Photography Made Simple

https://livesnaplove.com/prompts

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

6 Ways To Work Around The Clutter To Get Great Photos Oct 15, 2024

Although I don’t always want to remove day to day clutter from my frame (for example for more documentary photos) there are times when I want a cleaner, more streamlined look to my images than my cluttered, messy home will allow!

Over the years I have come up with lots of tricks to help me create beautiful, clean photos in less-than-picturesque environments, from my home, to clients home, or even just being out and about with my camera.

So in this week’s episode, I’m sharing with you 6 tips and tricks that will help you use your space - even a normal everyday home - and turn it into a great location for clean uncluttered photos!

In this episode we discuss:

The simplest way to get a “clean” background absolutely anywhere!
What to look for in your home for a clean backdrop.
How to use your window to create a clean, bright area behind your subject.
Another way you can use the light in your home to create a black background.
And more!

Want to Take Your Own Family Photos? Here’s How! Oct 08, 2024

Are you planning on taking your own family portraits this year, but not sure how to go about it? Then listen to this week’s episode as I walk you, step by step, through how to take your own family photos!

Being able to take your own family photos, either for a traditional portrait to hang on your wall, for your holiday cards, or just to have a snapshot of your family at this stage of life, is actually pretty simple to do - you just need to have a few basics down.

Tune in to learn:

What equipment you’ll need for taking your own family photos (less than you think!)
What to consider when planning your family photoshoot.
The tripod I use, or what you can use instead to support your camera.
How to set your camera to take photos without you being there to press the shutter!
A quick tip on your camera settings.
The most crucial aspect of taking your own family photos - getting the focus right!

GET THE PLAYFUL PROMPTS GUIDE!

SEE THE SHOW NOTES:

https://livesnaplove.com/blog/take-your-own-family-portraits

COME SAY HI!

The Auto to Awesome Course

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Pam McIntrye: Finding Purpose Through Photography After Retirement Oct 01, 2024

In this episode, I’m talking with an incredible photographer, Pam McIntyre, who was actually a student of Live Snap Love many years ago, but has gone on to do amazing work in all different genres.

The story of her photography journey is an interesting one - she had a highly technical job in a male dominated industry, and took up photography as a way of having a creative outlet.

She then recently retired, and worried that her life would lack focus and purpose, so she started a blog, and has been sharing her work and journey through the process of retirement there, along with sharing her fabulous photos.

Here we talk about her personal journey and the importance of finding purpose after retirement, how she stays creative, what things helped her grow the most, starting a blog, photographing birds and landscapes, her gear and so much more!

Here’s just a few things we cover:

Why Pam was worried about losing purpose after retirement, and what she did to overcome it
What her biggest game changer in photography was…..and what wasted her time.
The type of photography she started with, and what she focuses on now
Her favorite lenses for bird photography and landscape photography
How she is using photography as a way for mindful thinking
And so much more!

AUDREY’S LINKS MENTIONED:

The Mastering Natural Light Course

All our Freebies & Courses

PAM’S LINKS MENTIONED:

Pam’s Blog

Pam’s Instagram Page

GAS Syndrome Blog Post

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

A Beginners Guide to Lensbaby Lenses! Sep 24, 2024

Have you heard people talking about Lensbaby lenses, and wondered what they are, and why the heck you might want one? Or maybe you’ve already been thinking about adding a Lensbaby to your collection but not sure which one you should get, or even if they are the right choice for you?

I have coveted a Lensbaby for years, but was never sure which one I wanted, or what the difference was between the various options! So I’ve been busy doing my homework, researching all the options, and in this week’s podcast episode, I’m going to share all my recently gained knowledge with you!

We’ll dive into all things Lensbaby - what they are, some of the different types you get, who they are for, what to watch out for, and why they might be a great addition to your camera bag.

Tune into this episode where we discuss:

What a lensbaby is
A quick and dirty guide to some of the different types of Lensbabies you can get and the “look” each one provides.
The 2 different mounting options you can choose from
Who would use these lenses, and what type of photography they are often used for
Some important things to consider when buying a Lensbaby
Who should and who shouldn’t get Lensbaby

MORE RESOURCES

Go to the Show Notes for this Episode

What’s the difference between Documentary & Lifestyle Photography? Sep 17, 2024

In this episode, I’m answering a question from one of our listeners, Emma, who wanted to know a little bit more about documentary and lifestyle photography, and what the difference was between the two. She asked:

“I’m never sure whether to call myself a lifestyle or documentary photographer. I like capturing unposed shots, and more candid moments, but I’m not really sure of the difference between the two. And does it matter?”

So tune into this week’s episode where we’ll chat about both forms of photography, what makes them different, and whether it really matters which one you call yourself!

Tune in to listen to me chat about:

An overview on what documentary is
An overview of what lifestyle photography and how this differs from documentary photography
Whether this is relevant to you as a “hobby” photographer, and whether this changes when you are in business

Got a question for the podcast?

Leave it here!: https://forms.gle/Ffcifn35HPi4RrBx8

COME SAY HI!

https://livesnaplove.com/blog/things-new-photographers-should-know

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

All New Photographers Should Know These 11 Things Sep 10, 2024

I know from personal experience that when you first start out in photography, it can often feel very overwhelming and frustrating, and for many new photographers, this leads to you giving up, thinking you might “never get it” or that you’re just not cut out for photography.

Which is why I want to share with you 11 things that I think you should know right at the start of your photography journey!

These are the things I wish that I had been told, realized or simply paid more attention to in the beginning, because it would have saved me so much TIME and got to where I wanted to be that much faster.

Tune in to learn:

How to approach learning photography so that you don’t feel overwhelmed in the beginning
The biggest change you can make that will have a huge impact on your photos
What to ensure you learn in tandem with manual mode
How to avoid noise and grain in your image
What NOT to worry about in the beginning
Why gear is not the answer to your problems!
Why comparison is making you feel worse about your photos than you need to
The two crucial things to keep in mind when learning photography.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Photography Learning Blueprint: https://livesnaplove.com/blueprint

Auto to Awesome: https://livesnaplove.com/auto-to-awesome

Episode Show Notes:

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

How to Plan a Fall Photoshoot Sep 03, 2024

Fall is one of the best times of the year for portraits, whether that be of your child, your family, your pet, maternity or any type of portrait!

That’s because nature creates a fantastic backdrop for us in fall (or autumn in you are in the UK) with the leaves on the trees turning into beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow, creating a vibrant, warm, cozy look to our portraits.

So in this week’s episode, I’m sharing how you can plan for a fall photoshoot - from when to find the best time of year to shoot, what to think about when planning your outfits, lighting, practical tips and more.

In this episode we discuss:

How to find the best dates to shoot in the US and UK (starting now from mid-Nov)
Location ideas for your fall photoshoot.
The best times of day for a fall photoshoot, so you can get the best light for highlighting the beautiful fall colours
What to consider when outfit planning, and some accessories that can really help tie everything together.
Practical tips to help your fall photoshoot go smoothly!

RESOURCES

Check out all the resources on our show notes: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/plan-fall-photoshoot

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

The What and Why of Lens Filters for Photography Aug 27, 2024

One of the questions I get a lot from my students was about lens filters, so I created a free training for them inside our student community, the Live Snap Love Insiders Club.

But I thought that you would probably enjoy it too, so today on the podcast, I’m sharing the audio of that free training. Although it was obviously created with slides to show. you examples, I still think it will be incredibly interesting to listen to even with audio only (and if you are a student, you can watch the whole thing in our student community!)

(Not a student? Check out our range of courses here!)

In this episode, you are going to learn everything you ever wanted to know about lens filters, from the different types of filters available, what you would use each one for, what type of photographer will find them useful, and even how to use them! I’ll also answer some questions that were posted by our students.

