Tog-Talk

Tog-Talk Episode 29With this week's guest David EmeryIn the first Tog-Talk podcast to be shot in video (Watch it on YouTube or Vimeo), Kevin Ahronson interviews David Emery, a photographer he has known for four years. David shares his journey into photography, which began with inspiration from his grandfather who had a cine camera and a 35mm camera. David got his first SLR, a Praktica, on his 14th birthday and started with film photography before transitioning into digital photography. Over the years, he used various cameras, including Canon's 350D DSLR and later the Canon 80D. He eventually adopted the mirrorless trend with the Canon EOS R.David is a generalist photographer, not bound to a specific niche. He enjoys capturing moments and candid shots. His technical knowledge on cameras has grown significantly over time, and he credits Kevin's masterclass for enhancing his understanding of the process of taking a photo.Test Your KnowledgeTest your photography knowledge with the free Photography Assessment ToolImproving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to improve your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one-year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills.  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

What would you compare your photography journey to?    Has your growth and experience behind the camera been like a rocket or has it been more like a snail?  Are you completely committed to following your creative journey - or is it a bit spasmodic?  Good days and bad days?In this week's Tog-Talk, I am joined by hobbyist-photographer Sandy Borrowdale who describes her photography as sometimes being a bit like her going to the gym.Originally recorded two months ago, back in MayClick above to listen, or visit my dedicated podcast website tog-talk.com for more details and background information.Test Your KnowledgeTest your photography knowledge with the free Photography Assessment ToolImproving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to improve your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one-year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills.  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Having taken up photography just a few years ago on retirement, Alec completely threw himself into it and has a fascinating tale of rapid progress.Abandoning his Sony camera for an extensive Nikon system, Alec has had a roller coaster experience - culminating in mentoring under one of the world's greatest photographers.In this episode of Tog Talk,  Alec Grant tells us about his photographer's JourneyMore to read at tog-talk.comTest Your KnowledgeTest your photography knowledge with the free Photography Assessment ToolImproving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to improve your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one-year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills.  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

For several years I've been exploring the subject of the journey we all embark on as photographers.   It really is just like a journey with a beginning and a middle, but it has no end (it goes on forever).  It has all the qualities of a great adventure with highs and lows, it has pitfalls and moments of elation.  And like real journeys, some elements take a long time to get anywhere and others are reached in the blink of an eye.When photographers get together and start talking about their own experiences it's amazing how many similarities we share.  Who hasn't had frustrations, who hasn't had moments when they felt like giving up?    Sharing stories is a sobering exercise that puts our problems into perspective.  We realise that we're not alone and that everyone else has (at one time or another) been through exactly the same challenges.  In this episode of Tog-Talk Dr Simon Ruffle talks about his Photographer's journey and we explore a range of side issues that examine photography from the traveller's perspective.Mentioned in the Conversation:Link to Topaz Labs software This is excellent software which goes way beyond what Photoshop or Lightroom are capable of in terms of getting rid of unwanted ISO noise.  It uses AI (artificial intelligence), which has been trained on millions of images.  With this knowledge, it removes unwanted noise from your photos and sharpens all the soft, blurry bits for you.  It's a very clever piece of software.Improving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to improve your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one-year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills.  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (wherKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Five of my top tips for photographing peopleI've been photographing people for a long time.  I started doing it almost as soon as I bought my first 35mm film camera.  In my home town of Brighton (on the south coast of England) I cut my teeth on capturing ordinary people going about their daily lives down on the beach and on Brighton's busy, bohemian streets.  In later years I moved into the studio and I had several years shooting weddings, families and corporate headshots.  You pick up some tricks when you shoot as much as I did,  and on today's Tog-Talk I'm going to share my thoughts on five really helpful things to either avoid... or things that are essential if you want to take good images. There is great advice here for newbies with cameras, but I'm also sure there will be things to learn for photographers who have been shooting for a while.Need more..?If you want to know a bit more, check out my Tog-Talk website which usually has photos and additional words of guidance: www.tog-talk.comImproving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to imporove your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo-editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills .  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Test Your KnowledgeOr you could simply test your photography knowledge and have a go at our free Photography Assessment ToolKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Episode 10 of the 10-part series looking at Photography Basics.In this final episode I take a look at the editing options for your photography.  Editing is an interesting subject and people often have strong views on its pros & cons.For most of us, editing allows us to produce images which are more eye-catching.  We remove unwanted objects, we balance shadows and highlights, tweak colours and adjust the final shape of the image with cropping.  If you would like to know more about editing your own photos, you will find this edition of Tog-Talk very interesting.Links to editing software mentioned in this edition of Tog-Talk.Used mainly professionals and advanced amateurs Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom PlanCapture One Beginners Editing SoftwarePhotoshop ElementsAffinityLuminarGimp (free)This isn't the entire range of editors on the market, but they are perhaps the most well-known / capable.  Improving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to imporove your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo-editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills .  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Test Your KnowledgeKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

At some point in your photography, your enthusiasm will sadly decline.  It's inevitable.   It happens to most photographers, so don't feel guilty.  It has happened to me a number of times over the years, and through those experiences, I believe I have found some of the best solutions to keep me constantly motivated.This is episode nine of a 10-part series looking at Photography Basics.  In  this episode I look at what to do when your photography-mojo leaves you, when inspiration and motivation feel beyond reach.   If you've ever found yourself in the wilderness, dry, lacking creative inspiration, you were not alone and hopefully the experiences I share with you today will be genuinely helpful the next time it happens.Improving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to imporove your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo-editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills .  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Or...Or you could simple have a go at our Photography Assessment ToolKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Episode 8 of the 10-part Photography Basics series and we are asking the question that I am asked all the time..."Which Lens Should You Buy Next?"Having got the kit lens that came with your new camera, you're now looking to take your photography to the next level.  You realise that this lens is perhaps not the best lens to help you.   Kit lenses are usually (there are some exceptions) very low quality and to get the kind of photos you're hoping for, you really need to get something else.This week's Tog-Talk unpacks some of the mystery surrounding lenses and I give you my recommendations for the next lens to buy...Improving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to imporove your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo-editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills .  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Or...Or you could simple have a go at our Photography Assessment ToolKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Why do some photos come out dark?This is such a common question among new photographers.  Surely with today's super-clever (and super-expensive) digital cameras, you'd expect the technology to guarantee that every shot is perfectly exposed, every time?  And yet it isn't.The thing is, cameras can't read our minds.  They don't know what we're thinking.  They have no idea what creative thoughts are going through our minds when we look at a scene.  They simply measure the light they see and react according to their programming.  It is up to us to take control of the camera to get the results we want - and in this week's episode I will show you a couple of really easy techniques that anyone can master.Improving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to improve your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo-editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills .  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Or...Or you could simple have a go at our Photography Assessment ToolKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Some of us love to photograph beautiful landscapes, others like to shoot people... maybe in the studio or maybe capture them candidly on the street.  Helen Davies does most of her photography on the kitchen table and produces stunning images.This week's Tog-Talk takes a week off from the current series on Photography Basics to look at a very talented lady.  We will return to the 'Basics' series next week as we look at tips on getting your photos correctly exposed, especially under difficult lighting situations.But now, it's back to Helen...Creative Table-Top PhotographyI've known Helen for a few years and I have been regularly impressed by the quality of her work and her creative imagination .  Working with liquids, lights and various items usually found in the kitchen, she has proved to me that photography is not just landscapes and people.   In this weeks's Tog-Talk, Helen reveals her secrets for taking great table-top shots...  and along the way, we have a few giggles as well.I've taken the step of posting additional information and examples of her work in my blog, The Photography Teacher.   There's only so much information that can be shared in a podcast.  With a visual medium like photography, sometimes there simply has to be a way to show off the images.  Check out the The Photography Teacher to see some of Helen's work, and while you're there, feast upon all the other tutorials that are freely available on the site, including the higly popular 30 Days of Photoshop series.Improving your photographyI really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast and I hope that you have found it interesting as well as entertaining.   If you're looking to imporove your photography and you live close enough to our training centre in Fleet, Hampshire, you could attend one of our workshops (or our longer courses) in both photography and photo-editing.If you're at the beginning of your photography journey you might find this one-day introduction, just what you're looking for:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer!  Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Want something more?Alternatively, If you want a course that raises the bar, something to immerse yourself in for a whole year, you'll want to join our Photography Masterclass.  Run twice a year, with intakes during Spring and Autumn, it is our core workshop.The Photography Masterclass (one year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will build a solid foundation of technical and creative skills .  They will learn not only how their cameras work and how to shoot with a creative eye, but there are modules on photographing people, working with flash, shooting landscapes, macro photography, as well as two modules on editing.This is a ten-module photoKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Continuing the 10 part series looking at photography basics... today we focus on focus.More important than Exposure?Nailing a sharp focus is arguably more important than getting the exposure right.  Take a photo either over or under-exposed, and in most cases you can correct it in post.  Take a photo out of focus and there really isn't much you can do to.  If you take a photo and the image is soft, if your subject is clearly not sharp, then the chances are that you will have to bin that photo.  Software sharpening can only go so far.  It can't sharpen an out-of-focus image, but it is very good and making an already sharp photo look even sharper.This week's episodeThere are lots of ways to ensure your photos are sharp and in this week's Tog-Talk I will show you two very simple techniques.  Photography is obviously a visual medium and Tog-Talk isn't.  In an audio broadcast, there will always be limitations on what I can effectively teach.  However, you may want to check out The Photography Teacher, my online resource that includes techniques, tips and video tutorials on many aspects of photography.  Ultimately, if you live close enough to our training centre you could attend one of our workshops (or longer courses) in both photography and photo-editing. Some of the courses and workshops run at our training centre in Fleet, HampshireIntroduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer !Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.The Photography Masterclass (one year course)Students on the Photography Masterclass will immerse themselves in photography for a whole year, working as part of the larger group but also in smaller groups of 2 or 3, supporting and assisting each other.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and will include time to examine assignment images and take part in practicals (where appropriate).Or...Or you could simple have a go at our Photography Assessment Tool, to test your photography knowledge.Photography Assessment Tool:Use this online tool to assess your photography knowledge and get a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses.  Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Believe it or not, there are more ways to take a photo than by simply leaving the camera switched to AUTO.AUTO mode is great for beginners and those who just want to shoot snaps, but if you want to take control of your camera and unleash your creative potential, you need to come out of AUTO and explore some of the other shooting modes.Common Camera Shooting ModesDepending on your camera (because not all cameras are the same), your will normally have a choice of:AUTOProgram Mode (not all cameras have this)Aperture Priority ModeShutter Priority ModeManual ModeProgram Mode Program Mode is useful, although for some reason it's not that popular.  I've rarely met anyone who uses it.  It's just like shooting in AUTO but... it allows you to override some of the camera's settings.  This gives you some very useful creative control.Aperture Priority ModeThe world's most popular shooting mode, used by more photographers than any other mode.  It's fast, easy and you still have a lot of additional control to override the camera's settings if the image needs tweaking.  In this mode, you chose the aperture (you give priority to the aperture) and the camera does the rest.  It's a kind of 'semi-automatic' mode, working out what shutter speed to shoot at... based on the aperture you've chosen.  Choosing the aperture is important if you want to control your Depth -of-Field (how much of your image is going to be in focus).Shutter Priority ModeThis is the opposite of Aperture Priority.  You choose the shutter and the camera will pick an aperture.  