it. I do that thing where, really I'm trying to talk myself up, but I make it sound like I'm not. But I can't help it. Um, I try not to do it. Um, my kids are really good at [00:07:00] spotting it and laughing at me, and I try to keep an eye on it, but it's not the easiest thing. And the other thing I do, as all photographers do, is I dwell on the negative. Now, why does it happen in this industry so much? I'm not sure I understand why. The thing is, it's called a negativity bias, right? It has a proper name. It's designed, I think, evolutionarily speaking, to help protect us from things that might kill us. We look for the bad, we ignore the good. Unfortunately, in the photography industry, I think we're hyper-focused, to use the to use the, um, word, uh, in a very particular way. I think we're hyper-focused on it. I think we look for things. I think, I think as creatives, I think as creatives, we are so used to looking for fault in the images. Partic- I think judges do this, and I think [00:08:00] because judges do this, as the photography industry, we look for it, too. We look for the little things. We spend our time analyzing our own work in a, in a way that probably someone who, I don't know, does spreadsheets maybe, or... I, I don't know. I don't... I... Maybe, does a driver at the end of the day look at how well they stopped at red lights and things? Does it... I don't know. I honestly don't know, because I'm none of those things. But it does feel that our industry, our industry in particular, is focused and almost trained to find fault. You know, judges, or judging rather, teaches you to spot one soft eye. Retouching essentially is a couple of hours of hunting down flaws. Self-critique, I guess, is how we get better. The exact skill that makes us good photographers, I think, the relentless fault finding is the skill that quietly or loudly makes us miserable when we point, point it at our own lives and work [00:09:00] I mean, a good example for me, actually, we-- I'm luck-- I'm really lucky, and I acknowledge that I'm really lucky, and I try really hard to focus on the positives. So, uh, give you an example. We ran a workshop, uh, last week. It was our on location in Oxford workshop, and I love it. It's one of my favorite, uh, workshops. And of course, at the end of that, we send out, uh, a, um, a form for people to give us some feedback, and feedback is where the problems start. I won't read it out of the gate: sarah has to sort of code it to me because I find it really hard to translate people's very constructive words into something positive away from the negative. And it's been brilliant. The, the, the, the comments have been lovely. The reviews, this is a straightforward brag, [00:10:00] uh, five stars across the board. But one of the attendees commented on something that was actually nothing to do with us, but it... and it was a fair point. And one of the reasons I'm awake at five o'clock in the morning is that I'm dwelling on it. I know exactly what they're saying, and they're right, by the way, the comment they made. It was out of our control. It wasn't us. Like I said, everyone gave us five-star reviews, which is wonderful. But- That one comment, and this has happened before where someone gives us a really good review but says, "But if there's one thing I might like to change, it might be this." And I try really hard, and I coach people to try really hard to take it in context and only see it as a positive way forward, but it's really hard when it's about something you pour your heart into. And maybe that's the puzzle. Maybe as portrait photographers, we are tuned to give everything we [00:11:00] have, to be present, to be relevant, to be all of these words that we use all of the time. So of course, when someone says simple things like, "Listen, for the future, maybe you wanna think about doing this," and that, for us, becomes a focal point of all of our insecurities, um, and becomes a real energy and emotion suck. And I think that's the thing. We are taught to be critical, but the critical eye is just a tool, and tools in your downtime should be put down. Uh, stop, stop thinking of all the negative things. That's easier to say, of course, uh, than to do because in the end, when you're... And I speak from personal experience here. When I dwell on the negative, I miss all of the good stuff. I miss the laughter, the successful pictures. I miss the friendships we build. I miss, I don't know, I miss [00:12:00] so much when I'm dwelling on one negative comment or one thing that isn't running right. Even, even when we made the decision to sell the Land Rover, I s- I focused so much on how sad I was gonna be to get rid of it, I forgot or didn't pay attention to the fact that actually life is a load better now I own a car that is bang up-to-date and for the future. We lease it. I know that's not financially, when you do the calculations, it's not financially particularly savvy, but I love the fact I don't need to worry about it. It's not my car. It's Volkswagen Finance own it, which is great. So I don't need to worry about all the things I used to worry about, and trust me, if you own a Defender, you spend a lot of time, um, worrying about it So right now I'm doing all of the things I dreamt of and so much more. So I need to stop, [00:13:00] I need to stop dwelling on the negatives. If you're new to the industry and you're listening to us swapping war stories, just be aware that it's just a way of venting, and I think we all do it. Do not think that the, the industry is entirely negative, because it can put you off this brilliant job that is genuinely a privilege. So if you're new to photography and you're new to the podcast, let me just reiterate, this is a job I adore and I take a huge amount of, um, joy from it, and there's nothing I'd rather be doing. But even in, in the position we're in, where after all of these years, I still love it. I was asked the other day, maybe this is a podcast all in and of itself, I was asked the other day if I was a professional photographer. One of my clients, one of the kids said, "Are you a professional?" And I'm laughing because no, not really, I'm an amateur photographer. I just earn [00:14:00] my living this way. I get that as a line. I've be- I've been thinking on this line for a while, but it's true. I am an amateur photographer. I just make my living this way. Why do I phrase it like that? Why do I think of it like that? Because it reminds me, I do it because I adore it. I do it because every day when I get up in the morning, all I want to do is create pictures. I don't... I've never lost that wonderful sense of excitement when I peer through a viewfinder, or when I spot a patch of light, or when I see... You know, I'm forever in the street just watching people and think, "Oh, that'd make a great photograph," or, you know, "I'd love to photograph those people," or whatever. I've never lost that. I've always had the same, the same excitement for it. Now capturing that in social media posts and in podcasts and in, on our website is really, really hard to do, but that's the truth of it. [00:15:00] I'm an amateur photographer. I just earn my living this way. And for our clients, of course, that's important. They only want to hear the positives. They don't wanna hear you grumbling about things that have gone wrong, or, you know, they haven't got the ideal clothing, or the light isn't running well for you today. They don't wanna hear all that. They wanna hear that you're pouring all of this positivity into, into your work. So try really hard not to let that leak out into your client interaction. I'm really lucky that way, I have to be honest, is it's really unusual, really, really unusual for me to be negative around my clients. It happens, of course it happens. But I'm pretty hardwired in the short time that I have with a client to be energetic and upbeat. And that, going back to being an amateur photographer, [00:16:00] imagine, right, before you start out, before I started out, if I imagine me before I became p- a professional photographer, someone said to me, "Here's a family. Here's a studio full of thousands of pounds worth of kit. Here's a world-class camera, and here's some great light. Go play." What on earth would you think? You'd be like, "Oh my God, this is amazing. I can't believe I'm here." And yet somehow when it becomes your living, it can grind you down So I try really hard not to let it beat me when I am feeling it. Here's some ideas. For trying to keep a balance and try to, try to offset the natural imbalance of the human brain. We are naturally biased. I love, I love the idea of biases, human biases, natural biases, um, [00:17:00] because once you understand them, you can see them in your everyday life. So the negativity bias is quite a big one. It's designed to keep you alive. It's designed that if you see a tiger, you run because you naturally assume the worst. It's not a big puddy cat. Um, so here are some ideas. Here is just some ideas that I shall try, and maybe they'll be useful to you, too. Uh, three good frames. At the end of every shoot, it's not a bad shout to sit and write down all of the good things that happened in that shoot. By the way, it's pretty good, um, CRM, um, customer relationship management practice to sit at the end of a shoot and capture the detail that you went through, capture the stories, capture the laughter, capture the things your client mentioned. It's never a bad idea to do that. And of course, these days with dictating straight into text fields on your phone, um, we use Lightblue here, big shout out to those guys. Just open up the [00:18:00] text field, jab the microphone on your phone and talk. You can tell the stories. Tell three good frames, three good things, um, that, uh, went right before you mention anything at all that might have gone wrong. Uh, when it comes to war stories, turn them into something where it's a win. I nearly, I nearly said the line turn the war story into a win story. That sounds so cheesy. Uh, but it is what I've written. Uh, I've luckily caught myself before saying it. Um- Ultimately, ultimately, we nearly always survive these things. We nearly always survive these things. I have a handful of war stories where they really did go wrong. They really did mean the end of a client. Of course I have them. We all have them. That's normal. I don't talk about them because I don't really want to dwell on them, but I'm still here, I'm still shooting, I'm still laughing, I'm still loving [00:19:00] it, so surely that's got to be a win. My energy for this, my positivity for this vastly outrode anything that came from those stories. But lights die, cameras die, lenses collapse, stuff goes wrong. Try really hard not to let it get the best of you Like I said, I was gutted when I lost the Land Rover. I thought that was absolutely the end of my enjoyment of driving. Couldn't have been further from the truth. Turn that negativity to find the, the good outside of the bad. Uh, humble brags. This is one for me more than you. Um, if you're gonna be pleased with something, just be pleased with it. Um, can I let you into a secret? And this is, I, this is not something I do. Um, I see posts, I don't see them so much anymore, maybe because I don't read the social media so much anymore, [00:20:00] and it's something like, "Oh my goodness, I've won an award. I'm so humbled." Well, no you're not, are you? I mean, no, no, no, no, no. You can't be posting, "I've won an award," on social media and be humbled. Those two go, don't go together. Humbled, go look up the definition of the word, is not that. Brag, be proud, be pleased, be energized, be excited, be grateful. These are all good words if you're gonna celebrate a win. But saying that you're humbled, hmm, I'm not so sure you should be writing that down on social media. And that's one for me, too. Um, I try really hard to use, if I'm gonna win something, I've won it, I'm gonna tell you. Or Sarah is, somebody is. I rather, I'd, I'd be honest, I'd much rather somebody else tell the world about something I've done, but as we all know, the world doesn't do that. You have to do it yourself. But just be proud, be honest, try not to hide it too much. Um, this one, [00:21:00] uh, keep, uh, uh ... I've written down, keep a win jar. Uh, Harriet gave me a book, our daughter, gave me a book as a gift, and she said, "Dad, at the end of every day, write three things that made you smile in it." I'll be honest here, I haven't actually done that. Mostly because by the time it gets to the end of a day, I'm exhausted. But I do try, when I go to bed, to lie and just think about the things that have made my life better that day. Might not write them down, probably should write them down. Maybe that's a note to self. Maybe I should just get an app on my phone and just record it in. But you should do it, and this quite, by the way, this is quite a well-known piece of psychology, um, the three good things, um, every day. Uh, here's another thing, and I'm lucky in that I get to do this a lot, which is to celebrate somebody [00:22:00] else's work. Celebrate photography or people around you. For me as a judge, as a coach, as a mentor As a trainer, as a writer, these things actually are part of my everyday because it's just a lovely It's a privilege for me to do it. I was judging yesterday morning, um, and it's so lovely to be able to celebrate an author's work. Of course, in all of the hundreds or thou- actually, this, these couple of months, I will have judged thousands of images for five or six different organizations around the world, and it's brilliant. I love it. Man, I love it. Does it mean every picture I see is great? No. No. But, but Those pictures that are truly great, oddly [00:23:00] enough, I don't remember the bad ones so much. Or sorry, that's really terrible language. I don't remember the images where we'd suggest some coaching points so much. I do remember though the great images. I remember the images that make me stop and just enjoy what's on my screen. I do remember those. And for all those cynics out there that say judging destroys the love of photography because it's all about the technical, you could not be further from the truth when you're working amongst great judges. That isn't how they work. Just simply isn't. If you read the guidelines and the training notes for us as judges, it always starts and ends with impact. Yeah, okay, we have other words, originality, storytelling, center of interest, composition, colors, production, all of these words are in there. But in the end, fundamentally, did the image stop us in our tracks?[00:24:00] If after we analyzed every other thing, is it still stopping us in our tracks? Then that's a great image. That's what a great image is. Because judging is about ranking images. It's about creating a sense of order amongst the images. But it's still, for us as judges, about loving what we see on the screen. So celebrate. Celebrate others. Celebrate another photographer's work. Celebrate what's going on around you. My weak spot here in the business is that we get so embroiled in the business, I forget to celebrate my team, which is a real sadness for me, and I forget it perennially. This is not news. My team is incredible. I've got around me the nicest people, the smartest people, the funniest people, and I love every single day of it. Uh, ask your clients. Why don't you ask your clients what they love? We have this... I'll talk about this more at some point, a little system where we get them to [00:25:00] write down a few words. And incidentally today, hopefully thanks to the wonders of Amazon delivery, um, I'm getting one of those little NFC pads where people can tap their phone and leave us a Google review, because having done a thorough review on our website, something that's been long overdue, I do apologize, um, we noticed that, um, I don't really ever ask for reviews from people, and consequently we don't have them. The ones we have are lovely. Uh, and we have every, every single client writes a little note to us on a print that I keep on our wall, um, so that I can look back over all of these incredible clients, these incredible people, and these beautiful moments These images that just remind me of why we do this, I do have those on my wall behind my desk, and I read them all the time, and our clients write them. What we don't do, though, is get those notes out onto the website so that our SEO is better. And of course, in this day and age, we need to do that. So [00:26:00] overall, try not to focus on the negative, but to do that because it's so ingrained, ingrained in what we do. And, and I don't just mean that as photographers, I mean that as humans. Focusing on the negative is so part of us that you have to have some kind of strategy for holding onto the positive and making the positives outweigh the negatives, at least as we perceive them. And remember, we chose this. No- nobody makes you a portrait photographer. No- nobody. It's not like you landed in it, and this is all I could do. Uh, it's not how it works. Photography is a tough, tough gig. It's precaria- it's precarious weather, the gear is expensive, you're constantly having to sell your skills. You're always running on the, the insecure end of insecurity. It is an extraordinary way to spend your life. We get to make people look at [00:27:00] themselves and feel better. There aren't many people, there are not many people who can say they do that. The war stories are not, are not the truth of this job. They're just the bit that makes the most noise. The truth really is the quiet bit we forget to mention most of the time. Yet most of the time, honestly, we love it. So the critical eye that makes you a great photographer, well, you can't do a lot about that. Just don't let it edit the whole of your life. Remember that the good vastly, vastly outweighs the bad if you only choose to look for it. Anyway, there we go. That's my ... I'm gonna have a, I'm gonna have a slurp of tea. I'll shut the mic off for this bit Oh, me tea's gone cold while I was recording it. Anyway, thank you. Thank you [00:28:00] for listening. Thank you. Now have a think about what your three good things for the day are. I know mine. It's already 5:00 o'clock in the morning. What time is it now? It's half past 5:00 in the morning, and I'm grateful to be here. It's gonna be another hot day in the UK. England are through to the quarterfinals, um, of the World Cup. Can't watch it, by the way. Way too stressful. The Land Rover, the switch from diesel to electric, at least so far, has gone so well. So, so well. I cannot believe it. I have a team and a family around me who I adore. Well, life could be an awful lot worse. And this aft- oh, sorry, later this morning, I'm photographing an author who is coming back, uh, for the second time. I photographed her author's photos at the point she signed her multi-book deal. That has gone on to international [00:29:00] bestselling success, and so she's coming back today to do some more, and I, for one, will be forever grateful I have clients like that. So thank you for listening wherever you are in the world. Uh, if you get the chance, please do leave us a review somewhere, having talked about reviews on Google. Uh, so head over to Apple. Apple probably is the best place, the Apple Podcasts, uh, or iTunes is the best place to leave us a review 'cause that seems to be the one that all other, um, podcast players, uh, look to. Uh, please also subscribe wherever it is that you listen to your podcasts. And genuinely, genuinely, I hope today you find it really easy to identify three great things that vastly outweigh anything else that's bad going on in your life, in your work, with your customers, your photography. Whatever else happens, remember this: be [00:30:00] kind to yourself. Take care.

