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We love stories. So, if you use a storytelling approach to your photography, you are more likely to create images and sequences of images that engage viewers.

There are two aspects to storytelling; the story of each image itself (and I’ve spoken about this in other podcasts), and the story that ties together a sequence of images.

A good way to approach this is to think of each stage as a chapter. If you are travelling, or going on an adventure, what are the key steps?

For day-to-day photography, you can create themes that tell the story of a place, a culture, or specific individuals. Themes might include methods of transport, shapes, and colours. Once you start, you’ll find there are many themes you can adopt.

And, the most powerful stories invoke mood and emotion. So how can you create images that add that additional layer to the experience of your story?

Find out more in today’s podcast. 

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If you've never tried black-and-white photography before, I recommend it as a great way to broaden your creativity.

We are used to seeing things in colour, so black and white photography lets us see things differently, perhaps seeing aspects of things around us that we've never appreciated before.

These are the things to be conscious of when shooting in black and white:

• Shapes and textures
• Tonal variation
• Contrast
• Grain/digital noise
• Composition
• Patterns
• Emotional impact
• Nostalgia
• Minimalism
• Shooting in RAW

Practice shooting in black-and-white until you can visualise subjects in black and white before you photograph them.

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I’m a big believer in ‘ethical photography’. I believe that, as photographers, we are in a great position to record what is happening in our environment and share our stories with others.

One of the aspects of photojournalism is to be able to objectively record what is happening and provide a visual record of events. 

If conservation is important to you and you want to minimise your impact on the environment, there are several things you can do:

Research and Planning

Understanding the species you’re photographing: behaviours, active times, and habitats. And be aware of rules in your location that support conservation.

Pack Smart

Use eco-friendly gear (e.g., biodegradable cleaning kits, and reusable items), and protect your equipment.

Tools to minimize impact, such as silent shutters and remote triggers.

Minimizing Physical Impact in the Field

Staying on established trails to avoid trampling vegetation or disturbing burrows.

Avoid litter and ensure that no personal items are left behind.

Respecting Wildlife

Maintaining appropriate distances: use telephoto lenses.

Avoid flash photography, especially with nocturnal species.

Observe wildlife without disturbing it (for your sake and theirs).

Know what to do if an animal reacts to your presence.

The Role of Technology

Buy good quality gear that will last a long time.

Buy used equipment where you can.

Storytelling and Impact

Use your photography to educate and inspire conservation without sensationalism.

Collaborate with conservation groups and share your images with advocacy organizations to raise awareness.

Personal action

Adopt a "Leave No Trace" mindset in their photography.

Use resources, such as guides, workshops, or community groups that focus on responsible wildlife photography.

And… share your experiences by joining me on the podcast!

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What is an event? For the purposes of this podcast, I'm assuming that you are not a professional event photographer. It may be that you have a nice camera and that, in the eyes of your friends, means that you can photograph anything!

So, what do you need to think about? In this podcast, I'll talk about:

• The kinds of cameras to use, lenses and other accessories
• How to go about building a relationship with your 'client(s)'
• How to put together a shoot list
• The technical considerations (and possible practice scenarios you'll need to consider)

I hope you enjoy it

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Using Aperture and Shutter Speed modes (however they are identified in your camera) is the best way to indulge your creativity while getting the camera to do a lot of the ‘heavy lifting’ for you.

Your choices are Aperture Priority (where Depth of Field is the dominant creative element) and Shutter Speed Priority (where it’s all about movement). But which is best?

In this podcast, I’ll take you through the decision-making process that I use (and I have my favourite mode… and it might not be yours!).

There are two important points to take away from this podcast:

1. The most important part of any image is the subject; everything else should support it.

2. It’s best to be familiar with both modes and when to use them. Ultimately, there will be times when one is better than the other, and vice versa.

I hope you enjoy it! 

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Wildlife photography is one of the most rewarding styles of photography and it has some unique challenges.

Before you rush out with your camera to shoot wildlife, there are a few things to consider. I'll cover a few in this podcast:

• Your subjects are wild and you may not even find them
• They will often be far away
• Things can happen quickly, so you must always be ready
• You will have to contend with varying conditions:
  • Light
  • Weather
  • Temperature

And, in addition to choosing the right camera equipment, you need to make sure that you are physically up to the task.

