Episode 30 - A Time A Place

This week I speak with John Piercy Holroyd & Daniel Hopkinson, authors of A Time A Place, a photography and architecture project that became a book. This first volume has been a real labour of love for the pair and it was a treat to sit down with my first panel of guests. Dan also has some excellent gear and lens choices for those of us who love just a little bit of gear chatter.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 29 - James Bareham

James Bareham is a creative director and photographer with a background in sports, newspapers and online media. He’s photographed everything from bombings to First Ladies. He now runs a media startup as well as freelancing. You can find out more about his work at Happicamp.com.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 28 - Stasia Schmidt

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 27 - Tiffany Roubert

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 26 - Milan Swolfs

Milan is most known for is fine art portrait photography work in the burlesque and vintage styles. His work is a throwback to the memorable Hollywood glamour of the 20s and 30s, often portraying women in a daring and sexy way, but always delicately and glamourously.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 25 - Doug Menuez

Documentary photographer and director Doug Menuez once stood at the North Pole, crossed the Sahara, had tea with Stalin's daughter and held a chunk of Einstein's brain. Quitting his blues band in 1981, he began his 40+ year career freelancing for Time, LIFE, Newsweek, Fortune, USA Today, the New York Times Magazine and many other publications. He covered the AIDS crisis, homelessness in America, politics, five Super Bowls and the Olympics. His portrait assignments include Presidents Clinton and Bush, Sr. and Cate Blanchett, Lenny Kravitz, Mother Teresa, Jane Goodall and Hugh Jackman. His award-winning advertising campaigns and projects for global brands include Chevrolet, FedEx, Leica, GE, Coca Cola, Emirates Airlines Microsoft. Menuez’ work has been honoured by many organisations, including the Kelly Awards, The AOP London, The Cannes Festival, The One Show, The Art Director’s Club of NY, The Epson Creativity Award, American Photography, the International Photography Awards, NY Photo Festival, Graphis, and Communication Arts. He's had solo and group exhibits worldwide. His fourth book, “Fearless Genius: The Digital Revolution in Silicon Valley 1985-2000,” by Simon & Schuster’s Atria Books, became a #1 bestseller on Amazon’s photo book list and published in 6 countries and 17 languages. Over 100 million people around the world have seen the project through the book, exhibits, viral press and his talks. A exhibition of rare images of Silicon Valley’s greatest innovators, including Steve Jobs, as they changed our world, continues to travel. His extensive archive of over two million images was acquired by Stanford University Libraries in 2004.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 24 David Imel

David Imel is a technology journalist based in the US who is probably best known these days for his work on Youtube and podcasts. His work with MKBHD as well as his own films would keep anyone busy but David clearly doesn’t like to be bored. Not only is he a wonderful photographer but he is a wonderfully talented film photographer with a preferred aspect ratio that you’re not expecting. He’s good buddies with some previous guests so I was thrilled when he agreed to be on the show. 

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 23 - Sean Tucker

Sean Tucker is a photographer based in the north of the UK. He has published a number of photography books and most recently added to that with his book on creativity and art more broadly called The Meaning in the Making. He’s a really interesting creative voice who feels to me like a teacher as much as creative person I admire.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 22 - Sissi Lu

Sissi Lu is a photographer based in New York City who specialises in shooting film. She’s created a successful YouTube channel featuring an array of fun projects and is currently working with Polaroid on a campaign. Her pursuit of filmic perfection I expected, her love of football, I did not.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 21 Thorsten Overgaard

Thorsten Overgaard is a Danish photographer who’s synonymous with Leica. He’s shot with their cameras for decades, has written a book on just about every model in that time and has shot just about every lens. Talking to him about everything from the camera you just have to have to the lenses that on reflection you don’t, was a real treat. Warning, this is a long one, you may want a snack.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 20 - Vacation Episode 2024

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 19 Christelle Enquist

Christelle Enquist, is one half of the the founder couple behind The RAW Society, a community for photographers dedicated to really teaching craft, helping them to grow and be better as well as providing a community of peers. Her work has been exhibited around the world and she was recently published in a book celebrating female street photographers.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 18 - Simon Baxter

Simon Baxter swapped extreme sports for photography 10 years ago and the world of image making is all the better for it. From his home in North Yorkshire he and his trusty dog Meg explore woodlands finding all manner of interesting compositions. His photos are wonderful and I hope you enjoy this conversation with Simon.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 17 Emily Lowrey

Emily Lowrey has an infectious love for photography that she shares with the world through her Micro Four Nerds community and YouTube channel. A firm believer that all camera gear is good gear she shows her fans that it’s technique over technology that will lead to great images. She was tremendous fun to talk to for this week’s episode. 

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 16 Mel McVeigh

Mel McVeigh is an award winning photographer and creative director that I’ve had the privilege of knowing for over a decade. I wanted to talk to her because recently she’s been experimenting with generative AI tools as she continues to explore themes of intimacy and relationships in her photography. Combining these human themes while using tools which to many are inherently in-human might seem like a contradiction to some but it’s fascinating and led to a great conversation. 

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 15 John Kasko

John Kasko has shot professionally for over 40 years. In that time he’s gone from dropping expensive cameras at weddings photographing the defining artists of our time from Elton John and Madonna to Steve Martin and seemingly everyone in between. A no nonsense pro with a preference for a simple setup he has seen and done it all and it was great to talk to someone who is still trying to change and evolve their photography over time. It’s no longer about perfection for him and he doesn’t put pressure on himself to always use the “best” camera he has with him. His YouTube channel has me itching to get a flash and some lights, you’ll get the bug too once you spend any time with him.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Episode 14 - Dan Baker

Dan Baker is a UK based photographer specialising in documentary photography/ street in the UK, although specialising doesn’t really cover it. Dan doesn’t just specialise. He set himself the challenge of shooting a single 100m stretch of beach front in his home town. This hyper specifc focus has produced beautiful colour imagery that’s rich, playful and often features a dropped ice cream cone.

I love his work we had a great conversation about three very similar lenses, but then that’s very Dan, he has found great variety and depth over several years in a place most photographers would feel they’ve explored in an afternoon.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Prime Lenses - Episode 13 - David Barth

David is the founder of a company called Pixii, a French based team of folks who decided to make a new type of camera. A digital rangefinder without a screen that seeks to reinvent the way that we engage with a high quality interchangeable lens system. I worked with David over a decade ago in open-source software and was stunned when I saw his face on the website for Pixii a couple of years ago. He’s passionate about his company and what they can make. He and his team are making something special and it was a real thrill to talk to someone making a camera. How often do you get to do that!?

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Prime Lenses - Episode 12 - Mattias Burling

Mattias Burling has worked in media production since 2007. Experience in Production, video and stills made a YouTube channel about photography a natural fit and since then he has published over 420 videos about cameras. For me he’s one of photography’s permanent fixtures and I often watch his videos as I really trust his no nonsense approach to technology not to mention his fantastic eye. His images are stunning, dynamic, and beautiful.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Prime Lenses - Episode 11 - Vjeran Pavic

Director, producer and journalist for the Verge where Vjeran gets to work on a little bit of everything — from writing to filming, editing and running a video team. His free time a lot more photography centric — street, pets, drones and a lot of different lenses.

More about the show:

A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.