Photography Explained Podcast

Send us Fan Mail📸 About This Episode You’ve come home from a shoot with hundreds of photos on your camera — and no system for what to do next. This episode is that system. Seven practical steps you can follow in about thirty minutes after every shoot. By the end, your photos are safe, organised, selected, and improved. And you’ve learned something for next time. 📋 The Seven Steps 1.    Get the photos off your camera the same day — not tomorrow 2.    Create a simple Category > Year > Location folder structure and use it every time 3.    Do a ten-minute first cull — delete the obvious disasters 4.    Pick your one best photo from the whole session 5.    Back up before you go to bed — every single time 6.    Edit your best photo properly — not everything 7.    Write down one thing you would do differently next time 📖 Read the Full Guide Everything is on the blog: rickmcevoyphotography.com/blog/post-shoot-photography-workflow 🔗 Related Episodes Episode 46 — Step by Step Guide to How I Get the Photos Off My Camera Safely and Securely Episode 152 — How My One Photo Rule Will Help You Take Better Photos Episode 198 — How to Organise Digital Photos on Your Computer 🎬 Next Episode Episode 233 — Are You Holding Your Camera Like a Cheese and Pickle Sandwich? — Friday 22 May 2026 🌐 More From Rick Website, courses, resources and weekly email: rickmcevoyphotography.com YouTube: search Rick McEvoy Courses: rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses Resources: rickmcevoyphotography.com/resources  My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan Mail📸 You’ve got the camera. You’ve found something worth photographing. Now what? In this episode, Rick walks through the seven steps that happen between picking up your camera and pressing the shutter — the process that determines whether your photo is sharp, well composed, and actually what you intended. Practical, in order, and immediately usable. 🎟️ In this episode: 1.    Hold the camera with both hands — every single time — Right hand on the grip, left hand under the lens. Both hands reduce camera movement and reduce blur. 2.    Look through the viewfinder — When you look through the viewfinder you have three points of contact with the camera. Far more stable than holding it out to look at the screen. Use the viewfinder. 3.    Compose the frame before you focus on anything — Composition is a creative decision. Make it first. Focus is a technical one — make it second. 4.    Half-press the shutter button to focus — never stab it — Two stages: half-press to focus, check it’s on the right thing, then gently press fully. 5.    Stand still. Breathe out slowly and shoot — Breathing is movement. Movement is blur. Stand still, breathe out slowly, and shoot. 6.    Check the shot you just took — every single time — Playback immediately. See what you got. Adjust if needed. Delete rejects at your computer, not in camera. 7.    Take one great photo and move on — Usually the first photo is the best one. Take your time, get it right, and move on. This is the one photo rule. 📝 Full show notes: rickmcevoyphotography.com/blog/how-to-actually-take-a-photo 🎙️ Related episodes: Episode 93 — How Do You Hold a Camera Properly? This Is Very Important! Episode 152 — How My One Photo Rule Will Help You Take Better Photos ⏭️ Next episode: Episode 232 — I’ve Got Hundreds of Photos on My Camera — Now What? — Friday 8 May 2026. 🌐 Website, courses and resources: rickmcevoyphotography.com 📺 YouTube: Rick McEvoy on YouTube  My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan Mail 📸 About This Episode You’ve just got a new camera. The excitement is real — but most cameras come out of the box in a state that will cause you problems at exactly the moment you most want to take photos. In this episode, Rick walks you through seven quick setup steps — about twenty minutes in total — that get your camera properly ready before you take a single shot. Perfect for anyone who’s just unboxed their first camera, or who wants to start things off the right way. ✅ The 7 Setup Steps 1.    Charge the battery fully before your first shoot — and order a spare battery today. One battery is never enough. 2.    Format the memory card inside the camera using the camera’s own menu — not your computer, not by deleting files. It sets the card up in exactly the right way for your specific camera. 3.    Set the date and time correctly in the camera settings. Every photo is stamped with the date and time it was taken — that stamp is how you find photos later. 4.    Set image format to RAW and JPEG. Start working with JPEG files straight away, and have those RAW files ready for when you’re ready to edit them. 5.    Set image quality to the highest setting your camera offers — Fine, Large, or equivalent. Storage is cheap. Quality matters. 6.    Spend ten minutes with the first chapter of the manual. Just ten minutes. Know where the controls are before you go out. 7.    Put it in Auto mode and go and take some photos. Build confidence. Build enthusiasm. That takes you further. 📝 Full Show Notes and Blog Post Read the full episode notes and transcript: Episode 230 — Shiny New Camera? Calm Down and Do This First 🔗 Related Episodes Episode 225 — I Just Got My First Camera — What Do I Do in the First Week? Episode 228 — How to Know If You’re Ready to Move from Phone to Camera Episode 229 — What Can an Entry Level Camera Really Do? 🗃️ Next Episode Episode 231 — Camera. Check. Something to Photograph. Check. Now How Do You Actually Take the Photo? — publishes Friday 24 April 2026. 🎦 Support the Podcast Get the video version of every episode on Patreon: patreon.com/c/rickphoto 🌐 Find Rick Website: r My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan Mail📸 Think you need an expensive camera to take great photos? You really don't. In episode 229 of the Photography Explained Podcast, I take my entry level Canon R100 to Mexico for two weeks — kit lens only — and come back with portfolio-worthy images. Under £500 of gear. Real conditions. No tricks. In this episode I reveal 7 things an entry level camera can genuinely do brilliantly — and the results might surprise you. 💡 THE 7 THINGS COVERED: 1️⃣  It produces genuinely excellent photos — right out of the box 2️⃣  The kit lens is a much better starting point than you think 3️⃣  Programme mode is a perfectly valid way to shoot 4️⃣  It handles low light significantly better than your phone 5️⃣  A tripod unlocks a whole new level of what's possible 6️⃣  Auto Exposure Bracketing helps you handle tricky light 7️⃣  It will make you a better photographer  🔗 USEFUL LINKS:  📝  Blog Post (Full Episode Text) 🌄  Mexico Portfolio — Shot on the Canon R100 🎓  Photography for Beginners Hub Page  📖 RELATED EPISODES:  •  Episode 228 — How to Know If You're Ready to Move from Phone to Camera •  Episode 225 — I Just Got My First Camera, What Do I Do in the First Week? •  Episode 106 — Programme Mode: What Is It? Is It OK For Me to Use It? •  Episode 160 — What Is Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)? •  Episode 60 — What Is a Kit Lens? 🌐 My Website: https://rickmcevoyphotography.com 📺 YouTube Channel: Rick McEvoy Photography 🎓  My courses page 📚  Resources Page 💬 GET IN TOUCH:  📧  Subscribe to my weekly email at rickmcevoyphotography.com 💬  Text me directly from the podcast feed 🔔  Subscribe so you My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan Mail📸 Is your phone holding your photography back — or is it you? In episode 228 of the Photography Explained Podcast, I’m sharing seven honest signs that tell you whether now is the right time to move from your phone to a camera. And if it isn’t quite the right time yet, I’ll tell you exactly what to do instead. In this episode you will learn: 📱 Sign 1. You keep running into the limits of your phone camera — zooming in that turns to mush, photos that blur in dark rooms, moments you miss because your phone just can’t keep up. 🌸 Sign 2. You want proper control over blurry backgrounds — not the faked portrait mode version, but real optical depth of field that you actually create yourself by controlling your aperture. 🌙 Sign 3. Low light photos keep disappointing you — why small sensors are fighting against physics, and what a camera with a larger sensor genuinely gives you. 💡 Sign 4. You’ve already learned the basics of composition on your phone — because a camera won’t make you a better photographer, only practice does. 🤔 Sign 5. You’re genuinely curious about how cameras work — and why that curiosity is the best predictor of whether you’ll thrive with a camera or leave it in a drawer. ⏰ Sign 6. You’re ready to invest time, not just money — the thing that catches most people out. 🌱 Sign 7. You want to grow as a photographer, not just capture moments — the most important question of all. Whether you’re a phone photographer wondering if the time is right, or you’re already sold on a camera and want to know what to do next, this episode will give you a clear, honest answer. 📝 Find the full episode blog post here: How to Know If You’re Ready to Move from Phone to Camera 🎙️ Related episodes: Episode 7 — What Camera Should I Buy? — the best place to start once you’ve decided you’re ready. Episode 212 — Creative Use of Depth of Field: Blurry Backgrounds, Sharp Subjects — if blurry backgrounds are what’s pulling you towards a camera, this is the episode for you. Episode 225 — I Just Got My First Camera — What Do I Do in the First Week? — the perfect follow-on episode once you’ve made the move. ➡️ Next episode: 10 Things to Know Before Buying Your First Camera. Out Friday 27th March 2026. 