The Best Photography Podcasts
Nowadays, with every phone featuring a built-in camera, everyone fancies themselves as a photographer.
Whilst it’s a hobby that is now much more accessible than it has been at any other point in history, photography is one of those skills that is quick to learn but takes years to master.
There are many things to consider when trying to take good photos, from lighting to angles, but the beautiful thing is that you can practice almost whenever you want.
Photographers in the past had to trust their skills when taking a photo and not know how it looked until the pictures were developed a few days later, which meant mistakes were more frequent and impossible to rectify by the time they were noticed.
These days, thanks to the fact our devices can now hold hundreds of thousands of digital photos at a time, you can practice as much as you want and simply delete and retake photos that don’t come out as you expect.
Modern cameras and phones have also made editing much easier, with a lot of software available for whichever device you use. However, photography purists believe that if the photo is good enough, editing won’t be necessary.
In the last five years, podcasts have replaced radio to become the second most important form of audio entertainment, behind only music. They can be informative, fun, and enjoyable, with many also offering video content in addition to audio episodes.
One of the reasons they have overtaken radio is that many podcasts cover specific topics, niches, and hobbies, providing depth and insight that you just can’t get from mainstream media. Whatever you’re into, there’s sure to be a podcast for you, from poker fans who can enjoy podcasts with tips and interviews from winners to horror fiction fans who can listen to podcasts with different ghost stories told every week.
Even within specific topics, there are podcast subgenres; for example, photography enthusiasts can enjoy shows discussing the best pictures they’ve seen in the week, speaking about how to take the best photos, or giving tips on how to get into professional photography. So, here are some of the best podcasts for those photography enthusiasts to listen to.
The Portrait System Podcast
Hosted by professional portrait photographer Nikki Closer, The Portrait System Podcast gives listeners the opportunity to hear from successful photographers all over the world, with interviews and anecdotes which can help anyone hoping to start or boost their own portrait photography business.
This podcast is quite technical and business orientated, so it isn’t recommended for casual photographers. It’s more for those who are already into photography and would like to turn it into a lucrative business. Episodes are only posted once a week, usually on Mondays, so listening can be part of your motivation routine when feeling sluggish after the weekend.
The Martin Bailey Photography Podcast
Martin Bailey is a photographer based in Tokyo who is an expert in taking photos of nature and wildlife, topics he is extremely passionate about. His podcast is one of the oldest of its kind, having started in 2005 and, with fairly short weekly episodes, it's easy to go through his back catalog and listen to past shows.
Shows are usually recorded once a week and are generally around 15 minutes long, with the exception of interview episodes which can be over an hour. The shorter episodes focus on tips and creative ideas, while the interviews offer insight into what it's like being a photographer and how to handle difficult situations that may arise. Despite his specific interests, Bailey covers all topics, so it’s a good listen for those interested in various aspects of photography.
This Week in Photo
Launched in 2008, This Week in Photo is a podcast that allows photography enthusiasts to listen in on great discussions about the latest news in the world of photography.
Also known as TWiP, it has established itself as one of the most important podcasts for photographers who want to stay up to date with the industry. As well as current events, it provides reviews on the latest photography equipment and books and discusses nuanced topics like how to tell stories through photography.
The hosts also interview important people in the industry, like famous photographers and successful business owners. With such a wide range of content, this podcast is perfect for anyone interested in photography.
The Beginner Photography Podcast
Wedding photographer Raymond Hatfield is the host of The Beginner Photography Podcast, where he shares his wealth of knowledge on the topic in a way that is easy to understand for those trying to get started in the world of photography.
Launched in 2016, The Beginner Photography Podcast posts episodes twice a week, whim means there is plenty of content for new listeners to go back to and enjoy. Despite the host’s niche photography specialty, he conducts interviews with photographers from all different backgrounds and, with topics ranging from technical tips to business advice, there’s something for everyone.
FroKnowsPhoto
For readers who have been into photography for a while, the name FroKnowsPhoto is sure to be a familiar one as his website by the same name is one of the most important and helpful sources of information for photographers at all levels.
He has now matched the educational content on his website with his podcast, which he delivers in straight-to-the-point 20-minute episodes, making it perfect for short commutes. His advice ranges from how to choose the best kind of camera for the type of photos you want to take to how to launch your own photography business.
Host Jared Polin has built a solid reputation as a no-nonsense teacher, so if you’re looking for educational photography content with no frills, this is the podcast for you.
The Photobomb Podcast
Hosted by Gary Hughes and Booray Perry, the Photobomb Podcast covers all aspects of photography from both business and technical standpoints. The hosts use a comical approach which makes the listener feel like they are listening in on two photography experts having a conversation in the pub.
There is no photography-related topic they won’t discuss, and they make sure their content is both fun and educational. It has been going since 2015 and includes a segment where they answer fan questions, which allows listeners to participate via social media, giving them a real connection with the hosts.
The Candid Frame
The Candid Frame is a unique photography podcast that mainly focuses on interviews with professionals in the industry. Guests can range from legendary photographers to up-and-coming talents, with host Ibarionex Perello delving deep into their careers to inspire the next generation of photographers.
Rather than asking technical or business-focused questions, Perello’s interviews center around the inspiration and thought processes that go into photography. This is what differentiates The Candid Frame from other podcasts, as it lives up to its name with honest and intimate content.
Cameras or Whatever
Host Tyler Stalman has called Cameras or Whatever a “podcast for the working photographer,” and after listening, it’s hard to disagree with him.
He shares his knowledge on photography equipment and techniques from his perspective as a family and commercial portrait photographer.
He regularly speaks with other photographers, although it's more of a casual chat than an interview. He is also an expert in photography for social media, making this podcast ideal for the modern photographer.