Nature photography is often associated with solitude, exploration, and connection to the outdoors. But for many photographers, especially Black women, entering those spaces hasn't always been welcoming - or safe. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with wildlife and nature photographer Angela Ledyard to discuss the importance of representation in outdoor photography, building community, and creating spaces where more Black women feel encouraged to explore nature photography. We also talk about Angela's own photographic journey, the evolution of her work, and the long solo trips she takes in pursuit of wildlife and landscape images. Why Representation in Nature Photography Matters For decades, outdoor and wildlife photography spaces have lacked diversity in visibility, leadership, and community support. Angela discusses how that absence affects participation.  It affects who feels comfortable entering these spaces and who sees photography as being 'for them. Creating visibility matters because people often need to see themselves reflected somewhere before they feel they belong there. Through her work and community-building efforts, Angela is helping redefine what nature photography spaces can look like. Why Visibility Changes Possibility One of the most meaningful ideas from this episode is simple: visibility expands possibility. When photographers see others who look like them succeeding in a space, it changes what feels achievable. Angela's work not only creates photographs - it creates permission! Permission to explore, travel, take up space, and pursue creative work in environments that may have felt inaccessible. That impact extends far beyond photography itself. Episode Promos Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Stylecloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ On1 Photo Editing Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto Support The Nerdy Photographer Sign Up for The Power Up - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Get some artwork from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Buy some Nerdy Photographer Merch - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com Use our link to buy new gear from Adorama - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama Use our link to buy used gear from KEH - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/keh Follow along with us on social media @thenerdyphoto About My Guest Angela Ledyard is a nature and wildlife photographer whose work focuses on birds, landscapes, macro subjects, and the quiet details of the natural world. Her photography is shaped by a deep love of travel, exploration, and time spent outdoors, with images inspired by experiences across the United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and parts of South america. She is especially drawn to moments that connect beauty, behavior, and place. In addition to creating her own work, Angela has led photography tours on the West Coast and in Alaska, helping others slow down, observe more deeply, and build confidence behind the camera. Through her photography, travel, and storytelling, she aims to inspire curiosity, connection, and appreciation for the natural world. You can view Angela's work on her Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angelaledyard.photography/ - or connect with her on her Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaLedyard About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's work at https://caseyfphoto.com   If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

What does it take to completely reinvent yourself as a photographer? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with photographer Steve Vaccariello to explore a career path that's anything but conventional. Steve's journey spans from the highly technical world of medical photography and the storytelling demands of photojournalism in Ohio to the fast-paced, creative landscape of portrait, fashion, beauty, and dance photography in New York City. This conversation dives into what it really means to be self-taught; and how curiosity, persistence, and adaptability can shape a long-term creative career. Episode Promos This episode includes promos for the following: Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates - https://nerdyphotographer.com/product-tag/contracts/ Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto The Power Up - a newsletter for photographers looking to level up their photography game! - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter About My Guest "Steve Vaccariello is not just a photographer; he embodies the art of photography itself. "Photography isn't what I do; it's what I am," he asserts with conviction. For Vaccariello, the essence of his craft lies in the image, transcending mere technique or fleeting trends. He invites viewers to discover the beauty in simplicity, capturing the often-overlooked moments that reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary. His vivid and sensual imagery is characterized by suggestive lighting, evocative shadow play, and innovative printing methods. Vaccariello's work delves into the realms of ethereal beauty and physical expression, artfully exploring the nuances of form and the spectrum of emotional depth. "I'm a purist at heart," he explains, emphasizing his commitment to the foundational elements of photography—camera, light, and composition—striving for a unique yet timeless aesthetic. Vaccariello's artistry has garnered significant recognition, including a feature in the highly esteemed relaunch issue of Nikon World, which showcased him as a leading figure in contemporary photography. His work has also graced the pages of prominent publications such as Digital Pro Photo, American Photographer, PDN, and Nikon World. An award-winning photographer, his images have been included in several influential books, including the best-selling "The Male Nude" (Taschen, 1998), "A Thousand Hounds" (Taschen, 2000), and "Graphis Nudes III" (Graphis, 2000). His striking prints are coveted by notable collectors, including Bruce Weber, Mark Balet, and Kevin Aucoin, as well as the esteemed contemporary art collection of Progressive Insurance. Vaccariello's work is also part of the permanent archives at the Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation. Born in Cleveland in 1965, Vaccariello now calls New York home, where he continues to create and travel extensively for assignments around the globe. Through his lens, he invites us to see the world anew, celebrating the delicate interplay of light and form that defines our shared human experience." You can view Steve's work on his website - www.stevevacc.com - or on Instagram - https://instagram.com/steve_vacc and https://instagram.com/steve.vacc About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact  

Social media has completely reshaped what it means to be a visual storyteller. Images travel faster, reach wider audiences, and generate instant feedback, but at a cost many photographers are only beginning to understand. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we unpack the complex relationship photographers have with social media today. From chasing algorithms to questioning the value of our work through likes and shares, this conversation examines how storytelling has changed, and how social media addiction quietly creeps into the creative process. Being a visual storyteller today means navigating more than light, composition, and subject matter. It means managing attention, mental health, and identity in a system designed to keep you scrolling. This episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is an honest conversation about the emotional and creative realities photographers face, and a reminder that meaning doesn't come from algorithms. Episode Promos On1 Photo Raw - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto StyleCloud WP Website Themes - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Support The Nerdy Photographer Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that: Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends to listen Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest "I'm a London-based photographer, videographer, and visual storyteller with a love for street, travel, and urban photography. I'm drawn to everyday moments, movement, and atmosphere, and I try to capture photos in a way that feels cinematic, honest, and human." You can view Anthony's work on his website - https://anthonyrosner.com - or on Instagram @antronoid. You can also view his gaming documentary on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrKjNwejhfg About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's work at https://caseyfphoto.com   If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

In an industry often driven by trends, shot lists, and repeatable formulas, wedding photographer John Dolan has built a career by doing the opposite: showing up with an open mind, a few film cameras, and a deep respect for what actually unfolds on a wedding day. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, John and I dig into what it really means to be "true" to a couple's experience. Rather than manufacturing moments or chasing perfection, John approaches weddings as a blank slate, allowing the day to reveal itself organically. That philosophy carries through every aspect of his work, from how he interacts with couples to his continued commitment to shooting film in an overwhelmingly digital world. If you're a wedding photographer feeling burned out by formulas, overwhelmed by the pressure to perform for social media, or simply curious about a more honest, grounded approach to storytelling, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: you don't need to invent meaning - sometimes your job is just to notice it. Episode Promos This episode includes promos for the following: Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go.nerdy Stylecloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Luminar NEO Image Editing Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/luminar Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto Support The Nerdy Photographer Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that: Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends (and enemies!) Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest John Dolan is a long time photographer. You can learn more about his book, The Perfect Imperfect on his website - https://www.johndolan.com/book-shop/p/the-perfect-imperfect-book-2nd-edition About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

The American Southwest monsoon season is one of the most dramatic weather events on Earth, and landscape photographer Jake Case is right in the heart of it. In this episode, we dive into storm chasing, lightning photography, and what it takes to safely capture explosive desert weather. What you can expect: Insider tips on photographing monsoon storms How Jake got involved with storm chasing What you must know before embarking on storm chasing Gear, safety, apps, and the art of reading the sky Wild stories from the desert during peak monsoon season If you've ever wanted to capture lightning, chase storms, or experience the Southwest in its most dramatic form, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world advice. Tune in and learn how to photograph monsoon magic, without getting yourself fried by lightning Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: On1 Photo Raw - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto Backblaze Cloud Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p Elementor Website Builder - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/elementor/ Support The Nerdy Photographer Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that: Subscribe to the podcast! Leave a review and tell your friends - spread the word! Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://thenerdyphoto.dashery.com Just give us some money - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest Jake Case is a photographer and writer based in Arizona, specializing in nature, landscape, storm, and architectural photography. Through his work, he explores the intersections of human history and the natural world, with a focus on storytelling and capturing the beauty of both the built and natural environments. He's the co-author of the book "Arizona: A Photographic Journey" and also shares his experiences on his blog, Mountain Tripper. You can find Jake on his website – https://mountaintripper.com – or on Instagram – https://instagram.com/jakecasephoto About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 25 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's work at https://caseyfphoto.com   If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact      

Step inside the retouching revolution with Hollywood movie poster finisher and Photoshop educator Lisa Carney. In this in-depth conversation, we explore how retouching is being transformed by AI, mobile workflows, and the demand for faster, smarter delivery — without sacrificing creativity or taste.Lisa reveals how she builds production-ready files that can handle endless revisions, prepares composites for print, and integrates Lightroom Mobile and Photoshop on iPad into her professional pipeline.If you're into photography, videography, or the business of images, this episode is full of practical advice. Whether you're an amateur photographer, a working pro, or building a creative business, this is your backstage pass to the cutting edge of retouching.