🎞️ Want to watch the full podcast video? It’s exclusively available to my Pat My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailYour photos are sharp and well-exposed — but they look weirdly orange or horribly blue. Here's how white balance works and how to fix it. 📸This is one of those photography settings that nobody really explains to beginners. But once you understand it — and it really doesn't take long — you'll stop wondering why your photos look a bit off and start knowing exactly what to do about it. 💡📚 IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:✅ What white balance actually is (and why it matters)✅ Why your indoor photos look too orange 🟠✅ Why outdoor photos sometimes look too blue or cold ❄️✅ When to trust Auto White Balance (and when not to)✅ How to use white balance presets on your camera✅ How to fix white balance perfectly when you shoot RAW✅ The grey card trick that professionals use for perfect colour 🎨Whether you're using a camera or your phone, this episode will help you understand one of photography's most fundamental settings and fix your colour problems for good. 📱📷💡 THE 7 TIPS COVERED:1️⃣ What White Balance Actually Is — and Why It Matters2️⃣ Why Your Indoor Photos Look Too Orange3️⃣ Why Outdoor Photos Sometimes Look Too Blue or Too Cold4️⃣ How to Use Auto White Balance — and When to Trust It5️⃣ How to Use White Balance Presets on Your Camera6️⃣ How to Fix White Balance in Editing When You Shoot RAW7️⃣ The Grey Card Trick — Your Secret Weapon for Perfect White Balance🔗 USEFUL LINKS:📝 Blog Post (Full Episode Text) 🎓 Photography for Beginners Hub Page:📖 RELATED EPISODES• Episode 226 - Why Are My Photos Too Dark? Understanding Exposure for Beginners• Episode 4 - What Is The Exposure Triangle?• Episode 21 - What Does Exposure Mean In Photography?• Episode 225 - I Just Got My First Camera - What Do I Do in the First Week?🌐 My Website: https://rickmcevoyphotography.com📺 YouTube Channel: Rick McEvoy Photography🎓 My courses page📚  My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailEver wonder why your photos come out so dark you can barely see what you shot? You take a photo of something brilliant - a stunning sunset, your mate pulling a funny face, your dinner that actually looks restaurant-quality for once - and when you look at the result, it's so dark you might as well have taken it in a cave. Frustrating, right? 📸 This episode explains exactly why photos come out dark and gives you seven practical tips to fix it once and for all.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How bright backgrounds fool your camera into making everything dark✅ Why shooting into the light creates silhouettes (and how to fix it)✅ How shutter speed, aperture, and ISO affect exposure✅ The magic of exposure compensation - your "make it brighter" button✅ Why you need enough light in the first place✅ How to read your camera's histogram like a pro✅ When and why to use a tripod for perfect exposureWhether you're using a camera or your phone, these seven tips will transform your photography. From understanding exposure compensation to reading histograms, you'll have all the tools you need to never take a mysteriously dark photo again.📸 What You'll Learn:✅ Tip 1: Your Camera is Being Fooled by Bright Backgrounds✅ Tip 2: You're Shooting Directly Into the Light✅ Tip 3: Your Camera Settings are Working Against You✅ Tip 4: You Need to Use Exposure Compensation✅ Tip 5: You're Shooting in the Wrong Light✅ Tip 6: Learn to Read Your Camera's Histogram✅ Tip 7: Use a Tripod📱 For Phone Photographers:Everything applies to phone cameras too! Tap on your subject before shooting, slide your finger up to make it brighter, and remember that light is still everything. That one tap solves 70% of dark photo problems!🔗 Related Episodes:Episode 224, Why Are My Photos Blurry? All the Reasons and How to Fix ThemEpisode 225, I Just Got My First Camera - What Do I Do in the First Week?Episode 11, What Is Exposure Compensation, How Do I Use It? And Why Is It So Useful?Episode 164, Understanding Histograms In Photography⭐️ Next Episode:Episode 227 - Why Are My Photos the Wrong Colour? Understanding White Balance🎯 Your Action Step:This weekend, deliberately photog My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailYou've just unboxed your first proper camera and honestly? It's a bit overwhelming. All those dials, buttons, menu options - where do you even begin? 📸 This episode walks you through exactly what to do in your first week with your new camera. No jargon, no technical overwhelm, just practical, actionable steps that'll have you taking photos you're proud of by next weekend.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How to properly set up your camera from day one✅ Why reading the quick start guide saves hours of frustration  ✅ The correct way to hold your camera for sharper photos✅ Why Auto mode is your friend when you're starting out✅ How to review your photos to accelerate learning✅ The secret to understanding light in photography✅ Why finding a photography community mattersThat first week with your new camera is absolutely crucial. Get it right, and you'll build confidence, develop good habits, and actually enjoy the learning process. These aren't complicated technical exercises - they're simple, enjoyable activities that'll help you understand your camera and start taking photos you actually like.📸 What You'll Learn:✅ Tip 1: Charge the Battery and Format Your Memory Card✅ Tip 2: Read the Manual - or the Quick Start Guide at Least!✅ Tip 3: Get Comfortable Holding Your Camera✅ Tip 4: Shoot in Auto Mode and Explore Your Environment✅ Tip 5: Review Your Photos and Learn From Them✅ Tip 6: Take Photos at Different Times of Day✅ Tip 7: Join a Photography Community or Find a Friend📱 For Phone Photographers:Well this is aimed at people taking photos with their phones. So let's move on from this one ok?🔗 Related Episodes:Episode 9, How Can I Learn To Use My New Camera?Episode 17, What Time Of Day Is Best To Take Photos?Episode 104, 10 Camera Settings For BeginnersEpisode 152, How My One Photo Rule Will Help You Take Better Photos⭐️ Next Episode:Episode 226 - Why Are My Photos Too Dark? Understanding Exposure for Beginners🎯 Your Action Step:Choose one location and over the course of a week, take twenty different photos there. Try different angles, different subjects within that space, experiment with different settings. By week's end, pick your five favorites and t My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailYou've taken what you thought was the perfect shot, but when you look at it later, it's blurry. Frustrating, right? 📸 This episode breaks down all seven main reasons your photos might be blurry and gives you practical fixes for each one.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How camera shake ruins photos (and the proper technique to eliminate it)✅ The reciprocal rule for shutter speed that prevents blur✅ Why your focus might be off and how to manually control it✅ How to handle motion blur in your subjects✅ When shallow depth of field becomes a problem✅ Why a dirty lens makes everything soft (and how to keep yours clean)✅ How high ISO affects apparent sharpness (and when to use a tripod)Whether you're using a camera or your phone, these seven fixes will transform your photography. From the breathing technique that stops camera shake to the simple habit of cleaning your lens after every shoot, you'll get actionable advice you can use immediately.📸 What You'll Learn:✅ Tip 1: Camera Shake - You're Moving When You Press the ButtonLearn the proper holding technique, breathing method, and when to use a tripod.✅ Tip 2: Wrong Shutter Speed for Your Focal LengthThe reciprocal rule prevents blur. Using a 100mm lens? Minimum 1/100th second.✅ Tip 3: Your Focus Is Off - You've Focused on the Wrong ThingManually select the focus point and always check your shots.✅ Tip 4: Your Subject Is Moving - Motion BlurLearn exactly what shutter speeds you need for different subjects.✅ Tip 5: Shallow Depth of Field - Not Enough Is in FocusWhen to close down your aperture to keep everything sharp.✅ Tip 6: Dirty or Smudged LensClean your gear after every shoot - takes 30 seconds, makes a massive difference!✅ Tip 7: Low Light and High ISO - Noise Disguising as BlurUse a tripod to stick to ISO 100 for the highest quality.📱 For Phone Photographers:Everything applies to phone cameras too! Hold with both hands, use the volume button to shoot, tap to focus on the right spot, and clean that lens regularly!🔗 Related Episodes:Episode 222, The Best of The Photography Explained Podcast: 29 Essential Photography Tips That Actually MatterEpisode 220, The Photographer's Eye: See a Great Photo Before You Take ItEpisode 152,  My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailWant to take better photos in 2026 than you did in 2025? 📸 This episode gives you five simple, practical things you can start doing today that will genuinely improve your photography.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ How to properly clean your camera gear and why it matters for sharp photos✅ The smart way to learn camera settings without getting overwhelmed✅ Why shooting in different lighting conditions makes you a better photographer✅ How to critically review your work before sharing it✅ Why trying uncomfortable photography genres helps you growThese tips work for everyone - whether you're using a phone 📱, an entry-level camera, or professional gear. No jargon, just practical advice you can use today.