The Raw Photography Podcast With Dave and Paul

Raw Podcast With Dave and Paul
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Join us on The Raw Podcast, where Irish documentary wedding photographers Dave and Paul dive into the world of photography. Expect candid conversations with incredible photographers, insights on gear and techniques, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're a pro or just love great images, we’ve got stories, tips, and craic to share.

  1. Raw Photography Podcast - EP62 - A conversation with David Olsthoorn

    5d ago

    Raw Photography Podcast - EP62 - A conversation with David Olsthoorn

    Raw Photography Podcast - EP62 - A conversation with David Olsthoorn In this episode, we sit down with David Olsthoorn, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Awake & Dreaming Photography. Together with his wife Laurie, Dave has built a thriving wedding photography business with a high-volume workflow, while maintaining a strong focus on creativity, client experience and storytelling. We chat about everything from managing a busy wedding calendar and working together as a couple, to destination weddings, film photography and the impact of AI on the industry. Dave shares his thoughts on image rights, gear choices, editing workflows and why film photography has reignited his passion for shooting. We also dive into the realities of running a successful photography business, balancing family life with a demanding workload, and the systems that help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you’re a wedding photographer, a portrait photographer or simply someone who enjoys hearing honest conversations about creativity and business, there’s plenty to take away from this one. It’s a wide-ranging conversation packed with practical advice, personal stories, and plenty of insight from someone who has spent decades refining both his craft and his approach to running a photography business. David’s Links Awake and Dreaminghttps://awakeanddreamingweddings.com/ West South Westhttps://westsouthwest.net/ Photographers Mentioned. Oskar Bakke https://www.instagram.com/oskarbakke Riley Harper https://www.instagram.com/lifeof_riley Chris Burkard https://www.chrisburkard.com Show Hosts Dave McClelland Photography https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com Moat Hill Photography https://mhphoto.ie Podcast Partner Bermingham Cameras https://berminghamcameras.ie Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

    2h 29m
  2. Raw Podcast - EP61 - A conversation with Katie Kavanagh

    May 21

    Raw Podcast - EP61 - A conversation with Katie Kavanagh

    Raw Podcast - EP61 - A conversation with Katie Kavanagh Episode 61! The one and only Katie Kavanagh. A great friend and an inspiration to many of us in the wedding photography scene. Katie made the move from graphic design into full-time wedding photography, and it shows in how she approaches her work. With a strong online presence, she has a real understanding of branding, marketing, and how to present yourself in a way that actually connects with your audience and future clients. There’s no better guest to get into social media with. What’s working, what’s not, and how to approach it without it taking over your life. There’s some really practical thinking around content, consistency, and why it’s less about chasing trends and more about knowing what you’re trying to say. We also talk about pricing, workflow, and building a business that’s actually sustainable. Not just in terms of money, but in terms of time, energy, and avoiding burnout. There’s a lot in here around staying true to your own style, even when there’s pressure to follow what everyone else is doing. Along with that, some honest chat about the realities of the job and trying to balance work with the rest of life. There really is loads to take away, whether you’re starting out or a few years in.Enjoy!Dave and Paul. A few links for you all.Katie Kavanagh Website - https://katiekav.comKatie's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katiekavphoto/Refocus Workshop - https://www.refocusworkshop.eu/ Learn to Fly Conference - https://www.learningtofly.ie/Irish-wedding-photography-retreat-2026-ClareKatie's Recommendations for Photographers to FollowJP Bevelard's Photography - https://www.instagram.com/jpbevillard_colour/Lorcan Finnegan - https://www.instagram.com/lorcanfinnegan/ Later App for Scheduling - https://later.com/ Hosts Dave - https://www.davidmcclelland-photography.com/ Paul - https://mhphoto.ie/