Between the World Wars, ideas about meaning, truth, and the ethics of persuasion informed newly articulated principles for combining word and image. The young field of graphic design developed quickly during this period, and photography played a central role as a visual language of modern life. The concept Typophoto was coined by Bauhaus artist László Moholy-Nagy and played a foundational role in the modernist graphic design movement known as the New Typography. Here, Jessica D. Brier, author of Typophoto: New Typography and the Reinvention of Photography, joins Ellen Lupton in conversation about this fascinating period in design history.Jessica D. Brier is curator of photography at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College. She is author of Typophoto: New Typography and the Reinvention of Photography, editor of On the Grid: Ways of Seeing in Print and coeditor of Making a Life in Photography: Rollie McKenna.Ellen Lupton is a graphic designer, writer, and curator who has authored many books about design, including Thinking with Type and Extra Bold, and teaches design theory at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.REFERENCES:Painting, Photography, Film / László Moholy-NagyJan TschicholdWalter BenjaminEl LissitzkyNever Use Futura / Douglas ThomasPaul RennerMeisterschule für Deutschlands BuchdruckerBauhausPraise for the book:“A novel interplay between text and image, Typophoto fused—as Jessica D. Brier demonstrates in this insightful account—the interests of advertisers with those of the avant-garde, thus instigating a process that ultimately resulted in the ubiquitous pixelated imagery of our own day.—Kathleen James-Chakraborty, author of Modernism as Memory“Deeply researched . . . highlights the ways new print technologies enabled photography to become the central medium of modernist visual culture. “—Paul Stirton, author of Jan Tschichold and the New TypographyTypophoto: New Typography and the Reinvention of Photography by Jessica D. Brier is available from University of Minnesota Press. Thank you for listening.

Fountain Of Fun 42-10-11 (x) First Joke - Retouching A Photograph

Ula explains the world of retouching, exploring its crucial role in modern photography. We discuss the creative processes involved, from simple touch-ups to complex image manipulation, and how retouching has evolved alongside digital technologies.00:00 Intro01:09 Job Role Clarification: Senior Retoucher vs. Photographer01:13 Career History at NEXT: From Freelance to Full-Time01:37 Early Career: Senior Retoucher in London02:16 Transition to Photography Role02:30 Return to Retouching: Combining Photography and Editing03:00 Retouching vs. Photography: Skills and Process03:36 Retouching Process: From Model to Product04:12 Career Shift Rationale: Work-Life Balance04:54 Career Achievements: Transforming Production Processes05:25 Digital Technology in Photography: Saving Costs and Time06:00 Environmental Benefits of Digital Retouching07:17 Growth of the Photo Studio08:12 Creative Environment in the Photo Studio09:08 Career Progression and Skill Development10:06 Working in a Photo Studio: Environment and Roles11:03 Individuality and Self-Expression in Creative Work12:45 Value of Experience and Knowledge in the Industry13:16 This or That Questions: Work Preferences14:09 Music vs. Podcasts While Working15:27 Office Environment Preferences: Views and Temperature17:12 Future of the Studio and Role18:02 AI as a Tool in Creative Work18:40 Importance of Human Creativity in the Age of AI

Welcome to the Visual Storytelling podcast. Let's discuss how to effectively implement the solutions discussed in the previous episode.In the first and second episodes of this series (series 8 episodes 9 and 10) I discussed the following challenges that business face with respect to their photography.• Brand Consistency • Quality & Professionalism • Product Photography • Headshots & Team Photos • Event Photography • Social Media Content • Lighting & Composition • Stock Photos vs. Original Content • Copyright & Usage Rights • Editing & Retouching • Budget Constraints • Time Management • Website Optimisation • Seasonal & Promotional Shoots; and• Authenticity & Storytelling In this episode we going to advance onto how you can effectively implement the solutions discussed in the previous episode, which is achieved through businesses taking a strategic approach to photography by developing a plan, leveraging available resources, and integrating photography into their overall marketing strategy. If you've enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. Until next time, Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.https://linktr.ee/garyfernonSocial HandlesThreads - @GaryFernonX - @GaryFernonLi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-fernon/YT - https://www.youtube.com/garyfernon

TakeawaysLinnea's early exposure to photography came from her father's hobby and her own experiences with disposable cameras.She emphasizes the importance of personal work in developing her artistic style.Linnea discusses the challenges and advantages of shooting with digital versus film cameras.The use of grain in photography is highlighted as a technique to enhance images and create a film-like quality.She shares her journey of finding a niche in photography and the importance of stylistic consistency.Linnea's self-portraits emerged from a place of fear but evolved into a significant aspect of her work.The conversation touches on the competitive nature of photography and the pressure to be versatile.Linnea's commercial work often reflects her personal style, leading to unique client collaborations.She reflects on the evolution of her artistic practice and the confidence gained over time.The episode concludes with Linnea's thoughts on the creative process and the joy of photography. The pandemic was a turning point for my photography.Client expectations often need to be managed carefully.Planning for animations requires careful consideration.Simplicity in animation can lead to satisfying results.CreditsThis podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel JesterVisit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication

Join Rosslyn and Mikyla as they chat with Arabela from Weekend Creative about mastering Photoshop for food and product photography. Discover essential editing techniques, business advice, and gear recommendations that can transform your photography skills. Plus, learn how to access the full replay of Arabela's exclusive workshop from the Joshua Tree advanced retreat!Key Takeaways:Top 3 Photoshop Techniques: Focus stacking, compositing, and generative AI for next-level edits.Gear & Workflow Tips: Use tethering and grey cards for accurate colors and efficient production.Lighting Tips: Essential techniques to make food look fresh and appetizing.Business Advice: How to break into food photography and build a client base.Editing Essentials: Arabela's go-to software and must-know editing techniques.Links & Resources Mentioned:Access the Replay of Arabela's Workshop: https://foodphotographycorner.com/transform-your-food-photos-in-photoshopFollow Food Photography Corner on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/foodphotographycorner/Follow Weekend Creative on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/weekendcreative/Leave a 5-star Review: If you loved this episode, please leave us a review to help other food photographers find us!

TakeawaysMatt Licari identifies as a portrait photographer at heart.Celebrity photography often involves quick, high-pressure situations.Building a connection with subjects is crucial for capturing authentic moments.Technical preparation is essential for successful shoots with limited time.Finding creative expression within constraints can lead to unique results.Emotional intelligence is key in high-stress photography environments.Photography can serve as a form of unlicensed therapy for subjects. Personal work can lead to unexpected opportunities.SEO efforts can pay off years later.Trusting your technical skills enhances creativity.Fashion photography requires understanding of the industry.Lookbooks have evolved with digital trends.Technology has streamlined post-production processes.Learning from mistakes is crucial in photography.Building a conducive workspace enhances focus.Influences shape an artist's unique voice.Embracing one's journey is vital for growth.CreditsThis podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel JesterVisit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication

In this episode of The Cookbook, host Iris Goldfeder welcomes internationally recognized portrait photographer "Spider" Meka Hemmons. They discuss Meka's transformative journey from a retoucher at Oprah's company to a heart-centered portrait photographer. The conversation delves into themes of personal growth, the importance of knowing one's worth, and the role of manifestation in achieving success. Meka shares her insights on how experiences shape our paths and the significance of asking the universe for what we truly desire. In this conversation, Meka discusses the profound impact of digital manipulation on self-perception and the cultural pressures surrounding beauty standards. She shares her journey from a Photoshop artist to an authentic photographer, emphasizing the importance of capturing true beauty without manipulation. The discussion transitions into insights on entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of patience, gratitude, and emotional control in personal and professional growth. Hemmons encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and take control of their emotions, ultimately finding purpose and passion in their endeavors.

TakeawaysPaula Watts has a degree in advertising photography from Brooks.She transitioned from general advertising photography to specializing in beauty.Defining a personal style can be challenging for photographers.Building a relationship with retouchers is crucial for successful post-production.Meeting deadlines is a priority in Paula's workflow.Personal projects can influence client work and style development.Communication with clients about deadlines is essential.Retouching should enhance, not overpower the product's natural qualities.The photographer-client relationship is collaborative and requires clear expectations.Clear communication is crucial when working with remote retouchers.Time zone differences can be both beneficial and challenging.Lower labor costs in Eastern Europe provide significant advantages.Building relationships with retouchers fosters a global creative community.Attention to detail is paramount in beauty retouching.The history of photo manipulation has shaped the current industry.Using technology can streamline the feedback loop with clients.Cultivating a diverse team of retouchers can enhance creative output.CreditsThis podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel JesterVisit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication

TakeawaysPhotography can be a form of escapism and creating a world different from reality.Post-production and retouching are important aspects of photography, and each photographer has their own process and style.File management and communication with clients are crucial for a successful photography business. It is crucial to back up and protect digital files to ensure their safety and accessibility.Using a combination of hard drives and online platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox can provide redundancy and easy access to files.Clear communication with clients is essential for a successful working relationship and project outcome.Setting expectations upfront, including pricing and retouching services, helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures fair compensation.Photographing women can be a transformative experience, allowing for deep connections and the discovery of their true essence.Monica is planning an in-person photography workshop in Los Angeles, focusing on pre-production, photo shoots, and post-production.CreditsThis podcast was produced by verybusy.io and co-produced by Daniel JesterVisit VeryBusy.io/fdf to learn how they can help you streamline your review process and post production communication  

Today we look into the world of beauty journalism with esteemed guest Linda Wells, founder of Allure magazine. Linda shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from her career, discussing the creation and impact of Allure, the innovative approach to beauty journalism, and significant milestones such as early celebrity covers and the introduction of investigative beauty articles.  We cover the evolution of beauty standards, the integration of wellness into beauty, and the essentials of impactful magazine editorial. Listeners are treated to personal anecdotes, industry insights, and reflections on the lasting effects of Linda's pioneering work in the beauty editorial world. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Meet Linda Wells: The Pioneer of Beauty Journalism 01:49 The Early Days of Allure Magazine 04:34 Breaking the Mold: Allure's Unique Approach 16:19 Celebrity Covers and Iconic Moments 23:10 The Art of Retouching: Balancing Beauty and Reality 27:22 The Era of Retouching in Magazines 28:09 Navigating Celebrity Covers 28:50 Early Celebrity Features: Taylor Swift and More 30:24 Britney Spears and Other Early Bets 33:56 The Art of Cover Lines 36:40 Pioneering Beauty Journalism 39:16 The Evolution of Beauty and Wellness Reporting 39:41 The Role of an Editor and Writer 44:20 Reflections on a Career in Beauty Journalism 48:01 Closing Remarks and Credits Under the cover is a production of Knockout Beauty Media Group and Audily. Writer and host is Cayli Cavaco Reck. Guest booking is by Paul Cavaco and Lindsay Hannon. Audio and video production is by David Woje. Photo research is by Kate Hill. Our executive producers are Cayli Cavaco Reck and Paul Cavaco at Knockout Beauty Media Group, and Matthew Wells, Lindsay Hannon, and David Woje at Audily. Special thanks to Meredith Honig, Jessica Alpert, and John Perrotti at Rococo Punch. And Rachna Shah, Jamie Karp, and Jenna Provencher at KCD.  For photos and more details on the series, follow: Under the Cover Podcast on Instagram Substack at Under the Cover.