📸 What You'll Learn:✅ Thing 1: Clean Your Gear Properly and Keep It CleanGet yourself a proper cleaning kit with a blower brush, microfibre cloths, and lens cleaning solution. Make cleaning a habit before every shoot. Clean lenses make sharp photos - it's that simple!✅ Thing 2: Learn One Camera Setting Really WellDon't try to master everything at once. Pick one setting - maybe exposure compensation, aperture priority, or even manual mode - and become properly competent with it. Master it, then move on to the next one.✅ Thing 3: Take Photos in Different LightDeliberately seek out different lighting conditions. Harsh midday sun, soft overcast light, golden hour, indoor window light - each type teaches you different skills. Photography is drawing with light, so this stuff is pretty important!✅ Thing 4: Review Your Photos Critically Before Sharing ThemStop sharing every photo you take. Review your photos twice - once immediately, then again with fresh eyes after waiting overnight. Quality over quantity, always.✅ Thing 5: Shoot Something UncomfortableTry a photography genre outside your comfort zone. Love landscapes? Try portraits. Always shoot people? Try architecture. Uncomfortable equals growth, and growth equals better photography.📱 For Phone Photographers:Everything in this episode applies to phone photography too! Clean your phone lens, learn exposure compensation in your camera app, photograph in different light, review before posting, and try different types of photography with your phone.🔗 Related Episodes:If you're enjoying this New Year focus on improving your photography, you might want to check out the previous episode - episode 222, The Best of The Photography Explained Podcast: 29 Essential Photography Tips T My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailOver 221 episodes, thousands of tips, and hundreds of hours of content. Today, I've distilled everything down to the most important photography tips I've ever shared. This is the episode you'll want to bookmark. 🔖Here's the thing about doing a podcast for over 221 episodes: you accumulate a lot of advice. Some of it's specific—how to photograph buildings 🏛️, how to use a polarizing filter, how to set up your Lightroom catalog. But some tips? They're universal. ✨ They work for everyone, regardless of what you photograph or what gear you use. 📷Today's episode is different. Instead of diving deep into one topic, we're going wide. 🌍 I've gone back through every single episode and pulled out the most essential, most powerful, most immediately useful tips I've ever shared. These are the tips that listeners tell me changed their photography. 🚀 The ones that work whether you're using a professional camera or your phone. 📱 The ones that apply to landscapes 🏞️, portraits 👤, street photography 🏙️, and everything in between.If you're new to the podcast, this is your crash course. 🎓 If you've been listening from the start, this is your refresher. 🔄 Either way, by the end of this episode, you'll have actionable tips that will immediately improve your photography. No fluff, no filler—just the best of the best. 🏆THE 29 TIPS COVERED: 💡1. 📸 Use My One Photo Rule2. ✂️ Take Fewer Photos Overall3. 🚶‍♂️👀🧠 My Photography Superpowers – Walking, Looking, and Thinking4. 🤔 Think Before You Take a Photo5. 🚫⚙️ No One Cares About Your Gear or Settings6. 🔺 Forget the Exposure Triangle7. 📉 Use the Lowest ISO for the Sharpest Photos8. 🎛️ Learn How to Use Manual Mode9. 🖼️ Get a Portfolio of Your Best Twelve Photos10. 💬 Get a Critique of Your Photos (Not from Friends or Family)11. 📚 Learn from Other Photographers (and Yourself)12. #️⃣ Use the Rule of Thirds13. ➡️ Use Leading Lines14. 🏔️ Create Depth in Your Photos15. 🧹 Simplify by Removing Distractions16. 📁 Shoot in RAW Format17. ⚪ Use a Grey Card for Accurate Colors18. 📊 Use Your Histogram19. 🎯 Find Your Lens Sweet Spot20. ❤️ Photograph Things You're Actually Interested In21. ✏️ Only Edit Photos You're Going to Use22. 🗑️ Delete Rubbish Photos23. 💾 Backup Your Photos in Three Places24. 🛡️ Look After Your Gear25. 🔄 Keep Practicing and Getting Better26. 🏅 Aim to Beat Your Portfolio with Every Photo27. 🔇 Ignore the Noise on Social Media28. 😊 Enjoy Your Photography29. 🦵 Use a TripodUSEFUL LINKS: 🔗📖 Photography for Beginners Hub Page🎧 Rela My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan Mail📸 Photography Explained Podcast - Episode 221🎯 Composition Made Simple: The Rule of Thirds for BeginnersHost: Rick McEvoy 🇬🇧 | Duration: ⏱️ 23 minutes⚡ What Is This?The Rule of Thirds is a cheat code 🎮 that instantly makes your photos more interesting. Divide your frame into 9 equal parts (like noughts and crosses), place your subject on the lines or intersection points, and watch your photos transform.Works for cameras 📷 and phones 📱. No jargon. Just results.🎓 The 7 Essential Tips📍 1. Position Your SubjectPut eyes on intersection points for portraits. Near the line is fine.🏔️ 2. Landscape HorizonsInteresting sky? → Horizon on lower third Interesting foreground? → Horizon on upper third🏃 3. Action & MovementGive moving subjects space to move into the frame.⚠️ 4. Avoid These MistakesDon't obsess over pixel-perfect alignmentDon't forget about your backgroundDon't use it mindlessly🔓 5. When to Break the RuleSymmetry, patterns, and tight portraits often work better centered.🔗 6. Combine with Other TechniquesUse with leading lines, negative space, and framing.🏛️ 7. Architectural PhotographyPosition buildings on vertical lines. Keep verticals vertical.📋 Quick RecapThe Grid: 2 horizontal + 2 vertical lines = 9 equal parts The Power Points: 4 intersection points where lines cross The Default: Use it for everything until you know when to break it🎬 Your Challenge1️⃣ Turn on your grid (Settings → Camera → Grid) 2️⃣ Take 3 photos using the Rule of Thirds 3️⃣ Take the same 3 photos centered 4️⃣ Compare and see the difference📱 Phone UsersiPhone: Settings → Camera → Grid ✅ Android: Camera app → ⚙️ → Grid Lines ✅Pro Tip: Tap to focus on intersection points = perfect focus + composition! 🎯🔗 More Episodes📻 220: The Photographer's Eye - See Great Photos Before You Take Them 📻 218: Train Your Eye - Master Photography Right Where You Are 📻 217: The Art of Light - From Harsh to Heavenly🚀 Next Week: Episode 222The Best of The Photography Explained Podcast: 20 Essential TipsRick's going through 220+ episodes to pull out the absolute best. Can't wait! 🤩🔗 Connect with Rick My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailEver wonder why some photographers spot amazing shots everywhere while you're standing in the same place seeing nothing? 👀 They're not lucky—they've trained their photographer's eye, and you can too! Host Rick McEvoy reveals the exact skills that separate snapshots from photographs. Learn to see light, composition, and decisive moments BEFORE you press the shutter. No expensive gear required! ✨💥 What You'll Master in This Episode:* Light First, Always 🌅💡 Why great photographers look at the light before the subject—this single shift changes everything!* Layers & Depth 🏔️📐 Spot foreground, middle ground, and background elements that transform flat photos into three-dimensional images.* Patterns, Lines & Shapes 🔲🔄 Train your eye to see geometric compositions hiding in plain sight—broken patterns and leading lines that work!* The Decisive Moment ⏱️✨ Anticipate and capture that perfect split-second when everything comes together.* Contrasts & Relationships 🔄⚖️ Big vs small, old vs new—spot visual stories that make photos memorable.* Ruthless Simplification ✂️🎨 Know what to EXCLUDE from your photos—less is always more!🎯 Your Assignment This WeekWalk for 30 minutes WITHOUT your camera. Point at everything you'd photograph and explain why. Next day, take the same walk WITH your camera. This exercise is pure magic! 🪄📱 Works with phone cameras too! The photographer's eye has nothing to do with gear. 🤳📚 Related Resources & Next Steps➡️ Next Episode (Fortnightly): Episode 221: Composition Made Simple: The Rule of Thirds for Beginners 📐⬅️ Last Episode: Episode 219: Why Your Photos Look Flat & How to Fix Them ✨🎯 Foundation Skills: Episode 218: Train Your Eye: Master Photography Right Where You Are 🔍🏠 Ready to Go Pro? Check out Rick's splendid How to Become a Real Estate Photographer course at RickMcEvoyPhotography.com/coursesFind Rick Online: RickMcEvoyPhotography.com 📸#photographyexplained #photographerseye #photographytips #learnphotography #compositiontips #decisivemoment #rickmcevoyThis episode was brought to you by a cheese and pickle sandwich and a Coke Zero 🥪🥤 My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailEver wondered why your photos don't look as good as the scene you remember? 🤔 The answer isn't a new camera or expensive software—it's mastering seven simple editing adjustments that transform flat photos into stunning images. ✨Host Rick McEvoy reveals the exact editing workflow professional photographers use on EVERY photo. Learn how to make your images pop without spending hours editing or a fortune on gear. 💥These aren't complex techniques—they're straightforward adjustments that offer massive returns in quality. Start with the best photo you can capture, then take it to the next level! 