Podcast · Arts & Books

Prime Lenses

by Iain Farrell · English · Arts & Books

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 thre

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest: 11 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026New

Episode 135 - James Popsys

135. James Popsys What if the goal isn't to make photography easy - what if the difficulty is the whole point? Guest: James Popsys. Photographer, YouTuber and author based in Snowdonia, North Wales · jamespopsys.com · YouTube and Instagram: search "James Popsys" (P-O-P-S-Y-S) In this episode James has been on my list of dream guests for ages, so I was thrilled to finally sit down with him. We start, as these things do, with lawnmowers and film scanners, before getting into the real story: a marketing job in London, weekend photo walks, a conceptual composite of the London Eye as a bicycle…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E134 · 4 Oct 2026
Episode 134 - Daria Zlobinski
What do you do when the best trip of your life makes every photo after it feel smaller? Guest: Daria Zlobinski. London-based photographer, macro and nature obsessive, never without a Leica · Instagram: @dariazlb (main) and @d.zlobinski (photography) In this episode Daria messaged me a while back to say she was burned out and worried she was falling out of love with photography, and would I like to talk about it. That sounded like exactly the right kind of Prime Lenses conversation. We start at the beginning: windsurfing holidays, her dad's cameras, a Tumblr surf blog, and a RISD summer…
S1 · E133 · 27 Sep 2026 · 59 min
Episode 133 - Anthony Prince Leslie
My guest this week is Anthony Prince Leslie , a photographer and filmmaker from Brooklyn. He has made a name for himself shooting behind the scenes footage for films like The Drama and Spider-Man Brand New Day. I wanted to speak to him to learn all about shooting behind the scenes on a modern movie set, and on film. This conversation involves some fairly hard-core cameras of the stills and moving picture variety and an impromptu fit check so you might want to watch this one on YouTube . Mentioned in this episode People Zendaya — connected AP to The Drama and later to Spider-Man: Brand New…
S1 · E1325 · 23 Sep 2026 · 15 min
Foto Walks 2026 with Michael Howard
A little mid-week episode to let you all know about some photo walks taking place this week in conjunction with Foto , the photo sharing app. You can join one of the many walks this weekend, 26th September, taking place all over the world. To find out more head over to their website or listen to my conversation with Michael from Foto. Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E132 · 20 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 132 - Geoff Ang
Mentioned in this episode People Helmut Newton — fashion photographer Geoff cites as having briefly worked in the Singapore press before his career took off · Wikipedia Steve Jobs — referenced as an example of the "human factor" books Geoff reads about how people become exceptional · Wikipedia Books and reading Inside the Mind of a Photographer by Geoff Ang — his book distilling 20 years of workshop material into a guide to the psychological and business side of commercial photography · insidethemindofaphotographer.com Tools and products Phase One digital backs — the medium format system…
S1 · E131 · 13 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 131 - Graham Niven
Mentioned in this episode People Colin Prior — cited as one of the landscape photographers whose 1990s work first caught Graham's eye, before that kind of image became common in the social media era · colinprior.co.uk Jocelyn Bain Hogg — London-based documentary photographer known for his books on British organised crime, The Firm and The Family · theviifoundation.org Martin Parr — referenced as one of the few photographers who can "get away with" a heavy, unflattering flash aesthetic on his subjects · martinparr.com James Popsys — landscape photographer and YouTuber based in Snowdonia,…
S1 · E130 · 6 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 130 - Jocelyn Bain Hogg
Support the show on Patreon . 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.
S1 · E130 · 30 Aug 2026 · 59 min
Episode 129 - Natasa Leoni
Natasa Leoni is a photographer based in the UK who in addition to commercial work photographs causes she cares about in relation to climate and social change. Support the show on Patreon . 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,…
S1 · E128 · 23 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 128 - Rachael Talibart
Rachael Talibart is a photographer of coast and sea based in the UK. Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E122 · 16 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 127 - Dave Herring Returns
Dave Herring returns to the show this week to talk about his remit to educate and entertain. He’s a lovely guest with excellent taste in 35mm lenses :) Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E122 · 9 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 126 - Kit Young
Kit Young is a British analogue photographer and printer. In an age where film is a niche choice and many folks who do shoot it send their film to someone else to process and scan, Kit handles the whole process himself, making his photos, developing the film and then making the prints in a darkroom. As a result his images stand out to me and have a very specific look. Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E1255 · 5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Appreciating the Small Stuff with Ian Bogost
People often say “It’s the little things”, but what does that mean? Ian Bogost has written a book on this subject called The Small Stuff , and in it he describes the gratification that we can all get from paying attention to the small things that happen around us every day. The way a camera feels in the hand, the texture of our clothing, the difference in taste of a soda drunk from a can instead of a plastic bottle. All of these things can be savoured and make our lives a far richer tapestry than it might otherwise be. I am sold and hope you will be too after you enjoy this conversation. And…
S1 · E125 · 2 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 125 - Irene Yee
This week, my guest is Irene Yee , a photographer specialising in the outdoors and climbing. She’s a brilliant and open guest who shares a lot of her techniques and ideas for making great creative work. Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E122 · 29 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Stockholm Fotomarathon 2026
Emil Gyllenberg joins me today. He is the chief organiser of the Stockholm FotoMaraton , a 24 hour event taking place in August. I had never heard of such a thing, people running around making pictures for 24 hours and then entering to have theirs selected as the best in various categories, so I contacted them and Emil agreed to come on to talk about it. Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E124 · 26 Jul 2026 · 56 min
