BPP 339: Brad McMillan - Long Journey through Photography: Overcoming Time Challenges
Today on the Beginner Photography podcast, Brad McMillan is being interviewed about his experience in photography, from having a portfolio of different genres of photos to his background of being a wildland firefighter for eight years and driving a tow truck for 12 years. He explains what first inspired him to take photos and remembers the trip he took in grade nine taking the 35mm point and shoot film camera his mom loaned him.
The Big Ideas:
Don't jump handrails!
Photography captures memories.
Capture the memory, not perfection.
Photography requires skill.
Lighting must be practiced.
Know your lighting direction.
Use natural light for drama.
Ask permission before photographing.
Photography captures emotion effectively.
Know your exposure balance.
Learn to read histograms.
Timestamps:
00:05:46 Don't jump the handrail.
00:06:27 Photography helps share memories.
00:17:09 Capture the memory, not perfect.
00:19:09 Learn to adjust settings quickly.
00:26:45 Practice and experiment with light.
00:30:04 Know your lighting and intention.
00:41:15 Use a monopod for lighting.
00:43:09 Ask permission before taking photos.
00:50:05 Invest in storytelling photography.
00:59:12 Settings don't matter.
01:02:10 Practice and experiment.
Resources:
Don't jump handrails!
Don’t jump handrails! This is a lesson that Brad McMillan learned the hard way, and it’s a lesson that he wants to share with others. Brad is a part-time photographer and a full-time tow truck driver who loves the outdoors and enjoys capturing memories. He recently shared his story on the Beginner Photography podcast and it’s a story that we can all learn from.
Brad’s story began when he was in grade nine and his mom lent him her 35mm point and shoot film camera. He and his family went on a trip to Eastern Canada, and he shot through the six rolls of film that his mom gave him in just two days. He then had to buy more film to capture the rest of the trip.
Brad’s love for photography was evident even back then, but it was on this trip that he made a mistake that he would never forget. He tried to jump the handrail to put his hand in the Niagara Falls. It was a terrible idea, and Brad was lucky that he wasn’t injured or worse.
It’s easy to get carried away in the moment and do something that seems like a good idea at the time, but can have disastrous consequences. Brad’s story is a reminder to think twice before taking risks that could have serious consequences.
The outdoors can be a beautiful and exciting place, but it’s important to remember to stay safe. Don’t jump handrails, or take any other risks that could put you in danger. Take the time to enjoy the beauty of nature and capture the memories, but do it safely.
Photography captures memories.
Photography is a great way to capture memories and share them with friends and family. It’s a way to document our experiences, and to share the stories of our lives with others. It’s a way to remember the good times, and to look back on them fondly. Photography can also be a way to tell stories, and to share our experiences with others in a visual way.
I had the privilege of hearing a podcast recently about how photography captures memories. It was a story about a man who was rollerblading with his friends on a track in Montreal. One of his friends attempted to jump a speed bump, and ended up breaking his arm. The man captured the moment with his camera and was able to share it with his friends.
The man in the podcast also discussed how the camera was an extension of his mind. When he took the photo, he was able to capture the moment in his head and remember it as if it were yesterday. He also talked about how the camera allowed him to share stories with others in a visual way.
The man also discussed how he had an old Canon XSI camera, but he didn’t use it until much later. He was so busy with his new job and taking care of his son that he didn’t have time for photography. When he finally did get around to using the camera, he was able to capture memories and share them with his family.
Overall, photography is a great way to capture memories and share them with friends and family. It’s a way to document our experiences and to share the stories of our lives with others. It’s a way to remember the good times and to look back on them fondly. Photography can also be a way to tell stories, and to share our experiences with others in a visual way.
Capture the memory, not perfection.
However, many people get caught up in trying to achieve perfection in their photos. They become obsessed with the details, the filters, the editing, and the perfect composition. They spend hours trying to get the perfect shot, and often lose sight of what’s really important - capturing the memory.
The story of my friend’s wedding is a great example of this. She asked me to take photos of her wedding, but I was worried that my photos wouldn’t be good enough. I was using my phone camera, and I was using Instagram filters to try to make the photos look better. But I realized that the filters weren’t making the photos better, they were just making them look unnatural. So, I decided to edit the photos myself, and try to bring out the natural beauty of the photos.
When I sent the photos to my friend and her husband, they loved them. They said that the photos captured the memory of the day, and that was more important than perfection. This experience taught me a valuable lesson - to focus on capturing the memory, not perfection.
When I’m taking photos, I try to focus on the moment and the feeling that I want to convey. I try to capture the emotion of the moment, rather than worrying about the details. I also try to keep my ISO high, which allows me to capture more light and get better photos in low light.
In the end, photography is about capturing memories and telling stories. It’s not about perfection. We should focus on capturing the emotion of the moment, and the memories that we want to share with others. We should focus on capturing the memory, not perfection.