🎯💥 What You'll Master in This Episode:Crop & Straighten First 🖼️✂️ Refine composition, fix crooked horizons, and verticalize buildings for that clean, professional look.White Balance Magic ⚪🌈 Use the eyedropper tool on neutral greys to instantly correct color casts—game-changing for portraits, interiors, and landscapes.Exposure Control ☀️💡 Go beyond the basic exposure slider to master highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks for perfect brightness.Contrast for Punch 💥 Add depth and drama by making blacks blacker and whites whiter—without clipping your histogram.Dimension with Highlights & Shadows 🌓 Recover detail in bright skies and dark areas for images that feel three-dimensional.Vibrance Over Saturation 🌈🎨 Make colors pop naturally without the cartoonish look—plus the secret of Lightroom's Color Mixer.Sharpening Secrets 🔍 The finishing touch that makes photos crisp without introducing noise or artifacts.📚 Related Resources & Next Steps➡️ Next Episode (Fortnightly): Episode 220: The Photographer's Eye: See a Great Photo Before You Take It. 👁️⬅️ Last Episode: Episode 218: Train Your Eye: Master Photography Right Where You Are. 🎒📊 Deep Dive on Histograms: Episode 114: What Is A Histogram And How Can It Help Us When We Shoot? & Episode 164: Understanding Histograms In Photography.🎨 Is Editing Cheating? Episode 92: Is Editing Photos Cheating? Well Is It? Well What Do You Think?🛠️ Essential Gear: Episode 216 My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailTired of feeling like you need an exotic location for great photos? 🎒 The truth is, the most amazing photo spots are often right outside your door. The key is learning how to see like a professional photographer. 🎁Host Rick McEvoy gives you his essential 11-Point Checklist for training your eye and taking captivating photos, no matter where you are. Stop just looking, and truly see the world around you! ✨💥 What You'll Master in This Episode:Light First! ☀️💡 Always look for the best quality of light before the subject—it's the #1 way to instantly elevate your shots.Embrace the Ordinary 🧱🌳 Find compelling subjects in everyday things like brick walls, puddles, or tree bark right where you live.Depth and Dimension 💥➡️ Use layers, leading lines, and separation to eliminate flat images and add depth.The Power of Perspective ⬆️⬇️ Why you must look up, look down, and find frames within frames (Frame within a Frame 🔲).Simplify Ruthlessly 🖼️✂️ Fill the frame and eliminate anything that doesn't contribute to the story.The Secret Weapon 🌧️💨 Why the best, most moody photos are taken in bad weather (rain, fog, and snow!).📚 Related Resources & Next Steps➡️ Next Episode (Fortnightly): Episode 219: Why Your Photos Look Flat & How to Fix Them. 🛠️⬅️ Last Episode: Episode 217: The Art of Light: From Harsh to Heavenly. 💡🏞️ More Landscape Tips: Revisit Episode 213: Your First Five Steps into Landscape Photography (Even in Your Local Park).🏠 Ready to Go Pro? Check out Rick's splendid "How to Become a Real Estate Photographer" course on the Courses Page.Find Rick Online: Rick McEvoy Photography🔎 Optimised Hashtags (for Searchability)#photographyexplained #trainyoureye #photographymindset #compositiontips #learnphotography #beginnerphotography #localphotography #findthelight #streetphotography #landscapephotography #rickmcevoy #photographytips #visualarts #photoskills #creativephotography #photographypodcast My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailWhat transforms an average photograph into a stunning one? It’s light. Photography literally means "drawing with light" ✍️, but simply having light isn't enough—you need to understand how to use it as a creative tool 🎨.In this essential, practical guide, host Rick McEvoy shows you how to stop fearing "bad" light and start seeing it as an opportunity. We dive deep into the five core principles of photographic light, covering everything from the physics of harsh vs. soft light ☀️☁️, to the secrets of the Golden and Blue hours 🌅🌃.If you’ve ever struggled with blown-out highlights, heavy shadows, or flat images, this episode provides simple, actionable tips to help you transform everyday shots into captivating, professionally lit works. Light is photography's most essential ingredient! 🔑🌟 5 Practical Tips for Mastering Light 💡This episode breaks down the art of light into five easy-to-understand and immediately applicable tips for better photos:Seeing the Light: Quality is KeyUnderstand the difference between harsh, high-contrast light (midday sun ☀️) and soft, diffused light (overcast day ☁️) and learn when to use each for maximum impact.Struggling with strong sunlight? Revisit Episode 209.Shaping Your Subject: The Power of DirectionExperiment with front, side, and backlighting ➡️⬅️⬆️ to sculpt your subject and add crucial depth 🖼️.Side lighting creates three-dimensionality and texture—it’s where the magic truly begins! ✨The Magic Hours: Timed to Perfection ⏰Plan your shoots around the soft, warm glow of the Golden Hour 🌅 and the rich, serene tones of the Blue Hour 🌃.These times are nature's perfect, built-in filter 🎞️.Embracing Flat Light: Overcast & Open ShadeDon't dismiss a cloudy sky! 🌧️ An overcast day acts like a giant, natural softbox, providing beautifully even, flattering light that is ideal for portraits 😊 and product details 📦.Use open shade (under a tree 🌳 or awning 🏗️) for instant soft lighting.Painting with Shadows: Creative ContrastDon't fear shadows 👻; use them as powerful compositional tools to add mystery and drama 🎭.Shadows can create leading lines 〰️ or hide distracting elements, simplifying your scene and making your subject pop! 💥🚀 Your Photography Homework ChallengeGrab your camera or phone 📱 and choose a single subject (a mug ☕, a tree 🌲, or even a friend 🤗). Now, photograph it from the same spot at differe My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailEver wondered what gear you need beyond your camera? 🤔 The answer isn't a new lens or a bigger flash; it's a few simple, affordable accessories that can make a huge difference. ✨ They protect your gear, make shooting easier, and help you get better photos. 📸 In this episode, your host Rick dives deep into ten must-have items that professional photographers can't live without, showing you how to get the most out of your camera without spending a fortune. 🤑 Simple but effective and important bits of kit, these are.What we talk aboutAn essential accessory is a problem solver, not a luxury. 🛠️The golden rule of buying gear is to use what you have, but these accessories are the exception. 🥇A small investment in these items offers massive returns in the quality of your work and your peace of mind. 📈The 10 Essential Accessories1: A Good Camera Bag 🎒 A camera bag is your gear's best friend. It's about protecting your valuable equipment from bumps and knocks, not about making a fashion statement. Look for a bag that is comfortable, durable, and specifically designed to hold camera bodies, lenses, and other accessories.2: Lens Cleaning Solution, Disposable Cloths and Blower Brush 🧼 This is probably the cheapest, most useful, and most important thing you can buy for your camera. Use a blower brush to remove dust and a few drops of solution on a disposable cloth for a safe clean. Keeping your lens pristine is key to getting sharp, clear images.3: An Extra Battery (or 3) 🔋 Never get caught out with a dead battery. Always have a spare, fully charged one ready to go. Consider third-party batteries from a reputable supplier as a more affordable alternative to the manufacturer's versions.4: A Spare Memory Card (or two!) 💾 Memory cards are cheap insurance against missing the perfect shot. They're a non-negotiable part of your kit. Always have a spare ready and store them in a good quality case to keep them safe from damage.5: A Small Tripod ⛰️ A small, lightweight tripod is perfect for getting tack-sharp photos in low light or for creating long-exposure effects. It's also great for self-portraits or for capturing group shots where you want to be in the picture.6: A Polarising Filter 🕶️ Think of this as sunglasses for your camera. It reduces glare and reflections on water, glass, and leaves. It also makes colors, especially blue skies, look richer and more vibrant.7: A Neutral Density Filter (ND Filter) ☀️ An ND filter is a piece of dark glass that reduces the amount of light hitting your camera's sensor. This allows you to use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions, creating cool effects like silky smooth water or blurred clouds.8: A  My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailEver wondered why some photos come out looking dark 🌑 and others are sharp but grainy? 🌾 The answer lies in one simple camera setting: ISO. 📸 It doesn't let more light in; instead, it's the digital amplifier of your photo's data. 🔊 Mastering this one setting lets you get a sharp, correctly exposed photo in any situation. 🎯 We’re diving deep into ISO, showing you what it is, how it affects your images, and the professional techniques for using it to get the cleanest photos possible. 🧼Here is the answery bit 👇ISO simply boosts the light captured by your camera’s sensor. 💡 It electronically amplifies the signal that's already there. ⚡ The base ISO is your starting point—the lowest setting, offering the purest, highest-quality image. 💎 As you increase the number (from 100 to 200, 400, 800, and so on), you’re digitally brightening the photo. ✨ This is a vital tool, but it comes with a major compromise: a higher ISO means more digital noise, 🚫 which can degrade your image. 📉 Your primary goal should always be to use the lowest possible ISO.Hello and welcome to episode 215 of the Photography Explained Podcast, "ISO Explained: The Simple Guide to Better Photos in Any Light." 