Photography stuff explained in plain English by me, Rick, in less than 27(ish) minutes without the irrelevant details. I explain one photographic thing per episode, providing just enough information to help you understand it, improve your photography and take better photos, all without delving into
Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Ever opened a RAW file on your computer and thought you'd ruined the photo? You haven't. In this episode I explain exactly what RAW and JPEG actually are, why your camera's screen has been showing you something that isn't your real file, and why I shoot RAW myself - plus the genuine irony that every RAW file ends up as a JPEG eventually anyway. Perfect if you've ever wondered what all the fuss is about. 📝 What's covered: ● 📸 A JPEG is a finished,...
Send us Fan Mail 🔺 Ever felt like the exposure triangle needs three hands and a maths degree just to take one photo? It doesn't. In this episode Rick explains aperture, shutter speed and ISO in plain English — what each one actually does, how they work together, and which two settings he actually controls himself on every real shoot. If you're new to cameras, or you've never quite got your head around exposure, this one's for you. What's Covered● 🔺 What the exposure...
Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Turn on image stabilisation, they said. It'll save your photos, they said. Nobody mentioned you'd need to turn it off again. You've been told to always leave image stabilisation switched on. But put your camera on a tripod, and that same advice flips completely. In this episode, I explain exactly what image stabilisation does, how many extra stops it can buy you, and the moments where it can actually work against you. Whether you're shooting handheld, on a tripod, or panni...
Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Your 50mm lens isn't really a 50mm lens — and once you know why, you'll never buy a lens with the wrong expectations again. In this episode Rick explains crop factor in plain English. No maths degree required. If you've ever wondered why your lens doesn't seem to do what the numbers on the barrel suggest, this one's for you. What's Covered ● 🎞️ What a full-frame sensor actually is, and where the name comes from ● 📷 What...
Send us Fan Mail 🎯 Your kit lens has something printed on the barrel. 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. Confident. Specific. And absolutely meaningless — unless you know what any of it means. This episode fixes that. In episode 239 of the Photography Explained Podcast, I explain every number and letter on your kit lens barrel. In plain English. Without the irrelevant detail. Including why the aperture numbering system is completely backwards — and why whoever invented it clearly did not consult anyone who w...
Send us Fan Mail There is a LOT of camera gear out there. Bodies, lenses, bags, tripods, filters, memory cards, drones, studio lights — and it can feel like you need to spend thousands of pounds before you've earned the right to call yourself a photographer. You don't. Not even close. In this episode I cut through all of it and tell you exactly what a beginner photographer actually needs, what can wait, and what you can safely ignore entirely. 📷 In this episode we cover: ● ...
Send us Fan Mail 🧹 Your camera gear is dirty. And dirty gear is quietly affecting your photos in ways you might not even notice — a smudge on the lens that softens everything, a speck of dust on the sensor that shows up in the same spot on every single sky you shoot. In this episode I cover exactly what to clean, how to clean it safely, and — probably most importantly — what not to do. Because the damage usually comes from cleaning too aggressively, not from leaving things alone. In this epis...
Send us Fan Mail 🎒 Did you know there are 31 types of camera bag? One of them is a sandwich bag. Yes, really. I used to carry a massive bag full of gear to my local park. Waterproof zips and everything. For boats I never went on. Seven lenses. Four batteries. Two speedlites. Snacks for a week. I was 10 minutes from home. The penny dropped in Delph Woods in Poole on 30th December 2016 at 15:37. I used one lens. I always used one lens. The rest came along for the ride and stayed in the bag. Cho...
Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Do you actually need a tripod? Not the answer every photography guide gives you — the honest one. Sometimes yes. And sometimes, genuinely, no. In this episode, I'll tell you exactly when each is true, what to look for if you decide to buy one, and the single most common tripod mistake — and it has nothing to do with the tripod itself. Whether you're thinking about buying your first tripod or wondering why the one in the cupboard never gets used, this episode will give you ...
Send us Fan Mail 📷 Another blurry photo? Before you delete it — zoom in. In this episode I walk through the three types of blurry photo — camera shake, subject motion, and focus blur — how to diagnose which one you've got, and exactly what to change to stop it happening again. What We Cover Diagnose First — What Kind of Blurry Are You Looking At? Three types, how to tell them apart, and why getting the diagnosis right mattersCamera Shake Blur — Your Shutter Speed Is the Problem. The 1-o...