Often used by sport and wildlife photographers, or anyone else shooting fast-moving subjects.Manual ModeOften thought of by many to be the shooting mode of choice for professionals.  But they would be wrong.  Granted, it is probably more popular amongst pros, most of them still shoot in Aperture Priority most of the time.  Respective Pros & ConsThere are advantages and disadvantages in all of these modes, familiarity with them could help you pick the right one for the right situation.  No one single mode is best for everything, or for every camera type.  For instance, I shoot mostly in Aperture Priority when using my DSLR cameras, but mostly Manual when using my mirrorless cameras.  However, I am happy to switch between modes as the job requires.Some of the courses and workshops run at our training centre in Fleet, HampshireIntroduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer !Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.The Photography MasterclassStudents on the Photography Masterclass will immerse themselves in photography for a whole year, working as part of the larger group but also in smaller groups of 2 or 3, supporting and assisting each other.This is a ten-module photography course with photo-assignments between sessions.  Each session lasts three hours and Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

So now we're looking at the third piece of the puzzle, of what is traditionally referred to as the Exposure Triangle. When you combine the three elements of the Exposure Triangle, they interact with each other in what's often referred to as the law of reciprocity.  This reciprocating relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO allows us to take control of the light coming into the camera - and we chose which of the three elements will take priority, which side effects will dominate and which do not.What actually is ISO?I meet very few photographers who fully understand what ISO is.  I meet even fewer who know what the initials ISO stand for.   ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organisation that looks after thousands of standards worldwide.  Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Organization  for Standardization controls over 24,000 standards (at the time of writing) from health and the environment, to electrical engineering and telecommunications, and of course... photography.  Its range of influence on world standards is huge and from our perspective, any camera manufacturer, wishing to produce a new camera sensor, has to follow ISO's guidelines to comply with international standards.Photography has a number of standards controlled by ISO, but perhaps ISO12232:2019 is the one we're most interested in today.  It specifies:'the method for assigning and reporting ISO speed ratings, ISO speed latitude ratings, standard output sensitivity values, and recommended exposure index values, for digital still cameras. It is applicable to both monochrome and colour digital still cameras'Back to our cameras ISO replaced the old film-speed rating ASA (American Standards Association) around 1987.  Back in the day, you would buy a roll of film which had a fixed speed rating (eg. ASA100, ASA200, or ASA400) and you were locked into that rating.  Come the arrival of digital cameras, we found that we were able to change that speed rating (or ISO) to virtually whatever we wanted, and a whole new era of flexible exposure control began.  This week's Tog-Talk is quite a short one, but I think you will find it interesting.  If you have any questions, write to me at: info@gohsp.comSome links from this week's Tog-TalkIntroduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer !Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.PLEASE NOTE: All course fees will be going up on 1st April (2022).  And no, this is not an April fool !  If you register for any course before that date, you will get it at current prices. Photography Assessment Tool:Use this online tool to assess your photography knowledge and get a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses.Hampshire SchoolKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

The ApertureContinuing our ten-part mini series for new photographers (Photography Basics), this week we are looking at the Aperture.Whilst most people are familiar with the role of the aperture in terms of controlling the amount of light that enters the camera... perhaps not so many understand the relationship between aperture and the other two elements of the exposure triangle: shutter speed and ISO.Then there's the side effect of changing the aperture... the impact it has upon the Depth of Field (DoF), the amount of the photo that appears sharp.  The size of the aperture affects how much of your photo is in focus.  Wide apertures give you a narrow DoF, whereas small apertures give you wider ones.   As a portrait photographer I may want to soften the background behind someone I'm photographing, to help them stand out from the background.  Picking a wide open aperture like f/2 or f/1.8 will brilliantly isolate the subject by giving me a narrow DoF.  Conversely, if I'm shooting a landscape scene, I may want both my foreground and background sharp, in which case I pick a smaller aperture like f/11 or f/16 to give me a wide DoF.Understanding the aperture will help you take control of your camera and your picture.  Some links from the discussion:These are great sources of used gear that I personally recommend.Crop Sensor Cameras.  This ancient video I made back in 2016 should help explain what a crop frame (or crop sensor) camera is.  Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer !Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.PLEASE NOTE: All course fees will be going up on 1st April (2022).  