The Raw Photography Podcast With Dave and Paul

Raw Podcast With Dave and Paul
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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 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Raw Podcast - EP54 - A conversation with Martin Ellard

    08/06/2025

    Raw Podcast - EP54 - A conversation with Martin Ellard

    Episode 54 – A conversation with Martin Ellard This week’s guest is Martin Ellard – a documentary wedding photographer based in South Wales with one of the most varied and fascinating paths into the industry we’ve heard yet. Martin’s background takes us from the offices of Magnum Photos, where he somehow managed to land a one-on-one with the legendary Elliott Erwitt, through years spent on the front lines as a press photographer, and on to commercial gigs before finding his home in wedding photography. We chat about what each of those roles taught him, how they’ve shaped the way he sees and shoots, and why the documentary approach speaks to him most. There’s plenty about the realities of press work, the pace and politics of editorial assignments, and the shift in mindset that comes with photographing a wedding day instead of a protest or breaking news. We also touch on his personal projects, zine-making, and whether he’s planning more. And of course, there’s gear talk, stories from the field, and plenty of odd tangents too. A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with someone who’s been around the block and still sees photography with a beginner’s curiosity. We could’ve gone on for hours, we probably will next time. Show Links. Martin’s Wedding Work https://www.martinellardweddingphotography.co.uk/ Martin’s Commercial Work https://www.martinellardphotography.co.uk/Chris Killip https://www.chriskillip.com/ Sebastião Salgado https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/sebasti%C3%A3o-salgado Joey’s Shots YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JOEYSSHOTS Bristol Books on Photography https://bopbristol.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @therawpodcast @davidmcclellandphotography @moathillphotography

    2h 41m
  8. Raw Podcast - EP53 - The Photowalk with Bermingham Cameras

    07/30/2025

    Raw Podcast - EP53 - The Photowalk with Bermingham Cameras

    Episode 53 - The Photowalk with Bermingham Cameras A break from the norm this week. This episode was recorded during our photo walk through Dublin in association with Bermingham Cameras. It’s a mix of sound bites and conversations, capturing moments from the day and voices from across the photography community. We talk about the value of connection, the supportiveness of the scene in Ireland, and what it means to be open and approachable in the industry. There’s a bit of fun, a bit of reflection, and a strong sense that community really does matter – no matter what stage you’re at. And a quick word from Brian – whose love of horse racing and charity work added something unexpected and heartfelt to the day. Thanks again to Berminghams for making this all possible. Show Links. Mentioned in this podcast If you would like to sponsor Brian for his upcoming Pat Smullen Charity Race please : visit this link here @berminghamcameras @johngillooley @derycktormey @forgedinlovephotography @jannthings @dark.clouds.photography @lisachonier Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@therawpodcast ⁠⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠ ⁠@moathillphotography⁠

    33 min
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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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