🌟I'm your host, Rick, and in each episode, I try to explain one photographic thing to you in plain English. 🌍Today, we're mastering ISO – one of the most powerful ways to get a correct exposure without the need for fancy gear. ⚙️ We'll explore simple, practical ISO tips for using it effectively. ✨ If you're still getting to grips with your camera's main settings, go back and listen to Episode 211: Understanding Your Camera's Settings: A Simple Guide to Your Modes ⚙️.How utterly splendid. 🤩 Let’s get into this. 👇Here are 5 top tips for making ISO work for you! 🌟Okay. Time for some practical photography tips to help you consistently get a correctly exposed photo that's sharp and clean. 🎯1: ISO for Beginners: What is ISO in Photography? 📸🤓Let's break down exactly what ISO is without all the technical jargon. 🚧 Think of your camera's sensor as an ear listening for sound. 👂 A low ISO setting is like a normal hearing level—it captures what's there clearly. 🎶 A high ISO is like turning up the volume on a speaker—it amplifies the sound but also the background hiss. 🔊 ISO is a number, typically ranging from 100 up to thousands. 🔢 The lowest number, usually ISO 100 or 200, is your base ISO. 💎 As you increase the number, you’re telling the camera to digitally boost the signal, making a photo that would have been too dark appear brighter. ✨ This is the final part of your exposure triangle, a crucial balance between aperture and shutter speed.  My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailThe Secret to Amazing Photos Isn't a Camera. It's How You Use Your Eyes. ✨Have you ever wondered what separates a simple snapshot from a truly captivating photograph? It’s all about composition—the art of purposefully arranging everything within your photo frame to guide the viewer's eye and tell a clear story. In this episode, your host, Rick, demystifies this powerful photographic tool, sharing five simple, practical, and highly effective tips to help you move beyond taking a picture to "making" a picture that truly stands out.You'll discover why composition is the single most important element in photography, why it's not a complex art theory, and how to create images that are more dynamic, clear, and visually appealing.Five Tips for Better Photographic Composition 🎯In this episode, Rick shares his five top tips, simplifying how you think about arranging elements to instantly improve your work:1. The Rule of Thirds: Your fundamental composition guide. Imagine your frame divided into a nine-box grid. Learn how to use this simple grid to place subjects off-center, creating more visual interest and balance. For landscapes, simply placing your horizon on the top or bottom third makes a massive, massive difference to your photo. It's the one rule you should always use! 📏2. Leading Lines: Go on a “visual journey.” Find natural or man-made lines in your scene (like winding paths, rivers, or fences) to add depth and direct attention toward your main subject. They create a powerful journey for the eye, making your photo more impactful in a world of endless scrolling. 🛣️3. Natural Framing: Use your environment to compose. Discover how arches, doorways, windows, or even a gnarled tree branch can frame your subject. By shooting through these elements, you create a natural border that draws attention to what’s inside, giving the viewer a sense of looking into a scene rather than just at it. 🌳4. Change Your Angle: Break predictability. Don’t just shoot from eye level—it's the most common viewpoint. Experiment by getting low to the ground or climbing somewhere high with a simple accessory like a painter's pole to get an expansive view. Changing your perspective is one of the quickest ways to find a unique composition and transform the feeling of your photo. 🧗5. Simplicity & Negative Space: Less is often more. Sometimes the strongest compositions are the simplest. Learn how to create powerful, uncluttered images by focusing on your main subject and removing distractions. Negative space—the empty area around your subject, like a clear sky or calm water—gives your phot My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan Mail🏞️ Photography Explained Podcast - Episode 213: Your First Five Steps into Landscape Photography (Even in Your Local Park!) 📸What if you could take stunning landscape photos without traveling to exotic locations? In this episode, your host Rick McEvoy makes photography accessible by showing you how to find beauty right where you are—even in your local park. We’ll get straight to the point with five simple, practical steps to help you capture images you'll be truly proud of.💡 Your Five Steps to Stunning Landscapes:1. See the Scene: Find Your Best ViewpointDon't just stand there! Your most powerful tool is to move around. Get low, get high, move left or right. Explore different angles to eliminate distractions and find a unique perspective that changes how the scene looks.2. The Light Magic: Best Times for PhotosLight is everything. Avoid the harsh midday sun. Instead, aim for the "golden hour"—just after sunrise or before sunset—for warm, dramatic light. Overcast days are also fantastic, offering soft, even light that's perfect for woodlands and intimate scenes.3. Build Your Photo: Simple Composition RulesUse simple rules to guide the viewer’s eye. Try the Rule of Thirds by placing your horizon or subject on one of the grid lines, not in the middle. Look for leading lines like a path or a river to pull the viewer's eye into the scene.4. Camera Settings Explained: Get Everything SharpFor landscapes, you want maximum sharpness. Your key tool is a narrow aperture (a large f-number like f/11 or f/16), which creates a deep depth of field. Use a tripod for stability with the slower shutter speeds this requires, and keep your ISO at 100 for the cleanest image possible.5. The Small Details: Use Foreground InterestAdd a small, interesting detail close to your camera, like a unique rock or a patch of flowers. This "foreground interest" gives your photo depth and scale, turning a flat image into a three-dimensional one that invites the viewer in.📱 Landscape Photography with a Phone:Your phone is a great tool for landscapes. It already has a deep depth of field to keep everything sharp. Just remember to use the grid lines for composition, tap to focus on a foreground element, and use panorama mode for wider scenes.🚀 The Next Step:Next week: Episode 214: Finding Your Best Angle: Simple Tips for Better Composition.Podcast Website Update! 🥳 The podcast content has moved to its new home on rickmcevoyphotography.com. Check out the new website to listen to this episode and explore all the new pages!A quick plug for me:➡️ Want a weekly email? Fi My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how some photos make the subject leap out with a dreamy, soft background, while others keep every detail crystal-clear from front to back? That, my dear listener, is the magic of Depth of Field (DoF)! ✨ In this episode, Rick McEvoy, your plain-English photography guide, unlocks this fundamental concept, showing you how to wield it for stunning, professional-looking images every time.Forget complex jargon; we're talking about depth of sharpness – how much of your photo appears acceptably sharp. It’s your secret weapon for guiding the viewer's eye, creating drama, and truly making your subjects sing. 🎶In This Episode, You'll Discover: 👇What is Depth of Field (DoF)? – Understand this core principle and why Rick calls it "depth of sharpness." 🧠Aperture's Power! – How those f-numbers (f/1.8, f/16) control your blur and sharpness. ⚙️Mastering Blurry Backgrounds – Techniques to make your subject pop with that coveted "bokeh" effect (no, it's not a Japanese flower arrangement!). 🌸Achieving Front-to-Back Sharpness – Essential tips for breathtaking landscapes and group photos where everything stays sharp. 🏞️Beyond Aperture – How your distance to subject and lens focal length secretly influence DoF. 📏Pinpoint Focus – Why precise focusing is absolutely crucial for effective DoF control, especially with shallow depth of field. 📍Phone Photography DoF – Can you get blurry backgrounds with your smartphone? (Spoiler: yes, usually!). 📱Rick's Pro Workflow – How he applies these principles for razor-sharp architectural photography every single time. 🏗️Dive Deeper Into DoF Control: 💡1. Aperture's Power: Your Blur Control Dial! 🎛️Learn how a small f-number (wide aperture like f/1.8) creates shallow depth of field for creamy blur, while a large f-number (narrow aperture like f/16) gives you deep depth of field for expansive sharpness. This is your magic dial for visual impact! ✨2. Blurry Backgrounds: Make Your Subject Pop! 🌟This is the holy grail for portraits, product shots, and detail photography. Discover the three key ingredients for beautiful bokeh: a wide aperture, getting closer to your subject, and ensuring distance between your subject and the background. 🚶‍♀️➡️🌸3. Sharp From Front to Back: The Landscape Dream! 🌲Sometimes you want everything sharp. Explore how narrow apertures (f/8, f/11, f/16) achieve this in grand landscapes, group photos, and architectural exteriors. Precisio My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailAre you tired of your camera making all the decisions? 