Mind Your Own Business: Nicole Begley Discusses Growing Her Pet Photography Business

Welcome to the Photofocus Roundtable Podcast, where each month, our panel discusses some current trends and topics on our minds. This month, we are joined by Julie Vincent and Jeff Cruz where we talk about some new gear, how we've found inspiration, camera stores, and more.

Thank you to Photomatix for sponsoring. You can try the original application for High Dynamic Range Photography for free.

YouTube recommendations

We all learn from the internet these days. We used to say that if you want to learn something, Google it. Now, we say YouTube it. So, what is a great YouTube channel that you like to learn from? What you would recommend to our listeners?

• Rob’s Recommendation: The Camera Store
• Ron’s Recommendation: Collin Michael
• Jeff's Recommendation: Boiler Room & This Old House
• Julie's Recommendation: Meidas Touch & Simon d’Entremont

Show notes

• https://www.thecamerainsider.com/2023/11/05/sony-a9-iii-what-we-know
• https://www.3dglassesonline.com/how-to-prepare-for-the-best-solar-eclipse-experience
• Use coupon code "Photofocus" for a discount on Rob's course

About your hosts

Jeff Cruz is a Calgary lens-based artist known for creating abstract and surreal photographs by incorporating time and movement into his images. The attraction to a Jeff Cruz photograph is similar to the attraction of a Colour Field painting; an abstract style that emerged in New York City during the post-war era. Jeff’s work places less emphasis on location in favor of color and form. The color and camera movements create the subject. Jeff’s long-term project of photographing electronic music events, the evolution of raves to music festivals has been a passion of his for over 3 decades. He currently is the digital director for a phone repair and accessories company, CaseMogul which allows him to utilize his creative talents.

• https://linktr.ee/jcruzfoto

• https://casemogul.com/

Julie Vincent is a Calgary-based real estate and events photographer, and exhibiting artist. Her exhibition projects explore the relationships and struggles between humans and environment, and how those relationships are influenced by culture. Since 2018, Julie has been following Indian Relay around southern Alberta, and into the US, with her colleague and spouse, Jason Lawrence. Julie’s exhibitions include a six-year-long, international street photography project, Tripping the Streets Fantastic, and INDIAN. RELAY., an exhibition of extreme Indigenous sport, which introduces relay, and also provides a discussion of terminology. This exhibition was first mounted in Calgary in 2018, and has since travelled to Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Washington DC, and in 2024 to Dallas TX. Julie’s influences are Mary Ellen Mark, Diane Arbus, and local street photographer, Brian Visser.

• Julie's Talk at PechaKucha 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVENl5_Rj2A

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

In this episode of the Q&A Show, Ron Pepper and Rob Moroto answer listeners but with many of their own takes and perspectives — as we do!

In this episode we talk about the results of upgrading an operating system too early, using off-camera flash, neon signs, plus our first-ever Pop Quiz.

Send us your questions for the Q&A Show at photofocus.com/questions.

Thank you to Photomatix, the leader in HDR photography. Download and try the new Photomatix Pro 7 free.

About your hosts

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

Welcome to the Photofocus Roundtable Podcast, where each month, our panel discusses some current trends and topics on our minds. This month, we are joined by Christy Turner and Jeff Sullivan where we talk about new AI elements in Adobe's software, photography mistakes to avoid, and building on the eclipses happening this week and next year.

Thank you to Photomatix for sponsoring. You can try the original application for High Dynamic Range Photography for free.

YouTube recommendations

We all learn from the internet these days. We used to say that if you want to learn something, Google it. Now, we say YouTube it. So, what is a great YouTube channel that you like to learn from? What you would recommend to our listeners?

• Rob’s Recommendation: Real Estate Photography by Rob Moroto
• Ron’s Recommendation: Totality Town
• Jeff's Recommendation: NASA JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab) produces a monthly “What’s Up?”  video, noting skywatching/astrophotography opportunities for that month
• Christy's Recommendation: Star Talk with Neil Degrasse Tyson

Show notes

• Eclipsophile has data and maps:  2024
• Eclipsophile has data and maps:  2026
• Use coupon code "Photofocus" for a discount on Rob's course

About your hosts

Great Basin School of Photography co-founder Jeff Sullivan was the winner of the 2011 International Astronomy Photographer of the Year "People and Space" special prize. A dark sky advocate and avid time-lapse astrophotographer, his webite is ranked as a “Top 30 Astrophotography Blog.” Author of the 320-page guidebook “Photographing California Vol. 2 - South,” he has been named a “Top 100 Travel Photographer in the World.” Jeff entered the field of digital imaging in 1984, while earning his Computer Science degree from U.C. Berkeley.