And no, this is not an April fool !  If you register for any course before that date, you will get it at current prices.Photography Assessment Tool:Use this online tool to assess your photography knowledge and get a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses.Hampshire School of Photography (HSP)Hampshire School of Photography is based in Fleet, Hampshire, on the border with Berkshire and Surrey.Its wide ranging curriculum teaches photography to enthusiasts at all levels - from complete beginners and advanced amateurs, through to those who want to go professional.It does this through workshops and year-long courses that provide solid foundations in (amongst other things): photography theory, composition, portrait & landscape photography, working with flash, macro photography and editing in Lightroom and Photoshop.  Some of our courses go even deeper… to stretch students with challenging assignments, forcing them out of their comfort zones.Founder of HSP, Kevin Ahronson, also offers private mentoring to a small number of people each year, as his busy schedule allowsKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

The Shutter Last episode we looked at the aperture, now it's the turn of the shutter.From our perspective today, we're going to look at two different types of shutter.  One is mechanical and the other is electronic.   Older DSLR cameras will be mechanical, but the newer, mirrorless cameras (which have effectively taken over from DSLRs) tend to offer both mechanical and electronic options.Understanding the pros and cons of both systems will help you make the right choice for the shot you're taking.  Certainly, electronic shutters have a lot to offer, but there are some drawbacks, some disadvantages.  However, as technology improves, so we can expect those disadvantages to eventually disappear.Camera ShakeControlling your shutter speed will help you avoid  'camera shake'.  Many times over the years, students have complained to me that their photos are out of focus.  In reality, the focus is fine, but the images look blurred or soft because the shutter speed has been too slow.  There is a limit to how steady we can hold the cameras in our hands.  Once you go below a certain threshold, blurring will occur and that threshold varies from lens to lens, or rather, from focal length to focal length.In simple terms, the longer your focal length, the faster your shutter needs to be  to avoid camera shake.  I refer to this speed as the MHHSS (minimum hand-held shutter speed).Working out the MHHSS was very easy back in the days when we were all shooting with 35mm film cameras.  I was taught it by my school photography club at the tender age of 14, and the principle still holds today, over 50 years later.  These days however, many of us shoot with cropped sensor cameras, which have a magnification effect on every lens we use, and so we have to take that into consideration.Getting a Bit TechnicalThis episode of Tog-Talk does get a bit technical, and some listeners may have to take notes to help them get their heads around it.   Some photography subjects were always going to be tougher to explain without visuals and if by the end of this podcast, you are still struggling a bit, you may want to consider signing up for one of our workshops (providing you live near our training centre in Hampshire in the UK).  I have provided a link to our Introduction to photography one-day workshop below.Some links from the discussion:Crop Sensor Cameras.  This ancient video I made back in 2016 should help explain what a cropped frame (or cropped sensor) camera is.  Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer !Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.PLEASE NOTE: All course fees will be going up on 1st April (2022).  And no, this is not an April fool !  If you register for any course before that date, you will get it at current prices. Photography Assessment Tool:Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Of all the questions I regularly get asked, the one about cameras is usually the most common.“What camera should I buy”“What camera would you recommend for someone new to photography”“Which camera is best?”Understandably, most new photographers want to make a good decision about the money they're about to spend.The camera industry has just been through a major shake-up, as one by one, manufacturers have gradually stopped production of DSLR cameras in favour of the new ‘Mirrorless’ cameras.DSLRs have been around for a couple of decades and most people are familiar with them, but mirrorless only started to appear about 10 years ago and have taken a while to perfect their game..Initially they just weren’t good enough. But like most new technologies, as time passes so the product gets better. Eventually they progressed to the point where DSLRs could no longer keep up (technologically-speaking).The early players in the mirrorless field were Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony.  Canon and Nikon, the market leaders in DSLR cameras were slow to join the race, but when eventually they did, it marked the death knell for the older mechanical DSLR format.Understanding the difference between DSLRs and Mirrorless is helpful, but the big question remains... which is the right one for you?Photography Basics Part. 1Today we begin a 10-week series looking at some of the basics of photography.  