😫 Want to take control and unlock its full creative potential? This episode is your straightforward guide to understanding camera modes and transforming your photography from guesswork to glorious! ✨💡 Why Camera Modes Matter (Beyond Auto!)Ever wondered why some of your photos are perfect in Auto Mode, and others just... aren't? It's all about control! Your camera's shooting modes – that dial on top with letters like M, Av, Tv, P, and that mysterious green square – are your direct pathway to intentionally crafting images. 🖼️Ditching Auto lets you tell your camera what's truly important: freezing fast action 🏃‍♂️, getting those dreamy blurry backgrounds (bokeh) 🌫️, or taking complete command of the light. Auto often plays it "safe," sacrificing your vision for a "correct" exposure, which can limit your ability to capture motion blur, manage tricky lighting, or truly understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. It's time to stop guessing and start creating with purpose! 💪🔍 Your 5 Essential Camera Modes ExplainedRick breaks down each key camera mode, explaining what it does, when to use it, and how it gives you creative power.1. 🟩 Auto Mode: The Green Square Explained (Your Camera’s Basic Brain)The "point and shoot" option where your camera decides everything.When to use it:⚡ Quick snapshots: Capture a moment without thinking.🤝 Handing off your camera: Let a non-photographer take your picture easily.⏱️ Unexpected moments: When a scene unfolds quickly.👶 Absolute beginners.😴 Or if you just can’t be bothered!The Downside: Zero creative control, often leads to unpredictable results like unwanted noise or missed artistic opportunities. Think of it as training wheels! 🚴2. 🅿️ Program Mode (P): The Intelligent Auto (Your Camera’s Smart Assistant)Like a smarter Auto, where the camera still sets aperture and shutter speed for exposure, but you control ISO, flash, and white balance.You can "shift" the program to choose different aperture/shutter combinations while maintaining correct exposure.Ideal for:🚀 Faster workflow for quick, reliable exposure.🧠 Learning exposure combinations and how settings relate.📷 General everyday shooting when you want more control than Auto.3. 🅰️ Aperture Priority Mode (A or Av): Master Your Depth of Field (Control the Blur!)You choose the aperture (the f-number), and your camera sets the shut My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailIs your camera secretly plotting to make your photos blurry? 😈 You know the feeling: that perfectly composed shot, only to find it looks like it was taken by a ghost. A soft-focus nightmare! 🤦‍♂️ Well, my dear listener, I'm Rick McEvoy, your humble host, and I'm here to banish that blur for good!In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the true secrets to achieving consistently crisp, clear, pin-sharp photos, every single time. Trust me, it goes way, way beyond just tapping that focus button. We're diving into the delicious recipe for sharpness, involving ingredients you might not even realize are messing with your masterpieces! Get ready to transform those fuzzy snaps into jaw-droppingly detailed images. 😎In this episode, you’ll uncover my personal magic formula for ultimate sharpness, including:⚡️ Shutter Speed Superpowers (and My Best Mate, the Tripod!): Learn how to freeze time (and your wobbly hands!) or master motion blur for awesome creative effects. I'll explain why my tripod is my constant companion – it's the ultimate weapon against camera shake!🎯 Aperture's "Sweet Spot" (and Why I Care So Much!): Discover the magical aperture where your lens performs its absolute best. We'll explore how to control that dreamy background blur (bokeh!) or keep everything razor-sharp, just the way I like it for my architectural shots.📉 ISO for Clarity, Not Crunch!: Say goodbye to grainy nightmares! I'll reveal why I always aim for the lowest ISO possible (like ISO 100 on my trusty Canon 6D) to preserve every glorious detail. Less noise, more crispness!💪 Lens Love & Steady Hands (My Personal Obsession!): Your lens is your camera's magic wand – but only if it's clean and top-notch! I’ll share my own habits, like always using a lens hood (the best free accessory!) and making sure my glass is spotless. Plus, how to hold your camera like a seasoned pro.✨ Post-Processing Polish (The Final Whistle!): Even with perfect in-camera technique, your digital photos love a little kiss of sharpening in post-processing. I'll guide you on how to apply that crucial final touch without making your images look artificial or over-sharpened. It's an art!📱 Smartphone Sharpness Hacks: Yes, even your phone can take surprisingly sharp photos with a few smart moves. I'll share quick tips to elevate your mobile snaps!Stop settling for "almost sharp" and start creating images that truly demand attention. I'm sharing the meticulous, real-world approach I've refined over a lifetime of professional shooting for clients, e My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan Mail🌞 Is Harsh Sunlight Ruining Your Photos? Not Anymore! 🌞Ever look at your beautiful outdoor scene and see only blown highlights, dark shadows, and squinting faces? You're not alone! Direct sunlight can be a photographer's biggest challenge, turning vibrant moments into high-contrast headaches.But what if you could turn that harsh light into your secret weapon?In Episode 209, Rick unlocks the pro secrets to stunning photography in direct sunlight! Discover 5 game-changing tips that will transform your sunny day shots from frustrating to fantastic.✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode:Master the Magic of Open Shade: Get instantly flattering, soft light for portraits.Creative Backlighting: Turn the sun into gorgeous rim light and dramatic silhouettes.Affordable Tools: How simple reflectors & diffusers can rescue your photos.Camera Settings & Editing Hacks: Crucial adjustments for balancing light & shadows.Bonus Phone Photography Tips: Get amazing shots even with your smartphone!Stop fighting the sun and start mastering it! Rick shares practical, easy-to-understand advice that will give you back control of your camera and your creativity.👉 Ready to take control of the light? Tap play now and transform your sunny day photography!About Your Host:Rick McEvoy is a professionally qualified photographer with a lifetime of experience, sharing bite-sized, jargon-free photography explanations every week.Find More:Podcast Website: photographyexplainedpodcast.comRick's Photography: rickmcevoyphotography.comConnect: [email protected]#PhotographyTips #DirectSunlight #HarshLight #OutdoorPhotography #PhotographyHacks #Lightroom #MobilePhotography #PortraitPhotography #LandscapePhotography #CameraTips #PhotographyExplained My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailPolarising filters attach to camera lenses and reduce reflections and glare, and can improve colour saturation. They can simply make your photos look better. What is not to love, eh? And they don’t cost a lot either.And I have a couple of these that I absolutely love.In this episode, I will tell you when, how, and why I use my polarising filters.So let me tell you all you need to know about polarising filters – how utterly splendid.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailNeutral density filters attach to camera lenses and reduce the amount of light getting through to your camera sensor without affecting the colours (hopefully). Neutral density filters allow you to take long exposures in daylight, allowing you to flatten water and make clouds super cool, streaky, blurry, amongst other things. Neutral density filters allow you to use wide apertures in bright conditions and can also prevent you from getting overexposed photos in bright conditions.I have an amazing 10-stop ND Filter that gets me super long shutter speeds in broad daylight.So let me tell you all you need to know about Neutral Density filters – how utterly splendid.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailDo you want to take better-composed, more interesting photos of buildings? So do I. And in this episode, I will give 12 things that will help you take better photos of buildings. And here they are.Take one photo and get the best composition you canUse the rule of thirdsTake a photo, then try a different focal length to get a different lookTake photos from different anglesMove back and forwardsUse leading linesFind the best lightCapture intricate architectural detailsFill the frameUse negative spaceConvey the sense of scale of a buildingTry a long exposurePlay with depth of fieldFind interesting subjects to photographDon't be put off by overcast daysGive tilt-shift lenses a goExplore old buildingsGo wider to capture the entire building, and a bit moreGet the building verticalThen do thisChoose a particular building and get to know itAll explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailDo you want to take more interesting landscape photos? Well, I do, and I hope that you do too. It is too easy to go somewhere and take average, boring photos of something you never do anything with. I have taken loads of these myself, so don’t worry. And it is so easy to take the same photo of something we have all seen a thousand times. Let’s not do any of that.No, there is so much more that we can do, and in this episode, I am going to tell you 11 things you can do to help you take better landscape photos.In this episode, I tell you this little lot.How focal length influences landscape compositions.A quick word on good old crop factors (sorry).How a tripod can help. Yes really.A couple more bits of gear that can help you with your