Photography Explained Podcast

Rick McEvoy
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Photography stuff explained in plain English by me, Rick, in less than 27(ish) minutes without the irrelevant details. I explain one photographic thing per episode, providing just enough information to help you understand it, improve your photography and take better photos, all without delving into endless, irrelevant details. I am a professionally qualified photographer based in the UK and amongst other things I help photographers take better photos. If you want me to answer your question, head to rickmcevoyphotography.com/podcast. How utterly splendid.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    📸 5 Things We All Need to Do in 2026 to Take Better Photos

    Send us a text Want to take better photos in 2026 than you did in 2025? 📸 This episode gives you five simple, practical things you can start doing today that will genuinely improve your photography. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to properly clean your camera gear and why it matters for sharp photos ✅ The smart way to learn camera settings without getting overwhelmed ✅ Why shooting in different lighting conditions makes you a better photographer ✅ How to critically review your work before sharing it ✅ Why trying uncomfortable photography genres helps you grow These tips work for everyone - whether you're using a phone 📱, an entry-level camera, or professional gear. No jargon, just practical advice you can use today. 📸 What You'll Learn: ✅ Thing 1: Clean Your Gear Properly and Keep It Clean Get yourself a proper cleaning kit with a blower brush, microfibre cloths, and lens cleaning solution. Make cleaning a habit before every shoot. Clean lenses make sharp photos - it's that simple! ✅ Thing 2: Learn One Camera Setting Really Well Don't try to master everything at once. Pick one setting - maybe exposure compensation, aperture priority, or even manual mode - and become properly competent with it. Master it, then move on to the next one. ✅ Thing 3: Take Photos in Different Light Deliberately seek out different lighting conditions. Harsh midday sun, soft overcast light, golden hour, indoor window light - each type teaches you different skills. Photography is drawing with light, so this stuff is pretty important! ✅ Thing 4: Review Your Photos Critically Before Sharing Them Stop sharing every photo you take. Review your photos twice - once immediately, then again with fresh eyes after waiting overnight. Quality over quantity, always. ✅ Thing 5: Shoot Something Uncomfortable Try a photography genre outside your comfort zone. Love landscapes? Try portraits. Always shoot people? Try architecture. Uncomfortable equals growth, and growth equals better photography. 📱 For Phone Photographers: Everything in this episode applies to phone photography too! Clean your phone lens, learn exposure compensation in your camera app, photograph in different light, review before posting, and try different types of photography with your phone. 🔗 Related Episodes: If you're enjoying this New Year focus on improving your photography, you might want to check out the previous episode - episode 222, The Best of The Photography Explained Podcast: 29 Essential Photography Tips That Actually Matter And here are some other recent related episodes - episode 220, The Photographer's Eye: See a Great Photo Before You Take It: and good old episode 152, Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer on my website Rick McEvoy Photography.com/courses Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer at Rick McEvoy Photography.com Support the show Get your question answered This is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography. Thanks very much for listening Cheers from me Rick

    22 min

  2. 19/12/2025

    The Best of The Photography Explained Podcast: 29 Essential Photography Tips That Actually Matter