It is designed specifically for new photographers (newbies) and addresses many of the key areas that will help you understand some of the technical essentials you'll need to master your camera.Most of the episodes are expected to be relatively short in length, this first one is around 50 mins as it also acts as an introduction to the series.Some links from the discussion:These are great sources of used gear that I personally recommend.Wex Photo & VideoMPBPark CamerasIntroduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)Run four times a year, this one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer !Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Photography Assessment Tool:Use this online tool to assess your photography knowledge and get a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses.Hampshire School of Photography (HSP)Hampshire School of Photography is based in Fleet, Hampshire, on the border with Berkshire and Surrey.Its wide ranging curriculum teaches photography to enthusiasts at all levels - from complete beginners and advanced amateurs, through to those who want to go professional.It does this through workshops and year-long courses that provide solid foundations in (amongst other things): photography theory, composition, portraitKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Joined again by Tracey Clarkson, we look at a forthcoming 10-week series for brand new photographers.  These are planned to be shorter than normal Tog-Talks (around 10-15 mins) and are a basic introduction to photography, without getting too complicated. Starting next week the first episode will be looking at digital cameras.  Make sure you click the follow button to ensure you don't miss a single episode.Which Lens would you Pick?The main topic for conversation today is about picking our top three favourite lenses.  If you could only pick three lenses, just three... to last you for the rest of your life, what would they be?  There were some surprising similarities between Kevin's and Tracey's choices, and then it turns out they share a mutual dislike of one particular lens.  You'll have to listen to the episode to find out what it is.  It may surprise you.Some links from the discussion:Introduction To Photography (1-day Workshop)This one-day photography workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to move from simply being a camera-owner… to becoming a real photographer !Whether you're photographing your kids, snapping your holidays or you're hoping to progress your photography to a more creative level, you'll still need a solid grasp of the basics.Photography Assessment Tool:Use this online tool to assess your photography knowledge and get a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses.Hampshire School of Photography (HSP)Hampshire School of Photography is based in Fleet, Hampshire, on the border with Berkshire and Surrey.Its wide ranging curriculum teaches photography to enthusiasts at all levels - from complete beginners and advanced amateurs, through to those who want to go professional.It does this through workshops and year-long courses that provide solid foundations in (amongst other things): photography theory, composition, portrait & landscape photography, working with flash, macro photography and editing in Lightroom and Photoshop.  Some of our courses go even deeper… to stretch students with challenging assignments, forcing them out of their comfort zones.Founder of HSP, Kevin Ahronson, also offers private mentoring to a small number of people each year, as his busy schedule allowsCheck out our website for more information about courses, all of which are run at our training centre.Free Viewfinder Workshops: 2 hour workshops, completely free, every month.  We invite photographers of all levels, from complete beginners - upwards.  The only stipulation:  invitations are limited to people we have never met on any of previous workshop.  If you're new to us, then we'd love to see you.Other useful links:Blog:  The Photography TeacherFacebook: Hampshire School of PhotographyContact us on email: support@gohsp.comKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Having shot weddings for the last 12 years, I've kinda lost that sense of terror when I'm asked to shoot another one.  But I remember my first wedding: a combined sense of wonder and an uncontrollable rush of adrenaline.  Excitement and panic, all in one.When you get asked I regularly meet students who have been asked by friends or family to photograph their wedding.  One the one hand it's a tremendous privilege to be asked.  To think that someone likes and trusts your work enough, that they would ask you to photograph what is probably the most important day of their lives.On the other hand, few photography jobs I know, fill an inexperienced photographer with more sense of dread.  Possibly the word 'Terror' is more apt.  Most photographers are terrified of missing the most important shots of the day, they hate the idea of having to organise wedding guests into the group shots (called 'Formals') and are they sufficiently competent with their camera to ensure they can handle the pressure.  Deciding to shoot a wedding can be a real test of metal.There's no doubt about it, the learning experience is invaluable... it's just that few photographers would want to use the wedding as a learning tool.  Today's Tog-Talk content In this Tog-Talk, we initially look at the discipline of 365 day photography.  Shooting one photo every day for a year is something this week's guest, Forbes Johnston, has been doing for the last three years.  He unpacks some of his thoughts.The main part of the show though is looking at the wedding question discussed above.  