Episode 9: Photography, it’s not all about the gear… is it?I confess, I am a bit of a gear-head.  Over the years I have collected lots of cameras, lenses, filters, accessories and loads and loads of lighting gear.  Prior to the COVID pandemic I would upgrade my camera every time a new model come out, convinced I needed the latest technology to take the best photos.If one good thing came out of lockdown for me, it was the forced restraint on my spending.  Like most people running their own business, we were closed (or at least working under reduced numbers) for nearly two years.  My own situation was made worse as I went through cancer treatment during the summer of 2021, extending my period of isolation.Here we are in February 2022 and things are showing signs of returning to normal (mindful that should another COVID variant be discovered, this could all change in a heartbeat).Remaining optimistic, I am relaunching the Tog-Talk podcast exactly two years after the last one was first broadcast.  Tog-Talk (photographers in conversation) will engage photographers of all types and all levels of experience (not just the experts, but ordinary amateurs too… who also have valuable experiences to share).  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 WorkshopsBlog:  The Photography TeacherFacebook: Hampshire School of PhotographyContact us on either of these addresses:Email: info@gohsp.comEmail: support@gohsp.comOffice Tel:  01252 613265

Tog Talk

Ep.9 Photography, It's not all about the gear... is it?

Having Matthew Williams on this episode of Tog Talk was a double whammy for me.  Not only is he a keen wildlife photographer, but he&apos;s also the brains behind the Hampshire School of Photography (HSP) website.  Matt talks to me about some of the innovative ideas behind our online photography assessment tool and the new Portfolio Suite for show-casing our students&apos; work.  He&apos;s also got some great stories about his experiences out in the field photographing kingfishers, brown hares and white-tailed sea eagles.Hampshire School of PhotographyHSP Facebook pageMatthew Williams website

Tog Talk 8: With Wildlife Photographer Mathew Williams

Andy Teo ( otherwise known to many as Photocillin), is a highly talented photographer specialising in fashion style photography and, more recently, has had a great deal of success working with musicians, shooting concerts, backstage and album covers.In this edition of Tog Talk, Andy talks about his experience shooting models and musicians with some great tips for photographers who would like to get into this kind of work.I promised to post links for some go Andy&apos;s work. Try these out.500px (over 13,000 followers)Photocillin Photography - incredible imagesPurpleport Some of Photocillin&apos;s stunning model images.  Purple Port is a great source of models too.Flickr (over 4000 followers) It&apos;s Flickr, say no moreInstagram (over 2000 followers)Facebook (over 1500 followers)

Tog Talk 7: With Fashion & Music Artist Photographer Andy Teo

In this week&apos;s Tog Talk I address the subject of how to take tack-sharp photos.One of the most common complaints I hear from new camera owners is that their photos just aren&apos;t sharp enough.  You&apos;d think that when someone spends hundreds of pounds (sometimes thousands) on a high quality camera, the resulting photos would at least be nice and sharp.  If only.Avoiding blurred images is not just about knowing how to focus your lens, there are lots of other things to consider.  Further explanationTo help you better understand some of the issues discussed, check out my blog, The Photography TeacherAvoid Blurry Photos Part.1Avoid Blurry Photos Part.2Avoid Blurry Photos Part.3Want to master your camera?If you found this week&apos;s Tog Talk interesting and you&apos;re now feeling inspired to improve your own photography, why now register for our next Introduction To Photography one-day workshop.  We run this four times a year, it&apos;s immensely popular as a photography foundation course, laying down strong foundations upon which to build your photographic journey.Click here for more detailsAny other questions?Drop us an email to info@hampshirephotoschool.com

Tog Talk 6: Taking Sharp Photographs

Tog Talk this week meets with Trish, a young lady from India who I&apos;ve been mentoring for the last six months.  She has a great sense of humour and she absolutely loved watching my reaction when she brought in two really great questions.Which type of camera would I recommend to a photographer - a crop frame mirrorless or a full frame DSLR?When planning a concept photograph, what comes first, the location or the concept?During the conversation, a couple of photos were referred to:Photoshoot with Zoe and the leafPhotoshoot with girl and the lampOne day workshopTo find more out about the &apos;Introduction To Photography&apos; one-day workshop, click hereHampshire School ion PhotographyThe Hampshire School of Photography teaches photography to hundreds of photographers each year.  If you live in the Hampshire area, check us out to see if there&apos;s a workshop that suits you or call us on 01252 643143

Tog Talk 5: Two really great Questions...

We sponsored an evening recently with a bunch of photographers who are currently working as professionals, semi-professionals and a few others the were thinking of going pro.In 2020 we are planning to start a one-year course for professionals who want to improve both their photography skills and also their business skills.  The conversations that took place were quite insightful as we listened to what was on their minds. I was surprised to hear about many of the fears most of them shared and this podcast looks into those fears, offering insights from my own experiences over the last few decades.At the end I briefly talk about a one-day workshop I&apos;m running in February for anyone who seriously wants to understand their camera and take control of it.  So many camera-owners are still shooting in AUTO mode and would love to break free.Check out Introduction To Photography at http://bit.ly/HSP-ITPFEB01

Tog Talk 4: What do Professional Togs Fear?

Agi was a student who came to me for a year&apos;s private mentoring.  These days she works as a professional photographer whilst at the same time being a busy mum of three young children.  She recalls how she stepped out of her comfort zone to embrace her photography and now is reaping the reward shooting families, children and weddings.

Tog Talk 3: With student, now turned professional, Agi Gallacher

In this session I talk to Masterclass student Jeremy Auton about what choices he should make when taking his camera and lenses overseas on holiday.How much gear should we take with us?  Too much and it could become a burden to carry, too little and we could miss important shots.  To make it more complicated in his case, he was going on two very different holidays which required different approaches.

Tog Talk 2: Gearing up for holidays

In this opening episode, I get to talk with one of my longest-suffering students, Steve Myers.  Steve has been on just about every photography workshop I&apos;ve ever run and his eagerness to learn shows no sign of diminishing.For us, this episode is an experiment with a bit of fun - enabling me in particular, to explore the process of podcast production.Beyond this, a much more expansive and sophisticated podcast series will hopefully grow.I hope you enjoy it.www.hampshirephotoschool.com

And so it begins...

The Tog Talk podcast for photographers living in and around the Hampshire area of southern England

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Tog Talk

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