Send us Fan Mail Are you holding your camera like a cheese and pickle sandwich? 🥪 One hand, casual, not really thinking about it? In this episode, Rick covers six practical techniques that will make your photos sharper — starting the moment you pick up your camera. No kit required. No settings to change. Just how to hold, how to stand, and how to breathe. All of it free. All of it doable today. 📸 In this episode 🎙️ How to grip your camera with your right hand (and why most b...
Send us Fan Mail 📸 About This Episode You’ve come home from a shoot with hundreds of photos on your camera — and no system for what to do next. This episode is that system. Seven practical steps you can follow in about thirty minutes after every shoot. By the end, your photos are safe, organised, selected, and improved. And you’ve learned something for next time. 📋 The Seven Steps 1. Get the photos off your camera the same day — not tomorrow 2.  ...
Send us Fan Mail 📸 You’ve got the camera. You’ve found something worth photographing. Now what? In this episode, Rick walks through the seven steps that happen between picking up your camera and pressing the shutter — the process that determines whether your photo is sharp, well composed, and actually what you intended. Practical, in order, and immediately usable. 🎟️ In this episode: 1. Hold the camera with both hands — every single time — Right hand on the grip, left...
Send us Fan Mail 📸 About This Episode You’ve just got a new camera. The excitement is real — but most cameras come out of the box in a state that will cause you problems at exactly the moment you most want to take photos. In this episode, Rick walks you through seven quick setup steps — about twenty minutes in total — that get your camera properly ready before you take a single shot. Perfect for anyone who’s just unboxed their first camera, or who wants to start things off the rig...
Send us Fan Mail 📸 Think you need an expensive camera to take great photos? You really don't. In episode 229 of the Photography Explained Podcast, I take my entry level Canon R100 to Mexico for two weeks — kit lens only — and come back with portfolio-worthy images. Under £500 of gear. Real conditions. No tricks. In this episode I reveal 7 things an entry level camera can genuinely do brilliantly — and the results might surprise you. 💡 THE 7 THINGS COVERED: 1️⃣ It produ...
Send us Fan Mail 📸 Is your phone holding your photography back — or is it you? In episode 228 of the Photography Explained Podcast, I’m sharing seven honest signs that tell you whether now is the right time to move from your phone to a camera. And if it isn’t quite the right time yet, I’ll tell you exactly what to do instead. In this episode you will learn: 📱 Sign 1. You keep running into the limits of your phone camera — zooming in that turns to mush, photos that blur in dark roo...
Send us Fan Mail Your photos are sharp and well-exposed — but they look weirdly orange or horribly blue. Here's how white balance works and how to fix it. 📸 This is one of those photography settings that nobody really explains to beginners. But once you understand it — and it really doesn't take long — you'll stop wondering why your photos look a bit off and start knowing exactly what to do about it. 💡 📚 IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ What white balance actually is (and why it matters) ✅ W...
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why your photos come out so dark you can barely see what you shot? You take a photo of something brilliant - a stunning sunset, your mate pulling a funny face, your dinner that actually looks restaurant-quality for once - and when you look at the result, it's so dark you might as well have taken it in a cave. Frustrating, right? 📸 This episode explains exactly why photos come out dark and gives you seven practical tips to fix it once and for all. In this episode,...
Send us Fan Mail You've just unboxed your first proper camera and honestly? It's a bit overwhelming. All those dials, buttons, menu options - where do you even begin? 📸 This episode walks you through exactly what to do in your first week with your new camera. No jargon, no technical overwhelm, just practical, actionable steps that'll have you taking photos you're proud of by next weekend. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to properly set up your camera from day one ✅ Why reading the quick...
Send us Fan Mail You've taken what you thought was the perfect shot, but when you look at it later, it's blurry. Frustrating, right? 📸 This episode breaks down all seven main reasons your photos might be blurry and gives you practical fixes for each one. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How camera shake ruins photos (and the proper technique to eliminate it) ✅ The reciprocal rule for shutter speed that prevents blur ✅ Why your focus might be off and how to manually control it ✅ How to handle...
Send us Fan Mail Want to take better photos in 2026 than you did in 2025? 📸 This episode gives you five simple, practical things you can start doing today that will genuinely improve your photography. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to properly clean your camera gear and why it matters for sharp photos ✅ The smart way to learn camera settings without getting overwhelmed ✅ Why shooting in different lighting conditions makes you a better photographer ✅ How to critically review your work ...