We covered a lot of ground with loads and loads of really practical tips to help you on your first wedding.Some links from the discussion:Used gearWEX Photo & VideoMPBPark CamerasOnline Galleries for clientsShootproofTake a photo every day for a year365 Photo ProjectHampshire School of Photography (HSP)Hampshire School of Photography is based in Fleet, Hampshire, on the border with Berkshire and Surrey.Its wide ranging curriculum teaches photography to enthusiasts at all levels - from complete beginners and advanced amateurs, through to those who want to go professional.It does this through workshops and year-long courses that provide solid foundations in (amongst other things): photography theory, composition, portrait & landscape photography, working with flash, macro photography and editing in Lightroom and Photoshop.  Some of our courses go even deeper… to stretch students with challenging assignments, forcing them out of their comfort zones.Founder of HSP, Kevin Ahronson, also offers private mentoring to a small number of people each year, as his busy schedule allowsCheck out our website for more information about courses, all of which are run at our training centre.Photography Assessment Tool:Test your knowledgeWebsite: gohsp.comKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Inner Circle; the title alone suggests an exclusive group.  An elite, crack-troupe of hand-picked photographers who disciple under my mentorship.   The reality is far more down to earth.  They are in fact a small group of amateur photographers who want something beyond what most traditional photography workshops and course can offer.  They don’t want discussions about the rule of thirds or which buttons to press on their cameras.  What they’re  seeking is far deeper, far more challenging and far more left field.It’s more about developing photography as a sixth-sense, so that making photographs is instinctive, something that comes from lack of fear and an openness to experiment.  My early thoughtsI originally conceived Inner Circle as a place where graduates from my Photography Masterclass  would go ,once the course was complete.  During their year together they would have learned an enormous amount about a wide range of photography genres.  They would have made some great friends along the way and got used to monthly assignments to keep them focused and motivated.  Many of them were asking for something more, something to progress onto... once Masterclass ended.Inner Circle was bornThis week’s Tog-Talk is a fascinating insight into what actually goes on inside the Inner Circle group.  I am joined by two students who are halfway through their Inner Circle year…  Nige Ward and Russ Clark.  The guys talk openly and honestly about their experiences so far and what they have discovered, not only about how the group operates… but also how they have grown from the experience.Want to find out more?Our second Inner Circle group starts on 12 March (2022) and at the time of writing this, there is still one place free. To read more about Inner Circle here’s a couple of links.  The first is the webpage and the second is a more detailed description on my blog: the Photography Teacher.However, you will get the best feel for Inner Circle by listening to Nige and Russ in this week’s episode of Tog-Talk.Hampshire School of Photography (HSP)Hampshire School of Photography is based in Fleet, Hampshire, on the border with Berkshire and Surrey.Its wide ranging curriculum teaches photography to enthusiasts at all levels - from complete beginners and advanced amateurs, through to those who want to go professional.It does this through workshops and year-long courses that provide solid foundations in (amongst other things): photography theory, composition, portrait & landscape photography, working with flash, macro photography and editing in Lightroom and Photoshop.  Some of our courses go even deeper… to stretch students with challenging assignments, forcing them out of their comfort zones.Founder of HSP, Kevin Ahronson, also offers private mentoring to a small number of people each year, as his busy schedule allowsCheck out our website for more information about courses, all of which are run at our training centre.Website: gohsp.comTest your knowledgeFree Viewfinder WorkshopsKevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Not entirely true… when I became a photographer, many of the things covered in this discussion weren’t even invented.  But for today’s photographers, I know for certain these are really helpful tips because I am constantly finding myself talking to my students about them.Photography can be complex and the learning process can be very hit or miss when you’re self-taught.  Obviously my students have the benefit of learning from someone who has spent years (decades) making all the mistakes possible… so that they don’t have to.  If only there had been a Hampshire School of Photography when I first started, I could have saved me years of trial and error (and a lot of pain!).So the ten things we look at in this episode will speed up your learning curve considerably.  Learning on your own doesn’t have to be as painful and frustrating as it was for me.  Let us help take away some of that learning pain from you.Listen and take notes as I am joined by Tracey Clarkson and Forbes Johnston for Episode number 10 of Tog-TalkThe Tog-Talk website has all our podcast plus more details about guests with photos and links to other exciting information: tog-talk.comThis link will take you to the Photography Assessment Tool we talked about in this episode:Test your knowledgeOther useful links:Blog:  The Photography TeacherFacebook: Hampshire School of PhotographyContact us on either of these addresses:Email: info@gohsp.comEmail: support@gohsp.comOffice Tel:  01252 613265Kevin Ahronson is founder of Hampshire School of Photography: www.hampshirephotoschool.comMore teaching and video tutorials are available at the Photography TeacherEmail: info@hampshirephotoschool.com