So tune into this episode to learn:

What exactly lens filters are, and the main reasons for using lens filters (even when you can do some of the effects back in post production!)
The different types of lens filters that are available, including UV, neutral density, graduated density, polarising filters and more
What each filter is used for, and the effects it can give you
A quick start guide on how to use each of the filters we talk about
Tips for buying filters and what to look for
Whether filters are a “must-have” in the digital age, and if so, which ones do you need
What filters you should start with, depending on the type of photography you do

COME SAY HI!

WEBSITE | https://livesnaplove.com

✅ Check out the Beginners Bootcamp here!

A Quick Start Guide to Aperture for New Photographers! Aug 20, 2024

Have you heard the terms aperture, f-stop and depth of field and wondered what the **** they all are, and how they all work together?

Then this is the podcast episode for you! Today, listen is as we go over what Aperture is, what the term F-stop means, and how this impacts your depth of field, and how this changes the look of your photo. (Want to see pictures? See the full show notes for this episode here!)

In this episode you’ll learn:

What exactly aperture is, and how it is really just a fancy term for a hole!
How you determine the size of the aperture, and what this looks like on your camera
How aperture changes the way your images LOOK by changing the depth of field
What depth of field is, and how you control it
A quick exercise you can do to see aperture and depth of field in action.

COME SAY HI!

WEBSITE | https://livesnaplove.com

➡️ Check out our programs and resources here!

Our New Student Community Is Open! Aug 13, 2024

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our brand new community for our students!

We recently moved our student community away from Facebook, and into a new home on our course website.

Today I want to get into what you’ll find over at the new community, and why we made the switch, and how you access the community if you are a student, and what to do if you’re not!

In this episode we discuss:

Who is this community for, why we have one (and why it’s better than any free community out there!)
Why are we moving from Facebook, even though this wasn’t in my plans until recently!
All the fun things you’ll find inside the community - free resources, updates, support and deeper discussions (and so much more to come!)
How the structure of the new community makes more sense, and how it will help you find what you are looking for more easily.
How to access the community as a student, and how to get access if you’re not!

COME SAY HI!

WEBSITE | https://livesnaplove.com

How to Get Started With Macro Photography Jul 24, 2024

Learn how to get started with macro photography, from which gear you need, to camera settings and composition!

Macro photography has been an unexpected joy for me in my photography journey. .

It allows you to see the world in a whole new way, and appreciate the beauty that can be found everywhere if you get close enough!

So many people come to me and say that they would like to try macro too, but they don’t know where to start. So that’s exactly what we are going to look at today - how to get started with macro photography!

We’ll cover what macro photography is, how to get started within spending a fortune on gear, finding subjects and what settings to use, along with tips for light, focus and composition!

Tune and learn:

What macro photography actually is
The gear you need for true macro photography, and how you get started without breaking the bank
The macro lens that I personally use and love
Some ideas for macro subjects that I recommend for getting started with (and the ones I don’t!)
What camera settings you’ll need to pay close attention to, along with where to start with your aperture settings
Tips for focusing when you are so close to your subject
More photography tips including light and composition

RESOURCES & LINKS

👉Check out the Everyday Macro Magic Course: Https://livesnaplove.com/macro
Go to the Show Notes for this episode: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/how-to-get-started-with-macro-photography

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

No time for photography? Here’s the fix! Jul 17, 2024

How to find more time in your day for learning photographyWhenever I ask people about what the number one thing is that is holding them back from learning photography, one of the most common answers I get is not having enough time!

I can definitely relate to that - most of us are struggling, trying to juggle several plates at the same time, so learning photography can get shunted down to the bottom of the pile.

Although I can’t help you add more hours to your day, I can try to help you work smarter in the hours that you DO have, and help you find time in your day for photography - and that’s what we are going to dive into in this week’s podcast!

Tune into this episode to discover:

Why scrabbling around trying to learn photography via disconnected tutorials is wasting your time
Why being more structured in how you approach learning photography will ultimately save you so much time
How to map out your own learning curriculum (or download my free blueprint if you are a beginner)
How to find time in your day for photography, or factor it into your existing schedule!

RESOURCES & LINKS

👉 Get the FREE Photography Learning Blueprint https://livesnaplove.com/blueprint

Go to the Show Notes for this episode: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/finding-time-for-photography

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

5 Must Know Editing Tips to Help You Edit Like A Pro! Jul 09, 2024

The 5 must-know editing tips to help you edit your photos like a pro!

If you have been following Live Snap Love for a while, you'll know that I LOVE editing photos. It’s a HUGE part of photography for me, because it's another area where I get to be creative, or get the photo looking exactly the way I want it to look!

Editing is like the icing on the cake or the seasoning on your food - you might not technically need it, but without it, your photos can be a little bland and uninteresting.

But the good news is, even a little bit of editing with some basic tools can have a huge impact on your photos!

So in this week’s podcast episode, I'm sharing 5 must-know editing tips to help you edit your photos like a pro, so that they look more polished and professional, and help you get a more consistent style for your photos.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The first thing you’ll need to do in editing, to make sure your photos look beautiful, fresh and natural.
How to turn your image from so-so to masterpiece by playing with the exposure
What to do if you want a specific style, like light and airy or dark and moody
Why you should avoid using presets to start with and learn how to take the wheel and drive yourself!
Where to start when it comes to editing your photos, and a good way to experiment with editing.

RESOURCES & LINKS

👉 Get the FREE Lightroom Starter Kit: Https://livesnaplove.com/lightroom-starter-kit
Go to the Show Notes for this episode: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/must-know-editing-tips

COME SAY HI!

FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/livesnaplove b

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

3 tips to help you get better photos when shooting in full sun! Jul 02, 2024

How many times have you heard that in order to get the best photos, you should try to shoot in the Golden Hour, in other words, the hour right before sunset or just after sunrise?

Probably a lot! However, many times, we simply cannot shoot at that time of day. Maybe we’re taking our kids to the beach or the park later in the day, or we’re photographing a wedding that is happening in the afternoon, or we’re on holiday and sightseeing during the day, or maybe you’re in business and your clients can’t make the golden hour.

The good news is, there is a way to photograph people that allows you to get nice, soft, even light on your subject, even at midday, and is easy enough to use as a beginner!

In this episode, I’ll give you a couple of tricks to try for shooting in full sun that will help you get better “people” photos, even in the height of summer.

Tune into this episode to discover:

Why shooting in full sun is generally considered “bad” for traditional portraits / people photos
How utilizing shade can help you get softer, more even light
Where you can find open or covered shade
What to do when there is no shade available
Some other ways to play with photography in full sun!

RESOURCES & LINKS

👉 Get the FREE Mastering Natural Light Starter Guide: https://livesnaplove.com/light-guide

Go to the Show Notes for this episode: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/shooting-in-full-sun

The Mastering Natural Light Course: https://livesnaplove.com/light

COME SAY HI!

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/blog/ai-and-photography-where-do-you-draw-the-line

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Ai and Photography: Where Do YOU Draw The Line? Jun 25, 2024

There has been a lot of chatter recently about the use of AI in photography, especially as Photoshop's AI tools have been growing steadily, and very recently both Lightroom and Lightroom Classic introduced a new generative AI tool inside Lightroom, making it even more accessible to use AI on your images.

So where do YOU draw the line when it comes to the use of AI in photography? I'm definitely no expert in AI but it did prompt me to think more closely about the use of AI in my own work!

From tagging and noise reduction to generative AI tools, together we will explore the ethical considerations and personal boundaries of AI in photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this episode will hopefully get you thinking about what is and isn't acceptable in your own photography journey!

You’ll discover:

What AI is in Photography, and how we have maybe been using AI without realizing it!
Some recent examples of AI photos that made the news (including one that won a photography competition!)
What I personally use AI for, and where I draw the line.
Does it make a difference if you made the changes manually or using AI?
The ethical considerations of using AI in photography

GO TO THE SHOW NOTES

COME SAY HI!