• Website: www.jeffsullivanphotography.com/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeffSullivanPhotography
• FB Page: www.facebook.com/JeffSullivanPhotographyWorkshops/
• Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreysullivan/
• Twitter/X: @JeffSullPhoto, @DSLRastronomy
• Instagram: @greatbasinschoolofphotography
• BlueSky:  jeffsullivan.bsky.social
• Threads: @greatbasinschoolofphotography

NASA Citizen scientist &  IT consultant Christy Turner has a love for the night skies, weather, nature and people. Internationally published writer and content creator, Christy deeply  enjoys telling the fascinating stories behind the photos.  Her photo of the aurora from an airplane in 2014 landed her on CNN, and Christy completed a certificate from University of Calgary in Integrated Digital Media in 2022.  She has traveled to 74 countries and in 2018 was chosen to photograph a biodynamic wine harvest at Chateau Pontet Canet in Bordeaux, France.  From weddings in South Africa to elopements in Bragg Creek, Alberta, Christy loves to travel, stare at the skies, and be behind her Nikon.

• Adobe Profile: https://indd.adobe.com/view/cd805be2-4970-4afa-b5fe-99a3a451a7d1
• NASA Science Profile: https://science.nasa.gov/people/christy-turner/
• Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjA4cFTuroramedia.pro
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN8M3YNiP-yZ8LCyI7RCYlQ
• Twitter/X and IG: @aurorachaseryyc

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

In this episode of the Q&A Show, Ron Pepper and Rob Moroto answer listeners but with many of their own takes and perspectives — as we do!

This is a special episode where we get to talk to an expert on generative AI, and ask as many questions as we can fit in the hour.

Listen for some gems from Coco Mao, Co-founder and CEO of  https://openart.ai (not sponsored)

Send us your questions for the Q&A Show at photofocus.com/questions.

Thank you to Photomatix, the leader in HDR photography. Download and try the new Photomatix Pro 7 free.

About your hosts

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

In this episode of the Q&A Show, Ron Pepper and Rob Moroto answer listeners but with many of their own takes and perspectives — as we do! This month we have questions about custom presets for Photomatix (our wonderful sponsor), the new iPhone, AI pixel size limits and planning for timelapse. We also attempt to consider if using a camera's sensor is similar to a shutter count.

Send us your questions for the Q&A Show at photofocus.com/questions.

Also thank you to Photomatix, the leader in HDR photography. Download and try the new Photomatix Pro 7 free.

About your hosts

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

Welcome to the Photofocus Roundtable Podcast, where each month, our panel discusses some current trends and topics on our minds. This month, we are joined by Levi Sim and Wayne Chasan and they have excellent advice about promoting yourself as a photographer. We then introduce the topic of the 2024 eclipse and discuss our latest adventures in AI.

Thank you to Photomatix for sponsoring. You can try the original application for High Dynamic Range Photography for free.

YouTube recommendations

We all learn from the internet these days. We used to say that if you want to learn something, Google it. Now, we say YouTube it. So, what is a great YouTube channel that you like to learn from? What you would recommend to our listeners?

• Rob’s Recommendation: Real Estate Photography by Rob Moroto is our cheeky pick on his behalf
• Ron’s Recommendation: Nebula Photos
• Levi's Recommendation: Playpod; Also, go use your camera!
• Wayne's Recommendation: 249g Drones

Show notes

• Ecipsophile has data and maps:  2024
• Ecipsophile has data and maps:  2026
• Wayne's Demo on adding AI people in PS
• Photo Pills app

About your hosts

Levi Sim is passionate about making photographs and helping others make their pictures better. He has his dream job as a photographer for Utah State University, and makes portraits for editorial and commercial use, product shots, action pictures, and landscapes in one of the most beautiful places in the world. You can see more of his work on Instagram. 

Wayne Chasan is an American living in Spain for decades and creating stunning commercial work. Check out his print shop site here.

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

In this episode of the Q&A Show, Ron Pepper and Rob Moroto answer some of the classic questions but with many of their own takes and perspectives — as we do! These include discussions about JPGs, how we look at RAW files including what's better about them, as well as how we 'deliver' RAW. There is a portrait tip quickfire and even some camera-related conspiracies that are going around with the new movie.

Send us your questions for the Q&A Show at photofocus.com/questions

Also thank you to Photomatix, the leader in HDR photography. Download and try the new Photomatix Pro 7 free.