Episode 124 - Mike Chudley
This week I’m joined by Mike Chudley , a Photographer and YouTuber based in the UK. We begin talking about other creators we admire and spoke as he was putting the finishing touches to his video about a trip he made to China. Support the show on Patreon . 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…
24 Jul 2026
Week of Walks Episode 5
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
23 Jul 2026
Week of Walks Episode 4
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
22 Jul 2026
Week of Walks Episode 3
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
21 Jul 2026
Week of Walks Episode 2
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
20 Jul 2026
Week of Walks Episode 1
This week we’re releasing a short daily episode to remind you to get out and make some images. We hope you’ll join us over on Patreon and share the images you make. https://patreon.com/PrimeLenses
S1 · E123 · 19 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 123 - Nicklas Pettersson
Nicklas Pettersson is a Danish photographer whose work I discovered by way of the Widelux camera he has used to photograph the front lines in Ukraine. Support the show on Patreon . 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 inte rviews 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…
S1 · E122 · 12 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 122 - Martina Trepczyk
Martina Trepczyk is a filmmaker and photographer who is most at home in the sea. We spoke just as the Leica SL3-P was launching about her own use of the SL system, using bad gear before the best gear and what she wants to make in the future. You can follow everything Martina does on the links below. Instagram Tigereyes Workshops Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E121 · 5 Jul 2026 · 59 min
Episode 121 - Philipp Reinhard
Philipp Reinhard is a German photographer who has spent his career traveling the world making commercial sports and product imagery. Like a lot of my favourite photographers he’s is people powered. He even gets to branch out occasionally to make the accessories he wishes existed already with partners like Oberwerth. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . 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…
S1 · E120 · 28 Jun 2026 · 55 min
Episode 120 - Mark Forbes
Mark Forbes is a photographer with European roots now based in Australia. I came across his work quite by accident when looking at cool medium format photos and decided to get in touch and see if he’d like to be on the show. Thankfully for me he said yes and you’ll get to hear about his process, his book making adventures and the value that a bit of distance from the moment of capture can make to your relationship to what you’re making. It’s classic Prime Lenses, here’s my chat with Mark. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about…
S1 · E119 · 21 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 119 - Justin French
Justin French is a self taught photographer and director who has studied in London and is now based in New York. His work is beautiful, modern and textured with a style that borrows heavily from classical painting and has taken him around the world shooting for the likes of National Geographic, Vogue, Rolling Stone and many more. He’s thoughtful and charming company and I think you’ll enjoy this conversation with Justin. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with…
S1 · E1185 · 17 Jun 2026 · 29 min
Alfie [BOXX] camera with Dave Faulkner
Dave Faulkner is a product designer and engineer turned camera maker. Having successfully released the Tych half frame film camera in 2022, he’s back with a new project, the Alfie [BOXX] camera designed to allow a user to make beautiful small prints using a handmade wood and brass camera. Dave agreed to come on to the show to talk about the new camera and what he’s hoping folks will get out of it. You can back the kickstarter here, and if you use our link , Prime Lenses will receive a kickback at no additional cost to you. Thanks for considering supporting us and Alfie Cameras. More about…
S1 · E118 · 14 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 118 - Tammie Joske
Tammie Joske is a photographer turned creator who has recently decided to go it alone and make videos about street and film photography. A friend of the show recommended I get in touch with her because like me she shoots the C Biogon 35 f2.8 on her M camera. That would ordinarily be enough, but the fact that Tammie is such fun to watch online meant that I knew we’d have a great conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with…
S1 · E117 · 7 Jun 2026 · 52 min
Episode 117 - Mattia Bidoli
Mattia Bidoli is photographer and magician who has worked in some of the most dangerous places on the planet. His photography from places experiencing conflict like Ukraine and Gaza are sadly in demand in 2026. I met him at the Raw Photo Festival in May and he was kind enough to talk to me while we were there and give me a copy of his book which I devoured on the journey home. He’s a wonderful human being, great photographer and has very strong opinions about pizza. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is…
S1 · E116 · 31 May 2026 · 58 min
Episode 116 - Benj Haisch
Benj Haisch is part of a proud tradition of guests who are musicians turned photographers/ YouTubers which nicely reinforces my personal biases when it comes to what genuinely constitutes creativity. Cutting his teeth photographing everything, with everything he’s a voice I trust in the photography space. He’s a warm, fun photographer and was a joy to speak with so I’ll get out of the way and let you enjoy our chat. Sign up to the Prime Lenses newsletter for a mid-week treat. Support the show on Patreon . More about this show: A camera is just a tool but spend enough time with photographers…
S1 · 27 May 2026 · 28 min
Traces with Justin Sorensen
Justin Sorensen is a sports photographer based in New York. He has a book out about the effect of sports on the human body. I wanted to speak to him about how he came to make the book and what’s next. You can pick up a copy of the book here . 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 pho tographers talking about their photography by way of three lenses that mean a lot to them.…

About Prime Lenses

Prime Lenses is a English arts & books podcast from Iain Farrell. 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.

Publisher: Iain Farrell
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest episode: 11 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1736087657
Rights: Iain Farrell 2025

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