For more information, take a look at my new eBook:

A Brief Guide to Wildlife Photography

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Do you use post-processing in your digital photography? For me, post processing is the third step in successful photography (after visualising the final image and taking it). Post-processing can be used to correct errors, change the framing and emphasis of an image and turn an average photograph into something outstanding!

Here are seven reasons to use post-processing...

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And... if you really like it, you could always visit my website and buy me a cup of coffee!!

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What’s the one mistake most portrait photographers don’t realize they’re making—and how could fixing it instantly elevate your shots?

The most important thing you can do is to connect with your subject(s). Be a person to them before you are a photographer.

• Ask them about their previous experiences.
• Find out what is most important to them and what the shoot is for.
• Be aware of the lighting.
• Always give positive feedback.
• Show them how to pose.
• Use the background to add context to their story.
• Think about post-processing.
• Think about mood.

 If you would like to know more, please take a look at my ebook (also available as a pdf) click here; “A Brief Guide to Portrait Photography”. 

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Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Suyash Keshari. Suyash Keshari is an International TV Presenter, Filmmaker, and Wildlife Conservationist. He’s globally recognized for his innovative work in virtual safaris, documentaries, and specializing in high-end guided safaris across India and Africa.

He is also the founder of Ameliya Safaris - a brand that specializes in blending luxury wildlife experiences with conservation and social impact.

Our conversation covered conservation, eco-tourism and other subjects that we are both passionate about.

If you would like to learn more about Suyash you can find his biography here. 

For more information about Ameliya Safaris, please take a look at their website.

To take a look at some of Suyash's work, please visit his Instagram page.

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If you like shooting landscapes, I've a few suggestions to help you to create images with more impact, and provide you with a more enjoyable experience into the bargain:

1. Plan Ahead

2. Use the Right Equipment

3. Master Camera Settings

4. Compose Thoughtfully

5. Optimize Lighting

6. Use the Right Perspective

7. Incorporate Motion

8. Understand and Control Exposure

9. Post-Process Thoughtfully

10. Patience is Key

11. Experiment.

12. Respect Nature

Practice regularly!

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Whether you're planning a commercial shoot for a client, or you're getting ready to travel to photograph wildlife, there are certain steps you should follow. Spending a little extra time at the planning stage can make the shoot itself go much more smoothly.

Shane and Graham talk through some of the steps they've used to prepare for their different styles of photography and share some stories along the way.

This includes the importance of becoming part of a photography community, and why you should continue to invest in your development as a photographer. 

If you're in Sydney, you can join Shane on a PhotoWalk, or a Photography Workshop. Go to the WeAreObservers website for more information.

And... please let me know if you like this format. Shane and I are thinking about running regular podcasts together and we'd love to know what you think!

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If you've ever taken a photograph, only to find that it's not quite what you had envisages, you may have been making one (or more) of these common mistakes. We'll go through them one by one, and here's the list:

1. Poor composition
2. Incorrect exposure
3. Focus errors
4. Overediting
5. Using the wrong lens
6. Poor lighting
7. Shooting in auto mode
8. Not checking settings
9. Overlooking the details
10. Rushing the shot
11. Lack of storytelling
12. Shooting in low resolution
13. Ignoring post-processing

I hope you enjoy it...

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Whether you photograph sports or not, I find it useful to step back from my usual subjects and look at other styles of photography. You never know what ideas you might get!

Shooting great sports photographs requires quick reflexes, technical know-how, and the ability to anticipate the action. In this podcast, I’ll talk through the secrets to capturing compelling sports images:

1. Know the Sport
2. Use the Right Gear
3. Optimize Camera Settings
4. Pay Attention to Composition
5. Find the Best Angle
6. Capture the Peak Moment
7. Work with Available Light
8. Tell a Story
9. Be Prepared
10. Respect the Game and Athletes
11. Experiment with Creative Shots
12. Edit Thoughtfully

Bonus Tips:

1. Practice: Sports photography requires quick thinking and practice to master timing and technique.
2. Shoot in RAW: Capture more detail and have greater flexibility in post-processing.
3. Stay Safe: Be aware of fast-moving players, balls, or equipment.

I hope you enjoy it.