landscape photos.And some other things for you to think about.Before I give you some things to do – yes, you, dear listenerI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doHow you can ask me a questionAnd a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailDo you want to take more interesting travel photos? Well, I do, and I hope that you do too. It is too easy to go somewhere and take average, boring photos of something you never do anything with. I have taken loads of these myself, so don’t worry. And it is so easy to take the same photo of something we have all seen a thousand times. Let’s not do any of that. No, there is so much more that we can do, and in this episode, I will tell you 11 things you can do to help you take better travel photos. In this episode, I tell you this little lot. Why photographing the popular stuff is fine – just do more after.Eight things you can think about before taking a photo.Three things you can try when you finally get to taking photos.Some things that you can do – yes, you, dear listenerI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doHow you can ask me a questionAnd a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes! What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailThe focal length you use to take a photo will significantly affect the photo you create. It will determine what is in a photo, what is not in a photo, how small or large the elements of the photo are, and how the elements in your photo relate to each other. The focal length you use will also determine the depth of field, or as I like to call it, depth of sharpness, that there is in a photo. So, if you want to learn how to use focal length to create better compositions, listen on. In this episode, I tell you this little lot. What is the focal length in photography? Focal lengths explained quickly.Crop factors explained quickly.What does this all mean?Composition and focal length.Depth of field, perspective, and focal length.Some things that you can do – yes, you, dear listenerI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos What I doHow you can ask me a questionAnd a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes! What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailThe rules of composition are not rules. The rules of composition are guidelines, ideas, things that we can use to help us. But you need to know what the rules of composition are so you know which rules you are going to use, if any. You don’t have to use the rules of composition, and you will never use all of them. Certainly not in the same photo, but you will see why, so don’t worry. Find the ones that work for you, and they can help you get better compositions. And better compositions make better photos.So, if you want to learn how to create better compositions, listen on.In this episode, I tell you What are the rules of composition?A big long list of the rules.Why they aren’t really rules.Why the rule of thirds is so important.What rules do I use?Some things that you can do – yes, you, dear listenerI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doHow you can ask me a questionAnd a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailPhotography is about more than just taking a photo—it’s about taking the best photo you can every time. A rubbish composition will give you a rubbish photo. A great composition will give you a great photo.Create better compositions, and you will end up with better photos – and in this episode, I help you to do just this – what is not to love?So, if you want to learn how to create better compositions, listen on.In this episode, I tell you What is composition?What are the fundamentals of composition?Why the subject matter is so important.How light makes or breaks a photo.The other elements of a composition.Some things that you can do – yes, you, dear listenerI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doHow you can ask me a questionAnd a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailThe single most important thing we can do to improve our photos is to think about what we are taking photos of before we take them. We need to take the time to get the best composition every time we take a photo. The success or otherwise of any photo starts and ends with what is in the photo.Photography composition is what you include in a photo, what the light is doing and how the elements within the composition relate to each other.In this episode, I tell you Why this is importantWhat I am looking for when I take a photoHow I take photos of buildingsHow I photograph sunrisesHow I photograph an islandWhat my photography superpowers areI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doHow you can ask me a questionAnd a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailPhotography Explained Podcast Episode 199 - Top Tips To Help You Manage Your Digital Photo CatalogueYou need to organise your photos on your computer so you can find any photo quickly and easily. Once you have done that, you have the small matter of looking after that precious collection of photos, which, as a photographer, is your everything. I don’t want to overstate this—as a photographer, your photos should be your everything. Without them, what have you got?In this episode, I tell you Why this is importantWhy you need to get rid of the rubbish (and what it is)How to add data to photos.How to use software tools to keep things organised.How will this help you today, tomorrow, and in the future.I also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doAnd what I did (don’t do this)And a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailYou need to organise your photos on your computer so you can find any photo quickly and easily. You need to come up with a filing system that you can add to over the years as you take more and more photos. And you need to be able to keep track of all the photos in the catalogue so you know which photos you have edited, the good stuff you have not yet edited, your best stuff and any rubbish you might have. You need to get rid of any rubbish and any photos that you do not like or need. Yep, that is my one photo rule in twelve words. Splendid.In this episode, I tell you Why we need to organise our photos.How I organise my photos in a single catalogue.The folder structure I use for all my photos.Where my photos are stored.Lots of good talky stuff.What to do with the rubbish.I also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doAnd a little bit about me.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailI want to get straight into taking better photos, beginning with taking fewer photos. We can all take fewer photos and, in the process, take better photos, and in this episode, I am going to tell you how. And yes, I will revisit my one photo rule. And here it is.“Take the time to take the best one photo of one thing.”Yep, that is my one photo rule in twelve words. Splendid.In this episode, I tell you Where did my one photo rule come from?Why I only take two photos of a sunriseHow I take fewer but better photos of buildingsWhy was I taking so many photos?How you can take fewer photos but better photosI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doAll explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailI want to finish 2024 with a light-hearted look back at my favourite things from 2024. Why not, eh? So join me as I pick up on some stuff from the past year, which has been an excellent year for me and my podcast. so thank you for being with me, dear listener.In this episode, I tell you What was the most popular episode of the Photography Explained Podcast in 2024?What was the least popular episode of the Photography Explained Podcast in 2024?What is the oddest photography question I was asked in 2024?What was the best photography question I was asked in 2024?Who cares about all this photography stuff anyway?Rubbish photosRAW vs JPEG – I don’t know what I am talking about.What are irrelevant details in my world of photography?My one photo ruleWhat are the recurring themes in the Photography Explained Podcast in 2024?Why you shouldn't use flash photography in museumsI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doAll explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid! My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailI have loads of rubbish photos cluttering up my computer, clogging up my hard drives, and preventing me from finding the good stuff that must be in there somewhere, surely?We all take rubbish photos every now and then, so it’s okay—not every photo we take is a masterpiece. But if a photo is rubbish, get rid of it. If you have photos that you are never going to do anything with, why not get rid of them, too?In this episode, I tell you How this happenedHow many photos I haveWhat I am going to do about itHow this will help youI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doOne good or bad related thing that I did once (yes, really)All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid!  