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/blog/3-ways-to-improve-your-photos-right-now

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

3 Simple Ways You Can Improve Your Photos Right Now! Jun 18, 2024

Over my 17 years of practicing and learning photography, I have had plenty of a-ha moments or changes I have implemented that have totally changed my photos for the better.

So today on the podcast I am sharing just three of these, but these three are ones that you can do today (as in right this minute!) and they don’t require any new equipment, spending money or learning anything too complicated!

Tune in today and learn the 3 simple changes you can make today that will change your photos forever.

You’ll discover:

The simple shift in lighting that will make your images look more three dimensional and compelling
What to take control of in your camera, and why leaving it up to a bunch of wires and sensors won’t create images that look the way you want them to
How to compose your images with more care, by being intentional about what is in the frame (and what to watch out for!)

GET THE FREE MASTERING NATURAL LIGHT GUIDE

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/light-guide

GO TO THE SHOW NOTES

COME SAY HI!

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/blog/motion-in-photography

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

4 Summer Photography Projects That Will Help You Bottle Up The Season Jun 11, 2024

In need of a new photography project for summer? Then I've got you covered! In this episode of the Photography Made Simple podcast, I'm giving you 4 ideas of photography projects you can do that will help you document summer, get more creative photos, or just motivate you to pick up your camera.

Whether you are photographing your young family, or you’re retired and capturing your travels or you just want to capture the beauty of your days and the world around you, there will be a summer photography project here that will suit you!

So join me in today’s episode and discover:

How a Summer Photography Project can help you get back on track and taking photos again if you’ve hit a slump
The projects you can do that will help you document your days, along with special tips for families.
Summer photography projects that don’t involve shooting people, but instead inspire you to explore different photography subjects and techniques

GET THE FREE SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT LIST

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/summer

GO TO THE SHOW NOTES

COME SAY HI!

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/blog/motion-in-photography

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

5 Ways to Show Motion in Photography Jun 04, 2024

The way that you show movement or motion in your photos can give your images a totally different look and feel, and today on the podcast, we are looking at all the different ways you can capture it!

Using motion is a great way to make your images look more creative, have stronger compositions, or just play and have fun! You can choose to freeze the motion, have motion blur in the background, have motion blur on your subject, introduce motion blur just by camera movement and even do time lapse photography!

In this week’s podcast, we’ll look at all 5 different ways to capture motion in your photos, along with some tips and ideas for using each one.

So join me in today’s episode and discover:

The 5 different ways to show motion and movement in your photos.
How to ensure that you “freeze” the motion in your images.
How to introduce intentional motion blur on your subject
How to show the motion in the background, but keep your subject sharp
What time lapse photography is

CHECK OUT AUTO TO AWESOME

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/auto-to-awesome

GO TO THE SHOW NOTES

COME SAY HI!

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/photoshop-starter-kit

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Wondering why you need Photoshop? Here’s 5 reasons. May 28, 2024

As much as I love using Lightroom Classic for editing my photos, it doesn’t mean that it can do absolutely everything you need!

There’s a damn good reason why Adobe bundled both Lightroom Classic CC and Photoshop CC together in their Photography Plan - because when you have access to both programs, you can do absolutely anything your little editing heart desires!

But when should you use Photoshop - and what can it do that Lightroom Classic can’t?

That’s exactly what we’re covering today on the podcast!

I’m going to go into detail on the 5 main reasons to take your images into Photoshop for advanced editing, and give you some ideas for each one so you can get a feel for the whole treasure trove of adjustments you can make in Photoshop!

So join me in today’s episode and discover:

The type of pixel adjustments that you will take your image into Photoshop for
How Photoshop can help you play with colour in your images
The types of overlays and filters that can add extra magic to your photos
Some advanced portrait retouching I find myself doing from time to time
Why Photoshop is a must-learn for all types of photographers!

GET THE FREE PHOTOSHOP STARTER KIT

CHECK OUT OUR PHOTOSHOP COURSES

👉 Photoshop Fundamentals

👉 Photoshop Magic

COME SAY HI!

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-lens

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

8 Questions To Help You Determine The Best Lens for YOU May 14, 2024

Choosing a lens can feel like a difficult and overwhelming task- there is so much choice that it can be hard to narrow it down and decide which would be the best lens for YOU.

Let’s face it, lenses are expensive, so it’s an important thing to get right! Although you can always sell your lenses if they turn out not to be the one for you, it’s easier and more cost effective to get it right the first time.

So today on the podcast, I’m going to walk you through 8 questions you should ask yourself when shopping for a new camera lens.

These questions will help you determine the best lens for you, based on your genre, interest and style of photography, but also practical considerations such as weight or brand loyalty.

So join me in today’s episode and discover:

The 3 questions you should ask yourself to help you choose the best focal length for your genre and style of photography.
Why focal length is about more than simply how much you want to fit in the frame.
The practical considerations to take into account, such as whether to get a zoom or prime, and whether weight is a factor
How to get better quality lenses for a more affordable price
All 8 questions you should ask yourself to choose the best lens for YOU.

GET THE FREE WHICH LENS KICKSTARTER GUIDE

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/lenses

GO TO THE SHOWNOTES

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Why I’ve Revamped Our Courses (and what’s coming up!) May 07, 2024

This week’s episode is a little bit of an indulgent one, because I’m talking all about the courses we have at Live Snap Love, and the biggish changes we are making to these in 2024, and what we have coming up!

If you are new to the world of Live Snap Love, then you’ll learn exactly what courses are coming up, so you can see what might suit you based on where you currently are on your photography journey, and what you need help with. And if you’ve been here a while and were planning on taking one of our courses in the near future, how these are changing for the better!

Finally, if you’re already a student and wondering how this affects your purchase, don’t worry, we’ll be covering that too!

So join me in today’s episode and learn:

Why the product suite we had at the end of 2023 just didn’t feel like it was working anymore.
How I’ve optimized all our courses for ease, speed and simplicity.
Why I’ve decided to make all of our courses available all year round.
What all this means for students of our “old” courses
The courses we currently have on offer, and the course we’re working on next.
Some sneak peeks for what’s coming up!

CHECK OUT ALL OUR COURSES HERE!

👉 Check out all our courses here!

GET IN TOUCH HERE!

👉 Let us know what you’d like to see next!

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

How to Find Dramatic & Interesting Light For All Your Photos Apr 23, 2024

Do you know how to find beautiful, dramatic, interesting light for your photos?

Light is EVERYTHING in photography. Good light will illuminate your subject, draw your eye to what you want the viewer to focus on, minimize distractions, make images more dramatic or magical, give them a three dimensional quality and just generally make our images more compelling and unique.

Thats why learning how to see the light, use it in different ways, and be able to control or manipulate it is crucial for photographers of all genres.

So today on the podcast, I’m giving you advice on how you can find more interesting and dramatic light for your photos, regardless of whether you take photos to document your family, capture still lifes or portraits, so it really is for everyone.

You can also find out more about our Mastering Natural Light course here.

Why taking time to slow down as a photographer is the first steps in learning how to get more interesting photos
The biggest takeaway our Mastering Natural Light students leave the course with
The one thing that nearly all images will benefit from - and it’s all to do with the light.
How to experiment with the same light in different ways to get more interesting images
The end vision to have in mind that will enhance both the look and feel of your images.

CHECK OUT THE MASTERING NATURAL LIGHT COURSE!

👉 Mastering Natural Light Course

COME SAY HI!

👉https://livesnaplove.com/light-guide

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Want to start shaping light? Get a reflector! Apr 16, 2024

Learning how to use and modify light is essential for taking your photos to the next level in photography because how you use and control the light will determine how your photos turn out!

One tool you can use to modify and shape light is called a reflector.

If you’ve heard people talking about using a reflector, but weren’t quite sure what it does, or indeed whether you need one, then I created this episode for you!