Best wishes

Graham 

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Great travel photography captures the essence of a place, its culture, landscapes, and people. Here are the secrets to achieving stunning travel photographs:

1. Research Your Destination
2. Travel Light
3. Master Lighting
4. Plan for Composition
5. Capture the Local Culture
6. Tell a Story
7. Include Human Elements
8. Experiment with Perspective
9. Use the Right Settings
10. Embrace Spontaneity
11. Respect Local Customs
12. Focus on Details
13. Shoot in RAW
14. Be Patient

Bonus Tips:

• Stay Curious: Explore backstreets and lesser-known spots for unique images.
• Pack Smart: Keep a microfiber cloth for cleaning lenses, especially in dusty or humid environments.
• Wake Up Early: Avoid crowds and catch serene moments.
• Learn Local Phrases: Knowing how to say "hello" or "can I take your photo?" in the local language can open doors.

By combining technical expertise with a genuine interest in the places and people you visit, your travel photography will stand out as a rich and authentic representation of your journey.

I hope you enjoy the podcast

Graham

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As it's still early in 2025, I thought that it would be a good idea to revisit the basics. I sometimes go down a particular rabbit hole myself (photographically speaking) and, in so doing, forget something basic but useful. So, I think it's a good idea to periodically go over the basics again.

I've cheated slightly in that I'm talking through a free PDF that I offer on my website; "10 simple steps to improve your photography today". You can go to the download page by clicking the link.

So, while not all of them will be new to you, there might be something in the list that you haven't been doing as often as you might. Here's the list:

1. Have a clear subject
2. Use the "Rule of thirds"
3. Use depth of field
4. Know your camera
5. Use 'Leading lines'
6. Change your point of view
7. Use reflections
8. Be aware of your background
9. Try using black and white
10. Break the rules!

Of course, these tips, and much more, can be found in my online photography courses, so please take a look.

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Welcome to the 150th episode of the podcast.
 
 I was inspired at 3.00 am to talk about when a photograph isn't a photograph; when it becomes something more.
 
 I've spoken about photojournalism and that type of photography has the power to influence global events. For most of us, that will not be a consideration, but being able to take good photographs, especially portraits, can have a positive impact on us, and people we haven't met yet.
 
 People come in and out of our lives for various reasons, and we all have different phases in our lives. Sometimes it's great to look back on some of them and share them with people we care about.
 
 If you're the type of photographer who leaves the camera hidden away until it's time to go on your annual vacation (or whatever it might be), you might be doing yourself a disservice. And, especially now that most of us carry smartphones around, there's no reason why you shouldn't be in a position to grab those 'moments' as they occur.
 
 Here are the suggestions I have for you in the podcast:
 
 Sign up and take the 14-day challenge.

Or take one of my online courses.
 
Whatever you do, remember that some of your photographs might be telling your story in the future to someone who hasn't even been born yet! 

I hope you enjoy it.

Graham

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Modes and the exposure triangle revisited:

I spoke about this subject some time ago and I had a very positive reaction to it. So, I thought it was worth a revisit!

If you don’t understand the exposure triangle, your results will be limited and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to shoot the kind of photographs you would like to. I say this with some conviction as one of the most common questions I am asked is ‘How can I get a sharp subject and an out-of-focus background?’.

Simply put, once you understand the exposure triangle, the full creative capability of you and your camera can be realised. Without that understanding, you’re likely to be stuck on ‘Auto’.

The exposure triangle is the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO (sensitivity). To some people, it looks quite complicated at first. But, especially if you drive a car, you are already, instinctively, dealing with a similar relationship.

Modes take advantage of the automation offered by today's cameras. They relate to the exposure triangle and allow the camera to do some of the heavy lifting for you, freeing you to indulge in your creativity and produce great results.

If you are struggling with the exposure triangle (or any other aspect of photography), check out my course: Discovering DSLR and Mirrorless Photography. 

I hope you enjoy the podcast.

Graham

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As I'm recording this towards the end of 2024, I've been looking back at what went well, and what didn't. And identifying the lessons I've learned this year that I can take with me into 2025 (and make a lot of new mistakes!).

Something that I believe can be very helpful is to take part in a photography project. In this podcast, I'll take you through a few project ideas, and outline why I think they can be very valuable to improving your photography.

Here's the link to my 14 day challenge (discussed in the podcast).

I hope you enjoy it...

It's time for another podcast...

