The Raw Photography Podcast With Dave and Paul

Raw Podcast - EP60 - A conversation with Drew Forsyth

Raw Podcast - EP60 - A conversation with Drew ForsythThis 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 Outhttps://www.instagram.com/madeleine.penfold/https://www.georgieglass.com/what-we-dohttps://www.artstreiber.com/workFollow us on Instagram⁠@therawpodcast⁠⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠⁠@moathillphotography⁠

Raw Podcast - EP59 - A conversation with Chris Copeland

Episode 59 Chris Copeland. The Art of Storytelling Through the Lens: A Conversation with Chris CopelandThis 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 styleWhy film still matters in a digital worldThe balance between spontaneity and preparationBuilding trust and telling authentic storiesLessons from destination weddings and challenging shootsStaying creative when photography becomes your careerSocial media, community, and the ever-evolving industry Chris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.uk Instagram: @chriscopelandphotographyChris’s recommendations of Artists to Check OutBilly Dinhhttps://www.instagram.com/billydeeeVineet Vohrahttps://www.instagram.com/vineet_vohraAlex Greyhttps://www.alexgrey.comShow LinksChris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.ukInstagram: @chriscopelandphotographyFollow us on Instagram@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz

Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John BoazIn 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 BioJohn 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 Saturday Magazine, Financial Times Magazine, Le Monde and Der Spiegel. His ongoing series Rivers Of Living Water explores Christianity in Britain through portraiture.Key TopicsJohn’s early inspiration at Bradgate ParkUniversity and learning visual storytellingBalancing paid work and personal projectsHuman connection in portraitureFeeling over technical perfectionInspiration from nature, music and everyday lifeMaintaining artistic integrity across mediumsSlowing down in a fast social media worldThe impact of awards on creative confidenceNotable Quotes“Imperfect images tell a story.”“Connection and context come first.”“Imperfections add authenticity.”Chapters00:00 Introduction and background02:50 Early photography experiences06:00 University and visual storytelling08:56 Transitioning into professional work11:45 Personal projects and why they matter14:37 Balancing paid work and passion17:30 Current projects and future direction20:32 Family and photography23:51 Artistic reflection and intention25:21 Digital versus film27:29 Human connection in portrait photography31:15 Planning versus spontaneity34:17 Managing pressure and anxiety38:34 Comfort and trust in portraits41:35 Environment, light and atmosphere45:15 Subconscious decision-making47:42 Connection and context revisited50:39 Emotion versus technical control54:16 Storytelling through portraiture57:57 Navigating wedding photography01:01:16 Humility and growth01:04:12 Finding inspiration beyond photography01:07:07 Creative pressure01:09:52 Social media and evolving perspectives01:11:16 Fulfilment beyond Instagram01:12:54 Balancing work and personal life01:15:34 The impact of awards01:17:43 Inspiration from fellow photographersMentionsAlex SothAlys TomlinsonPortrait of Britain Where to find Johnjohnboaz_Johns WebsiteFollow us on Instagram:⁠@therawpodcast⁠⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠⁠@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin

Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma WalkinIt 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@kreativweddinghttps://www.kreativ-wedding.de⁠Loreto Rumbek Where to find Emmahttp://www.edithouse.ie@edithouseFollow us on Instagram:@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache

Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin KheffacheThe 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 LinksKevin’s Website - https://www.kevinkheffache.com/DocDay - https://docday.international/Cafa Liu - https://cafaphoto.com/Follow us on Instagram:@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography