I've been listening to audio books on a regular basis for several years and find that while out walking popping in the headphones and listening to a good story or biography distracts me from all that is happening in the world. Something we could all do with right now! Before Lockdown #1 in March last year, I had only listened to the occasional photography podcast but then when we were restricted to exercise just once a day for up to an hour it seemed the perfect opportunity to dive in a little deeper. Since then I have listened to a great many and selecting which ones to listen to comes down to two points. The first is the interviewer's voice. Too slow and scripted and I lose interest. Similarly, if it's all about the gear and technique. I'm far more interested in the person, their opinions, and the thought process behind the making of their photographs. As accomplished photographers, they really know what they are talking about and will often impart their own thoughts and wisdom which I enjoy. Resisting the urge to title the post - The best photography podcasts - here's a pick of my own personal favourites in no particular order.
Click on the title and you'll be directed to their podcast page and on the author's name, their Instagram feed.
The Bearded Tit
84 episodes
I stumbled upon this one a few days ago and have since listened to several episodes. Hosted by the underwater photography specialist, Jack Perks, it's a refreshing blend of straight-talking interviews and personal opinions and insights into all things nature, conservation, and photography. There's the occassional profanity which for me is no problem at all since we're all adults and swearing in the right context emphasises a point. And, as the masterful Stephen Fry so eloquently put it: “The sort of twee person who thinks swearing is in any way a sign of a lack of education or a lack of verbal interest is just a fucking lunatic”.
The Candid Frame
554 episodes
Ibarionex's podcast is among the longest running (and not just in photography) and his interviews are conducted masterfully. Largely covering street and documentary photography and with a whopping 554 episodes behind him, Ibarionex's cool, relaxed style sets the benchmark to which all others are judged.
F-Stop Collaborate and Listen
203 episodes
I know, as soon as you read the title you wanna break out into a Vanilla Ice'esque dance routine - or maybe that's just me! A great name for a podcast and full marks to Matt Payne for this genius title. As with all the others, he knows how to conduct a thought provoking and intelligent interview which feels more like a conversation. I like his eclectic mix of subject matter and guests including those outside the world of photography discussing such topics as branding and SEO, and how he also imparts his own views and experiences which his guests always respond positively to.
A Small Voice
149 episodes
Ben Smith's, approach is not dissimilar to Ibarionex's. Laid back and allowing the interviewee to speak at length, each episode can go on for some considerable time which I think is a major plus. As with Matt Payne's, his guests cover a broad spectrum and include a good number of British and other European photographers, including Tim Page and David Yarrow.
The Contact Sheet
23 episodes
Compared to the others, Kyle McDougall is a relative newcomer but given how well he interviews and discusses other topics, on a solo basis, such as undertaking projects you'd never have thought it. A highly listenable podcaster and another which I thoroughly enjoy.
The Togcast
78 episodes
Conducted by Paul Sanders and Sam Gregory, sadly it seems it is no longer running - or at least that is how it looks given the last episode was back in June. Still, given there are 78 episodes there are plenty to go through while out enjoying your walks or sitting in a quiet room. My only tiny quibble is that I wish they were a bit longer, but maybe that's a testament to how good they are.
Update 1: I have been informed by Sam that the Togcast is "coming back bigger and better soon"! That is great news, and I look forward to listening to more excellent episodes.
Update 2: New and revised, The Togacast is back!
The Landscape Photography Podcast
61 episodes
As well as interviews, Nick Page also discusses equipment and techniques and does a great job of allowing the other to speak, uninterrupted (as, indeed, the others do), as well as sharing his own thoughts and views.
So, some really good podcasts worthy of your attention. If you have a favourite or can think of any that might be of interest to me, and others, then please free to leave a comment.
