Visual Storytelling with Gary Fernon

Welcome to the Visual Storytelling podcast. Lets discuss the benefits of having different shaped and sized lenses.

Having different shaped and sized lenses offers various benefits in different optical systems and applications.

1. Focusing Abilities.

2. Field of View.

3. Aperture Control.

4. Aberration Correction.

5. Magnification.

6. Portability.

7. Specialised Functions.

8. Creative Expression.

9. Light Gathering.

Overall, the variety in lens shapes and sizes provides flexibility and versatility, allowing photographers, videographers, scientists, and engineers to choose the right tool for their specific needs and achieve the desired outcomes in their respective fields.

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. It genuinely does make a difference.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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Welcome to the Visual Storytelling podcast. Lets talk about how you can avoid looking awkward while taking selfies with your friends.

To avoid looking awkward while taking selfies with friends, try these tips:

1. Find good lighting.

2. Hold the camera at eye level.

3. Smile naturally.

4. Use the timer or a selfie stick.

5. Be mindful of backgrounds.

6. Communicate and have fun.

7. Take multiple shots.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep trying, and don't be too critical of yourself – it's all about having fun and capturing memories with your friends!

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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Welcome to the Visual Storytelling podcast. In episode 15 of 2023 I discussed 5 things that would assist you in making videos with your phone better, without having to use any editing software. In episode 4 in 2024, I’m going to share 4 more tips.

4 Bonus Tips

Environment

Sound quality (microphone vs built in mic)

Consistency 

Don't over commit.

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. It genuinely does make a difference.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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Welcome to the Visual Storytelling podcast. Let’s explore how to improve your photography skills. 

Improving your photography skills can be achieved through practice and learning. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Learn the fundamentals.

2. Practice regularly.

3. Study other photographers' work.

4. Use manual settings.

5. Edit your photos.

6. Get constructive feedback.

7. Focus on one genre.

8. Study the technicalities of your gear.

9. Be patient and persistent.

Remember, photography is an art form, and developing your style takes time and dedication. Keep experimenting and enjoying the process. 

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. It genuinely does make a difference.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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To have a good expression in photographs, consider the following.

A good expression in any photograph makes the world of difference. Here are ten tips to help you achieve this.

1. Relax and be natural.

2. Practice in front of a mirror.

3. Focus on your eyes.

4. Be mindful of your body language.

5. Find good lighting.

6. Avoid staring directly into the camera.

7. Capture candid moments.

8. Work with a skilled photographer.

9. Be patient and take multiple shots.

10. Practice self-confidence.

Remember, the key is to be genuine and showcase your unique personality in the photographs.

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. It genuinely does make a difference.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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Having a photographer document events can provide several benefits to individuals. Here are ten reasons why:

1. Capturing Memories.

2. Professional Quality.

3. Focus on the Moment.

4. Comprehensive Coverage.

5. Sharing with Others.

6. Enhanced Creativity.

7. Professional Documentation.

8. Boosting Social Media Presence.

9. Creating Albums and Photo Books.

10. Building a Relationship.

Overall, having a photographer document events not only ensures beautiful and memorable images but also allows individuals to fully immerse themselves in the occasion, knowing that the important moments are being professionally captured.

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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As a beginner in photography, here are a few fundamental tips to help you get started:

1. Composition.

2. Lighting.

3. Focus.

4. Exposure.

5. Camera Settings.

6. Composition (pt.2).

7. Post-Processing.

Remember, above all else, practice is key to improving your photography skills. Take lots of photos, experiment, and have fun along the way!

If you would like me to discuss any of the points mentioned in this episode, let me know, I’m always happy to delve deeper into these subjects.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

LINKS

When choosing a DSLR camera for street photography, consider the following factors:

1. Size and weight.

2. Image quality.

3. Low light performance.

4. Autofocus system.

5. Burst shooting speed.

6. Lens selection.

7. Articulating screen.

8. Connectivity options.

9. Battery life.

10. Weather sealing.

11. Customisation options.

Remember, the best camera for street photography is one that suits your shooting style and feels comfortable to use.

OUTRO

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. It genuinely does make a difference.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

LINKS

Welcome to the Visual Storytelling podcast. Let’s discuss the benefits of using a wide angle lens. 