Support the show

Go from "Auto" to Awesome photos in just one week (click here)!

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Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
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Have you ever tried street photography?

If you haven't, but you're thinking about it, now is a good time to start.

The primary reason for this is the frequent use of smartphones in the street. I'm sure you've had to avoid a few "phone zombies" in your time, and this makes it very easy to discretely take street photographs. People will just assume that you're on your phone.

So what do you need to think about before you get started? You're probably already carrying the ideal camera, in your phone. And that allows you to blend into the general street traffic. But there are a few other things:

• What should you definitely avoid?
• What's the best way to approach someone if you'd like to photograph them?
• Which composition rules apply?
• How should I time my shot?
• What makes a good street photograph?

I've made a few suggestions. See what you think of them!

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Hello again,

I'm recording this podcast at the end of 2024 (Boxing Day, actually) and thought I'd share a little background to my activities this year. I've referred to it as my 'Blooper Reel' because I share some of the less glamorous aspects of wildlife photography.

In particular, I thought I'd share the story of my trip to Namibia, to support EHRA. And, some reasons why I always hope for the best, but plan for the worst!

I hope you enjoy it.

Best wishes,

Graham

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This week I speak with Matt Jacob. Matt is a British born Bali based photographic artist with a passion for capturing narratives through photography. He offers his audiences valuable insights into untold stories, inviting them into unfamiliar lives through aesthetically beautiful and meaningful images. From his early days with a disposable camera to his current status as a master storyteller, Matt's journey is motivated by his deep-seated passion for visual storytelling.

After successfully fighting cancer, Matt reshaped his outlook on life. He infuses his artistic practice with a profound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of existence. Through his lens, he crafts timeless snapshots that speak to the soul, inviting audiences to cherish life's fleeting moments and embrace the richness of diverse cultures.

Beyond the confines of his studio, Matt is a modern-day explorer, traversing the globe as a pilot. His time in the cockpit allows him to fly around the world and to uncover cultures through his camera. With each photograph, he offers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of humanity, fostering empathy and understanding among global communities. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Matt's insightful podcast delves into the philosophical depths of photography and filmmaking, enriching conversations with wisdom drawn from his own journey and the experiences of fellow creatives. In the world of visual  storytelling, Matt is a beacon of creativity and inspiration.

Website: https://mattjacobphotography.com/

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Being part of a photography community is a great way to improve your photography, connect with other photographers, and have more fun!
 
 Not everyone has access to a local photography community. So, in this podcast, I'll talk through a few options you have if you live in a more remote location. And I'll make a few suggestions for those of you in larger communities where photography groups might exist.
 
 And, if all else fails, you can always take on photography challenges.
 
 For me, photography is a creative outlet, and having that outlet is a great way to step back from the stresses of everyday life. 
 
 So, whatever you do, commit to it, make it a habit, and hold yourself accountable!
 
 I hope you enjoy it.
 
 Graham 

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Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

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Macro-photography can be very rewarding. Things to think about:

1. Magnification & Ratio

How large the subject appears in the frame compared to its actual size. In macro photography, the subject is typically life-sized or larger.

2. Depth of Field (DOF)

Using a small aperture like f/16 or f/22 can help increase DOF and keep more of the subject in focus, but may require slower shutter speeds or higher ISO.

If you’re not familiar with DoF, check out my course!

3. Lighting

Consider using diffused light to reduce harsh shadows and evenly illuminate the subject. Ring lights or macro flashes can be very useful because they provide even, directional lighting.

4. Focusing Techniques

Macro lenses typically offer manual focus due to the extreme precision required at close distances. 

5. Stability and Camera Shake

Consider a tripod, remote- shutter release or self-timer to minimize camera shake.

6. Choosing the Right Lens

A dedicated macro lens (usually 50mm, 100mm, or 150mm) can be expensive.  Consider extension tubes. They're cheaper than buying dedicated lenses, but there may be compromises.

7. Composition

Pay attention to the background and foreground.

8. Insect & Nature Photography Considerations

If you're photographing small plants or flowers, consider the time of day as morning light can be softer and dew can add interesting details to the subject.

9. Post-Processing

Post-processing can help enhance colours, sharpen details, or even combine images for focus stacking.