    Send us a text Over 221 episodes, thousands of tips, and hundreds of hours of content. Today, I've distilled everything down to the most important photography tips I've ever shared. This is the episode you'll want to bookmark. 🔖 Here's the thing about doing a podcast for over 221 episodes: you accumulate a lot of advice. Some of it's specific—how to photograph buildings 🏛️, how to use a polarizing filter, how to set up your Lightroom catalog. But some tips? They're universal. ✨ They work for everyone, regardless of what you photograph or what gear you use. 📷 Today's episode is different. Instead of diving deep into one topic, we're going wide. 🌍 I've gone back through every single episode and pulled out the most essential, most powerful, most immediately useful tips I've ever shared. These are the tips that listeners tell me changed their photography. 🚀 The ones that work whether you're using a professional camera or your phone. 📱 The ones that apply to landscapes 🏞️, portraits 👤, street photography 🏙️, and everything in between. If you're new to the podcast, this is your crash course. 🎓 If you've been listening from the start, this is your refresher. 🔄 Either way, by the end of this episode, you'll have actionable tips that will immediately improve your photography. No fluff, no filler—just the best of the best. 🏆 THE 29 TIPS COVERED: 💡 1. 📸 Use My One Photo Rule 2. ✂️ Take Fewer Photos Overall 3. 🚶‍♂️👀🧠 My Photography Superpowers – Walking, Looking, and Thinking 4. 🤔 Think Before You Take a Photo 5. 🚫⚙️ No One Cares About Your Gear or Settings 6. 🔺 Forget the Exposure Triangle 7. 📉 Use the Lowest ISO for the Sharpest Photos 8. 🎛️ Learn How to Use Manual Mode 9. 🖼️ Get a Portfolio of Your Best Twelve Photos 10. 💬 Get a Critique of Your Photos (Not from Friends or Family) 11. 📚 Learn from Other Photographers (and Yourself) 12. #️⃣ Use the Rule of Thirds 13. ➡️ Use Leading Lines 14. 🏔️ Create Depth in Your Photos 15. 🧹 Simplify by Removing Distractions 16. 📁 Shoot in RAW Format 17. ⚪ Use a Grey Card for Accurate Colors 18. 📊 Use Your Histogram 19. 🎯 Find Your Lens Sweet Spot 20. ❤️ Photograph Things You're Actually Interested In 21. ✏️ Only Edit Photos You're Going to Use 22. 🗑️ Delete Rubbish Photos 23. 💾 Backup Your Photos in Three Places 24. 🛡️ Look After Your Gear 25. 🔄 Keep Practicing and Getting Better 26. 🏅 Aim to Beat Your Portfolio with Every Photo 27. 🔇 Ignore the Noise on Social Media 28. 😊 Enjoy Your Photography 29. 🦵 Use a Tripod USEFUL LINKS: 🔗 📖 Photography for Beginners Hub Page 🎧 Related Episodes: Episode 220 - The Photographer's Eye Episode 221 - Rule of Thirds for Beginners Episode 219 - Why Your Photos Look Flat Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer on my website Rick McEvoy Photography.com/courses Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer at Rick McEvoy Photography.com Support the show Get your question answered This is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography. Thanks very much for listening Cheers from me Rick

    51 min

  3. 05/12/2025

    Composition Made Simple: The Rule of Thirds for Beginners

    Send us a text 📸 Photography Explained Podcast - Episode 221🎯 Composition Made Simple: The Rule of Thirds for Beginners Host: Rick McEvoy 🇬🇧 | Duration: ⏱️ 23 minutes ⚡ What Is This? The Rule of Thirds is a cheat code 🎮 that instantly makes your photos more interesting. Divide your frame into 9 equal parts (like noughts and crosses), place your subject on the lines or intersection points, and watch your photos transform. Works for cameras 📷 and phones 📱. No jargon. Just results. 🎓 The 7 Essential Tips 📍 1. Position Your Subject Put eyes on intersection points for portraits. Near the line is fine. 🏔️ 2. Landscape Horizons Interesting sky? → Horizon on lower third  Interesting foreground? → Horizon on upper third 🏃 3. Action & Movement Give moving subjects space to move into the frame. ⚠️ 4. Avoid These Mistakes Don't obsess over pixel-perfect alignmentDon't forget about your backgroundDon't use it mindlessly🔓 5. When to Break the Rule Symmetry, patterns, and tight portraits often work better centered. 🔗 6. Combine with Other Techniques Use with leading lines, negative space, and framing. 🏛️ 7. Architectural Photography Position buildings on vertical lines. Keep verticals vertical. 📋 Quick Recap The Grid: 2 horizontal + 2 vertical lines = 9 equal parts The Power Points: 4 intersection points where lines cross The Default: Use it for everything until you know when to break it 🎬 Your Challenge 1️⃣ Turn on your grid (Settings → Camera → Grid)  2️⃣ Take 3 photos using the Rule of Thirds  3️⃣ Take the same 3 photos centered  4️⃣ Compare and see the difference 📱 Phone Users iPhone: Settings → Camera → Grid ✅ Android: Camera app → ⚙️ → Grid Lines ✅ Pro Tip: Tap to focus on intersection points = perfect focus + composition! 🎯 🔗 More Episodes 📻 220: The Photographer's Eye - See Great Photos Before You Take Them 📻 218: Train Your Eye - Master Photography Right Where You Are 📻 217: The Art of Light - From Harsh to Heavenly 🚀 Next Week: Episode 222 The Best of The Photography Explained Podcast: 20 Essential Tips Rick's going through 220+ episodes to pull out the absolute best. Can't wait! 🤩 🔗 Connect with Rick 🌐 RickMcEvoyPhotography.com ▶️ YouTube: Search "Rick McEvoy" 🎓 Course: How to Become a Real Estate Photographer 📧 Weekly emails | 💬 Text Rick from the podcast feed 🥪 Episode Sponsor Cheese and pickle sandwich 🥪 + Coke Zero 🥤 Consumed in Rick's homemade, acousticall Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer on my website Rick McEvoy Photography.com/courses Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer at Rick McEvoy Photography.com Support the show Get your question answered This is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography. Thanks very much for listening Cheers from me Rick

    22 min

  4. 21/11/2025

    The Photographer's Eye: See a Great Photo Before You Take It

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

    28 min

  5. 07/11/2025

    Why Your Photos Look Flat & How to Fix Them

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

    24 min

  6. 24/10/2025

    📸 Train Your Eye: Master Photography Right Where You Are🌍

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

    16 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    📸The Art of Light: From Harsh to Heavenly ✨

    Send us a text What transforms an average photograph into a stunning one? It’s light. Photography literally means "drawing with light" ✍️, but simply having light isn't enough—you need to understand how to use it as a creative tool 🎨. In this essential, practical guide, host Rick McEvoy shows you how to stop fearing "bad" light and start seeing it as an opportunity. We dive deep into the five core principles of photographic light, covering everything from the physics of harsh vs. soft light ☀️☁️, to the secrets of the Golden and Blue hours 🌅🌃. If you’ve ever struggled with blown-out highlights, heavy shadows, or flat images, this episode provides simple, actionable tips to help you transform everyday shots into captivating, professionally lit works. Light is photography's most essential ingredient! 🔑 🌟 5 Practical Tips for Mastering Light 💡 This episode breaks down the art of light into five easy-to-understand and immediately applicable tips for better photos: Seeing the Light: Quality is KeyUnderstand the difference between harsh, high-contrast light (midday sun ☀️) and soft, diffused light (overcast day ☁️) and learn when to use each for maximum impact.Struggling with strong sunlight? Revisit Episode 209.Shaping Your Subject: The Power of DirectionExperiment with front, side, and backlighting ➡️⬅️⬆️ to sculpt your subject and add crucial depth 🖼️.Side lighting creates three-dimensionality and texture—it’s where the magic truly begins! ✨The Magic Hours: Timed to Perfection ⏰Plan your shoots around the soft, warm glow of the Golden Hour 🌅 and the rich, serene tones of the Blue Hour 🌃.These times are nature's perfect, built-in filter 🎞️.Embracing Flat Light: Overcast & Open ShadeDon't dismiss a cloudy sky! 🌧️ An overcast day acts like a giant, natural softbox, providing beautifully even, flattering light that is ideal for portraits 😊 and product details 📦.Use open shade (under a tree 🌳 or awning 🏗️) for instant soft lighting.Painting with Shadows: Creative ContrastDon't fear shadows 👻; use them as powerful compositional tools to add mystery and drama 🎭.Shadows can create leading lines 〰️ or hide distracting elements, simplifying your scene and making your subject pop! 💥🚀 Your Photography Homework Challenge Grab your camera or phone 📱 and choose a single subject (a mug ☕, a tree 🌲, or even a friend 🤗). Now, photograph it from the same spot at different times of day (midday, late afternoon, dusk) and from different angles relative to the light. Compare your photos to see how simply observing and working with light makes all the difference! 🔗 Related Resources & Next Steps Next Week: Episode 218: Why Your Photos Look Flat & How to Fix Them. 🛠️Need to check your camera settings? Listen to Episode 211: Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer on my website Rick McEvoy Photography.com/courses Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer at Rick McEvoy Photography.com Support the show Get your question answered This is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography. Thanks very much for listening Cheers from me Rick