    2h 8m
  3. Raw Podcast - EP60 - A conversation with Drew Forsyth

    Apr 1

    Raw Podcast - EP60 - A conversation with Drew Forsyth

    Raw Podcast - EP60 - A conversation with Drew Forsyth This week we’re chatting with Drew Forsyth, a portrait photographer and director working at the commercial end of the industry across the UK and internationally.Drew’s work is centred around people and the stories behind them, and that’s something we connected with straight away, even though his world looks very different to ours on the surface.We get into what that world actually looks like day to day. From shoots that take all day to get a single frame, to moments where everything has to come together in under 90 seconds. There’s a lot of pressure there, and Drew shares how he handles it.We also talk about how he found his way into commercial work, the importance of putting yourself out there, and why personal projects are often the thing that leads to the jobs you actually want.There are some brilliant stories in this one, along with a really honest look at the ups and downs. Big wins, mistakes, things that worked and things that didn’t. It’s a very open conversation.We also touch on networking, staying visible, and how things are shifting with AI and the wider industry.A really good chat with someone working in a completely different lane, but with a lot of crossover in how he thinks about people and photography.Drew’s Website - https://www.drewforsyth.com/Drew’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_drewforsyth/ Photographers / Artists to Check Out https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.penfold/ https://www.georgieglass.com/what-we-do https://www.artstreiber.com/work Follow us on Instagram ⁠@therawpodcast⁠ ⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠ ⁠@moathillphotography⁠

    3 hr
  4. Raw Podcast - EP59 - A conversation with Chris Copeland

    Mar 11

    Raw Podcast - EP59 - A conversation with Chris Copeland

    Episode 59 Chris Copeland. The Art of Storytelling Through the Lens: A Conversation with Chris Copeland This episode takes us into the world of Chris Copeland, a Belfast-based photographer whose approach to wedding photography is both timeless and unmistakably his own. Chris’s work is instantly recognisable. Cinematic, emotional, and rooted in an artful documentary sensibility that celebrates real life as it unfolds. We talk about where his love for photography began, the slow rhythm of shooting film, and how the medium shapes the way he sees the world. Along the way, Chris shares honest reflections on client relationships, destination weddings, and the importance of staying true to your creative voice in a saturated digital scene. In This Episode: How Chris developed his signature documentary style Why film still matters in a digital world The balance between spontaneity and preparation Building trust and telling authentic stories Lessons from destination weddings and challenging shoots Staying creative when photography becomes your career Social media, community, and the ever-evolving industry  Chris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.uk Instagram: @chriscopelandphotography Chris’s recommendations of Artists to Check Out Billy Dinhhttps://www.instagram.com/billydeee Vineet Vohrahttps://www.instagram.com/vineet_vohra Alex Greyhttps://www.alexgrey.com Show LinksChris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.ukInstagram: @chriscopelandphotography Follow us on Instagram @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

    2h 38m
  5. Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz

    Mar 2

    Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz

    Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz In this conversation, we sit down with portrait photographer John Boaz to talk about where his work really comes from. From an early moment of seeing deer move through golden light at Bradgate Park to having his portraits on the cover of Portrait of Britain, John shares a thoughtful and honest look at his creative journey. We talk about the influence of university on his understanding of visual storytelling, the importance of personal projects alongside paid work, and why connection always matters more than technical perfection. John reflects on slowing down in a fast-paced, social-media-driven industry, how nature, music and everyday life feed into his work, and why imperfections often carry the most truth. This episode is about portraiture as a human exchange rather than a technical exercise, and about protecting artistic integrity while navigating commercial realities. Guest Bio John Boaz is a multi-award-winning portrait photographer based in Northamptonshire, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019 with a degree in Visual Communication (Photography). John is a multiple winner of the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain awards, including having a portrait selected as the front cover of Volume 7. His work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s IPE 166 exhibition and features in major publications such as The Guardian, Financial Times Magazine, Le Monde and Der Spiegel. His ongoing series Rivers Of Living Water explores Christianity in Britain through portraiture and observational images. Key Topics John’s early inspiration at Bradgate Park University and learning visual storytelling Balancing paid work and personal projects Human connection in portraiture Feeling over technical perfection Inspiration from nature, music and everyday life Maintaining artistic integrity across mediums Slowing down in a fast social media world The impact of awards on creative confidence Notable Quotes “Imperfect images tell a story.” “Connection and context come first.” “Imperfections add authenticity.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and background 02:50 Early photography experiences 06:00 University and visual storytelling 08:56 Transitioning into professional work 11:45 Personal projects and why they matter 14:37 Balancing paid work and passion 17:30 Current projects and future direction 20:32 Family and photography 23:51 Artistic reflection and intention 25:21 Digital versus film 27:29 Human connection in portrait photography 31:15 Planning versus spontaneity 34:17 Managing pressure and anxiety 38:34 Comfort and trust in portraits 41:35 Environment, light and atmosphere 45:15 Subconscious decision-making 47:42 Connection and context revisited 50:39 Emotion versus technical control 54:16 Storytelling through portraiture 57:57 Navigating wedding photography 01:01:16 Humility and growth 01:04:12 Finding inspiration beyond photography 01:07:07 Creative pressure 01:09:52 Social media and evolving perspectives 01:11:16 Fulfilment beyond Instagram 01:12:54 Balancing work and personal life 01:15:34 The impact of awards 01:17:43 Inspiration from fellow photographers Mentions Alex Soth Alys Tomlinson Portrait of Britain Where to find John johnboaz_ Johns Website Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@therawpodcast⁠ ⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠ ⁠@moathillphotography