Simply put, a reflector is simply a tool that will help you change or mold the light to suit your vision, and help you get your images to look the way you want them to.

In today’s episode, I’m going to cover what a reflector is, when you might want to use one, when the right time is to get one, and if you do, which one you should get.

Tune into today’s episode to learn:

What exactly a reflector is
Why you use a reflector, and some specific situations you might find yourself using one
When and why you should consider getting a reflector, even if it is just for learning about light
The type and size of reflector I recommend that most people get (bonus, it’s only around $40!)
What each side of the 5 in 1 reflector does.

FREE GUIDE:

Grab the FREE Mastering Natural Light Starter Guide

MORE RESOURCES

Mastering Natural Light Course

The 5 in 1 reflector I Use!

COME SAY HI!

👉https://livesnaplove.com/light-guide

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

8 Photography lighting ideas that will supercharge your photos! Apr 09, 2024

Light is the single most important element of your photo, and is one that can lift a mediocre, mundane scene into something incredible and awe-inspiring. That’s why learning how to use light to its full potential is so incredibly important if you want to take your photos to the next level.

However, I understand that working with natural light can seem a little overwhelming at first, because you don’t get to choose the light you are given on any particular day!

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have any control - far from it. If you can learn how to work with light you’ve got, or how to modify the light to suit your vision, then you will have mastered a crucial component of photography that will leave you feeling inspired and creative, and creating photos that WOW.

In this episode I’m giving you just a few different photography lighting ideas so you can experiment using the light around you. My goal is a simple one - I want to inspire you to pick up your camera and start looking at the LIGHT as your inspiration!

If you’re interested in learning more about light, be sure to download our FREE Mastering Natural Light Starter Guide where I’ll walk you through six essential types of natural light and how you can use them today!

FREE GUIDE:

Grab the FREE Mastering Natural Light Starter Guide

MORE RESOURCES

Mastering Natural Light Course

FREE Mastering Natural Light Starter Guide

COME SAY HI!

👉https://livesnaplove.com/blog/camera-lens-numbers

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

What Do The Numbers On My Camera Lens Mean? Mar 26, 2024

“What do all these numbers on these camera lenses actually mean?!”

This was one of my very first questions I had when buying my first DSLR and I don’t mind telling you, it took me a little while to figure out!

So in this week’s episode, I’m going to break down what the numbers on your camera lens actually mean, so that you can figure out how a particular lens will perform, and therefore whether it is the right lens for you.

Tune into today’s episode to learn:

What the numbers before the mm mean on your camera
The quick way to know whether your lens will look more “zoomed in” or “zoomed out”
How this changes depending on your camera body, and the crop factor you should always take into account
Why some camera lenses have two numbers before the mm, and some only have one
What that F number means on your camera lens, and why sometimes you will have two numbers separated by a dash
Plus we’ll breakdown different camera lenses so you can see how to approach looking at lenses to see how they will perform, and compare them to see which lens is best for you.

FREE GUIDE:

Grab the FREE Which Lens Kickstarter Guide here:

👉https://livesnaplove.com/lenses

MORE RESOURCES

To see a visual comparison of focal lengths, and get more resources on camera lenses, head to the show notes for this episode here:

COME SAY HI!

Just click here to fill out the form!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Do I always need to meter to 0 in manual mode? Mar 19, 2024

In today’s podcast, I’m answering a question that has been submitted by one of our listeners, about shooting to 0 in manual mode.

This is such a great question, because I’m sure that so many people wonder the same thing when they first make the switch to shooting in manual mode.

Tune in to find out the answer!

Tune into today’s episode to learn:

Whether you should always meter to 0 in manual mode, or whether you should shoot over or under
Why using exposure compensation isn’t always the same as using manual mode
And finally, why using manual mode is actually the quickest way to get the scene to look the way you want it to!

If you have a question you’d love me to answer, or a topic you’d like me to discuss on the podcast, I’d love to hear from you. I want to talk about what you want to listen to, so just let me know here:

MORE RESOURCES

For more resources, head to the show notes for this episode here:

👉https://livesnaplove.com/blog/do-I-need-to-meter-to-0-in-manual-mode

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land.

5 Photography Apps I Use & Love! Mar 12, 2024

These days, smartphones are not only a way to keep in touch with people, they are also a great tool for photographers! Not only can you take great photos with your phone, you can also use a number of apps that have been created especially for photographers.

In this podcast, I’m going to share 5 apps that I personally use and love.

Even though I don't use all of these all of the time, they are so useful that they stay on my phone / iPad for when I need them!

The idea for this podcast episode actually came from a post I shared on Instagram that I got a lot of questions about, so I decided to expand upon it! If you’d like to bite sized photography tips and tutorials, be sure to follow me on Instagram too!

Tune into today’s episode to learn:

The app I use for group shots to make sure I get everyone in focus!
A useful app for creating and using your photos, or if you are in business.
How I use the Lightroom app for sharing and editing on the go.
An app that will help you plan a shoot for the best light
And finally, the app that helps with posing!

COME SAY HI ON INSTAGRAM!

For bite sized photography wisdom, follow me on Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/livesnaplove/

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land.

Lightroom or Lightroom Classic: Which Do I Need in 2024? Mar 05, 2024

Whether you’re a long time user of Lightroom or Lightroom Classic, OR you’re brand new to editing and just wondering which program to get, you’ve probably come to realize that there are two different programs available from Adobe, both (confusingly!) called Lightroom.

This always raises a lot of questions, particularly for those who are just starting out on their editing journey, and are confused about which one they should get, and the differences between the two!

Adobe does make absolutely top-notch, wonderful editing programs, but sometimes they don’t make it easy to determine which one will suit you best.

Never fear, Audrey’s here!

Today on the podcast, I’m going to dive into the differences between these programs, and how to decide which is the best one for you. Because each program is suited to a different type of photographer, and the type of workflow you have, or want to have.

So tune into today’s episode to learn:

How to identify the different versions of Lightroom, and the main differences between the two.
Why Adobe created two different versions of the same program, and which each is aimed at.
Why you get BOTH Lightroom and Lightroom Classic in the photography plan from Adobe
Whether the new Lightroom Local mode a good substitute for Lightroom Classic
How you can decide which of these programs is best for YOU.
Which plan you should buy (and why Adobe makes this more confusing than it needs to be!)

Be sure to visit the website to see screenshots of which plan to get - it can be confusing!

MENTIONED LINKS:

👉 Download the FREE Lightroom Classic Starter Kit

👉Edit Like A Pro in Lightroom Classic

👉Get Organized in Lightroom Classic

👉Check out the Photography Plans from Adobe

For full details and screenshots, go to https://livesnaplove.com/blog/lightroom-vs-lightroom-classic-2024

COME SAY HI!

FREE Creative photography exercises and projects guide!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land.

6 Ways to Kickstart Your Creativity In Photography Feb 27, 2024

I’ve always said that photography is a game of two halves - one side of our brain needs to focus on the technical aspects, such as our camera settings, where to focus, finding the light etc. The other side needs to see the creative possibilities - the composition, angles, or unique twist we can stamp on our photos!

As photographers, it’s pretty common to focus more on the technical side, and don’t set aside some time for nurturing or practicing our creativity!

While learning the technical side is incredibly important (we need to know HOW to create the vision in our head into a photograph!) spending a wee bit of time nurturing our creativity can be rewarding too.

If you feel your creativity is a little lacking or you’re stuck in a rut, tune in to listen to today’s podcast where I’ve given you some ideas to kickstart your creative side!

So tune into today’s episode to learn:

Why keeping an idea journal can be beneficial, and what to look for when writing down ideas.
How limiting yourself can actually make you more creative!
Some ideas for photography projects you can do that will force you to be more creative.
A cheap and cheerful hack to use your existing lens in a different way
Editing ideas to get more creative without picking up your camera!