Using a wide-angle lens offers several benefits in photography:

1. Expansive Field of View.

2. Depth and Spatial Awareness.

3. Distortion and Creative Perspective.

4. Close Proximity.

5. Environmental Portraits.

Remember that wide-angle lenses have their limitations too, such as potential distortion and the tendency to diminish the size and impact of distant subjects. However, when used effectively, they can expand your creative possibilities and deliver compelling visual results.

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. It genuinely does make a difference.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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Businesses should invest in product photography for several reasons:

1. Visual Appeal.

2. Brand Image and Professionalism.

3. Increased Sales.

4. Differentiation from Competitors.

5. Online Presence and Marketing.

6. Versatility and Adaptability.

Overall, product photography is a valuable investment for businesses as it enhances brand perception, boosts sales, sets products apart from competitors, and amplifies marketing efforts. It is an essential tool for showcasing your products in the best possible way and creating a lasting impression on your target audience.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

@GaryFernon

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Learning photography on your own can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Understand the basics.

2. Get to know your camera.

3. Practice regularly.

4. Study composition.

5. Study light.

6. Analyse and critique.

7. Learn from others.

8. Edit and post-process.

9. Share your work.

Remember, practice, experimentation, and perseverance are key to improving your photography skills. Enjoy the process and let your creativity flourish!

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

@GaryFernon

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Welcome to the Visual Storytelling podcast. Let’s discuss why individuals and businesses should invest in professional headshot photography.

Investing in professional headshot photography offers several benefits for both individuals and businesses. Here are a few reasons why it's worth considering:

1. First impressions.

2. Personal branding.

3. Building trust.

4. Versatility.

5. Brand consistency.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

LINKS

Previously I discussed the importance of documentary photography both as an individual, and as a business. Today, let’s take a look at some of the businesses that can benefit from documentary photography.

Documentary photography can benefit a wide range of businesses, particularly those seeking to capture and convey authentic stories, experiences, or brand narratives. 

The list we are about to explore is not exhaustive. 

There are many other types of businesses that can benefit from photography.  I would go as far to say, that in fact, all businesses can benefit from documenting their processes and general lifestyle. But today, I’ve narrowed this down and focused on just five.

1. Nonprofit organisations

2. Travel and hospitality industry

3. Retail and e-commerce

4. Food industry

5. Events and conferences

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and would like to listen to more topics, just like this one, then why not consider following the Visual Storytelling Podcast, so as not to miss out on, not only new episodes, but catch up on previous episodes you may have missed, or simply wish to listen to again. It genuinely does make a difference.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

LINKS

Welcome to Visual Storytelling, let’s discuss the importance of documentary photography, both as an individual, and as a business.

Documentary photography plays a crucial role in our society for several reasons. First and foremost, it serves as a powerful tool for capturing and preserving moments in history, documenting significant events, cultures, and social issues. By freezing a moment in time, documentary photographs provide a visual record that helps us understand and remember the past.

Documentary photography holds significant importance in the business world for various reasons. In this episode I discuss in further detail the following areas.

1. Marketing and Branding

2. Storytelling

3. Building Trust

4. Documentation and Reporting

5. Corporate Social Responsibility.

Overall, documentary photography in business serves as a powerful tool for marketing, branding, storytelling, building trust, documentation, and showcasing corporate social responsibility. It adds depth, authenticity, and visual impact to a business's communication strategy, contributing to its overall success and reputation.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

LINKS

You understand the benefits of incorporating video for your business.

You’re ready to begin creating video content and have decided to use your mobile phone to achieve this.

To help you, I’m going to share 5 tips that will assist you in making those videos better, without having to use any editing software.

I discuss,

Ease of set up.

Lighting.

Length of videos.

Looking at the camera; and

Talk to the phone like you would as though you were having a conversation.

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

LINKS

In a previous episode I said, “it’s worth considering the type of memory card you will need as well, as the performance of this will have an impact on the experience when trying to choose between camera or lens.” So I thought I’d explain in a little more detail what I mean by this.