There are many factors to success and I have listed many in these podcasts, but the brutal reality is that it takes hard work.  Lots of it.  There isn't a silver bullet, no matter what every influencer, marketer, salesman, advertorial or Facebook campaign might try to convince you - and AI ain't gonna fix it either.  All I wish is that I could stop seeing the ads that tell me otherwise! Before all that, though, I head up the episode with a quick chat with Colin Jones, CEO of The Societies Of Photographers. This is one more in my series of interviews-from-the-photography-show (I need a snappier title) and it's interesting that once more, training and education are at the forefront of his thoughts. Also, I mention a brilliant app called EVOTO.AI in this episode.  At some point I'll do a deep-dive into it but rest-assured, this is well worth exploring if, like me, you create portraits for a living.  The guys have kindly given me a link you can use that gives you thirty free credits when you register: https://go.evoto.ai/PaulWilkinson One great thing about this app is that you only burn a credit up when export a finished image - you can test it out on as many as you like.  This means those thirty credits could be enough for you to play around with as many images as you want until you're happy and then go ahead and run an entire portrait session through!   Let me know what you think! Cheers P. If you enjoy this podcast, please head over to Mastering Portrait Photography, for more articles and videos about this beautiful industry. You can also read a full transcript of this episode. PLEASE also subscribe and leave us a review - we'd love to hear what you think! If there are any topics, you would like to hear, have questions we could answer or would like to come and be interviewed on the podcast, please contact me at paul@paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk.    Transcript EP153 It Takes Work And Life Would Be Boring Without Sarah Introduction to Colin Jones [00:00:00] I'm Colin Jones. I'm the CEO for the Society of Photographers. Excellent. It's lovely to see you as always, Colin. The Photography Show Experience [00:00:06] Tell me why you come to the photography show. Oh, the photography show is a great show. It's great to meet up with all the trade, seeing all the latest products and services in the industry and getting to network with other photographers. [00:00:17] It's a great show to come to. Passion for Photography [00:00:18] So, tell me why you love this industry so much. [00:00:21] Oh, I love the industry. I've always been part of the photography industry. It's been part of my family since my granddad and my dad, and it's an industry full of amazing people, creative people, uh, and, you know, so much passion for, for, for photography and for the craft of it. [00:00:35] And I love seeing people excel in the industry as well. [00:00:37] So that's all of the positives. Industry Improvements [00:00:38] But if, like everything, there was always things we could do better as an industry. If there's one thing, just one thing that you could change in this glorious passion of ours, what would it be? [00:00:48] I think I'd like to see photographers get more training, invest more time in training and more, more money in training. Uh, you know, I see, when we see people take that step and really invest in training to push not only their photography but their business, we see so much success. Uh, so I'd love to see training be more, , forefront of the industry. Importance of Training [00:01:04] When you're talking about training, what aspects do you think, photographers in the industry, certainly the industry we spend most of our time with, which is the UK industry, what do you think is the weak spot? Which direction do you think the development would be most applicable. [00:01:19] I think, uh, quite a lot of photographers, if they're in business, uh, that's where we see a lot of photographers really struggle getting clients through the door, marketing their services, uh, so that's, that's always been a big passion of mine, is getting photographers more training in the business side, but, you know, I, I genuinely think training of any kind, whether it's lighting and posing, or even just networking with your peers, uh, and getting training that way, just by talking to other photographers, uh, is a, is a real bonus. [00:01:43] Excellent. Interview Conclusion [00:01:43] Perfect answers, as always, from one of the nicest guys in the industry. Thank you, Colin. [00:01:47] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Uh, so that is one more of those little interviews I did at the photography show earlier this year. That was Colin Jones, the CEO of the Societies Of, Photographers. It's always interesting talking to people like Colin. I mean, not just because he's a really lovely guy. But he hears from hundreds, possibly thousands of photographers, uh, on a scale that most of us can only imagine. [00:02:11] And yet the themes still seem to be consistent. [00:02:15] It's all about education. Podcast Introduction [00:02:17] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: And learning I'm Paul and this is the masteringportraitphotography.com podcast. [00:02:22] [00:02:36] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Well, it's been three weeks since the last episode and yesterday, yesterday. Wedding Anniversary Anecdote [00:02:45] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: It was mine and Sarah's 21st wedding anniversary. She sent me a card and it simply said, imagine how boring life would be without me. Literally in quotes. Imagine how boring life would be without me. Well, this morning, She bit my toe, I was fast asleep. She bit my toe now I sleep with my feet. Out of the bottom of the duvet. [00:03:09] I've always done it. And I've no idea why, but I do. This morning. She bit my toe. And this isn't really a unique event. I think she probably does it a few times. A year I am asleep, then rudely I'm awakened. With pain. There is nothing in between those two moments except a searing sensation that someone has sunk their teeth. Into my big toe. I don't really know which bit hurts the most, the initial bite or the moments I react and pull away leaving tooth marks. This morning. She bit my toe. [00:03:46] It's true. Sarah is right. Imagine how life would be without her. Imagine how boring. It would be, frankly, I can't imagine it. I can't picture. How things would be without every morning. They're being the risk that she's going to sink her teeth into my toe. But Sarah is the person who makes me laugh the most. [00:04:07] She is the person who allows the extrovert in me out. She's the person who props me up when I'm down. And she's the person who keeps a lid on me. When I'm up. That sounds really weird, but you get the gist of it. Um, you know, I can be quite full on, I think, and it, Sarah, that just keeps things nice and steady. [00:04:28] And so thank you Sarah, for 21 years of marriage, 33 years of hilarity between the two of us. So, yes, life would be really boring without her. [00:04:41] Anyway, in the past three weeks, what has happened in our diary. Recent Portrait Sessions [00:04:46] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Well there have been 22 different portrait sessions, which is lovely, including one, uh, just this morning, beautiful family. Uh, so a mom with her two children and her two grandchildren. Um, just lovely out in the sunshine, a quick drive over to their house. Shot in the garden. [00:05:05] What was funny about it was every single shot. She wanted her front door in the images. Which, uh, I've had sort of, you know, big Manor houses and different things about to be part of a shoot, but I've never had one where the front door has to be prominent, but it was a joyous shoot, beautiful people. [00:05:23] They made me very welcome. [00:05:24] Cannot wait to show them their pictures. And one of the two little girls -she's three years old -was wearing a Liverpool FC football strip. Now on two levels that just filled my heart, with joy. On the one level. It's Liverpool, which happens to be the team that I also have always supported all my life I've supported. [00:05:46] And when I say supported, what I mean is occasionally I've looked at their headlines and seen the score. Or occasionally, you know, a key match comes up and I might watch the first 20 minutes of it, before it gets way too stressful for me, and I leave the room. I'm not really a supporter in the supporter sense of the word. But if I'm ever, if ever I'm asked, and this is since I've been about five years old, it's been Liverpool. And she was wearing a kit this morning and the kit was almost identical to a kit I was bought for Christmas when I think I was about eight. There's something about the styling of the current, the current kit, the red with the white collar. The cut of it, the styling of it, that's almost exactly the same as it was all of those years ago when it was Kevin Keegan and the boys playing. And so that made me happy. [00:06:36] The main reason, it made me really happy. Is isn't it amazing. Oh, is it amazing or isn't it about time? [00:06:43] Maybe it's about time. Maybe we're just getting there. That a girl turned up at the door. She's three years old and she's a football fanatic. And I know now the way it will be for her is so very different, than for instance, if my sister, when she was that age wanted to play football. Now my, my sister, cause I was a drummer, my sister wanted to play drums, but the girl's school, she went to said that wasn't lady like. How heartbreaking is that? I know we're going back quite a long time, but how heartbreaking. Is that, that you can't do something. Because it's not lady like. You can't do something because because of your gender, it doesn't fit in. It's just ridiculous. [00:07:25] And so it is so heartwarming this morning. To see this little girl in bright red, bright red Liverpool football strip, kicking a ball around the garden and loving every single second of it. And unlike my sister, where I think life in that particular time. In the late eighties, early nineties. You know, Society's, it was sort of prevented things like that. I know this little kid that won't be the case. For her, at least. I trust it won't be the case for her. Hearing Dogs Shoots [00:07:57] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: So wonderful shoot this morning, 22 portraits shoots over the past three weeks, we'd done five Hearing Dogs shoots. Uh, two of those have been out on a location and they've been so joyous, so profoundly joyous. Um, the one yesterday was of one of our recipients whose Hearing Dog has essentially. Been a lifesaver. [00:08:18] I mean, I, I hear this quite a lot, but I really do think, uh, the lady I photographed with her dog yesterday, she's in her mid twenties. Um, Is just, was just an inspiration, really the relationship with the dog, the way they were, the joy that dog has brought, um, And it was just a magical shoot. And one of the things about these all, I mean, all portrait shoots, I think, but in particular with shoots like the Hearing Dogs is as much as I'm providing a service, as much as I'm providing images that they can use for fundraising and publicity and PR and marketing and all of these things. Is, they provide me with a sense of, what's the right word, they energize me. They give me energy and positivity. I come away from these shoots so much more full of life than I do when I arrive at them. I just think. It's just incredible. The joy that a photography can bring, not just to the people I'm photographing, but also, uh, to me. [00:09:22] Uh, we've had five cleanse that was a bit abrupt, sorry about that. I don't know. I maybe I just couldn't think of a good point to wind up on, but being a portrait photographer is a thing of joy. [00:09:33] It is a thing of life is a thing of positivity and energy. Um, and I suppose that's what I'm trying to get to. It really is something, but it's not a one way street. I get as much energy and joy out of these shoots as my client's do. Client Reveals and Workshops [00:09:48] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Uh, we've also had five client reveals. Uh, just wonderful. I love it when the clients come to see that images, we never quite certain what we're going to sell. But, uh, it's just a lovely thing to see the reaction to people when they see their pictures sometimes surprise. In fact, nearly, always surprise at how beautiful the pictures can be, I don't know why they're surprised they've come to us. They've come to us because they've seen what I can do for others. Um, and yet still the surprise very often it's clients who've been to us before, and they're still surprised. Maybe I should work harder at explaining what we, what we do, but that element of surprise. It's a lovely thing when it's done in the, in the reveal room and tomorrow we've got a little wedding, it was just a two person wedding uh, who are coming to see their pictures. And again, massively looking forward to that. Uh, we've run one one-on-one masterclass. [00:10:37] I love the one-on-one masterclasses. Because of course, every topic, every topic can be on the table. We don't need to worry about. Uh, suiting or fulfilling the requirements of four or five people. It's just one person and we can play, we can talk, uh, we can jump between different topics. We can try different things out depending on their needs. [00:10:57] Anything from business all the way through to how to prep your files for Photoshop. It doesn't really make any difference to us. And so for that, it's just a wonderful thing to do. [00:11:07] We've also done a, an off-camera flash workshop. Now the off-camera flash workshops are by far the hardest. Even this morning, a little shoot. Um, when I met bumped into the little girl, Uh, in her Liverpool outfit, Liverpool kit. I decided one of the shots we would do would be, uh, like a FIFA or UEFA. Uh, footballer's pose because all footballers are contracted to do these things so that when, uh, the, the, the TV companies roll out or, or show the team list or whatever, or feature a player, there's footage of every player walking into shot and standing a very particular way, they lit a very particular way. Um, and you can do that quite happily out in the garden with some off-camera flash. [00:11:50] So even this morning I was using. Off camera flash, and you have to sort of pause a little bit and think, okay. And you, you have to build the shot setting by setting. Then it's not as straightforward as it is just using TTL. You could just use TTL on your flash guns. Uh, but you get sort of slightly erratic results if you do that. You have to understand how, uh, the shutter speed, the aperture, the ISO, they all interact to give you the output you're looking for. And this morning absolutely nailed it. But when you're trying to teach it, trying to get those principles across in a way that is clear, a way that is concise and a way that is repeatable so that you will delegates can leave. And use that, those techniques themselves. Isn't trivial. [00:12:41] It's the, of all the things we teach here at the studio, I think. It's the hardest. And I know it's the hardest because when I'm suddenly faced with having to get the settings right for myself on a shoot, invariably I'll change the wrong thing at the wrong moment. And it's like, oh, bugger. bugger Having to go back. And figure it out. Uh, so it was, it was lovely to do a brilliant day, lots of laughter and one that Sarah was away for. [00:13:07] So thank you to Katie and James who stepped in. And Katie stepped into the role of, of Sarah, because she had to go and look after my in-laws new puppy for eight days, honestly, she's come back exhausted that, that Sarah, that is not the puppy. Uh, she's come back. Absolutely exhausted. The puppy goes to sleep at midnight. The puppy wakes up at six and there's very little in between. It's on and off. Uh, and it's on from 6:00 AM to midnight and it's off from midnight til six. She was absolutely shattered. So, uh, she was away the week when we running the workshop, unfortunately. And it couldn't be helped, not a lot of sidestepping, but Katie, thank you very much for stepping in. And being sort of a surrogate, Sarah and helping me make sure that everything ran. Uh, smoothly. BIPP Qualifications Judging [00:13:53] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Uh, also this last week we have done a full day of qualifications judging for the BIPP, the British Institute of Professional Photography. Um, It's a wonderful thing. Qualifications are such an amazing thing to be a part of. And I mean, that from both sides of the line. [00:14:12] I kind of draw inspiration from the candidates, the people putting their images in for assessment and I draw inspiration from the judges, but in very different ways. [00:14:24] The candidates, of course. It takes quite a lot of bravery, I think, to submit your images. I mean, we've all been through it, but it still is quite a thing to do. To submit your images in for assessment as qualification, because you don't know, you don't truly know, even the mentors don't truly know, whether a panel is going to be successful or not. [00:14:45] , we did eight panels in a day. I'm chairing it. [00:14:48] So I'm not really a judge in that sense anymore. I chair it and make sure it's run smoothly And the process is meticulous in the way we do it, so that it's fair and equitable for every single candidate. [00:15:03] Firstly, the candidate sets up their panel and the judges, get to assess the images. At the end of that first assessment , we take a vote. Then have a discussion and then we take a second vote. And the reason we do it like that is so that the judges get to make up their minds independently with no influence. They're just assessing the images on their own. And on an individual basis. Then we vote. And then as a discussion and in that discussion, It's about the judging team, the panel of judges arriving at a decision that is, a combination of their own independent view and the views of the other four judges. And it's important that it's done like that because every judge has a different experience, different influences and skills for how they assess the images. [00:15:53] And so when the judges talk, each judge gets the opportunity to address the panel, and talk about why they think their decision is the right one. But they're also listening to the other four judges and taking into account, maybe things they haven't noticed or maybe things that they just don't prioritize quite the same way. [00:16:17] And listening to these six judges or five at a time, but the six judges in discourse, listening, giving their views, knowing when to be brave and when to stand their ground, but also know when to flex, and acknowledge that may be another photographer, another judge has more experience in an area or a spotted, something that they haven't, that that was exhilarating in the extreme, because the panel of judges each time there was a discussion , they came to decision and the whole panel doesn't have to be unanimous, but the whole panel of judges respects and understands the outcome of the process. [00:16:56] Now, of course the delegate might not. That is other candidate rather than might not. That is true. And it wasn't a hundred percent pass, uh, in terms of each of the panels. And it's always heartbreaking. I wish the candidates could see behind the curtain while we come to the decision. That's not part of the process that we've opened up just yet. Um, that may come in the future as we get our arms around a way of doing that, that is. Uh, fair. But genuinely when a panel was unsuccessful, you could almost hear everybody in the room, you can almost hear their hearts. Breaking. [00:17:37] When we say, we're sorry. We mean it. Because we would love every single panel to be a successful panel. We would love that. But in the end. It's a, it's a balancing act between making sure that we reward the endeavor, we reward the work. But the standards have to be high. They have to be. Consistent. They have to be something that when people look at the letters you put on the wall. They mean something and sadly they can only mean something. [00:18:12] If we hold our ground, on, uh, the standards, the process, and the reasons why certain panels will succeed where other panels may not make it this particular time, but what an absolute what an absolute privilege