Prime Lenses

Rick DeMint is the man behind Portroids, a photo project where he snaps celebrities and asks them to sign the picture which is then posted to his website. It’s a great project 21 years and over 6000 images later is still going strong. The combination of long running consistency and Polaroid cameras of many types made him an ideal guest, I loved speaking to him and in particular enjoyed his final lens choice, but you’ll have to stick around for that! More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Jannik Boysen is a game developer and photographer who created the charming Shutter Stroll for PC. I discovered the game in 2020 but the release of the game on Steam seemed like a great time to speak to Jannik about the game and their journey with photography.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

This week I spoke with Stefan Daniel of Leica Camera. He’s ultimately responsible for all camera development at Leica and we spoke on the eve of the M11-D announcement about travel cameras, the Scottish Highlands and the importance of creation and creativity more than specs and technical stats. More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Victor Henning is the founder of Fjorden, an iOS app that pairs with a grip to give your iPhone the physical controls that make a real camera so great. His company was recently acquired by Leica and their first joint Product, Leica LUX is out now and blew me away when I tried it. At launch I reached out to Victor immediately and he was gracious enough to give me an hour, between meetings ;)More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

This week I speak with John Piercy Holroyd & Daniel Hopkinson, authors of A Time A Place, a photography and architecture project that became a book. This first volume has been a real labour of love for the pair and it was a treat to sit down with my first panel of guests. Dan also has some excellent gear and lens choices for those of us who love just a little bit of gear chatter.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

James Bareham is a creative director and photographer with a background in sports, newspapers and online media. He’s photographed everything from bombings to First Ladies. He now runs a media startup as well as freelancing. You can find out more about his work at Happicamp.com.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Stasia Schmidt is an award winning, fine art photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. Her landscapes and portraits show attention to simplicity and form. She is drawn to unexpected surrealism within the natural environment, and throughout the photographic process Stasia works to layer subversive femininity with stark reality.Self taught, she draws from a deep well of inspiration that includes a love of music, dance, science fiction, and adventure. The medium of photography is her chosen method of exploring creative boundaries and challenging expectations in order to create provocative, vivid, and resonant art.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Tiffany Roubert is a French analog photographer based in London (UK). After completing a Masters in Documentary Photography at the University of the Arts London she began a career shooting internationally. Her commercial and personal photography has an incredible look and feel.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Milan is most known for is fine art portrait photography work in the burlesque and vintage styles. His work is a throwback to the memorable Hollywood glamour of the 20s and 30s, often portraying women in a daring and sexy way, but always delicately and glamourously.Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Documentary photographer and director Doug Menuez once stood at the North Pole, crossed the Sahara, had tea with Stalin's daughter and held a chunk of Einstein's brain. Quitting his blues band in 1981, he began his 40+ year career freelancing for Time, LIFE, Newsweek, Fortune, USA Today, the New York Times Magazine and many other publications. He covered the AIDS crisis, homelessness in America, politics, five Super Bowls and the Olympics. His portrait assignments include Presidents Clinton and Bush, Sr. and Cate Blanchett, Lenny Kravitz, Mother Teresa, Jane Goodall and Hugh Jackman. His award-winning advertising campaigns and projects for global brands include Chevrolet, FedEx, Leica, GE, Coca Cola, Emirates Airlines Microsoft. Menuez’ work has been honoured by many organisations, including the Kelly Awards, The AOP London, The Cannes Festival, The One Show, The Art Director’s Club of NY, The Epson Creativity Award, American Photography, the International Photography Awards, NY Photo Festival, Graphis, and Communication Arts. He's had solo and group exhibits worldwide. His fourth book, “Fearless Genius: The Digital Revolution in Silicon Valley 1985-2000,” by Simon & Schuster’s Atria Books, became a #1 bestseller on Amazon’s photo book list and published in 6 countries and 17 languages. Over 100 million people around the world have seen the project through the book, exhibits, viral press and his talks. A exhibition of rare images of Silicon Valley’s greatest innovators, including Steve Jobs, as they changed our world, continues to travel. His extensive archive of over two million images was acquired by Stanford University Libraries in 2004.Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

David Imel is a technology journalist based in the US who is probably best known these days for his work on Youtube and podcasts. His work with MKBHD as well as his own films would keep anyone busy but David clearly doesn’t like to be bored. Not only is he a wonderful photographer but he is a wonderfully talented film photographer with a preferred aspect ratio that you’re not expecting. He’s good buddies with some previous guests so I was thrilled when he agreed to be on the show. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Sean Tucker is a photographer based in the north of the UK. He has published a number of photography books and most recently added to that with his book on creativity and art more broadly called The Meaning in the Making. He’s a really interesting creative voice who feels to me like a teacher as much as creative person I admire.Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Sissi Lu is a photographer based in New York City who specialises in shooting film. She’s created a successful YouTube channel featuring an array of fun projects and is currently working with Polaroid on a campaign. Her pursuit of filmic perfection I expected, her love of football, I did not. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Thorsten Overgaard is a Danish photographer who’s synonymous with Leica. He’s shot with their cameras for decades, has written a book on just about every model in that time and has shot just about every lens. Talking to him about everything from the camera you just have to have to the lenses that on reflection you don’t, was a real treat. Warning, this is a long one, you may want a snack. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

In this shorter summer vacation episode we hear from listeners and previous guests about the setup they're taking with them on their holidays. Enjoy!Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Christelle Enquist, is one half of the the founder couple behind The RAW Society, a community for photographers dedicated to really teaching craft, helping them to grow and be better as well as providing a community of peers. Her work has been exhibited around the world and she was recently published in a book celebrating female street photographers.Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Simon Baxter swapped extreme sports for photography 10 years ago and the world of image making is all the better for it. From his home in North Yorkshire he and his trusty dog Meg explore woodlands finding all manner of interesting compositions. His photos are wonderful and I hope you enjoy this conversation with Simon.Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Emily Lowrey has an infectious love for photography that she shares with the world through her Micro Four Nerds community and YouTube channel. A firm believer that all camera gear is good gear she shows her fans that it’s technique over technology that will lead to great images. She was tremendous fun to talk to for this week’s episode. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.

Mel McVeigh is an award winning photographer and creative director that I’ve had the privilege of knowing for over a decade. I wanted to talk to her because recently she’s been experimenting with generative AI tools as she continues to explore themes of intimacy and relationships in her photography. Combining these human themes while using tools which to many are inherently in-human might seem like a contradiction to some but it’s fascinating and led to a great conversation. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid week treat.More about this show:A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers and you’ll see them go misty eyed when they talk about their first camera or a small fast prime that they had in their youth. Prime Lenses is a series of interviews with photographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them. These can be interchangeable, attached to a camera, integrated into a gadget, I’m interested in the sometimes complex relationship we have with the tools we choose, why they can mean so much and how they make us feel.