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU!

For resources & links, visit our website ➡️

20 PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT IDEAS

10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY THIS WEEKEND

HOW TO EDIT LIKE A PRO IN LIGHTROOM CLASSIC

COME SAY HI!

3 Reasons Shooting in Manual Mode will Improve Your Photos

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

5 Reasons Your Photos Aren’t Turning Out The Way You Want! Feb 20, 2024

There were so many times back at the early stages of my photography journey where I felt totally disheartened and frustrated, because no matter what I did, my photos just didn't turn out the way that I had envisaged in my head, and nothing like the photos I wanted to take.

Of course, there can be several reasons why each individual image doesn’t quite hit the mark, but if it’s happening frequently, and most importantly, you don’t know what you’re doing wrong, it’s time to take control and do something about it!

That’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode; the 5 MOST likely reasons why your images just aren’t turning out like you see in your head, and how to fix it!

Here’s what we’re talking about today:

Why your exposure settings plays such a big role in how your image looks, and why taking control of them matter so much
The biggest “ingredient” in your photo to get right.
How to approach a scene so that you get the best results.
Why you need to get your camera manual into your hands today!
What to STOP thinking about for now, and what to focus on instead.

Links Mentioned

Auto to Awesome Course

5 Simple Questions That Will Change Your Photos

Photography Case Study Katie Lynn

Photography Case Study Erica Heinrichs

The 90 Day Photograph Starter Guide & Blueprint

COME SAY HI!

📕Download the manual mode cheat sheet.

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

5 Simple Questions That Will Change Your Photos Feb 13, 2024

Do you ever feel like you’re not really in control of your image? That you’re just winging it, and hoping for the best when you press the shutter? Or maybe you get all flustered and not sure what you should be doing?

Then you are going to love this week’s episode!

In it, I’m going to break down the FIVE questions you should ask yourself when you take your photo. Asking yourself these questions will help you shoot more purposefully, which in turn, will help you get better photos!

So join me in today’s episode and learn:

Why thinking about the end result can help you make camera decisions when you take the shot
The most important factor in any image, and what to look for on your subject
How to check for distractions in the frame, and some options for you for minimizing them
Some tips for using what is around you to make a more interesting photograph!

LINKS MENTIONED

💻 Sign up to watch our free-class!

📷The 3 Step Guide To Choosing Your Settings In Manual Mode

COME SAY HI!

https://livesnaplove.com/auto-to-awesome

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

When are you ready to start your own photography business? Jan 30, 2024

Are you thinking of starting your own photography business, but wondering if you are ready to take the plunge and start charging for your work? Or how long you need to have been shooting for? Or what experience do you need??

Then this week’s episode is for you!

I'm going to talk about some of the things that I personally think you should have in place, and be able to do, before you start charging for your skills.

Tune in to learn:

Why deciding what type of business - and who you want to serve - matters.
The key photography skills you should have mastered before you start charging.
What experience you need, and how you can get it (without seeming like the bargain basement option)
Why consistency is one of the most important things you need before starting to find clients.
How understanding your costs BEFORE you start doing free / low cost practice sessions is SO important, and some of the things you need to consider.
An action plan for starting to charge money for your skills.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out the “Photography Biz Start Up Kit” https://livesnaplove.com/business/

Auto to Awesome

COME SAY HI!

Sigma 35mm Art Lens for Canon

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

What is a fast lens and why should I get one? Jan 23, 2024

In this week’s episode, we’re going to be talking about lenses, specifically one type of lens, called “fast lenses”.

You may have already heard this term bandied about and wondered what the heck it refers to! Or maybe you’ve already heard of it, but not sure exactly WHY you might want one, if this is something you should get, and what you should look for if you did!

So tune in as I break down exactly what fast glass refers, and why adding one to your lens collection is a good idea!

I must warn you, we talk a bit about settings in this episode, where I give you some numbers for aperture, shutter speed and ISO and give comparison numbers. If you are the type of person who needs to see a number written down for it to make sense (I do!) then be sure to grab a pen and bit of paper so you can see the numbers in front of you as we go along.

Here’s what we’ll cover today:

What exactly people mean when they talk about fast glass, and how it gets its name.
The key reason people get a fast lens, and the benefits it can bring.
A real life example of the difference having a fast lens can make to your settings, and the options you have.
Some suggestions for fast lenses if you’re ready to move away from the kit lens.

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED

Canon 50mm F1.8

Canon 50mm F1.4

Yonghuo 50mm F1.8 Lens

Nikon 50mm F1.8 Lens

Nikon 50mm F1.4 FX Lens

Tamron 35mm F1.4 Lens for Canon

Canon 85mm F1.8

Auto to Awesome

https://livesnaplove.com/auto-to-awesome

COME SAY HI!

https://livesnaplove.com/blog/4-step-process-for-culling-photos

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

6 Tips for Successfully Organizing Your Photos in Lightroom Classic Jan 16, 2024

As we kick off a brand new year, it’s a great time to think about how to organize and clean up your digital image files, and a great program that can really help you do this, is Lightroom Classic. In fact, that is exactly why Lightroom Classic was created - to give photographers like yourself a tool to manage your photos with a complete end to end workflow.

So today on the podcast, I’m going to give you 6 tips for helping you organize your images using Lightroom Classic.

Now if you don’t use Lightroom Classic, you can still take the tips that I’m going to give you, and apply them to your chosen software, so if you don’t have Lightroom Classic, this can still apply to you!

Tune in to learn:

Why setting up folder system head of time will help you when it comes to saving and importing your photos
Tips to help you stay on top of your image collection once you have imported them.
How to use keywords and filenames to help you find your image files at a later date
The MOST important element of your post production workflow.
Why having a repeatable workflow will save you getting back into a mess in the future.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out “Get Organized In Lightroom Classic” https://livesnaplove.com/get-organized/

My 4 Step System For Culling Photos with Intention

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

New Camera? Here's your first steps! Jan 09, 2024

Did you get a brand new DSLR or Mirrorless camera under the Christmas tree last year? Then this episode is for you!

Getting your first camera is both exciting and terribly overwhelming! There’s so many dials, buttons and menu options that it can feel a bit daunting at first.

I know both from personal experience, and from teaching photography to thousands of students over the last 8 years that it can also be very disheartening when you don’t get the photos you want from your camera.

So much so, that I know of many people who gave up pretty quickly, because they could get better photos from their phone!

I don’t want that to happen to you, so today on the podcast, I’m giving you 6 simple things you can do TODAY that will instantly improve your photos. That way, while you’re learning the in and outs of photography, you are at least getting better photos so you aren’t tempted to revert back to your phone camera!

Tune in to learn:

What you’ll need your camera manual for (and what you definitely won’t!)
Where you should take your first photos for best results.
The simple technique that will instantly make your photos look more professional.
What nearly all new photographers do that make their images look like snapshots (and what you can do instead)
An introduction to a simple composition rule that will make your photos look more dynamic
How to make sure your camera hits the right focus point!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Join us in the 5 Day Beginners Bootcamp! https://livesnaplove.com/bootcamp/

COME SAY HI!

101 Things To Photograph (with examples and exercises!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

How to Start (& Finish!) A Project 365 for 2024 Dec 12, 2023

Back in 2015, I completed my first ever Project 365! Taking a photo every single day for a year not only improved my photography skills, because it gave me the opportunity to practice every single day, and try out new things, but also gave me a wonderful record of my day to day life. Taking a photo a day is almost like your own personal journal, so it’s also a fantastic personal project as well as a photographic one.

Over the years I have completed more Project 365’s - but also failed at many more too!

So in this week’s podcast, I want to share with you some helpful tips for starting - and most importantly completing - a Project 365.

If you’re thinking about starting a Project 365, or are just a little bit curious about what it’s all about, this episode is perfect for you!

