Zone Focused

The One About Originality in Photography

Matt and Ryan return for Episode 11, where they discuss what they have been up to in the dog days of summer, new gear (on the market and in their own kit), portfolio reviews, and the main topic of the episode: is there such thing as originality in photography anymore? And finally, the guys spotlight ____,  * 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, and Trips * 7:00 – Portfolio Reviews * 24:30 – Gear Chat * 36:30 – Main Discussion: originality in photography * 88:00 – Artist Spotlight: @derekharris_ [https://www.instagram.com/derekharris_/] Derek is a photographer based out of Sweden, where his work spans interior design photography to street photography. Derek pleasing tones and thoughtful compositions lead to a peaceful, natural collection of work.

The One With All the Harsh Light

After a short break, Matt and Ryan return for Episode 10, where they discuss recent life updates, new gear (on the market and in their own kit), and the main topic on many folks' minds as we move into summer: dealing with harsh light. Finally, the guys introduce a new segment – the artist spotlight – where they chat on a deserving photographer they have come acorss in their travels or online. This week, Matt and Ryan spotlight @jaredtapy [https://www.instagram.com/jaredtapy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==], whose story and information can be found below. * 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, and Trips * 8:45 – Gear Chat: new cameras on the market; Fuji X-Half * 21:00 – Gear Chat: new gear in our own kit * 28:30 – Main Discussion: shooting in harsh light * 33:00 – "Leaning into" blown out highlights * 43:00 – How the seasons change our approach and help our photography evolve * 50:30 – Photos that "say something", and building a body of work * 55:30 – Benefits of shooting in soft Light * 69:00 – Artist Spotlight: Jared Tapy (@jaredtapy [https://www.instagram.com/jaredtapy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]) This week's artist spotlight shines on Social Documentary phographer Jared Tapy, who is based out of New York City. Jared blends multiple styles of street photography to create something uniquely his own, capturing moments of both intrigue and vulnerability on the streets of NYC. Jared recently shared his first project, "Unveiling Savannah's Shadows", and is currently working on "Souls in an Urban Landscape", which centers on human connection (or lack thereof) in the 21st century. Links to Jared's Work: * Portfolio [https://jaredthomastapy.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadJayXZ50eK7rN9adCDMgRqq_RbLatuqa6iqKVy1EHtizWzWnVvN0tFT32USQ_aem_NtuGOQ2cXw7kt9Jg19GlRw] * DarkRoom [https://thomastapy.darkroom.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaffZtjIfO5OHHzwD-kbVGLEXiCvIXEctVHSDF8WYCt5rukiKcNXcvxPUXE5_w_aem_xLJUE-6tInC5-ddf6M6I9w] * Substack [https://substack.com/@thomastapy?r=23r7di&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad6c_ACfmz4XQwENUcWgpFAfmFFpbGPGx_OP1GRzpTT-R78yoaK1CfIQH-QDw_aem_JMEHakEbRiZqpDzVJtmoMg] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbg_2VjeuLw]

The One Where the Gang Defines a "Good Photo"

Matt and Ryan come to you remotely this week; they catch up on recent events, debrief the "Shot Both Ways" gallery, and discuss the new gear they're using. And then for the main question for discussion: what makes a good photo? * 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, Events * 05:00 – Recapping the recent "Shot Both Ways" gallery * 9:45 –Gear Updates *  21:00 – Main Discussion: what makes a good photograph? * 23:00 – Technical aspects of photos vs. "the feeling" * 31:00 – What it means to "get the reps" * 40:30 – "Telling a story"  * 48:00 – How gear, film, cameras impact style * 65:00 – Outro

The One with All the Lenses

The guys are back together in the studio for episode 8. Matt and Ryan catch up on recent photos walks/trips, and then chat about the prints they are exhibiting at the upcoming gallery. And then for the main topic: all things lenses, inlcuding bokeh, the "look" of vintage lenses, focal lengths and lens recommendations. * 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, Events * 09:00 – Matt and Ryan walk through the prints they're showing at the upcoming gallery * 21:00 – New Gear Talk * 35:00 – Main Discussion: all things lenses * 37:00 – Bokeh, Unique Lens "Looks", and Vintage Lenses * 57:00 – Lens Purchase Decision-Making * 58:00 – Focal Lengths; Prime vs. Zoom Lenses * 70:00 – Aperture * 77:00 – Recommended Starter or Economy Lenses * 83:00 – Outro

The One with all the Zone Focusing

In episode seven of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast, guys come to you remotely – with Matt out of his studio and Ryan in Cleveland. After catching up on recent developments on the street, they cover a topic near and dear to the podcast: zone focusing. With a brief "how to", followed by its benefits and drawbacks, and more. Finally, Matt and Ryan close with some listener Q&A. * 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, Events * 04:30 – Shooting in a new city * 10:30 – Matt's new (old) Leica M * 12:30 – Current lens choices * 16:00 – Upcoming gallery * 20:00 – Winogrand and Leiter documentaries * 29:30 – Main Discussion: zone focusing * 30:00 – How-to * 42:00 – Pros and cons * 62:00 – Slowing down as a photographer  * 74:00 Listener Q&A