My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailRAW and JPEG are file formats. Photographers use both. JPEG images have an amount of processing and compressing done to them when a photo is taken. RAW photos have no processing done to them other than creating the file, that is.JPEG photos can be viewed by anyone straight off the memory card. To view RAW photos, you need specialist software.JPEG files are smaller than RAW files, but RAW files contain more data to work with than JPEG files.These are the main differences, but what does this all mean?Do we need to know all this stuff? Yes, we do, dear listener.In this episode, I tell you What JPEG isWhat RAW isWhat the differences are in the RAW vs JPEG debateWhy this stuff mattersI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I doOne good or bad related thing that I did once (yes, really)All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailDigital camera sensors are important, sensitive, expensive bits of kit that need looking after. There are things that we can do to protect them from bad stuff, but if bad stuff gets to them, there are things that we can do to remove that stuff.This applies to all of us photographers at all times, so it is pretty important that we know this stuff.In this episode, I tell you How to prevent bad stuff from getting to your camera's sensorWhat to do when you get bad stuff on your camera sensorWhat bad stuff is that gets on our sensorsWhy prevention is so much better than cleaningI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos (just look)What I doAll explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailSo you are in a museum or an art gallery. Or some other similar place. It is lovely and quiet, with nice low-level lighting and local lights highlighting all those fantastic exhibits. The whole place has been carefully designed with a bespoke lighting scheme.And you see something really cool that you would love to photograph. What do you do?Look is what you so—no more. Do not take a photo. Do not start popping your flash gun. Or the flash-type thing on your phone. And in this very ranty episode, I tell youWhy you should not use your flash in an art gallery or museumWhy is using flash a waste of time anyway?I ask why everyone is photographing the same thing at the same time.Why you should stop taking photos of everythingAn alternative plan to stop this nonsenseI also tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos (just look)What I doAll explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in (much) less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailCamera lenses are optical and engineering marvels. Camera lenses must be treated with care and respect when used, stored carefully and regularly maintained and cleaned. Take good care of your camera lenses, and they will take good care of you for years. In this episode, I tell you.What needs protecting in a lens?What gear can help you look after your lenses?How you store lenses.How you clean lenses.How to safely change lenses.How to safely use lenses.I also want to tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos?How I look after my lenses.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailThere are so many lenses out there. How can you possibly know which lens or lenses will help you? Relax – I have got this covered.Lenses on cameras give photographers options. To understand how lenses can help you take better photos, you need to know what you want to photograph, how you want to take these photos, and what you want your photos to look like. Once you know these things, you can find the lenses that work for you and look into the wonderful world of lenses.In this episode, I tell you.Where do you start with this?How I ended up with the lenses I haveHow the lenses I have help me to take the photos I needI also want to tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos?What I do. Or did.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailA listener asked me to do an episode strictly on lenses, so here it is. If you want me to explain something, just hit the “Send us a text” link on the podcast feed, and you can have your own almost personalised episode of the podcast. How utterly splendid.Lenses attach to cameras and focus what you point your camera at onto the camera sensor. So, lenses are quite important in photography terms!In this episode, I tell you.What are the main types of lenses?What focal length is (quickly).What aperture is (not as quickly).What does this stuff all mean to you?I also want to tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos?What I do.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailOK, I have spoken a lot about taking better photos. But in the final episode of this series, I tell you what you need to do. Yes, dear listener, it is time for you to start your journey to take better photos—which we all want to do, right?So this is what you do. Start with choosing your best 20 photos. Put them in a safe place, be it a folder, album, or even a pile on the floor. But start with 20 photos and go from there.Simple eh?In this episode, I tell you.How to get down to your best 20 photos.How this will help you.How you can keep improving your image capture.Why simply thinking before taking a photo is such a powerful tool.I also want to tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos?What I do.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailTo be the best at one photography thing, you must decide what that one photography thing is. This is how you can find your perfect photography niche.Trust me, I have been there. I used to photograph everything and anything for anyone and everyone. I was all things to all people. And what was the result of that? I was all over the place and not very good at anything. Sure, I could take a decent standard of photos, but that was all—good enough. And I wasn’t improving; I was staying average at lots of things.Does this sound familiar to you? Are you constantly trying different things but not progressing? Are you wondering how to improve your photography?If you are, you are in the right place.In this episode, I tell you.Why choosing a photography niche will help you to take better photos.How you can choose your very own photography niche.And what you need to do next once you have done this.I also want to tell youWhat if you use a phone to take photos?What I do.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailGet out more and take photos, but take fewer photos. This will help you take better photos. Getting out more and taking photos gives you lots more opportunities to create new stuff. But don't try to create too much new stuff, or you will end up with lots of average photos that you do not have the time to do anything meaningful with.And none of us want that, do we? No, we don't, Rick.In this episode, I tell you.·         Why getting out lots taking photos is good for you.·         Why getting out and taking lots of photos is not good for you.·         What you can do about it.·         What if you use a phone to take photos?·         What I do.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailAre you taking loads of photos but not getting great results?Are you spending forever on your computer trying to find decent photos to edit?And are you taking hours editing average photos and wondering why they are not turning into great photos?Relax – I can help you with all of these. In this episode, I tell you.Fifteen things that you can do that will help you save time.Fifteen things that will change what you spend time on for the better!Fifteen things that can help improve your photography.How and why this stuff really works.What if you use a phone to take photos?What I do.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailPhoto editing can be daunting. Knowing where to start can be challenging, as can knowing when to stop! But don’t worry, I can help you. I can tell you what you need to know and do.And how you approach editing is crucial Editing for me is all about enhancing what is in a photo that you have taken and no more. Yes, that is all editing is to me, making the best of what we have captured.In this episode, I tell you.Why you should be picky about which photos you edit.How to start editing.My editing workflow – very briefly.When it is ok to remove stuff from photos.Why you should not spend forever editing photos.What if you use a phone to take photos?What I do.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick

Send us Fan MailA great way to get better at photography is to learn from other photographers. There are loads of great photographers out there and loads of great photos. But where do you start?This is where I can help you. I will tell you ten photographers from whom I have learned. This is your starting point. There is another photographer that you can learn from.You, dear listener. Yes, you.In this episode, I tell you.How you can learn from other photographersThe ten photographers that I like and have learned from myself (to get you started)How you can learn from your photosHow getting a critique of your photos can help youWhat if you use a phone to take photosWhat I do.All explained in plain English, without the irrelevant detail, in less than 27 (ish) minutes!What is not to love? How utterly splendid. My brand new course Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico, will teach you exactly how to get out at sunrise and come back with photos you love  all told in plain English. it includes real footage of me photographing an actual sunrise in Mexico with an entry level camera. Find out more at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.  If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you,  check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.Support the showGet your question answeredThis is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography.Thanks very much for listeningCheers from me Rick