About your Hosts

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

Welcome to the Photofocus Roundtable Podcast, where each month, our panel discusses some current trends and topics on our minds. This month, we are joined by Chris Marquardt of Photography Tips from the Top Floor, and new author Peter Dazeley.

Thank you Photomatix for sponsoring. You can try the original application for High Dynamic Range Photography for free.

YouTube recommendations

We all learn from the internet these days. We used to say that if you want to learn something, Google it. Now, we say YouTube it. So, what is a great YouTube channel that you like to learn from? What you would recommend to our listeners?

• Rob’s Recommendation - https://www.youtube.com/@badxstudio
• Ron’s Recommendation -  When the director is reeeally good at their job
• Chris's Recommendation - Adam Savage’s Tested
• Peter's Recommendation -  Click on BBC

Show notes

• Influencer prefers using screenshots to the iPhone selfie camera
• Peter's Book, 'Monochrome'
• Street Photographer Uses AI Face Swap to Hide His Subjects’ Identities
• Neural radiance fields (NeRF)
• Stability AI Boss Admits to Using ‘Billions’ of Images Without Consent
• AI will go open source and on-device

About your hosts

Peter Dazeley studied photography at Holland Park Comprehensive (now known as the Socialist Eton). He is a meticulous planner and imaginative problem solver and has pioneered many photographic techniques that have become the norm.  His work has won awards from organisations across the world, including the Association of Photographers, the Royal Photographic Society in the UK, EPICA in France, Applied Arts Magazine in Canada, Graphis Inc. in the USA.

Chris Marquardt is a seasoned podcaster, accomplished photographer, and acclaimed author. His podcasts delve into a range of topics from the nuances of photography to the future of creativity, inspiring listeners to explore their own artistic journeys. His photo tours and workshops offer hands-on experiences, guiding enthusiasts to capture stunning visuals and develop their skills. As an author, his insightful books on photography and film, available in four languages, provide deep dives into these fascinating subjects.

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

In this episode of the Q&A Show, Ron Pepper and Rob Moroto answer questions about Fusing in Lightroom, Threads, planning apps (Moon), and a little rant about questions themselves.

Send us your questions for the Q&A Show at photofocus.com/questions

Also thank you to Photomatix, the leader in HDR photography. Download and try the new Photomatix Pro 7 free.

About your Hosts

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.

Welcome to the Photofocus Roundtable Podcast, where each month, our panel discusses some current trends and topics on our minds. This month, we are joined by two photographers who are very accomplished in shooting the aurora borealis, Christy Turner and Shamen Kureshi.

Thank you Photomatix for sponsoring. You can try the original application for High Dynamic Range Photography for free.

YouTube recommendations

We all learn from the internet these days. We used to say that if you want to learn something, Google it. Now, we say YouTube it. So, what is a great YouTube channel that you like to learn from? What you would recommend to our listeners?

• Rob’s Recommendation - Banff Sunshine Village
• Ron’s Recommendation - The Why Files
• Christy's Recommendation - Monika Deviat Photography
• Shamen's Recommendation - Astro Backyard

Shownotes

• Map from Alberta Aurora Chasers
• Aurora Forcasting App (iOS)

About your hosts

Christy Turner is a Digital Artist, Writer and Content Creator helping to tell the world's beautiful story one image at a time. Astro, events, people and places. Christy is a world traveler to over 75 countries, completed a commission in Bordeaux, France in 2018 for Biodynamic Wine Harvest at Chateau Pontet-Canet, and photographed a South African wedding last winter. Most recent photo projects include an upcoming photo story about taking in 6 different Ukrainian refugees in the past year, and the ways their stories and bravery have inspired Christy. Ms Turner recently completed a certificate from U of Calgary in Integrated Digital Media and is working on a photo book of Alberta.

Shamon Kureshi is a night photographer from Calgary Canada.  His dad was a photography teacher near Standoff Alberta, and sparked an early interest in astronomical images that has remained to this day.  He views aurora chasing as a much needed therapeutic process, especially when he gets lucky and comes home with a great image!

Ron Pepper is a Bay Area photographer specializing in 360° panoramic images for businesses, destinations, homes, schools and more. He’s a LinkedIn Learning author, mentor and trainer. You can follow him on his website or Instagram.

Rob Moroto is a commercial photographer based in Vancouver Island. From homes to people to businesses, Rob loves showing a different perspective through his lens. He sees depth in every person and every object, no matter how plain they may seem. You can follow him on his website or at CalgaryPhotos.ca.