    1h 34m
  6. Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin

    11/24/2025

    Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin

    Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin It feels good to be back. We’ve missed the chats, the stories and the bit of craic that always sneaks in when we hit record. And we’re kicking things off with Emma Walkin from EditHouse, who’s had a winding path through sport, corporate media and into wedding videography, shaping a whole corner of the industry along the way. Emma talks about being one of the few women shooting weddings in Ireland in the early days, the graft of building a business, and the pressure that comes with fast turnarounds and big expectations. We also dig into how AI is changing the creative world, how the wedding industry has shifted, and what it actually takes to keep going in a job that’s half filmmaking and half emotional endurance. There’s plenty here about editing, family life, creative burnout and the chaos of modern wedding days. She also brings us through her time filming in South Sudan and how it changed her outlook on work and life. It’s honest, funny, and full of reminders of why real moments still matter more than anything else. Mentions @flatrocfilms https://www.flatrocfilms.com @kreativwedding https://www.kreativ-wedding.de⁠ Loreto Rumbek Where to find Emma http://www.edithouse.ie @edithouse Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

    2h 31m
  7. Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache

    10/03/2025

    Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache

    Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache The man responsible for hundreds of photographers descending on Dublin’s streets each year for the famous Doc Day conference sits down for a chat. Kevin Kheffache has become a central figure in the Irish documentary photography scene but his path here wasn’t straightforward. From banking and running a language school to picking up a camera alongside Annie, Kevin’s journey has been full of sharp turns and unexpected lessons. We get into the leap from videography to photography, how his background shaped his eye for moments, and why he believes community is the heartbeat of this craft. There’s talk of creativity and confidence, the pressures photographers face in today’s online world, and the simple joy of seeing a roll of film come back to life. Kevin’s story is part evolution, part reflection, and a reminder of why capturing real moments still matters most. Settle in for this one. It’s full of heart, insight, and plenty to take away. Show Links Kevin’s Website - https://www.kevinkheffache.com/ DocDay - https://docday.international/ Cafa Liu - https://cafaphoto.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

    2h 28m
  8. Raw Podcast - EP55 - A conversation with Jay Doherty

    08/27/2025

    Raw Podcast - EP55 - A conversation with Jay Doherty

    How do you introduce someone who’s practically part of the furniture in Irish photography? Jay Doherty’s name is woven through so many corners of the industry it’s almost become folklore – from creating the much-loved Learning to Fly retreat to bringing Doc Day to a close each year with his signature style. Jay’s a photographer who doesn’t just take pictures; he lives and breathes his craft. He’s curious, restless, and fiercely passionate about learning – but what makes him stand out is how much he loves seeing others grow. We talk about where that drive comes from, how he’s helped shape a community of photographers, and what’s next for him. Expect plenty of laughs, insights into the Irish photography scene, and a good few moments where you might find yourself asking, “What would Jay do?” Grab a bottle of Football Special and settle in – this one’s worth the listen. Photographers to Checkout Rich GilliganSimon murphy - https://www.youtube.com/@simonmurphy265/ Harry Borden https://www.harryborden.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

    2h 28m
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About

Join us on The Raw Podcast, where Irish documentary wedding photographers Dave and Paul dive into the world of photography. Expect candid conversations with incredible photographers, insights on gear and techniques, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're a pro or just love great images, we’ve got stories, tips, and craic to share.

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