Send us Fan Mail Over 221 episodes, thousands of tips, and hundreds of hours of content. Today, I've distilled everything down to the most important photography tips I've ever shared. This is the episode you'll want to bookmark. 🔖 Here's the thing about doing a podcast for over 221 episodes: you accumulate a lot of advice. Some of it's specific—how to photograph buildings 🏛️, how to use a polarizing filter, how to set up your Lightroom catalog. But some tips? They're universal. ✨ They work f...
Send us Fan Mail 📸 Photography Explained Podcast - Episode 221🎯 Composition Made Simple: The Rule of Thirds for Beginners Host: Rick McEvoy 🇬🇧 | Duration: ⏱️ 23 minutes ⚡ What Is This? The Rule of Thirds is a cheat code 🎮 that instantly makes your photos more interesting. Divide your frame into 9 equal parts (like noughts and crosses), place your subject on the lines or intersection points, and watch your photos transform. Works for cameras 📷 and phones 📱. No jargon. Just results. 🎓 The 7 Ess...
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why some photographers spot amazing shots everywhere while you're standing in the same place seeing nothing? 👀 They're not lucky—they've trained their photographer's eye, and you can too! Host Rick McEvoy reveals the exact skills that separate snapshots from photographs. Learn to see light, composition, and decisive moments BEFORE you press the shutter. No expensive gear required! ✨ 💥 What You'll Master in This Episode: * Light First, Always 🌅💡 Why great photo...
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why your photos don't look as good as the scene you remember? 🤔 The answer isn't a new camera or expensive software—it's mastering seven simple editing adjustments that transform flat photos into stunning images. ✨ Host Rick McEvoy reveals the exact editing workflow professional photographers use on EVERY photo. Learn how to make your images pop without spending hours editing or a fortune on gear. 💥 These aren't complex techniques—they're straightforward adjustm...
Send us Fan Mail Tired of feeling like you need an exotic location for great photos? 🎒 The truth is, the most amazing photo spots are often right outside your door. The key is learning how to see like a professional photographer. 🎁 Host Rick McEvoy gives you his essential 11-Point Checklist for training your eye and taking captivating photos, no matter where you are. Stop just looking, and truly see the world around you! ✨ 💥 What You'll Master in This Episode: Light First! ☀️💡 Always look for...
Send us Fan Mail What transforms an average photograph into a stunning one? It’s light. Photography literally means "drawing with light" ✍️, but simply having light isn't enough—you need to understand how to use it as a creative tool 🎨. In this essential, practical guide, host Rick McEvoy shows you how to stop fearing "bad" light and start seeing it as an opportunity. We dive deep into the five core principles of photographic light, covering everything from the physics of harsh vs. soft light...
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what gear you need beyond your camera? 🤔 The answer isn't a new lens or a bigger flash; it's a few simple, affordable accessories that can make a huge difference. ✨ They protect your gear, make shooting easier, and help you get better photos. 📸 In this episode, your host Rick dives deep into ten must-have items that professional photographers can't live without, showing you how to get the most out of your camera without spending a fortune. 🤑 Simple but effective...
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why some photos come out looking dark 🌑 and others are sharp but grainy? 🌾 The answer lies in one simple camera setting: ISO. 📸 It doesn't let more light in; instead, it's the digital amplifier of your photo's data. 🔊 Mastering this one setting lets you get a sharp, correctly exposed photo in any situation. 🎯 We’re diving deep into ISO, showing you what it is, how it affects your images, and the professional techniques for using it to get the cleanest photos pos...
Send us Fan Mail The Secret to Amazing Photos Isn't a Camera. It's How You Use Your Eyes. ✨ Have you ever wondered what separates a simple snapshot from a truly captivating photograph? It’s all about composition—the art of purposefully arranging everything within your photo frame to guide the viewer's eye and tell a clear story. In this episode, your host, Rick, demystifies this powerful photographic tool, sharing five simple, practical, and highly effective tips to help you move beyond takin...
About Photography Explained Podcast
Photography stuff explained in plain English by me, Rick, in less than 27(ish) minutes without the irrelevant details. I explain one photographic thing per episode, providing just enough information to help you understand it, improve your photography and take better photos, all without delving into
Photography Explained Podcast is a English arts & books podcast from Rick McEvoy. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