    22 min

  8. 26/09/2025

    Essential Accessories for Every Photographer (Without Breaking the Bank)

    Send us a text Ever wondered what gear you need beyond your camera? 🤔 The answer isn't a new lens or a bigger flash; it's a few simple, affordable accessories that can make a huge difference. ✨ They protect your gear, make shooting easier, and help you get better photos. 📸 In this episode, your host Rick dives deep into ten must-have items that professional photographers can't live without, showing you how to get the most out of your camera without spending a fortune. 🤑 Simple but effective and important bits of kit, these are. What we talk about An essential accessory is a problem solver, not a luxury. 🛠️The golden rule of buying gear is to use what you have, but these accessories are the exception. 🥇A small investment in these items offers massive returns in the quality of your work and your peace of mind. 📈The 10 Essential Accessories 1: A Good Camera Bag 🎒 A camera bag is your gear's best friend. It's about protecting your valuable equipment from bumps and knocks, not about making a fashion statement. Look for a bag that is comfortable, durable, and specifically designed to hold camera bodies, lenses, and other accessories. 2: Lens Cleaning Solution, Disposable Cloths and Blower Brush 🧼 This is probably the cheapest, most useful, and most important thing you can buy for your camera. Use a blower brush to remove dust and a few drops of solution on a disposable cloth for a safe clean. Keeping your lens pristine is key to getting sharp, clear images. 3: An Extra Battery (or 3) 🔋 Never get caught out with a dead battery. Always have a spare, fully charged one ready to go. Consider third-party batteries from a reputable supplier as a more affordable alternative to the manufacturer's versions. 4: A Spare Memory Card (or two!) 💾 Memory cards are cheap insurance against missing the perfect shot. They're a non-negotiable part of your kit. Always have a spare ready and store them in a good quality case to keep them safe from damage. 5: A Small Tripod ⛰️ A small, lightweight tripod is perfect for getting tack-sharp photos in low light or for creating long-exposure effects. It's also great for self-portraits or for capturing group shots where you want to be in the picture. 6: A Polarising Filter 🕶️ Think of this as sunglasses for your camera. It reduces glare and reflections on water, glass, and leaves. It also makes colors, especially blue skies, look richer and more vibrant. 7: A Neutral Density Filter (ND Filter) ☀️ An ND filter is a piece of dark glass that reduces the amount of light hitting your camera's sensor. This allows you to use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions, creating cool effects like silky smooth water or blurred clouds. 8: A Remote Shutter Release 🔘 This small, simple tool eliminates camera shake when you're using a tripod. It's a must-have for long exposures and low-light shooting, ensuring your photos are as sharp as they can possibly be. A simple wired version is very affordable. 9: A Grey Card ⬜ A grey card is a simple but incredibly powerful tool for getting perfect custom white balance. Using it helps your camera understand t Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer on my website Rick McEvoy Photography.com/courses Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer at Rick McEvoy Photography.com Support the show Get your question answered This is what my podcast is all about: answering your photography questions. Just head over to my shiny new website to find out more about me, my podcast and my photography. Thanks very much for listening Cheers from me Rick

    20 min
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Photography stuff explained in plain English by me, Rick, in less than 27(ish) minutes without the irrelevant details. I explain one photographic thing per episode, providing just enough information to help you understand it, improve your photography and take better photos, all without delving into endless, irrelevant details. I am a professionally qualified photographer based in the UK and amongst other things I help photographers take better photos. If you want me to answer your question, head to rickmcevoyphotography.com/podcast. How utterly splendid.

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