With 215 episodes in the bank and dedicated listeners in countries that span the globe, over the past five years the B&H Photography Podcast has garnered more than three million downloads from B&H Photo’s Explora blog. Our intrepid team of John Harris, Allan Weitz, and Jason Tables spins up weekly episodes featuring a wide variety of insightful and entertaining guests. From gear and technique to history, science, and art, the topics are always perceptive and timely. Give the memorable episodes featured below a listen and boost your playlist with some photography gold. While you’re at it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and join the B&H Photography Podcast Facebook Group for updates and to share your photos and comments.
1. Photojournalists Covering the Coronavirus
As the COVID-19 outbreak began to surge in New York City, in March 2020, we invited four photojournalists for a candid conversation about their coverage of this trending topic. Listen in as award-winning photographers Sarah Blesener, John Taggart, Desiree Rios, and Andrew Seng discuss the stories they photographed, the health and safety precautions they took, the adjustments they made to their shooting styles, and which assignments they were willing to accept, as well as the stories they wanted to pitch.
2. New Gear Announcements from Depth of Field 2020
Deep in the midst of the B&H 2020 Depth of Field Conference, our intrepid podcast team got the scoop on the newest camera and lighting products from gear representatives and camera experts representing companies such as Nikon, Olympus, Profoto, Luxli, Canon, Sigma, and Sony. From powerful new DSLRs to the best in lighting, the fastest glass, and the latest in mirrorless systems, this well-rounded episode will have your mouth watering over the latest and greatest in tech.
3. Dynamic Portrait Lighting, with Alexis Cuarezma
For California-based advertising, sports, and fashion powerhouse Alexis Cuarezma, getting an image right “in-camera” is the key to success, not just for the sake of the final image, but also for the creative process behind it. In a conversation that is equal parts practical and visionary, we take a deep dive into Cuarezma’s cinematic lighting techniques, while also covering a wide range of other essential topics. From models and production to composition and gear, to self-promotion and marketing and beyond, this episode covers all facets of Cuarezma’s burgeoning photo business. Known for being hands-on in every phase of his work, Cuarezma understands that one’s vision, when properly executed, will win over a client—another key to his success.
4. Norman Reedus—Art Is as Art Does
For some photographers, the phrase “run and gun” has a negative connotation, but when you’re Norman Reedus, that description takes on a much cooler meaning. Most renowned for his acting on the television series, “The Walking Dead,” Reedus is first and always an artist: sculptor, director, and author of the photography book, The Sun’s Coming Up… Like a Big Bald Head. Given the travel demands of his recent film and television work, photography offers Reedus a creative way to document his adventures and engage with locations beyond merely visiting famous locales and partaking in behind-the-scenes fun. He brings a personal vision—humorous and dark—to his images, as well as an ability to sense a moment and an experimenter’s touch, using a variety of cameras and styles. Join us for this engaging chat about his start in photography, his stylistic approaches and gear choices, and what Reedus has learned from his time in front of a camera to aid in his work behind one.
5. Conflict Photography—Motivation and Consequence
Why choose a profession that entails running toward grave danger while those around you flee from it? According to respected photojournalist Santiago Lyon and neuropsychiatrist Anthony Feinstein, author of the book Shooting War, if you can answer that question, you can begin to gain insight into the complex world of frontline journalists. In this podcast episode, Lyon and Feinstein join us for a frank and powerful discussion about the motivations that drive photographers to cover war, as well as facing the consequences of their physical, psychological, and emotional health. Lyon, one of the 18 profiled photographers, adds insight from his personal experiences as a conflict photographer and editor, and Feinstein offers his clinical expertise in studying the effects of war on journalists. In addition, Feinstein discusses the research that went into producing this book and relates the experiences of several of the other featured photographers.
6. Cig Harvey—Think, See, Make, Listen
Immerse yourself in the world of fine art photography with imagemaker Cig Harvey and gallerist Caroline Wall, director of the Robert Mann Gallery. We caught up with this dynamic duo on the occasion of Harvey’s January 2018 exhibition, in New York, shortly after the publication of her award-winning monograph, You an Orchestra, You a Bomb. Harvey is very articulate when describing her artistic process and techniques. Her description of the “gasp” moments that she seeks when working, whether they be gasps of fear or in the presence of beauty, is particularly resonant. Listen in for a revealing description of Harvey’s creative process in going from an idea to a series, why making this body of work required two distinct approaches to image making, and how editing photographs can be a physical act. For her part, Wall shares the role that a gallery plays in being a trusted collaborator, both when editing the series and, ultimately, through its exhibition and sale.
7. Crime-Scene Unit Photography
Take a deep dive into the world of first responders and the dynamics of crime-scene photography in this unique podcast featuring retired NYPD Detective 1st Grade Michael Cunningham. As an expert on crime scene unit photography and forensics, Cunningham sheds light on all aspects of this rare specialty, from camera and lens selection to shooting technique, storage, retrieval, and image sharing. The discussion also extends to a rundown of the various photography departments within the NYPD, distinctions between photos used for case solving and those of evidentiary value, a comparison of film and digital imaging, and the challenges and benefits of new technology. Listen up and learn about procedures and shot selection when approaching a crime scene and the protocols involved in such documentation, and hear select stories from Cunningham’s many investigations during his years on the force.
8. D.I.Y. Camera Makers
In celebration of D.I.Y. spirit, this episode features four “makers” who have designed and built impressive imaging tools with their own hands and vision. Our guests’ physical locations differ widely—as do the materials and formats of their ultimate creations—yet they all share the unbridled enthusiasm of a tinkerer, photographer, engineer, and entrepreneur. Jump in to hear from Sam Cornwell, inventor of The Solarcan, a unique camera designed to produce “extreme time exposures” that can capture the sun’s path across the sky; Steve Lloyd of Chroma Cameras, the first, and only, field cameras made of laser-cut acrylic and interchangeable film backs that attach using magnets; Filippo Nishino of the Swiss company I’m Back, an invention that can capture digital images with a 35mm film camera body; and Ethan Moses, of Cameradactyl, creator of 3D printed cameras, parts, and accessories, including the CAMERADACTYL 4 x 5 Field Camera and X-Pin 35mm Pinhole Camera Kit. After listening to all four conversations, you’ll come away with an admiration for how each inventor came up with a unique concept, developed it, and brought it to market.
9. A History of Hip-Hop Photography
An oldie but goodie from November 2017, in this podcast episode we welcome legendary hip-hop photographers Janette Beckman, Eric Johnson, and Danny Hastings, along with celebrated journalist Vikki Tobak, author of Contact High: Hip-Hop Photography + Visual Culture. Hear behind-the-scenes tales about some of the greatest hip-hop images ever made and learn from the lively discussion about matters such as gear, on-set technique, artistic collaboration and influence, the importance of networking, and licensing of resulting images.
10. Bird Photography
Spring is in the air, and our current era of social distancing offers the perfect excuse for both hobbyists and pros to become versed in the fine art of bird photography. There are few photographers as dedicated to their craft—and gear—as these subject matter experts. In this podcast episode you’ll meet two such specialists who discuss the equipment, techniques, and protocols necessary to capture stunning images of our feathered friends. Join photographer and New York City Audubon board member David Speiser and visual artist Klemens Gasser as they unpack their distinctive shooting styles, reveal the top locations they frequent, compare notes on their favorite gear and apps, and discuss how digital technology has transformed bird photography as a specialty. Jump on board for a fun conversation and some very practical advice.
What do you think about our binge-worthy podcasts? Which one is your favorite? Do you have suggestions for new podcast guests? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
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