to be in the room with those judges, looking at those panels, the panels were stunning. Even the ones that were unsuccessful this time round, the panels were stunning. [00:18:34] So a huge, thank you. To the six judges who came and provided their skills, their eyes, their experience to, assess each of the candidates work [00:18:47] And what a beautiful thing to be a part of. [00:18:50] Um, what else? What have I written in my notes? Personal Reflections and Future Plans [00:18:52] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: So, yeah, I've drank a little too much this week and exercised a little too little. That's something I'm now feeling very guilty about. And this afternoon, it's Saturday afternoon. And I sat and thought. Shall I go home and get on the exercise, bike or shall I record a podcast. [00:19:06] And I thought, oh, I better record this podcast, but trust me when this is recorded. I'm going to go home and do a little bit more exercise than I have this week. This week I've barely slept. I've been working in London. I've been working in Essex. I've been working here locally. This stuff has got to go out. [00:19:23] I've written an article for professional photo magazine, big shout out to those guys, by the way, the online magazine looks fantastic that's Professional. Uh, Photo Magazine. Uh, but what, uh, what a week it has been, [00:19:36] uh, final note, . Final note this week. Um, it's been a real run of it just at the moment in that. Product Reviews and Recommendations [00:19:43] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Lots of photographic suppliers have been approaching us to feature their product on either the podcast or masteringportraitphotography.com, or just getting it into our hands so that we can talk about it. And I have a really strict policy here, um, that I'll only talk about things and promote things that I use that are part of our business, part of our workflow, because if they are worth talking about, then trust me. I've already had a look I'm already using it. [00:20:11] So this one has, this came in yesterday. Um, and I'll put the link in the show notes. We use a bit of software, or we've been exploring a bit of software called EVOTO - E V O T O, which is it's an AI retouching package. [00:20:27] Now I know I can feel a few of you are hackles going up and bloomin' AI. retouching automated and all of those things. Why do I like it? Well, I like it because you have total control. So in the same way that we use actions in Photoshop, we put up, um, check layers. And do dodging and burning. This takes some of that drudgery out. [00:20:50] I say, drudgery that, sorry, that sounds dreadful. I don't mean it to sound like that because actually I love retouching. Balancing Business and Creativity [00:20:56] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: I love it when I've got an hour. And a beautiful picture that I can just work up, but my business model, doesn't allow me to do that for 22 portrait shoots in three weeks. It just doesn't. [00:21:08] Now I could outsource it, I suppose. But I've never been really that happy with the results when I've done that. I find, I find things, come back, just looking a little bit plastic. Um, of course I could pay really high-end retouches, but I work in social photography, not commercial retouching. Obviously, if it's going to be the cover of Vogue, I can spend thousands on a single image being retouched, but that's not my world. [00:21:31] My world is a very solid, very dynamic, very successful social photography. Uh, outfit and. Although I like the images to have a really high fashion look for an awful lot of my work, trying to find techniques to do that quickly is not straightforward. Discovering EVOTO: A Game-Changer for Retouching [00:21:48] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Um, so when EVOTO suddenly emerged a few months ago, it's still sort of in beta, at least a lot of the functions are. Um, it's E V O T O you can go download it. [00:21:59] Um, this particular piece of software allows you a huge amount of control and there are two. Uh, bits of Photoshopping that I really don't enjoy. I don't mind. I love I say. I don't mind. I love skin retouching. I love working at the colors. I love all of that side of it. I really don't like fixing crosshairs, and I don't like fixing creased clothes. [00:22:21] So there's a two things there, there are others, but those are two things I really just find irritating for whatever reason. EVOTO Features and Benefits [00:22:28] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Well, EVOTO on its own, it would be worth the effort of just fixing those, um, it does crosshairs brilliantly and it will take the majority of creases out of pretty much any type of clothing. [00:22:41] And even if that was all it did, that would be worth the money, but it does so much more. It helps me in so many ways. It's helping us automate and create a higher finish. But it's still looking natural, still looking like they, the images haven't been retouched, I'll do a deep dive into it at some point. Uh, but the guys have been in touch, and I do have a promo code. Uh, if you fancy it again. Uh, put that in the notes, but it's https://go.evoto.ai/PaulWilkinson capital P capital w all one word, Paul Wilkinson. And if you go there and sign up. Uh, you will get 30 free credits, which allow you to have a play. [00:23:28] So you'll get 30 free credits. The other thing about the software, which I really like is that you pay to finish the image so you can load it up with as many images as you like and run your, your settings on it and run. Basically all of that, the whole of the software. But you only get charged when you export the finished images out. [00:23:50] Now it's not perfect yet. Uh, only works on certain types of files. It won't work on PSD files. It works on TIFs or RAW files. Uh, or JPEGs, but trust me, it's an absolute godsend. Uh, particularly if you don't overuse it, if you just keep on the right side of the line. The images look natural, they look polished. They look finished. That you've got no crosshairs and even the clothes can get a little bit of an iron. So I'll put that link in the show notes. And if you follow the link, you will get, uh, 30 free credits. By the way, I get no kickback on this. I'm getting nothing out of it. It's just, I talked to the guys. Because I use the software. And I said I would happily, uh, promote it because I think it's, it's absolutely. Uh, brilliant. [00:24:37] And then anybody, the whole point of this podcast is to make life a little bit easier for anybody, uh, doing portrait. Uh, photography. Navigating the Photography Business Landscape [00:24:44] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: So anyway, on to what is, I suppose, as much as it ever is the topic of a podcast, these are just, you know, It's the diary of a working pro in stuff that occurs to me as we, as I get all my life. Um, but here's the primary topic of this particular. Uh, podcast and in a sense. It's a little bit of a moan. I just, I don't like to moan. [00:25:07] It's not my style, but this is just a little bit of a protest protest. Sounds better than moan. Maybe. A little bit of a protest. Evaluating Business Advice and Authenticity [00:25:15] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Which is the sheer number of adverts I get in all of my social feeds with people telling me they have the answer. They can make my photography business successful. They can find me thousands of clients. [00:25:29] They have a six-figure photographic business. They can tell me how they did it. No one, no one has the answer. It's all lots of small parts. And when I'm looking for help, I look basically for three. Three things more or less. And these. These are three things that it would have to have if I'm going to use someone for some help. [00:25:48] Firstly, do I admire their pictures? Do I admire their pictures? Do I want or understand why they create what they do? Is it something. That's in tune. With me and what I want. [00:26:01] A couple of people have come into our studio and said, well, you could do it like this, you could turn the whole space into two working studios, have two photographers in each run, eight shoots. Uh, in each, uh, part of your space per day, that's 16 shoots. Per day, you need to get a sales team onto the calls, do cold calling to lead generation, and you could run a multi-million pound business. Well, I could. But I don't want to. Because those photos are not the photos that I want to take. Um, and besides I want to take them, I love creating pictures. That's part of why we do this. The idea of not creating pictures anymore is not part of my business plan. What I've got to always figure out is how to make this business as profitable as I can, given the caveat, I left a very well-paid job in the city to do it. I left a career and a life of money and shares and shareholder value, and watching stock markets and being a partner in a firm. [00:26:56] I left all of that behind me because it wasn't, what I wanted. What I wanted to do was create beautiful images and make life just a little bit better for people myself included. Um, so that the idea of doing that, so. I will only ever look for someone who's creating pictures. I truly admire. [00:27:12] Secondly, , does that business, the business they're describing, does it look like my business vision? [00:27:18] So whatever it is, they're trying to sell me. Is that part of my vision. [00:27:23] And thirdly, do I like the person who purports to give me that information. [00:27:29] If those three things are true, there may be, I'll dig into it a little bit further, but if any, one of those isn't true. I'm not going there. And I get so many ads with people, waving their camera around, telling me some number or rather. You know, I don't know. [00:27:43] I've created a six figure business in three weeks. Um, I did it all from the comfort of my own home. I mean, there's even ads. Now I get the, tell me they don't need a photographer. You can set up. A headshot business without ever using a photographer. And if I get one more of those ads from someone who clearly doesn't understand. What. Personal branding really is it's the clue is in the title, personal. It's not AI generated. [00:28:09] I know you can change hairdos and suits. And I use AI everywhere. Trust me. But there's a big difference in the, if you think about the one word you have to have in personal branding, authenticity is at the heart of it. An AI can't give you that. I mean, you can't synthesize authenticity. There's no such thing. Synthetic authenticity is an oxymoron, it is not a thing it's either authentic or ain't. So, uh, I'm sort of very. They're very cynical about those things and they, and these people are always waving a camera around at me, sometimes with the lens cup still on. I assume that it's because the Metta or social media algorithms reward, people waving a camera around. [00:28:53] So it gets it higher up in my feed and it definitely works as long as it's aimed at me. So I've got hundreds of these things. And they're always, there was a very particular type of person. They're always very bouncy and extrovert and energetic. And I like that. I'm bouncy and energetic and extrovert. Um, but I'd like to know, that their business has been running for 10 years or 15 years. [00:29:17] I'd like to know. That they consistently do these pictures with real clients, the kind of clients that we find, the kind of clients that are in tune with our business. Um, Now of course, when I dig into them and actually have a hunt around. 99% of them are paper thin. There's nothing underneath there's no, it's not substantiated by any real world. Business acumen or business experience. Some of them will have been successful, but you can feel that they are now going into training because the success of the business has probably beginning to wane. [00:29:51] I'm looking for a long-term sustained business. If what I want to run is a longterm sustained business. I'm looking for somebody who can do what I want to do. Um, Now it is true. It is true that you can be a great coach without being a sporting star on your own or vocal coach to rockstars. They're not quite the same thing, being good at something and being able to coach in it. Not quite the same thing as being a star in it. [00:30:18] I understand that. But I really do want to know that the war stories I'm going to learn from are real, that someone's been out there, someone's done it. That they've walked the walk and ideally are still walking the walk I'd much rather learn from a business than from a trainer. If you get what I mean. I want to go to a consultant . Who's still running up business. They're still learning. They're still evolving. I mean, goodness knows. In the UK, we're about to go into a general election. The dates of that have just been released, and if there's one thing I know about elections and anything sort of like, um, referenda, anything like that. Is the phones, just go that little bit quieter. So no matter what happens up until July the fourth, which is the election date, I know that the market will be ever so slightly suppressed because people don't wake up during election campaigning and think first as they wake up, I need to get some photos. That's just not what happens. [00:31:16] People wake up and thinks, you know, What's Rishi Sunak said today, or where are we headed with the election or any one of a million other things, but photography just gets down the list a little bit, further. So I know we're about to go into a quiet period and what I want is someone who's been through that knows that's what's coming knows that the little intricacies of running a business over a long period of time are far more than you can do something like this in 42 days, or in just three weeks, you can have this success or with just one camera and one lens and working from home, you can telemarket to a thousand people. [00:31:49] I don't care about any of that. What I want to know is do they run a business that looks a little bit like mine? And I know that they've been there, seen it, done it and are still doing it. Um, now. The Importance of Hard Work and Superpowers [00:32:00] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: A couple of episodes ago, I talked about four things, four things, I think are consistent to successful. Photographers that's energy, optimism, enthusiasm, and confidence. [00:32:12] I stand by that. They're very much there, but they're not all of it. And I did say that in a podcast, they're just the foundation stones. That, not the whole building there. The bit. They're the bedrock or the foundation, everything can be built on, but they are not. The whole building, maybe I'll get over the coming months to talk about each of the different areas that I think you probably need to get to map it out. [00:32:35] Maybe that'd be a good idea. if I draw it all out. Uh, maybe actually create a little bit, maybe I should stand in front of a camera and wave my camera around with my lens cap on and say, I've got the answer for you. I don't, I don't have the answer. I've just spotted some things that are consistent with people who are successful, energy, optimism, enthusiasm, and confidence. But you'll also need some other stuff. [00:32:58] And one of them is just hard work over a period of time. Call it, practice. Call it graft, call it wherever you want. It's doing it over a long period of time so that you have your chops down. You graft at it. You'll get some breaks. You'll miss some breaks. You'll have a bit of good luck, you know, have a little bit of bad luck. That's life. There isn't a silver bullet for this, and you really do need to plow through it. So these little ads that come up and say, I've got the answer for you in the next three weeks, you can do this. Um, then just, I'm just doubtful. [00:33:32] I certainly don't buy into them. And every time I have sort of investigated, they've come up short now we all have superpowers. We do. But we don't all have the same superpowers and there's no one superpower you need, you need a suite of them. But you can't have everything. It's just not possible to be good at everything. Um, my superpowers, I suppose, are I am a grafter I work hard. I can read light. I love, I love technology. I know it's slightly ironic that I'm muttering about some of the AI stuff given I've got a PhD in AI. I adore technology. And I get on with people. Well, mostly I get on with people. But I am not for instance, an avant-garde creative photographer. I'm not edgy. I'm not a visionary. I'm certainly not a master, of marketing or a sales. [00:34:22] I'm non of those things, but I work hard. At it, I love doing it. And so I do a lot of it. And I particularly love being amongst people. And I love being amongst people when I've got a camera. And if I'm, I suppose I, if I think about it, I can create a portrait. In almost any light. If I can see it. Well, probably I can use it. Those are my superpowers, but everyone will have different superpowers. Some of you will be amazing at business. Some of us will be amazing at marketing and sales. Some of us will be amazing photo shoppers. And fine artists things that I'm not. Um, but that's my superpower. Those are my superpowers. Uh, I'm a grafter can read light love tech and I get on well with people. [00:35:07] But even then in and of itself. that's not enough. It's a damn good start, but it's not enough. I've got to learn and I have learned as much as I can about everything else. I'm still learning. I'm still on that journey. We're still running. Uh, business that I've learned how to do it alongside Sarah. Sarah. and myself, we've worked out how to do it. [00:35:27] We've had a corporate background. So we were exposed to the fundamental principles of running businesses, which is really useful. But I've learnt how to run our little business, how to sell. We've learned how to sell stuff. We've learned how to market, we've learnt how to do those things. Using what I would consider to be natural tools. Um, so using the S the superpowers that we have, the ability to get on well with people, the ability to create a picture, actually, after that, you don't need to do too much on the sales side, a couple of little bits and pieces. [00:35:55] There are techniques. But for us, we've just lent into our natural talents. Um, of really liking our clients and really enjoying being there with them and really enjoying, creating images of them. Uh, and so that's how we've learned how to run a business and we're still learning. [00:36:12] But I do wish I could stop receiving ads from people, waving a camera at me telling me that they all 25 years old of them. Are the answer. Well, they may be the answer, but they're not the answer. that I would look for. They can't change my business only I can change my business and I'm very, very picky. About who I take advice from. Final Thoughts and Farewell [00:36:37] Paul - Studio Rode Broadcaster V3: Anyway, thank you for listening. [00:36:39] If you have enjoyed this, please do let us know. Please do leave us a rating on iTunes or wherever it is, you get your podcasts and also please do subscribe. So the minute we publish the next one. Bang. There is. In your in-tray or in your list, on your library, on your latest or on your alerts or wherever it is. That it pings up when you listen to your podcasts, please also head over to mastering portrait photography.com, which is. the spiritual home of this podcast. But also of course includes a ton of stuff all about the love. The passion, the creativity in the business of mastering. Portrait photography. If you're curious about any of the workshops and one-on-one masterclasses that we run, um, where there's a whole suite of them. I go back to the thing I said earlier, though. If you think we're the kind of thing you'd like to do. [00:37:23] If we creating pictures that you'd like to learn how to do, and if you think actually you'd like to learn it from us. And then please do head over to, uh, paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk. And there you will find the, um, Coaching section, but just Google paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk workshops and you will find us. [00:37:41] So on that happy note, I'm going to go, I think. And have a beer in the sunshine with my wife. And lament the fact that I've got one very sore, big toe. Whatever else you do. Be kind to yourself. Take care.