Tune in as we chat about:

Why doing a Project 365 can help you grow your photography skills.
Some of the decisions you should make NOW if you decide to commit to a Project 365 in 2024.
The different ways you can share or print your photos as you go along (or at the end of the year!)
Whether to go freestyle with your Project 365, or use prompts or themes to help keep you on track.
Why perfection should not be the goal of a Project 365!
What NOT to do when you miss a day (which you will)
How to prepare for the days when you just don’t have a clue what to take a photograph of!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

5 Photography Projects You Can Do (That don’t require daily shooting)

Let me know what topics you'd like me to cover on the podcast!

COME SAY HI!

Speedlight 101: On Camera Flash Kickstarter Guide

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

10 Tips for Capturing Christmas Morning Dec 05, 2023

Photographing Christmas morning can be a little tricky - there can be lots going on, the lighting is often less than ideal, and of course, you want to actually be present in the moment and not stuck behind a camera all the time!

Plus if your day starts out like my Christmas mornings used to work out, you’re woken up by the kids, dragged downstairs half asleep, only to find that your camera is out of battery and you have a full memory card just when you want to start snapping away at the kids opening their presents!

So today I have 10 tips for you that will help you be prepared for anything on Christmas morning - these tips will help you with everything from choosing your camera settings, to how to use the light effectively, and practical tips that will all work together to help you capture awesome memories of your Christmas morning.

Tune in to learn:

The 3 things I always do the night before Christmas!
The type of lens I recommend that you use for Christmas morning “documentary” photos.
What to watch out for with your ISO and shutter speed settings.
Why turning off your on-camera pop up flash is a must!
What you can do in both natural light and artificial lighting situations.
The stress free way to get in the frame with your kids on Christmas morning!
And more!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Free Camera Settings Cheat Sheet

How to Shoot in Manual Mode (a Step By Step Guide!)

"Why are my photos grainy (and how to fix it) "

Sigma 35mm Art Lens (Canon Version but also available for Nikon etc)

Interval Timer (This is for my camera, find the version that fits yours!)

How to Take A Self Portrait

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Free Training Recording: How to Get Creative Light Bokeh Nov 28, 2023

We’re doing something a little bit different on the podcast today, as I’m sharing the audio from a free lesson we share in our FREE Christmas Photography Boot camp!

I highly recommend that you join the bootcamp to get the full video training, so that you can get the fun diagrams and image examples, plus of course, get the video training we have coming up on Day 2 and 3 of the boot camp too!

Today we’re sharing the lesson from Day One, which is all about Creative Light Bokeh. We cover, step by step, how to get those little circles of light in the background, tips and tricks on how to improve them, and also how to take it to the next level by creating shaped bokeh.

JOIN US FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BOOTCAMP:

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/christmas

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

The 7 Most Common Beginner Photography Mistakes You Should Avoid Nov 21, 2023

Whenever you try your hand at anything new, you are bound to make a few mistakes along the way! And learning photography is definitely no exception.

Although making mistakes can actually be a good thing, as they are part and parcel of the process for learning photography, that doesn’t mean that we need to keep making them, or indeed, make them in the first place!

I certainly made my fair share of mistakes when learning photography, but after teaching thousands of others over the last 7 years, I’ve definitely noticed that most beginner photographers keep making the same mistakes.

So in the spirit of trying to save you a ridiculous amount of time and energy, today I want to share with you the 7 most common mistakes beginner photographers make, so you can learn what to avoid, and most importantly, what to do instead so that you can master your camera, and get photos you love, much quicker, and with less frustration.

Tune in to learn:

The lighting mistake that most new photographers make, and what to do instead when you are just starting out.
The reason you’re photos have a weird colour cast, and the two ways you can adjust it for accurate tones.
Why using the wrong mode can leave you stuck and unable to get the images you see in your head.
The simple composition rule that makes your images look more dynamic.
Why your photos might be a little soft and blurry, because of the settings your camera frequently picks for you when in AUTO or Aperture Priority Mode.
Why you panic when you’re taking a shot, and the best antidote for this.

JOIN US FOR THE CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BOOTCAMP:

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/christmas

GET ON THE WAITLIST FOR AUTO TO AWESOME!

👉 https;//livesnaplove.com/auto-to-awesome

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

3 Reasons Manual Mode Will Improve Your Photos Nov 14, 2023

I have no doubt that you have heard, time and time again, that if you want to improve your photos, and most importantly, get the images that you see in your head to translate to the camera, you need to learn how to shoot in manual mode.

But I also know that no matter how many times you hear that, you can feel reluctant to make that final switch to shooting in manual mode. I know because I went through the same time too! And I have taught thousands of students in my Auto to Awesome program who have done the same thing.

Which is why today, we’re going to dive into exactly WHY making the switch to shooting in manual mode is so darn important, and the difference it can make to your photos.

Tune in to learn:

What manual mode is, and how this differs from AUTO or the semi automatic modes in your camera
Why shooting in manual mode will allow you to get more creative images that look exactly the way you want them to.
The reason you are getting inconsistent exposures, and why manual mode puts an end to all of that (and why shooting in manual mode can often be easier!)
The everyday lighting situations that your camera can’t handle in any of the semi automatic modes (or at least not well or consistently!) and why being able to use trickier lighting situations will make for better photos.

GRAB YOUR FREE MANUAL MODE CHEAT SHEET:

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/manual-mode

GET ON THE WAITLIST FOR AUTO TO AWESOME!

👉 https;//livesnaplove.com/auto-to-awesome

COME SAY HI!

The 90 Day Photograph Starter Guide & Blueprint

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

The Photography Learning Path To Take You From Beginner To Pro Nov 07, 2023

Learning photography can often feel very overwhelming - there is much to learn, so many different factors and element, and so much information to get your head around, that it can feel very daunting to know where to start, or what to focus on next.

This is obviously worse at the very beginning of your photography journey, when everything is brand new to you! But even if you have been shooting a while, it can be hard to know where to focus your efforts to get your photos to the NEXT level.

I’ve had a camera in my hand for 17 years, and have taught thousands of photographers, of all levels and abilities over the last 10, so over the years I’ve been able to see what a typical learning path looks like….and where we can go off course or get stuck!

Which is why on the podcast today I’m sharing a Photography Learning path with you that will take you all the way from beginner to advanced photographer, through 4 different “stages”

Here’s what we’re talking about today:

The 4 main areas to learn in photography

The ever-so-important first stage in everyone’s photography journey, and what you need to learn before you can progress any further.

How to approach learning the post production side of photography, and what you’ll need to learn (and the optional but fun stuff!)

The element of photography that can make or break your photos, and the list of things you might not have even known about!

Why the fourth and final stage is the most fun, and what you can focus on here for more creative photos.

GRAB YOUR FREE 90 DAY LEARNING BLUEPRINT:

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/blueprint

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

All our courses & resources

Auto to Awesome Course

Launch into Lightroom Course

Advanced Light & Composition Course

The Magic Of Photoshop Course

COME SAY HI!

All our courses & resources

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

My Photography Journey: What Worked, What Didn’t & What Actually Moved The Needle Oct 31, 2023

In this episode, I’m time traveling back to 2007 when I first picked up my camera, and giving you a guided tour of my photography journey over the last 17 years or so!

I’m sharing my ups and downs, the mistakes I’ve made, the challenges I’ve had, and the lessons I've learned along the way. Most importantly, I’ll also be sharing what actually moved the needle the most for me in photography, what changed my photographs for the better, and what I would recommend to other photographers at different stages of their photography journey.

