The Moment Isn't Everything in Photography

#564 In this episode of the podcast, I dive deep into the idea
that while capturing the right moment in photography matters
most, it’s not everything. I share my own experiences as a
photographer, especially those early days when I felt overwhelmed
by all the camera settings—aperture, shutter speed, ISO—and how
easy it is to get distracted by what influencers say you need in
terms of new gear. I open up about how sharing my photos online
sometimes left me second-guessing myself when the feedback was
harsh or not constructive, and how important it is for our mental
health to not tie our self-worth to internet commentary.


KEY TOPICS COVERED
The Role of Moment in Great Photography - I talk about
why the “moment” is king, but also share a story of photographing
race cars with my son to show that technical choices—like shutter
speed—are what give your images the power to convey emotion and
story.Overcoming Overwhelm and Gear Envy - I reflect on my
struggles with self-doubt, gear lust, and how feeling unskilled led
me to blame my camera for missed shots. I encourage you to focus on
learning and being patient with yourself instead of obsessing over
equipment or social media critique.Shooting in Manual and
Preparing for the Moment - I break down my personal workflow,
from choosing settings to working with couples, so you can enter
your sessions confident in exposure and ready to pay attention to
the fleeting moments that matter.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS



Manual Mode: The camera setting where the photographer
controls ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, rather than letting
the camera choose. This gives more creative control and removes
uncertainty about exposure.


Exposure: The overall brightness or darkness of a
photograph, determined by settings such as shutter speed,
aperture, and ISO. Proper exposure is essential for capturing
high-quality moments.



DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How has mastering camera settings changed the way you feel
during a shoot?Have social media comments ever affected your
confidence? How can you protect your creative process?What can you
do before a session to minimize stress and maximize your ability to
catch authentic moments?

Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/


Connect with Raymond!


Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at
https://beginnerphotopod.com/group

Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show -
https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa

Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet -
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/




Thanks for listening & keep shooting!