Today, on The Portrait System podcast, host, educator and photographer Nikki Closser interviews photographer and Photoshop master Kristina Sherk. Listen in as Kristina breaks down her process, the importance of finding your developing style and simplifying Photoshop. Don't miss out on this educational interview!To become a member of The Portrait System and learn more about the business of photography, click here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As technology has changed, so too has property marketing. On this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Juliet Helmke speaks with Brad Filliponi, co-founder of real estate photography retouching and editing service BoxBrownie.com, to delve into the changing world of property marketing. Brad shares how the Sunshine Coast business that operates all over the world got started 10 years ago, and what property shoppers now expect to see when perusing listings. The duo examine the ethics surrounding image manipulation, and discuss what landlords and agents need to be mindful of when enhancing properties to look their best – at what point does it become better than reality? They also cover some of the coming tech changes that could further shake up this field, which may impact property professionals' future service offerings. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

As technology has changed, so too has the real estate industry. On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, host Juliet Helmke speaks with Brad Filliponi, co-founder of real estate photography retouching and editing service BoxBrownie.com, to delve into the changing world of property marketing. Brad shares how the Sunshine Coast business that operates all over the world got started 10 years ago, and what property shoppers now expect to see when perusing listings. The duo delve into the ethics surrounding image manipulation, and discuss what agents need to be mindful of when enhancing properties to look their best – at what point does it become better than reality? They also cover some of the coming tech changes that could further shake up this field, which may impact property professionals' future service offerings. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

Have you seen the September covers of British and American Vogue yet? For some the images are a celebration of some of the most iconic faces we know, while others think it's amazing that four women over 50 are on the cover together. Still, there are others, including me, with a variety of conflicting thoughts, which is why this episode is dedicated to the supermodels specials. We've got the legends Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell on the covers of both issues at the same time but much of the talk has centred around the use of AI retouching. I would love to know your thoughts on these images too. If you're listening on Spotify please take part in the poll on the show's page. And feel free to get in touch with feedback over in the DMs on X, formerly Twitter or Instagram @beautymepodcast or email me beautymepodcast@gmail.com. Don't forget, you'll also find a video about this shoot over on TikTok @charissekenion and there's also the newsletter, beautymenotes.substack.com. Did you know that you can now listen to BeautyMe on Amazon Music? Wherever you listen, I would really love if you could hit that subscribe or like button and do please leave a review. Links Amy Odell: Vogue's Supermodels Cover, Retouching and Fashion's AI Future: https://amyodell.substack.com/p/vogues-supermodels-cover-retouching Check out my Christy Turlington Vogue 2002 tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJnhUsnk/https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJnhUsnk/ My Gisele for Vogue Italia tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJnhhL5X/ Linda Evangelista episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5y7Fhvg0cIl3llWCSdgfHT?si=7fb4e38105ec42b5 BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com BeautyMe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion BeautyMe on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beautyme/message

Guest: William Wu, CEO at Artisse [@artisseai]On Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-wu/____________________________Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli_____________________________This Episode's SponsorsBlackCloak

Let's retouch the skin of portrait photos with the new AI features of Photoshop.