In this episode we discuss:

What got me started in photography, and why I gave it up just a few months in….and what made me pick up my camera again.
The struggles and mistakes I made in the first 3 years of learning photography, and why it took me so long to figure out how to get the image I saw in my head to translate to the camera.
The single thing I did that had the biggest impact on my photos (and what didn’t move the needle at all!) and advice I would give to all new photographers.
What I did next to make my photos look more polished, and take them to the NEXT level.
The final turning point in my photography journey, and how this improved my photos, made me more confident behind the camera, and gave me more artistic, creative photos.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Auto to Awesome Course

Launch into Lightroom Course

Advanced Light & Composition Course

The Magic Of Photoshop Course

Macro Photography Course: Everyday Macro Magic

Finding Inspiration for Photos Beyond Child Photography

COME SAY HI!

Speedlight 101: On Camera Flash Kickstarter Guide

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Why You Might Want An External Flash Unit (Even As A Hobbyist) Oct 24, 2023

Have you wondered about whether you should get an external flash unit, particularly if you are a hobbyist who doesn’t shoot weddings - because you’re just not sure when or where, or even why, you would use it?

If so, you’re going to enjoy this week’s episode, because I’m diving into why you might find that an external flash unit a good idea, the situations where you might want to use an external flash unit, and some suggestions on what to look for if you do decide to buy a flash unit, and more!

In today’s episode I’ll cover:

Why you want to avoid using your camera’s pop up flash
The difference between a pop up flash and an external flash unit like a speedlight
How you can use a speedlight in low light
Why a speedlight can even be useful on sunny days!
The subtle difference you can add to portraits by combining a speedlight with natural light
The times when I personally have used a speedlight, despite never using it for paid work.
Finally, what to look for when buying a speedlight. (And you’ll find some suggestions at the bottom of this post!)

GET THE SPEEDLIGHT 101: ON CAMERA FLASH KICKSTARTER GUIDE

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/speedlight

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Audrey’s Amazon Top Picks

Neewer Speedlight:

Godox Speedlight:

COME SAY HI!

Free Camera Settings Cheat Sheet

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

The 3 Step Guide to Choosing Your Settings In Manual Mode Oct 17, 2023

One of the questions I get asked a lot is about how to go about choosing your camera settings when shooting in manual mode, and whether there is a correct order in which to set them.

I know it can feel a little daunting when you move from having the camera make decisions for you, to making ALL of them yourself, so in this week’s episode, I’m going to talk about the best way to approach choosing your own camera settings, and what order to choose them in.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

How to approach choosing your own camera settings, so you know where to start
The order to choose your camera settings
When aperture is the most important setting, and a rough guide to the numbers you might want to choose
When shutter speed is the most important settings, and a rough guide to the numbers you might want to choose
When ISO is the most important setting, and a rough guide to the numbers you might want to choose

GRAB YOUR FREE CAMERA SETTINGS CHEAT SHEET:

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/manual-mode

RESOURCES MENTIONED

How to Shoot in Manual Mode (a Step By Step Guide!)

Auto to Awesome

COME SAY HI!

How to Remove Noise In Lightroom Classic with the New DeNoise Tool

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

5 Tips for Photographing in Low Light Oct 10, 2023

As we move into the winter months (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere!) you can often find yourself shooting in low light conditions, in other words, places where there is a limited amount of light to shoot with!

I know that this can seem daunting at first, but over the years I have really started to look forward to this time of year, because it means I get to start working with very little light.

So in this week’s episode, I’m going to share with you some tips for working in low light, that will hopefully help you get photos that you love, even in the dark winter months ahead.

Tune in to learn:

How you can use your camera settings to maximize the available light in the scene.
What type of lenses are a godsend in low light situations
Why you only need a tiny amount of light to create an image
The editing I often do to low light images.
What you can do when you DON’T want a dark and moody image in low light.
An alternative order for choosing your camera settings.

GRAB YOUR FREE MANUAL MODE CHEAT SHEET:

👉 https://livesnaplove.com/manual-mode

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Canon 50mm F1.8 Lens

Nikon 50mm F1.8 Lens

Audrey’s Amazon Top Picks

Speedlight 101: On Camera Flash Kickstarter Guide

Neewer Speedlight:

Godox Speedlight:

Why understanding light will make you a better photographer

COME SAY HI!

👉 Watch our FREE photography training: Pro Tricks for Pro Level Photos

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

The What And The Why Behind Buying the Fujifilm X100V Oct 03, 2023

This week, I’m taking you behind the scenes a little bit, as I talk about the latest addition to my photography gear, the Fujifilm X100V!

So tune into today’s episode and we’ll discuss:

Why I purchased this particular camera in the first place.
Where this type of camera excels.
What type of photography I personally intend to use it for, and what “gap” it filled in my photography arsenal
First impressions of this camera and whether it has lived up to expectations.
Some similar types of camera (if you fancy using something similar!)
Why switching to a new manufacturer and model of camera is pretty easy,and what I focus on for each switch

EPISODE FREEBIE

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Fujifilm X100v

Audrey’s Amazon Top Picks

The 10 Step Checklist For When You Get A New Camera

Live Snap Love on Instagram

Join our FREE Facebook Community, Live Snap Love’s Photography Party Pad!

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land!

Get Rid of Noise In Lightroom In Seconds With The New DeNoise Tool! Aug 22, 2023

We all struggle with getting noise in our images from time to time. Unfortunately, noise can lead to our images looking a little less sharp and clear as we would like, particularly if you have a crop frame camera, which doesn’t handle noise as well as your full frame counterparts! Although you can (and should!) do your best to minimise noise in camera, there are always going to be situations when we have to push our ISO higher than we would like, which is when we need to fix it in editing. And that’s where the Denoise feature comes in! So today, I’m going to talk about how this tool works, along with 4 tips to help you get the best results, so that you can get rid of noise in your photos literally in seconds.

You’ll learn:

Where to find the DeNoise Tool in Lightroom Classic
How to use it to remove noise in your photos in seconds
When you should use this in your editing workflow (and why it’s REALLY important to do it at this time!)
The type of files you can use this on (and the ones you can’t)
What to do if you don’t get the results you were looking for.

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIE! 👉 https://livesnaplove.com/lightroom-starter-kit

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU!

What's the best Adobe Plan For Photographers? ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/blog/best-adobe-photography-plan

Get Lightroom & Photoshop ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/blog/adobe

Lightroom Workflow for Beginners Step By Step ➡️ https://youtu.be/B5xTmxlkIKs

Why Are My Photos Grainy? ➡️ https://youtu.be/oVkctQIMNtk

For show notes, resources & links, visit our website ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/blog/remove-noise-in-lightroom-with-denoise

COME SAY HI!

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land.

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all of our latest episodes on YouTube too! https://youtube.com/livesnaplove

Finding Inspiration for Photos Beyond Child Photography Aug 15, 2023

Are you currently in a place in your photography journey where your main source of inspiration - your children - have either grown up and flown the nest? Or maybe they are at an age where they really aren’t happy about being your subject any more? Or perhaps you don’t have kids, but are wondering what on earth you can find to photograph?!

Whatever it is for you, the upshot is you’re not feeling particularly inspired and motivated to pick up your camera lately, and feel like you’ve run out of things to photograph.

In this episode you’ll learn:

Why I felt unmotivated with photography after my son reached his teenage years.
The types of photography projects you can do that will give you daily inspiration.
How to draw creative inspiration from your own daily life.
The different genres of photography that are particularly suited to the skills you’ve developed photographing children!
Why macro photography rates high on my list of photography inspiration!
Ideas for photos you can take in and around your home, or in everyday locations.

If you’re struggling to come up with inspiration for photos, or are just wondering what your next steps for photography after photographing your own children, then this episode is for you!

Plus, we have a special freebie for you! You can download our projects and creativity exercises guide, which will give you loads of ideas to keep you feeling creative and inspired.

DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIE! 👉 https://livesnaplove.com/projects

For show notes, resources & links, visit our website: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/beyond-child-photography

~ RESOURCES TO HELP YOU LEVEL UP YOUR PHOTOS ~

💕 Freebies & More ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/everything

💕 Free Photography Class ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/free-class

💕 Photography Made Simple Podcast ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/podcast

~ COME SAY HI! ~

FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/livesnaplove

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land.