When starting out in either photography or videography, there is so much to wrap your minds around, so hopefully this has served, in some way, as clarity surrounding memory cards and helped you narrow down which may be best suited to the type of photography or videography you do. 

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

@GaryFernon

You’ve had a professional video made to promote your business or brand.  Now it’s time to capitalise on this.

Before I get into this episode there’s one question that you need to be asking yourself.

“Am I using video to promote either yourself, and / or your business.”

If you haven’t started to incorporate video yet, hopefully you found this insightful and will see the benefits of doing so, and begin to incorporate video into your strategy for 2023 and beyond.  Let me know how you get on, I’m genuinely interested to hear about the successes as well as the stumbling blocks.

For those who are already incorporating video, I’d also be interested to learn about the hurdles you have confronted and how you overcame them, as this will assist those less experienced as they progress upon their video content creating journey.

After all, we are a community, talking with like minded individuals is how we grow, develop, inspire and be inspired. 

This is the purpose of why I put these podcasts together.

Until next time, 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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Social Shepherd,

Knowing which settings to use can be confusing, and to a certain extent takes the fun out of photography.  The ability in deciding which setting to choose can have on how the shot looks can make the difference between an average photo and an awesome one, which is why it is important you know and understand how to use your camera.

Listen to this episode to hear my thoughts on this subject.

Part way through this episode the audio gets interrupted somewhat by my neighbours gardener who decided to cut the grass right outside of my office.

Be Creative. Be Inspired Be You.

@GaryFernon

The question for this episode…. Which would you be better off starting out with as a hobby photographer, a good lens on a mediocre camera or a mediocre lens on a good camera?

In order to best answer this question will depend on the type of photography you’re interested in. My initial thought would be to spend more on the lens over that of the camera body. My advice would be to figure out what type of photography you would like to do. 

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

So, what are the next three things a photographer should get after they have purchased a camera?  Well, I think what I’m about to suggest is going to shock some people.

Do you agree with the three items I’ve mentioned?  

If you have others that you think should rank higher, then feel free to share them by leaving a comment, or tweeting me @GaryFernon as who knows, one of your suggestions just may be the solution someone else is looking for.

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

Is leasing camera equipment practical for a beginner photographer?

I’m going to say yes, however, only in the short term.

Leasing equipment is a great option if you want to try before you buy, but not something I feel you should be looking at as an alternative to owning your equipment. Take advantage of companies who lease equipment to identify what you use, and then go ahead and purchase your own.

Listen to this episode to hear my thoughts on this subject.

Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

@GaryFernon

Why should you be documenting your day.

Because we’ve been doing it for years.

Because without photography, there is no history.

Showcasing your working environment forms that unconscious attachment with a client.  The moment they step through your door, they already feel familiar with their surroundings, because they recognise it, even if it’s the first time they've stepped foot through the door, they already feel comfortable. 

If you’re a creative who works from home, showing your work environment may not fit this narrative.  This is ok, there are still aspects of what you do that you should showcase.  Possibly a time-lapse of you editing a video or a photograph.  An insight of the process you go through to achieve the end result.  Behind the scenes photos or short videos can be really impactive.

This, is the power, of documenting your day.

BE CREATIVE. BE INSPIRED. BE YOU.

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Like a lot of people, at the beginning of the New Year I set out what I would like to achieve during 2023, not resolutions, as lets be honest, how many of us actually stick to the resolutions we set ourselves? No, I set goals.

I only have to look at the content list I created at the beginning of the year to see the reality of just how distracted I’ve become during the first three months of 2023.  

So it’s time to reset, realign my focus, and push myself to my limits, after all, it is through constantly pushing our own boundaries that we develop our skills and become better at what we do.

Listen to the episode to discover what you can expect from this podcast moving forward.

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e: gary.fernon@photoreceptorcell.co.uk

Twitter - @GaryFernon

Everything you are. In one simple link. Join over 30M people and share everything you create, curate and sell online. All from the one link in bio.

Recently I’ve been introduced to Linktree, a one stop shop if you will, to navigate your viewers to all of your links, be that your website, social media pages of merchandise stores. But what is Linktree, and what does it cost?

Listen to this episode to find out.

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From photographer to model to photojournalist, Lee Miller will be played by Kate Winslet on the big screen. But who is Lee Miller?