Full workflow in Lightroom 2023 to retouch a cityscape Learn how to edit like a PRO in Lightroom with this FREE Photography Toolbox: https://www.photosergeacademy.com/photography-toolbox-1 Find Your voice as a photographer: https://photoserge.me/FindYourVoice In this video, I will walk through the 5 steps to make these photos come to life: 1. Get the right exposure 2. Find the perfect white balance 3. Let's refine colors with Hue, Saturation and Luminance 4. Lets dodge and burn the photo 5. Let's sharpen the photo

In this video, we will get some UNBELIEVABLE results with LUMINAR NEO. Watch me completely transform my RAW-Files from ICELAND and FRANCE.

In Part 2 of our conversation about Adobe Lightroom: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features author Jeff Carlson explores the usability of Lightroom's features for landscape photography and the masking feature,which allows for precise adjustments without affecting the rest of the image. The importance of understanding Lightroom's capabilities is emphasized, and the Jeff explains how this book aims to guide photographers in approaching their editing process differently. We also touch on Lightroom Classic's plug-in system and its flexibility in integrating with other applications. Jeff shares insights on exporting images from Lightroom, editing them in other programs, and re-importing them versus using third-party plugins within Lightroom. We wrap up by discussing AI's influence on photography. (Part 2)  Today's MacVoices is supported by Factor. Visit FactorMeals.com/macvoices and use the code macvoices50 to get 50% off! Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00:47 Exploring Portraits and Retouching in Lightroom0:01:01 Different Types of Photography0:01:11 Introduction to general-purpose photography and adjusting tone, color, contrast0:02:25 Importance of Lighting in Product Photography0:04:01 Creating a color mask to selectively brighten the grass in a landscape photo0:04:10 Capturing the Beauty of Landscapes0:09:12 The limitations of AI-powered photo editing tools0:11:35 Using Topaz Sharpen AI for precise image adjustments0:15:20 Workflow implications of using third-party utilities for image editing.0:18:08 No functional difference between utilities, just workflow and time commitment.0:22:03 Excitement over a 40% discount on options0:23:31 The amount of work put into the book0:28:25 Jeff's recent work and website: jeffcarlson.com0:30:29 Plans to discuss generative AI in the future0:31:34 Connecting with Chuck on social media and show notes.Links: Adobe Lightroom: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features (Rocky Nook link Adobe Lightroom: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features (Amazon link) Guests: Jeff Carlson is an author, photographer, and freelance writer. Among many other projects, he publishes the Smarter Image newsletter, which explores how computational photography, AI, and machine learning are fundamentally changing the art and science of photography. He's covered the personal technology field from Macs and PalmPilots to iPhones and mirrorless cameras, publishing in paper magazines, printed books, ebooks, and websites. He's also the co-host of the podcasts PhotoActive and Photocombobulate, writes for Take Control, has spoken at several conferences and events. He lives in Seattle, where, yes, it is just as gray and wet and coffee-infused as you think it is. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon     http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:     http://macvoices.com      Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes     Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

In Part 2 of our conversation about  Adobe Lightroom: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features author Jeff Carlson explores the usability of Lightroom's features for landscape photography and the masking feature,which allows for precise adjustments without affecting the rest of the image. The importance of understanding Lightroom's capabilities is emphasized, and the Jeff explains how this book aims to guide photographers in approaching their editing process differently. We also touch on Lightroom Classic's plug-in system and its flexibility in integrating with other applications. Jeff shares insights on exporting images from Lightroom, editing them in other programs, and re-importing them versus using third-party plugins within Lightroom. We wrap up by discussing AI's influence on photography. (Part 2) Today's MacVoices is supported by Factor. Visit FactorMeals.com/macvoices and use the code macvoices50 to get 50% off! Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00:47 Exploring Portraits and Retouching in Lightroom0:01:01 Different Types of Photography0:01:11 Introduction to general-purpose photography and adjusting tone, color, contrast0:02:25 Importance of Lighting in Product Photography0:04:01 Creating a color mask to selectively brighten the grass in a landscape photo0:04:10 Capturing the Beauty of Landscapes0:09:12 The limitations of AI-powered photo editing tools0:11:35 Using Topaz Sharpen AI for precise image adjustments0:15:20 Workflow implications of using third-party utilities for image editing.0:18:08 No functional difference between utilities, just workflow and time commitment.0:22:03 Excitement over a 40% discount on options0:23:31 The amount of work put into the book0:28:25 Jeff's recent work and website: jeffcarlson.com0:30:29 Plans to discuss generative AI in the future0:31:34 Connecting with Chuck on social media and show notes.Links: Adobe Lightroom: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features (Rocky Nook link Adobe Lightroom: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features (Amazon link) Guests: Jeff Carlson is an author, photographer, and freelance writer. Among many other projects, he publishes the Smarter Image newsletter, which explores how computational photography, AI, and machine learning are fundamentally changing the art and science of photography. He's covered the personal technology field from Macs and PalmPilots to iPhones and mirrorless cameras, publishing in paper magazines, printed books, ebooks, and websites. He's also the co-host of the podcasts PhotoActive and Photocombobulate, writes for Take Control, has spoken at several conferences and events. He lives in Seattle, where, yes, it is just as gray and wet and coffee-infused as you think it is. Support:     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon     http://patreon.com/macvoices     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:     Web:     http://macvoices.com     Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices     Mastodon:     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner     Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner     MacVoices Page on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/     MacVoices Group on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice     LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/     Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:     Audio in iTunes     Video in iTunes     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

What's New in Beauty is a series where Nia Lee, CEO + Founder of Socialee Media Agency talks all things new and exciting within beauty, makeup, skincare, wellness — you name it!Check out today's episode and let me know your thoughts on all the latest beauty news. Timestamps are included below as well so jump to the topics that intrigue you the most.0:00-0:26 — Introducing the series0:27-17:54 — Cult Beauty announces promise to the UK government to no longer retouch or airbrush their content with the Body Image Pledge 17:55-32:17 — PATTERN Beauty partners with celebrity designer, Sergio Hudson, to create the first-ever Curl-Conscious Robe 32:18-47:54 — The Body Shop launches its first flagship, concept store located in Toronto at Yorkdale Mall Follow Nia on Instagram to connect & join the unfiltered conversation online!  Support the show

What do Aaron Rodgers' NFL career and senior photography have in common? Find out in our intriguing conversation with talented senior photographer and Green Bay local, Dan Frievalt. We discuss Aaron Rodgers' move from Green Bay to the New York Jets and dive into Dan's journey from a free Facebook group to creating Sceners Unlocked, a subscription-based education platform for photographers.Listen as we explore the power of AI retouching tools for senior photography and the importance of staying connected with today's teen demographic. Discover how Dan captures the essence of each individual senior by understanding their preferences and curating content that resonates with them, leading to a successful senior photography business.In the world of social media, connecting with high schoolers poses its own challenges. Join us as we examine traditional senior model teams' effectiveness and the power of word-of-mouth referrals in the senior photography industry. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Dan Frievalt, where you'll be inspired to elevate your photography game to new heights.Support the show

Tati Bruening and Anya Anti are two rising stars at the confluence of photography, digital assets, and social influence. In this week's episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we get the lowdown on their burgeoning careers in fashion / beauty and conceptual / fine art portraits in part two of our chats from B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference. Above photograph © Tati Bruening We start with Tati Bruening, who shares how her plea to “Make Instagram Instagram Again” became a global meme, ultimately prompting a response from the platform's head. Learn how she spent the pandemic focused on daily DIY shoots with friends, allowing her to quickly master her Canon 5D Mark IV inside and out. Today, Bruening is supported by a powerhouse management team. Hear how she made these essential connections, get tips on working with a manager, and learn which pitfalls to avoid. After a break, we shift gears to Anya Anti, who fills us in on the intricate set design and attentive compositing work behind her whimsical portraits, which seamlessly bridge fantasy and real life. She distinguishes between shooting self-portraits for a more personal approach and posing models as alter egos for more control behind the camera. We also tackle the elephant in the room—artificial intelligence in photographic creation—with Anti weighing in on both the significant ethical issues posed by AI and its positive aspects as incorporated in Adobe's smart selection tools. Guests: Tati Bruening and Anya Anti For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/confronting-algorithms-and-ai-tati-bruening-anya-anti-at-depth-of-field-2023 Top shot © Tati Bruening Episode Timeline: 2:38: Tati Bruening's offhand Instagram post that turned into an international viral movement, emphasizing the value of stills over video.  6:13: Bruening's preferences for lighting tools, modifiers, and lenses. 11:52: Making an initial connection to a manager and assembling a wider team. 14:04: Bruening's 5-year plan to stop being controlled by social media algorithms. 15:33: Bruening's tips for seeking and working with a manager and pitfalls to avoid. 18:50: Episode Break 20:44: Anya Anti's approach to self-portraits vs. photographing other people to use as alter egos in her pictures. 25:20: Concept development and preproduction process for Anti's portraits. 28:27: Concerns about AI technology and its related ethical issues. 32:31: The beneficial aspects of AI and using Adobe smart selection tools. 34:22: Upcoming projects, a series of editing tutorials, and animation pieces. Guest Bios: Tati Bruening rose to fame by making personal portraits of some of TikTok's most recognizable stars, celebrating the individuality of her subjects. She made headlines in 2021 by posting a simple request to ‘Make Instagram, Instagram Again' and the rest of the world echoed her sentiment by adding over 300,000 signatures on her Change.org petition. She consults on Gen Z with various companies and has been a featured speaker on photography and social media at events such as VidCon 2022, among many other conferences. Anya Anti specializes in on-location fine art and conceptual portraiture. An internationally published, award-winning photo artist, Anti strives to go beyond traditional portraiture to tell imaginative stories through her art and share her passion for beauty and a craving for everyday enchantment. An international speaker and workshop instructor for companies such as Broncolor, Adobe, and Nikon, Anti has been a featured presenter at events like Adobe MAX, Adobe Live, PPE, WPPI, CES, among others. Stay Connected: Tati Bruening Website: https://www.illumitati.com/ Tati Bruening Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illumitati/ Tati Bruening Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tati.tutu.5/ Tati Bruening Twitter: https://twitter.com/illumitatiana Tati Bruening TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tati-bruening Anya Anti Website: https://anya-anti.com/ Anya Anti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anya_anti_art/ Anya Anti Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnyaAntiArt Anya Anti YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnitaAnti Anya Anti Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnyaAnti Anya Anti Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/anya_anti/ Anya Anti TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anya_anti

Tim Sabatino is a California native and a US Navy Veteran of the gulf war. Wearing many hats, Tim's main occupation for over 25 years is a advertising, fashion, beauty and celebrity photographer. Tim is also a director and producer for music videos, commercials and commercial advertising photo shoots. https://infinitiranch.com/ Infiniti Ranch is 6 acres of green pastures surrounded by Georgia forest. This ranch is divided into 4 pastures, two of them each with a small barn. One barn has 4 stables and the other has 2 stables. Infiniti Ranch invites you to the greatest actors package ever! 4 day Horse Camp for actors! -Add horse riding to your resume! -Learn how to ride a horse confidently and comfortably! -Get practice if you'll already a rider! (English or Western) -Practice scenes on horseback! -Film a scene for your reel! -Editing is included! -Shoot new head shots! -Retouching is included! -Photo Shoot with a Horse! -Stay at Infiniti Ranch! -Lodging & Food is included! www.counterpartsshow.com

