Raw Podcast With Dave and Paul

Episode 59 Chris Copeland. The Art of Storytelling Through the Lens: A Conversation with Chris Copeland
This episode takes us into the world of Chris Copeland, a Belfast-based photographer whose approach to wedding photography is both timeless and unmistakably his own. Chris’s work is instantly recognisable. Cinematic, emotional, and rooted in an artful documentary sensibility that celebrates real life as it unfolds.
We talk about where his love for photography began, the slow rhythm of shooting film, and how the medium shapes the way he sees the world. Along the way, Chris shares honest reflections on client relationships, destination weddings, and the importance of staying true to your creative voice in a saturated digital scene.
In This Episode:
How Chris developed his signature documentary style

Why film still matters in a digital world

The balance between spontaneity and preparation

Building trust and telling authentic stories

Lessons from destination weddings and challenging shoots

Staying creative when photography becomes your career

Social media, community, and the ever-evolving industry

 Chris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.uk Instagram: @chriscopelandphotography
Chris’s recommendations of Artists to Check Out
Billy Dinhhttps://www.instagram.com/billydeee
Vineet Vohrahttps://www.instagram.com/vineet_vohra
Alex Greyhttps://www.alexgrey.com
Show LinksChris Copeland — chriscopelandphotography.co.ukInstagram: @chriscopelandphotography
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@therawpodcast
@davidmcclellandphotography
@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP58 - A conversation with John Boaz

In this conversation, we sit down with portrait photographer John Boaz to talk about where his work really comes from. From an early moment of seeing deer move through golden light at Bradgate Park to having his portraits on the cover of Portrait of Britain, John shares a thoughtful and honest look at his creative journey.

We talk about the influence of university on his understanding of visual storytelling, the importance of personal projects alongside paid work, and why connection always matters more than technical perfection. John reflects on slowing down in a fast-paced, social-media-driven industry, how nature, music and everyday life feed into his work, and why imperfections often carry the most truth.

This episode is about portraiture as a human exchange rather than a technical exercise, and about protecting artistic integrity while navigating commercial realities.

Guest Bio
John Boaz is a multi-award-winning portrait photographer based in Northamptonshire, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019 with a degree in Visual Communication (Photography).

John is a multiple winner of the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain awards, including having a portrait selected as the front cover of Volume 7. His work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s IPE 166 exhibition and features in major publications such as The Guardian, Financial Times Magazine, Le Monde and Der Spiegel. His ongoing series Rivers Of Living Water explores Christianity in Britain through portraiture and observational images.

Key Topics
John’s early inspiration at Bradgate Park
University and learning visual storytelling
Balancing paid work and personal projects
Human connection in portraiture
Feeling over technical perfection
Inspiration from nature, music and everyday life
Maintaining artistic integrity across mediums
Slowing down in a fast social media world
The impact of awards on creative confidence

Notable Quotes
“Imperfect images tell a story.”
“Connection and context come first.”
“Imperfections add authenticity.”

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and background
02:50 Early photography experiences
06:00 University and visual storytelling
08:56 Transitioning into professional work
11:45 Personal projects and why they matter
14:37 Balancing paid work and passion
17:30 Current projects and future direction
20:32 Family and photography
23:51 Artistic reflection and intention
25:21 Digital versus film
27:29 Human connection in portrait photography
31:15 Planning versus spontaneity
34:17 Managing pressure and anxiety
38:34 Comfort and trust in portraits
41:35 Environment, light and atmosphere
45:15 Subconscious decision-making
47:42 Connection and context revisited
50:39 Emotion versus technical control
54:16 Storytelling through portraiture
57:57 Navigating wedding photography
01:01:16 Humility and growth
01:04:12 Finding inspiration beyond photography
01:07:07 Creative pressure
01:09:52 Social media and evolving perspectives
01:11:16 Fulfilment beyond Instagram
01:12:54 Balancing work and personal life
01:15:34 The impact of awards
01:17:43 Inspiration from fellow photographers
Mentions
Alex Soth
Alys Tomlinson
Portrait of Britain
Where to find John
johnboaz_
Johns Website

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⁠@therawpodcast⁠
⁠@davidmcclellandphotography⁠
⁠@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP57 - A conversation with Emma Walkin

It feels good to be back. We’ve missed the chats, the stories and the bit of craic that always sneaks in when we hit record. And we’re kicking things off with Emma Walkin from EditHouse, who’s had a winding path through sport, corporate media and into wedding videography, shaping a whole corner of the industry along the way.

Emma talks about being one of the few women shooting weddings in Ireland in the early days, the graft of building a business, and the pressure that comes with fast turnarounds and big expectations. We also dig into how AI is changing the creative world, how the wedding industry has shifted, and what it actually takes to keep going in a job that’s half filmmaking and half emotional endurance.

There’s plenty here about editing, family life, creative burnout and the chaos of modern wedding days. She also brings us through her time filming in South Sudan and how it changed her outlook on work and life. It’s honest, funny, and full of reminders of why real moments still matter more than anything else.
Mentions
@flatrocfilms
https://www.flatrocfilms.com
@kreativwedding
https://www.kreativ-wedding.de⁠
Loreto Rumbek

Where to find Emma
http://www.edithouse.ie
@edithouse
Follow us on Instagram:
@therawpodcast
@davidmcclellandphotography
@moathillphotography

Raw Podcast - EP56 - A conversation with Kevin Kheffache

The man responsible for hundreds of photographers descending on Dublin’s streets each year for the famous Doc Day conference sits down for a chat. Kevin Kheffache has become a central figure in the Irish documentary photography scene but his path here wasn’t straightforward.

From banking and running a language school to picking up a camera alongside Annie, Kevin’s journey has been full of sharp turns and unexpected lessons. We get into the leap from videography to photography, how his background shaped his eye for moments, and why he believes community is the heartbeat of this craft.

There’s talk of creativity and confidence, the pressures photographers face in today’s online world, and the simple joy of seeing a roll of film come back to life. Kevin’s story is part evolution, part reflection, and a reminder of why capturing real moments still matters most.

Settle in for this one. It’s full of heart, insight, and plenty to take away.

Show Links
Kevin’s Website - https://www.kevinkheffache.com/
DocDay - https://docday.international/
Cafa Liu - https://cafaphoto.com/
Follow us on Instagram:
@therawpodcast
@davidmcclellandphotography
@moathillphotography

How do you introduce someone who’s practically part of the furniture in Irish photography? Jay Doherty’s name is woven through so many corners of the industry it’s almost become folklore – from creating the much-loved Learning to Fly retreat to bringing Doc Day to a close each year with his signature style.

Jay’s a photographer who doesn’t just take pictures; he lives and breathes his craft. He’s curious, restless, and fiercely passionate about learning – but what makes him stand out is how much he loves seeing others grow. We talk about where that drive comes from, how he’s helped shape a community of photographers, and what’s next for him.

Expect plenty of laughs, insights into the Irish photography scene, and a good few moments where you might find yourself asking, “What would Jay do?”

Grab a bottle of Football Special and settle in – this one’s worth the listen.

Photographers to Checkout
Rich GilliganSimon murphy - https://www.youtube.com/@simonmurphy265/
Harry Borden https://www.harryborden.com/

Follow us on Instagram:
@therawpodcast
@davidmcclellandphotography
@moathillphotography