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all of our latest episodes on YouTube too! https://youtube.com/livesnaplove

3 Camera Settings Mistakes Every New Photographer Should Avoid Aug 08, 2023

Today we're diving into some common camera settings mistakes that photographers, especially beginners, often make with their camera settings! We'll explore how choosing the wrong camera settings can lead to soft images, excessive noise and grain, or photos that just aren’t as sharp and clear as you would like. And the best news is, they are simple fixes that you can make today to instantly get better photos.

Plus, we have a special freebie for you! You can download our camera settings cheat sheet, which will provide you with a handy reference to ensure you're using the right settings every time.

💕DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIE! 👉 https://livesnaplove.com/manual-mode

~ RELATED LINKS ~

Tips for Using the Canon 50mm F1.8 Lens ➡️ https://youtu.be/lwTz0V73prw

Why Are My Photos Grainy? ➡️ https://youtu.be/oVkctQIMNtk

Aperture Examples: How To Use Aperture In Photography ➡️ https://youtu.be/IVhmWGPQZAY

For show notes, resources & links, visit our website: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/camera-settings-mistakes

~ RESOURCES TO HELP YOU LEVEL UP YOUR PHOTOS ~

💕 Freebies & More ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/everything

💕 Free Photography Class ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/free-class

💕 Photography Made Simple Podcast ➡️ https://livesnaplove.com/podcast

~ COME SAY HI! ~

https://livesnaplove.com/30

New episodes drop every Tuesday, so make sure to click that follow button to get notified when they land.

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all of our latest episodes on YouTube too! https://youtube.com/livesnaplove

My 4 Step Process for Culling Photos With Intention Jul 18, 2023

Today on the podcast I’m answering a question from one of our students, about how to decide which photos to keep, and which you can get rid of!

If you’ve been having trouble overshooting, and drowning with the amount of photos you’re holding onto, you’re going to love this podcast episode!

Over the years, I've managed to fine tune my culling and shooting process so that I come back with much less photos in the first place, and when I'm culling, I'm much more intentional about which ones I keep and which ones I get rid of.

It’s a 4 step process that serves me well, so tune in, have a listen, and see what you think!

MORE RESOURCES:

Auto to Awesome: https://livesnaplove.com/auto-to-awesome

Show Notes: https://livesnaplove.com/31

7 Photography Tools I Always Take With Me When Traveling Jul 11, 2023

If you’re heading out on holiday or vacation this year, then you might be wondering what photography equipment to take with you....and what you should leave behind.

We all want to take pretty much everything with us, because each bit of our photography kit, whether that be our lenses or reflector or flash, each serves a purpose, and we want them available should we need it.

BUT, there’s usually limited space available, so there has to be a balance between having the PERFECT lens for a certain shot, or a reflector to help bounce light, or whatever else I may want, and what you can reasonably fit into your camera bag!

So on the podcast today, I’m sharing with you the 7 photography items I pretty much always take with me when traveling.

For full show notes, resources, links or to read a written version of this podcast, visit our website:

How To Use Your Regular Lens For Macro Photography! Jul 03, 2023

Today I’m going to be talking about a form of photography that really opened my eyes to the beauty that is around me every single day, even in the most mundane elements, and that is macro photography!

You may have considered giving macro photography a try, but you maybe don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars getting a macro lens, or at least not yet, and are wondering if you can take macro photos without one.

Well, the good news is there are a number of other options available to you, ranging from around $15 to $70, so there really is something for everyone, regardless of your budget.

Today, I’m going to go through some of the options that are available to you, the pros and cons of each one, plus I’ll tell you what I would personally recommend that you get.

So if you are serious about wanting to take macro photos, but not quite serious enough to warrant a full macro lens - or it’s simply just not in the budget for you right now - this is the podcast episode for you!

Check out the Everyday Macro Magic Workshop: https://livesnaplove.com/macro

For full show notes, resources, links or to read a written version of this podcast, visit our website:

https://livesnaplove.com/29

How Long Does It Really Take to Learn Photography? Jun 27, 2023

Learning photography can feel really overwhelming and that it has taken a million years - I know from experience! How long should it actually take until you feel comfortable saying you're a photographer?

Everyone is unique, but teaching over 2,000 students in the Auto to Awesome program has given me a damn good idea!

This week's episode talks about my journey, the time OR money that may go into learning photography, and give you a rough estimate of how long it may take you.

Also be sure to grab the 90 Day Photography Learning Blueprint!

To see all the resources and links or read a written version of this podcast, visit the show notes:

https://livesnaplove.com/blog/how-long-to-learn-photography

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Do You Really Need to Calibrate Your Camera Lens? Here's the Answer! Jun 20, 2023

A lot of times you may not be getting your photos as sharp as you'd like and you might stop and think, do I need to calibrate my lens?

Today's episode will shed some light on this! I'm covering what lens calibration is, how to know if you may need it, and how to know if you need to do it right now! We will also discuss a little test for your lenses, and guide you on HOW to calibrate - should you need to do so!

We also talk about this in the phoography course, Auto to Awesome.

To see all the resources and links or read a written version of this podcast, click here: https://livesnaplove.com/blog/lens-calibration

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https://livesnaplove.com/26

The 5 Things You'll Need When Starting A Photography Business Jun 06, 2023

Thinking about starting a photography business but not sure what you need to do first? Then today’s episode is going to be a goldmine of information for you!

I’m going to share with you 5 things you’ll want to have in place before you start a photography business so that you can get off on the right foot. You can always get fancier later, but these 5 areas will allow you to start to make money from your skills.

Grab the The Photography Biz Start Up Kit here.

To see all the resources and links or read a written version of this podcast, visit the show notes:

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👉 https://livesnaplove.lpages.co/insider/

Zoom vs Prime Lenses - Which One Is Better? May 30, 2023

On this episode of Photography Made Simple, we delve into the great debate between prime and zoom lenses, and how to decide which one is right for you!

We explore the advantages and disadvantages of each lens type, such as the difference in maximum aperture, background blur, sharpness, flexibility, image quality and more.

So which should you get? As the decision of whether a zoom or prime is right for you depends on your specific needs, we'll also give you tips on how to choose based on the type of photography you do and the limitations you might have.

Links mentioned in today's episode:

👉 Which Lens Kickstarter Guide https://livesnaplove.com/lenses

👉 Understanding what all the lens numbers mean. https://livesnaplove.com/blog/2015/9/7/what-do-the-numbers-on-your-lens-mean

👉 See full show notes for this episdoe at Live Snap Love. https://livesnaplove.com/25

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The 5 Types of Metering Modes Explained (and when to use each one!) May 23, 2023

On this episode of Photography Made Simple, we're diving into the importance of your camera's metering mode, by looking at what each ones does, and how to choose the right one for your specific situation.

You'll learn about the three main types of metering modes, as well as the less common partial and highlight-weighted modes.

We'll also cover the benefits of spot metering, which can be extremely useful in getting a perfectly exposed image in certain situations!

To see example images, plus get your hands on extra resources, visit the website:

Click here to see the full show notes for this episode!

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Watch the free training: Pro Tricks for Pro Level Photos

6 Easy Ways To Get Rid of Glasses Glare in Photos May 16, 2023

On this episode of Photography Made Simple, I tackle the common issue of glasses glare in portrait photography.

Whether it's adjusting the direction of light or the subject's head, there are several in-camera solutions to minimize glare.

We'll also discus the pros and cons of editing glasses glare in Photoshop and when it's appropriate to ask a subject to remove their glasses - and when it's not.

Tune in to this informative episode for tips and tricks to capture the perfect shot of your glasses-wearing subjects!

Click here to see the full show notes for this episode, along with photo examples.

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