Tim Sabatino is a California native and a US Navy Veteran of the gulf war. Wearing many hats, Tim's main occupation for over 25 years is advertising, fashion, beauty, and celebrity photography. Tim is also a director and producer for music videos, commercials, and commercial advertising photo shoots. https://infinitiranch.com/ Infiniti Ranch is 6 acres of green pastures surrounded by Georgia forest. This ranch is divided into 4 pastures, two of them each with a small barn. One barn has 4 stables and the other has 2 stables. Infiniti Ranch invites you to the greatest actors package ever! 4 day Horse Camp for actors! -Add horse riding to your resume! -Learn how to ride a horse confidently and comfortably! -Get practice if you'll already a rider! (English or Western)-Practice scenes on horseback! -Film a scene for your reel! -Editing is included! -Shoot new headshots! -Retouching is included! -Photo Shoot with a Horse! -Stay at Infiniti Ranch! -Lodging & Food is included! www.counterpartsshow.com

This week Kersten sits down with special guest is LISA CARNEY, one of the world's leading retouchers and educators with over two decades of experience in the print, motion picture, and television industries. Lisa has worked with some of the most dynamic players in the industry and her movie poster designs are some of the best known in the business. In this episode, Lisa shares her insights and experiences from her successful career, discussing topics such as her creative process, how she stays on top of industry trends, and what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of retouching.  Lisa also has a passion for mobile photography and teaches at the iPhone Conference at KelbyOne later on this March.THIS WEEK'S LINKS:Check out our sponsor: www.dvestore.comJOIN THE CAMERA SHAKE COMMUNITY for the latest news and some behind the scenes insights:  https://camerashakepodcast.comLisa Carney on the web:https://www.lisacarney.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/finishing_station/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.carney.3532LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-carney-220b396/KelbyOne iPhone Conference: https://kelbyonelive.com/iphone-conference-2023?af=terryiphone23======================================Camera Shake Photography Podcast on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/camerashakeFULL EPISODE 146 IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube - https://youtu.be/XuM4uRpfFFYApple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2Y2LmfmSpotify - https://spoti.fi/304sm2G======================================FOLLOW CAMERA SHAKE ONInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerashakepodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camerashakepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/ShakeCameraTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@camerashakepodcastKersten's website:www.kerstenluts.comKersten on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kerstenluts/https://www.instagram.com/threeheadsinarow/

Fountain Of Fun 42-10-11 (x) First Joke - Retouching A Photograph

In this episode I take a closer look at the latest ad campaign from supermodel Kate Moss and question the motives behind the extreme retouching and possible use of AI filters in the video and photography. It's a Kate we've never seen before and I wonder if the entire Marc Jacobs campaign is focused on nostalgia, because Kate and Marc have been working together for three decades. I'd love to know what you think – perhaps you think there's no harm in retouching or perhaps you yourself regularly retouch your imagery. Feel free to get in touch in my DMs – there's no judgement there! You can find me at @beautymepodcast on Instagram and Twitter and I'm also on TikTok @charissekenion. Also, did you know that you can now listen to BeautyMe on Amazon Music? Wherever you listen, I would really love if you could hit that subscribe or like button. Feel free to leave a 5-star rating over on Spotify, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. Thank you so much for listening. BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com BeautyMe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion BeautyMe on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beautyme/message

Who knew Per Our Last Email would be getting into unsolved mystery podcast territory?

Editing. Retouching. A photojournalistic style. As weddings photographers, Dan and Sara utilize these words on a daily basis. However, understanding the definition of these terms will help you choose the correct photographer for your big day and helps you understand what is included in their wedding packages. Check out this episode to make sure that you and your photographer are on the same page and to avoid any miscommunications! Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening so you never miss an episode. Even better share it with a friend! It a great way to show your support and let us know what you think. Thank you for listening. To get the full show notes head to https://sarazarrella.com/2022/08/understanding-wedding-photography-vocabulary/ For more information check out our website at www.sarazarrella.com/podcast Join our Monthly Newsletter for tips, tricks and Freebies! https://sarazarrella.com/newsletter Would love to be friends on the gram at https://www.instagram.com/sarazarrellaphotography/

It's Pimms o'clock and Nick and Kersten take to the outdoors to field test Røde's wireless Go 2 microphone on the hottest day in UK history.  Is it worth upgrading to the Wireless Go 2 system over Røde's filmmaker kit? How much retouching is too much? #photography #podcast======================================  00:00:00 Intro00:08:38 Our outdoors set-up00:16:20 How to deal with a heatwave00:22:04 Rode Wireless Go 200:41:06 A retouch too much? How much should you do?01:17:50 Join our Facebook Group  ======================================THIS WEEK'S LINKS:JOIN THE CAMERA SHAKE COMMUNITY for the latest news and some behind the scenes insights:  www.camerashakepodcast.comMatthews Apple Box on Wex.comhttps://bit.ly/3yHk2pcRode Wireless Go 2 on Amazon:https://bit.ly/3crNZlR======================================CAMERA SHAKE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:https://www.youtube.com/camerashakeFULL EPISODE 114 IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube - https://youtu.be/XYSZj-TfFKcApple Podcasts - https://apple.co/2Y2LmfmSpotify - https://spoti.fi/304sm2G======================================FOLLOW US ONInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerashakepodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/camerashakepodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/ShakeCameraTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@camerashakepodcastKersten's website:www.kerstenluts.comKersten on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kerstenluts/https://www.instagram.com/threeheadsinarow/Nick on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nickkirbymedia/ 

Ant Pruitt shares his tips on professional photo retouching. Learn how to retouch your photos like a pro to get more clients paying you for your photography. Also, Nikon halts DSLR manufacturing. Host: Ant Pruitt Find Hands-On Photography on your favorite podcatcher. https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-photography Follow Ant Pruitt on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ant_pruitt/ Follow TWiT on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twit.tv/ Join the TWiT forums https://www.twit.community/ Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: Blueland.com/HOP

Ant Pruitt shares his tips on professional photo retouching. Learn how to retouch your photos like a pro to get more clients paying you for your photography. Also, Nikon halts DSLR manufacturing. Host: Ant Pruitt Find Hands-On Photography on your favorite podcatcher. https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-photography Follow Ant Pruitt on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ant_pruitt/ Follow TWiT on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twit.tv/ Join the TWiT forums https://www.twit.community/ Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: Blueland.com/HOP

Ant Pruitt shares his tips on professional photo retouching. Learn how to retouch your photos like a pro to get more clients paying you for your photography. Also, Nikon halts DSLR manufacturing. Host: Ant Pruitt Find Hands-On Photography on your favorite podcatcher. https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-photography Follow Ant Pruitt on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ant_pruitt/ Follow TWiT on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twit.tv/ Join the TWiT forums https://www.twit.community/ Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: Blueland.com/HOP

Ant Pruitt shares his tips on professional photo retouching. Learn how to retouch your photos like a pro to get more clients paying you for your photography. Also, Nikon halts DSLR manufacturing. Host: Ant Pruitt Find Hands-On Photography on your favorite podcatcher. https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-photography Follow Ant Pruitt on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ant_pruitt/ Follow TWiT on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twit.tv/ Join the TWiT forums https://www.twit.community/ Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: Blueland.com/HOP

SummaryRhea Pappas joins Daniel to talk about the benefits and pitfalls of remote retouching. We learned some valuable lessons during COVID about how to operate remote production teams and there is a lot of benefit to widening your available labor pool and use remote retouchers. Really it all boils down to developing relationships based on communication and trust. Key TakeawaysTrust and communication are critical for effective remote workflows. Defining standards and then automating everything possible. This is an excellent basis for reducing waste in any process, but when dealing with remote teams it becomes and absolute necessity. There are some challenges that need to be solved for: Color and Retouching Notes. Some notes and tasks can be standardized, but there are still one off requirements that need to be communicated IN CONTEXT.  Color requires a bit more finesse, hiring standards and training. We've set it before, and we'll say it again: include post teams in all phases of the production process or input and improvements. Daniel's Professional Tenet: Be aware of the work that you create for other people, and try to reduce it whenever possible. If you have to create extra work for someone you owe them an explanation. CreditsProduced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.ioEdited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.netHosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Dr. Christina is back (yay) to help us tackle the impact of body altering and retouching apps on body dysmorphia and body image. This made my head spin lol  Retouching apps can whiten teeth, remove blemishes, eliminate pores and even alter the shape and proportions of your body. But at what expense?What is body dysmorphia?What are some root causes of body dysmorphia?How does social media impact our body image?We get into all of this and more!Dr. Cristina's information:Podcast:‎Behind The Bite on Apple PodcastsInstagram:Behind The Bite Podcast (@behind_the_bite_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosWebsite:Homepage - DR. CRISTINA A CASTAGNINI, PHD (freedomtowellness.com)My information:Instagram:@decompress_with_jess • Instagram photos and videosEmail:Decompresswithjess@yahoo.com

Use code: GH25 to save $25 on PIVOT - PolarPro's Compact Shoulder Rig: https://www.polarprofilters.com/pages/pivotErrick Jackson is an Arkansas portrait photographer and retoucher. He has retouched several high-level portrait sessions with celebrities, models, and amazing ad campaigns. In this interview, we discuss his process as well as dive into Capture One. Errick's website: https://www.ejacson.comFOLLOW ERRICKhttp://instagram.com/ejacsonhttps://twitter.com/ejacson21FOLLOW DAVEhttps://twitter.com/davemazehttps://youtube.com/davemaze1

SummaryHow much photoshop is too much? At one point does image retouching become dishonest or unethical? These questions in similar form have been around, since even well before digital took over photography. In todays world it can be hard to have a conversation on this topic that includes the kind of nuance required to really understand where the line is. Mercedes Castaneda joins Daniel for this episode and they do their best to deliver nuance and thoughtfulness in a roughly 30 minute episode. Key TakeawaysThere has been a persistent and passionate conversation about retouching in media and what it does to our senses. While it's hard to have a nuanced conversation about it sometimes, the answer isn't always the same, context is important. Mercedes' rule of thumb is "Is this thing temporary?" A temporary skin blemish, and out of place hair, these are temporary and become distractions in a still image. Consent plays a roll in how much change occurs in post, and what types of changes occur. When talking about celebrities, they may have a lot of control over the retouching and in some cases push for some extensive changes. Even if you want to present a natural beauty in your photography, there are many reasons why an image still needs to be retouched. There are technical limitations to what a camera can see or what it shows us, that needs to be corrected in post because of how can impact perception. Production constraints can also lead to an image requiring more post. A studio shooting a whole bunch of eye shadow colors, but only book 2 models and not every color may work. In this case you may want to adjust skin tones or eye colors to coordinate better with the product. One good rule of thumb may be "can you explain why you changed this?" If you can answer it, you're probably in the clear. Working with intention most likely means you will avoid being guilty of over-manipulation. ResourcesMercedes Castaneda on LinkedInHenry Stewart Photo Studio Ops New YorkFLOW New York - PixelzCreditsProduced by: Creative Force - creativeforce.ioEdited by: Calvin Lanz Sound - clsound.netHosted by: Daniel Jester - danieltjester.com

Ever wonder what happens to your wedding photos after your photographer arrives home? Today, we're diving into what the editing process is really like, what makes it different than retouching images, and what the benefits of a photo editor are. We're talking with photo editor Lauren Bevilacqua of Sara Zarrella Photography today for the inside scoop on all things editing! Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening so you never miss an episode. Even better share it with a friend! It a great way to show your support and let us know what you think. Thank you for listening. For more information check out our website at www.sarazarrella.com/podcast Join our Monthly Newsletter for tips, tricks and Freebies! https://sarazarrella.com/newsletter Would love to be friends on the gram at https://www.instagram.com/sarazarrellaphotography/