Here are a few lens suggestions (November 2024):

Canon:

DSLR: EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Mirrorless: RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Nikon:

DSLR: AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Mirrorless: Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S

Sony:

Sony full frame: FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Sony APS-C: E 30mm f/3.5 Macro

Sigma:

105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro: Available for both Canon, Nikon, and Sigma cameras.

70mm f/2

It's time for another podcast...

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Go from "Auto" to Awesome photos in just one week (click here)!

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Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
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Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

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This podcast was inspired by another podcast that I listen to (“The rest is history”) where they spoke about Lee Miller. This, in turn, was prompted by the 2023 movie starring Kate Winslet.

Lee Miller was largely forgotten until her biography came out in the 1980’s (she died in 1977). She had a privileged upbringing and, I think it’s fair to say, lacked any purpose in her life. This changed when the Second World War started, and she became a war photographer.

If you google Lee Miller, the first photograph you’re likely to see is of her in Hitler’s bath in his flat in Munich. I understand that she was in his apartment by accident and the reason for the bath was that she was washing off the mud from the Dachau concentration camp, which she’d just visited. 

Photojournalism is a central part of my approach to photography (the “visual storyteller”) and I always respect the people who are willing to put themselves on the front line. Lee Miller was in real danger of death, and journalists and photographers are often targeted to stop the truth from getting out (this is happening in Palestine as I write).

Another aspect is censorship and misinformation. In Lee Millers case, the photographs she took at Dachau featured in two spreads in Vogue, clearly showing what had happened there. Another set, showing American bombers dropping napalm on German positions, was censored.

So, what are the takeaways for our photography? I suggest these:

Imagine you only have a roll of 12 (or 24, or 36) images available and think before you press the shutter button: What is this photograph about? What is the story you want to tell?

Try a film camera if you’re not familiar with using them, as you need a different approach and I believe this will positively impact your work.

When is a photograph dishonest? For example, some, pre-Google maps, real estate photographs create an impression of space. So the question has to be, is the intention to deceive the viewer? What is your intention? This is important with the amount of misinformation we see today, much of it photographic. 

I hope you find it thought provoking...

Graham

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Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
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Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

If you've had value from this podcast, please help me to continue with them. Most people don't, but if you would like to make a small contribution, how about a coffee? You can buy me a coffee here.

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

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You might be new to photography, or perhaps you’ve just hit a creative ‘slump’. Or, maybe, you just want to step back and revisit the basics of photography. Wherever you are, here are 12 tips that might help you:

• There’s a lot to learn, especially with some modern cameras, so, give yourself time and just take things one at a time. I always recommend a structured course if you’re just starting, the reason being that if you miss a basic step, you can be in for a very frustrating time.
• Learn to use the camera in fully manual mode (i.e. focus, shutter speed, ISO and aperture). Also, learn how your camera's metering works. It might feel irrelevant given the amount of automation available, but it will serve you well.
• Experiment with higher ISO’s. It’s better to have a grainy image that’s sharp than a smooth image that’s blurry. And it can give your photos a certain look that you might find attractive.
• While the latest gear always looks great, you probably don’t need it.
• Learn to look at how different photographers use light. This is fundamental to photography and the better you understand the use of light, the better your results will be.
• Practice getting everything right in the viewfinder (or screen) before you press the shutter button. Post-processing is helpful, but don’t rely on it.
• Always shoot in RAW.
• Learn about your preferred post-processing package by making adjustments manually. Don’t rely on presets as they will limit your results.
• Learn the rules so that when you break them, you know which ones you’ve broken. Consistency is the sign of a good photographer.
• If you do hit a slump, where you feel your photographs are getting worse, don’t worry. It happens to most of us. Just step back and return to basics. What isn’t working? What can you do to change it?
• Keep having fun recording the day-to-day. Creating great ‘art’ is rewarding, but you have a day-to-day life too.
• Photography is a continuous learning experience, so enjoy the journey!

 If you've found this useful, learn more with my eBook; "Focus on photography: A beginners guide"

It's time for another podcast...

Support the show

Go from "Auto" to Awesome photos in just one week (click here)!

Or, if you've been inspired to improve your photography, download my FREE guide to 10 ways to improve your photography today.
10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

If you've had value from this podcast, please help me to continue with them. Most people don't, but if you would like to make a small contribution, how about a coffee? You can buy me a coffee here.

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.