I recently discovered MidJourneyAi, an independent research lab exploring new mediums of thought and expanding the imaginative powers of the human species. They are a small self-funded team focused on design, human infrastructure, and AI.

And quite frankly I’ve been having a lot of fun messing about with it.

Despite the outrage by some, I believe that AI is most definitely going to be a part of our future, how it is going to be best used remains to be seen, however from the brief time I’ve been playing with it I can see it already has the potential to have a broad landscape. How we use it is really up to us, but to dismiss it, I think is naive. For those who believe this is something that is fake and feel threatened by it taking your livelihood, I would say this. In order to remain current you must adapt and evolve to the changes around you. Don’t simply ignore this advancement, instead embrace it to enhance your skillset, it is after all just another tool available to us, enabling us to take a vision and produce something tangible.

There are however other systems available such as,

With the cold weather you would have noticed that your batteries probably aren’t holding their charge as long as they do during the other three seasons.

What if I told you there is a way to keep powered up in cold conditions.

This is exactly what the ProCube2 from Hahnel offers.

In this episode I take a look at the features of this extreme battery from Hahnel.

I’d be interested to know if this is a product you’d consider adding to your kit bag, so let me know in the comments, or tweet me @GaryFernon.

Until the next time, Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

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In November’s main headlines.

HOW TO WORK OUT YOUR HOURLY RATE in 3 STEPS:

Join like minded creative’s at the Creative Community

The best photo-editing laptops for photographers in 2022

What are the top 5 free and paid video / photo apps

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Creative Community

Before we look at the list we have to ask ourselves 2 questions.

• Do I use a laptop as my only means of editing, or do I use it for convenience when not able to sit in front of the desktop? And;
• Am I a Mac or a PC?

MAIN HEADLINES

Mobile Phone Technology

*Is Vero the new Instagram?

*Samsung Galaxy A14 design leaked in full

*Apple iPhone 14 review

DSLR & Mirrorless News

*Fuji release the X-H2

New Tech.

*GoPro launches Hero 11 Black and Black Mini: 27MP sensor + 360º Horizon Lock

*DJI set to release the SkyPixel action camera.

*DJI Osmo 3 Action Camera is given 4 big upgrades.

*Nikon adds four new lenses to the Nikon Z lens line-up

*The best drawing tablet: top graphics tablets for editing photos with a stylus

*The World's First 2 TERABYTE microSD card

Competitions

*Sony announce the judges for the World Photography Awards 2023.

*The International Portrait Photographer Of The Year.

LINKS

Mobile Phone Technology

Do you use a graphics tablet for editing photos?

Are you considering using one but don’t know where to start?

Graphics tablets and stylus pens are not just for artists and illustrators! The best drawing tablet is also a great way to edit photos in Photoshop or Lightroom.

The following 13 tablets listed below have been compiled by Digital Camera World. Bear in mind what I said earlier, just because one is listed as number 1 and another 13, doesn’t mean that it is necessarily better, or worse. You may find that a tablet listed somewhere in the middle is the best fit for you. So, lets’ take a look at Digital Camera Worlds list from 1 to 13.

1. Wacom One (2020) - (£35.99 - £49.99)

2. Wacom Intuos Pro Large - (£449.99)

3. Huion H430P - (£22.39)

Тhе Х-Н2 іѕ а роwеrful multіmеdіа tооl соmbіnіng hіgh-еnd рhоtоgrарhіс аnd fіlmmаkіng fеаturеѕ tо mееt thе dеmаndѕ оf еvеrу ѕhооtіng ѕсеnаrіо. Wіth а nеw 40.2МР Х-Тrаnѕ СМОЅ 5 НR ѕеnѕоr аnd thе nоtоrіоuѕ Х-Рrосеѕѕоr 5, thіѕ іѕ thе fіrѕt іn thе Х ѕеrіеѕ tо dеlіvеr Ріхеl Ѕhіft Мultі-Ѕhоt fоr 160МР іmаgеѕ. Аnd, wіth а nаtіvе 8К vіdео rеѕоlutіоn, thе Х-Н2 іѕ аn іnсrеdіblу соmрrеhеnѕіvе hуbrіd ѕhооtеr.

