#588 In this episode of the podcast, I dig into what baseball has taught me about becoming a better photographer. At first glance, these two worlds might seem unrelated, but I quickly realized that the secret to growth in both comes down to the quiet, persistent practice—those thousands of unseen reps that prepare us for our “big game” moments. I share stories from the baseball world, like Dodgers legends Freddie Freeman and Cody Bellinger, as well as insights from head photographer Jon Soohoo, drawing parallels to our photographic journey.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. The Importance of Consistent Practice (Reps) - Drawing inspiration from baseball, Raymond explains that greatness comes not from isolated performances, but from thousands of unseen, intentional repetitions. Photographers should practice regularly—not just at special events—to develop instinct and technical fluency.
2. Learning From Failure and Tracking the Right Stats - Baseball legends, who "fail" most of their at-bats, exemplify that success includes and even requires frequent failure. Similarly, not every photo will be a winner, and that's normal. Raymond recommends tracking progress by the number of photos taken or personal growth, not likes or follows.
3. Growth Through Community and Feedback - Community is vital, just as team dynamics support baseball players. Photography communities (like the podcast’s Facebook group) offer constructive feedback and support, accelerating learning compared to going solo. Having a mentor or a coach provides targeted insight for growth.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Reps (Repetitions): Intentional practice sessions, drills, or photographic exercises done consistently. In the context of photography, "reps" mean repeatedly shooting in diverse scenarios to build technical competence, instinct, and creative resilience.
• Utility Player: In baseball, a player proficient in multiple positions; used here to describe photographers experimenting with various genres to build versatility and discover their niche.

Discussion & Reflection Questions:

1. How can you integrate intentional photography "reps" into your everyday routine?
2. In what areas do you find yourself waiting for the "perfect" moment rather than practicing in less exciting conditions?
3. What “stats” matter most to your personal growth as a photographer? How might you measure improvement beyond social media engagement?
4. How could participating in a community or seeking coached feedback support your progress?

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#586 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat with YOU as I answer the questions that matter most to photography beginners and enthusiasts who are eager to grow both technically and creatively.

This episode is all about addressing real-world challenges that come up when you’re starting or growing a photography practice. I share my personal experiences, insights, and favorite tips—especially about balancing a day job with a budding side hustle in photography. I open up about my own journey of building a wedding photography business and the practical strategies I used to manage my time, keep clients happy, and avoid burnout.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. Starting a Photography Side Hustle & Workflow Automation - Raymond shares his early struggles balancing a day job with building a portrait and wedding photography business. He highlights the time-saving power of using tools like CloudSpot Studio for automating bookings, contracts, invoicing, and client communication. Key takeaway: automation prevents lost opportunities and allows photographers with limited time to provide a seamless client experience.
2. Editing Style Evolution & Managing Creative Ruts - Addressing questions about losing confidence in editing style, Raymond emphasizes that evolving tastes are normal and even healthy. He encourages experimenting with new edits and using past work to develop a style that feels authentic. Takeaway: feedback is useful, but personal satisfaction with your work is crucial for creative fulfillment.
3. Equipment Choices for Travel, Studio, & Technical Mastery - Through specific gear-related questions, Raymond discusses how to weigh camera options for travel and studio documentation, advocating for a minimalist approach while tailoring choices to the context and desired output. He also offers a deep dive into understanding depth of field and autofocus, demystifying how they interact to produce sharp images. Takeaway: deliberate gear selection and technical competence empower photographers to adapt to any shooting situation.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Depth of Field (DoF): The range within a photo that appears acceptably sharp, determined by a combination of aperture, focal length, and subject distance. Raymond explains how understanding DoF helps photographers achieve their desired focus in different scenarios, especially when combined with autofocus settings.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How might automating your business workflow free up time for more creative pursuits? What steps can you start implementing now?
2. Have you recently felt dissatisfied with your editing style or creative output? What strategies could help you refresh your perspective?
3. When preparing for a travel or studio shoot, how do you decide what gear is essential versus what might be excess baggage?
4. In what ways has understanding (or misunderstanding) depth of field affected your photography?

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

#585 Mark Hemmings is an internationally recognized travel photographer and educator. Mark shares his inspiring journey, beginning with his early days in Canada when he first discovered photography while traveling in Japan. He walks listeners through the evolution of his career—from working in the movie industry and commercial photography to finding his true passion in travel and photography workshops around the globe.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

1. Preparation and Mindset for Travel Photography - Mark describes two key approaches: meticulous pre-trip research and spontaneous, immersive travel. He discusses the creative advantages and excitement that come from unfamiliar environments and even a bit of discomfort or fear.
2. Gear Choices and Minimalism - The benefits of packing light—such as bringing a single camera and prime lens—are highlighted, along with advice about travel safety, avoiding gear overload, and tailoring your kit to your creative needs.
3. Creative Techniques for Captivating Travel Photos - Mark emphasizes using framing, foreground elements, and unique perspectives to avoid cliché photos and elevate your work. He discusses storytelling, engaging viewers’ imaginations, and composing photos that invite longer reflection.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS

• Foreground Element: An object or shape in the front of the image used to frame or partially obscure the subject, adding depth, intrigue, and composition interest.
• Slide Film: A type of photographic film producing direct positive transparency, requiring precise exposure and often used for projecting images; discussed as foundational to Mark’s photographic education.

DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How does limiting your gear influence your creativity or challenge you on a shoot?
2. What are some ways you can move beyond basic “snapshot” photography during your next trip?
3. In what environments do you feel most creatively energized, and why?

RESOURCES:
Visit Mark Hemmings’ Website - https://markhemmings.com/
Follow Mark Hemmings on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markhemmings/

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.com

Connect with Raymond!

• Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
• Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa
• Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/

Thanks for listening & keep shooting!