Video and photography require skill.
Video and photography require skill. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist, you need to understand the basics of photography and videography. You need to understand the technical aspects of photography, such as shutter speed, ISO, and composition. You also need to understand the basics of video production, such as lighting, audio, and editing.
In the podcast transcript above, the speaker talks about the technical aspects of photography, such as shooting at 10,000 ISO and understanding shutter speed. He also talks about the importance of composition and capturing the emotion of the moment. This shows that skill and knowledge are necessary to create a great photograph or video.
Having the technical knowledge to take a great photograph or video is only part of the equation. You also need to have the creative vision to make something truly special. As the speaker mentioned, he had the technical knowledge to capture the moment of the bride and groom being pulled into the pool, but he didn’t have the creative vision to make it a great photo. It’s not just about having the technical knowledge, but also having the creative vision to make something truly special.
In conclusion, video and photography require skill. Having the technical knowledge to take a great photograph or video is only part of the equation. You also need to have the creative vision to make something truly special. To be a great photographer or videographer, you need to understand the technical aspects of photography and videography, as well as have the creative vision to make something truly special.
Lighting must be practiced.
Light is one of the most important aspects of photography and videography. Without light, there would be no image or video. However, understanding how to use light effectively is a skill that must be practiced. Photographers and videographers must understand how to manipulate light to create the desired effect. They must understand the intricacies of the exposure triangle and how each element affects the image or video.
Light is a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled photographer or videographer. It can be used to create stunning visuals, to enhance a subject, or to create a mood. However, like any other skill, light must be practiced in order to be mastered. Photographers and videographers must understand the basics of light and how to manipulate it in order to create the desired effect. They must also understand how to use light to enhance a subject or to create a mood.
Practicing light is an essential part of becoming a great photographer or videographer. Photographers and videographers must understand the basics of light and how to manipulate it in order to create the desired effect. They must also understand how to use light to enhance a subject or to create a mood. Practicing light is an important part of becoming a great photographer or videographer and is an essential skill that must be mastered.
Know your lighting direction.
Light direction is an important factor in creating the desired effect in a photograph or video. The direction of the light can be used to create a mood, enhance a subject, or to create a specific look. Light direction can also be used to control the shadows in a shot, which can be used to create depth and texture in the image.
The direction of the light can also be used to create a more dramatic or softer look. A photographer or videographer can use the light to create a more dramatic look by using a hard light, which will create more contrast and shadows in the shot. On the other hand, a softer light can be used to create a softer look and to reduce the amount of shadows.
When it comes to manipulating light direction, it is important for a photographer or videographer to understand the basics of light and how it works. This includes understanding the relationship between light and shadow and how to use light to create the desired effect. It is also important to understand how to use light to control the background of a shot and how to use color theory to create a more pleasing look.
When it comes to learning how to use light direction, practice is key. It is important to experiment with different lighting techniques and to understand how the direction of light can be used to create the desired effect. It is also important to understand how to troubleshoot and adjust the lighting when something does not work out as planned.
In conclusion, it is essential for photographers and videographers to understand the basics of light and how to manipulate it in order to create the desired effect. Light direction is an important factor in creating the desired look and can be used to create a more dramatic or softer look. It is important to understand the relationship between light and shadow and how to use light to create the desired effect. Lastly, it is important to practice and experiment with different lighting techniques in order to become a great photographer or videographer.
Use natural light for drama.
Using natural light for drama is an effective way to create stunning photos and videos. Natural light can be used to create a range of effects, including a dramatic look. Natural light can be manipulated to create shadows, contrast, and texture. It can also be used to create a softer look.
When using natural light for drama, the most important thing to consider is the direction of the light. The direction of the light will determine the type of shadows and highlights that will be created. Natural light can be used for dramatic lighting by positioning the subject in a way that the light is coming from the side or behind. This will create shadows that will add a dramatic effect to the photo.
It is also important to consider the intensity of the light. Natural light can be manipulated by using a reflector or diffuser to create a softer light or a more intense light. A reflector is a great way to add a soft, even light to the photo while a diffuser will soften the light and create a more natural look.
It is also important to consider the environment when using natural light for drama. The environment can affect the quality of the light and can also be used to create a specific look. For example, if the environment is dark, the shadows will be more pronounced and create a more dramatic look.
When using natural light for drama, it is important to experiment and practice in order to become familiar with the techniques. It is also important to consider the type of light and the direction of the light in order to create the desired effect. By understanding the basics of light and how to manipulate it, photographers and videographers can create stunning photos and videos with natural light.
Ask permission before photographing.
However, it is also important for photographers and videographers to be aware of the ethical implications of their work. When photographing people, it is important to ask permission before taking the photo. This is especially true if the subject is a stranger. Asking permission is a sign of respect and can help to avoid any potential conflicts. It is also important to be aware of the context of the photo and to respect any requests to not take the photo.