If you are already a Fuji owner I’d be interested to know whether the X-H2 is worth considering. Let me know by either leaving a comment or you can tweet me @GaryFernon.

Until the next episode, Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.

The benefits of using a gimbal over simply handheld ensures that your footage looks smooth even when you're walking, running or making sudden movements.

Digital Camera World have compiled a list of what they believe to be the best gimbals in 2022, so lets break this down into the following categories,

Gimbals for smartphone. 

Gimbal camera’s. 

Gimbals for action camera’s. 

Gimbals for DSLR and Mirrorless camera’s. 

Not so long ago to get 2 terabytes of storage you'd need a thumping-great 3.5-inch mechanical hard disk drive.

However, Japanese company Kioxia Corporation claim to have produced a working prototype of a 2TB microSDXC card.

I stumbled upon Urth while searching for a variable ND filter for my Lumix G80 and why I chose them over other providers was in part because of their mission. With 8 layer nano-coating, no colour cast, 1 to 8.66 f/stops and a lifetime guarantee, the decision was really quite simple.

Is Vero the new Instagram?

Instagram is no longer a platform for photography, confirmed by the company head, Adam Mosseri. Instead focusing more on video content over that of stills, and beginning to feel more like TikTok than what it once was. I accept that in order to survive you have to be able to adapt to the changing landscape, and as James Sinclair says, “innovate or evaporate”, but to what cost?

Q. Have you made the switch? Let me know if you have, or haven’t and why.

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If you enjoyed this episode then why not subscribe to hear more like this. My main focus is all about sharing, so let’s start a conversation. But above all, be creative, be inspired, be you.

https://twitter.com/GaryFernon

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For

Welcome to this episode of Visual Storytelling, with me Gary Fernon, where I’m looking at the new drone from DJI.

The starting price for the DJI Avata is £989, but don’t get caught out as the extra’s such as controller and goggles come separately. Despite this I am still seriously tempted. It will definitely be going on my wish list.

It would be fair to say, whether you’re a photographer or videographer, the inclusion of drone footage is a must have within your business today. As James Sinclair says, “Innovate or evaporate.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts on not only the Avata, but drone footage in general. Do you already include this within your portfolios, are you considering including it. Would you consider the new offering from DJI, or do you favour an alternative brand. I’m genuinely interested to hear your experiences.

Tweet me @GaryFernon or leave a comment.

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New Tech.

MAIN HEADLINES

Mobile Phone Technology

What is the best smartphone for photography?

Photo-sharing app BeReal is topping the app charts, but you won’t find it under photography?

New Tech.

What are The best camera for beginners in 2022

Events

The Photography & Video Show have released a 25% discount on tickets.

Competitions

CEWE Photo Award 2023: Free to Enter & Open to All

Sony World Photography Awards 2023 are now open and $25,000 is up for grabs.

Latest apps

What are the top 5 free and paid video / photo apps

LINKS

Mobile Phone Technology

Digital Camera World’ top 11 mobile devices.

MAIN HEADLINES

Mobile Phone Technology

*Professional photographers using Instagram can make up to £18k per post!

*Huawei Nova 10 set to launch on Fourth of July (but don't expect it in USA)

DSLR & Mirrorless News

*Fujifilm X-H2S is here: 6.2K video, 4K 120p, 40fps burst mode and 26MP BSI sensor

*Nikon will discontinue the D3500 and D5600 but you can still buy them for now

New Tech.

*$1,999 Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 effectively cancels the 6K Pro

*Leica announces Royal Thai gold-plated edition M10-P for the royal price tag of $45,000!

*Nikon launches its “best ever” vlogging camera

Events

The Photography Show & The Video Show, (17 – 20 September)

Competitions

*There’s only one month remaining to ‘Picture This’ the Sony World Photography Awards

*Nikon Europe Short Film Award

Latest apps

*What are the top 5 free and paid video / photo apps

LINKS

Mobile Phone Technology

DSLR & Mirrorless News

May News

MAIN HEADLINES

*Samsung introduce a 108MP HM6 sensor on their Realme 9 phone series.

*DSLR sales increase 132%