I recently had the opportunity to practice my photography skills by attending an expo and taking photos of people in costumes. I was nervous to approach people, but I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming people were. Most of them were more than happy to let me take their photo and I even gave them my contact information so that they could get a hold of me if they wanted the photo.
I also recently went on a photo walk and took photos of strangers. Again, I was nervous to ask permission, but I found that almost everyone said yes. Even those who said no were polite, which I greatly appreciated. I also learned to not chase people down if they don't want their photo taken.
In conclusion, it is important for photographers and videographers to ask permission before taking photos of people, especially strangers. This is a sign of respect and can help to avoid any conflicts. People are usually very welcoming and polite when asked, and it is important to respect any requests to not take the photo. By following this etiquette, photographers and videographers can create stunning photos and videos with natural light while also being respectful of the subjects.
Photography captures emotion effectively.
Photography is a powerful tool for capturing emotion effectively. Whether it is capturing a moment of joy, a moment of sadness, or a moment of awkwardness, a photograph can tell a story that words alone cannot. Photographers have the unique ability to capture a moment in time and share it with the world. Through the use of natural light and composition, they can create stunning images that evoke emotion.
The best photos are those that capture emotion in a natural and authentic way. This can be done by capturing candid moments that are unposed and unscripted. It is important to be aware of the emotions of the subjects and to be respectful of their feelings. If a photo is taken without permission, it can make the subject feel uncomfortable and can even lead to conflict.
Photographers can also use various techniques to capture emotion in a more creative way. Lighting can be used to create a mood or atmosphere in a photo, and composition can be used to draw the viewer’s attention to the emotion of the subject. Additionally, the use of color and texture can help to create a more dynamic photo.
In the podcast transcript, the speaker talks about how difficult it can be to capture emotion in a photo. They mention how they want to capture the feeling of awkwardness at a wedding, but they don’t want to make the subjects feel uncomfortable. They also talk about their dream photo shoot, which involves capturing a classic truck and a couple dressed in the era. They explain that this photo would tell a story of days gone by, but also be somewhat new.
Overall, photography is an effective way to capture emotion. Photographers should be aware of the emotions of their subjects and should be respectful of their feelings. They should also use techniques such as lighting, composition, and color to create a more dynamic photo. With the right techniques and respect for the subjects, photographers can create stunning photos that capture emotion effectively.
Know your exposure balance.
Another important technique that photographers should be aware of is exposure balance. Exposure balance is the ability to adjust the lighting, shutter speed, and aperture to create a desired effect. It is important to understand how the different settings interact with one another in order to create the desired effect.
For example, when shooting a portrait, the photographer should be aware of the lighting, shutter speed, and aperture. The lighting should be adjusted to create the desired effect. For example, if the photographer wants to create a softer look, they should use a softer light. The shutter speed should be adjusted to capture the desired motion. If the photographer wants to capture a subject in motion, they should use a faster shutter speed. Lastly, the aperture should be adjusted to create the desired depth of field.
Another important factor to consider when adjusting the exposure balance is the ISO. The ISO should be adjusted to the desired level to ensure that the photo will be properly exposed. A higher ISO will create a brighter image, while a lower ISO will create a darker image.
When shooting a photo, it is important to understand the exposure balance and how the different settings interact with one another. By understanding the exposure balance, photographers can create stunning photos that capture emotion effectively. They should also be aware of the emotions of their subjects and should be respectful of their feelings. With the right techniques and respect for the subjects, photographers can create stunning photos that capture emotion effectively.
Learn to read histograms.
One of the most important tools for understanding the exposure balance is the histogram. A histogram is a graph that shows the distribution of tones in an image. It shows the amount of light and dark tones in the image, as well as the mid-tones. By reading the histogram, photographers can adjust the exposure settings to achieve the desired effect.
Histograms can be used to adjust the exposure of a photo. By reading the histogram, photographers can adjust the exposure settings to achieve the desired effect. For example, if the histogram shows that the photo is underexposed, the photographer can adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings to achieve the desired exposure. On the other hand, if the histogram shows that the photo is overexposed, the photographer can adjust the settings to reduce the amount of light entering the camera.
In addition to adjusting the exposure settings, histograms can also be used to adjust the color balance of a photo. By reading the histogram, photographers can adjust the white balance settings to achieve the desired effect. For example, if the histogram shows that the photo is too yellow, the photographer can adjust the white balance settings to make the photo more neutral.
By understanding the histogram and how to read it, photographers can create stunning photos that capture emotion effectively. They can use the histogram to adjust the exposure and color balance of a photo to achieve the desired effect. With the right techniques and respect for the subjects, photographers can create stunning photos that capture emotion effectively.