Raw Podcast - EP51 - A conversation with Paul Williams
Episode 51 – A conversation with Paul Williams (Gingerbeard Photography)In this episode, we sit down with Paul Williams – though you’ll probably know him better as Gingerbeard Photography. With over 22 years of experience in photography and videography, Paul has built a name for himself with a style that blends honest documentary with a touch of editorial flair.We chat through his journey from office life to full-time photographer, the early spark that came from a film production course, and how second-shooting a friend’s wedding changed everything. Paul shares his thoughts on branding, film photography, and the gear he loves (spoiler: he’s a Leica man). He also talks about the realities of the job – the burnout, the busyness, and why delivering prints still matters.There’s plenty in here for anyone working in or around weddings – from destination gigs and personal projects to editing workflows and using AI to lighten the load. It’s an open, insightful chat with one of the good ones.Show Links.Paul’s Wedding Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gingerbeardweddingsPaul’s Personal Insta - https://www.instagram.com/gingerbeard_photoFollow us on Instagram:@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotographyMentionsElliott Erwitt - https://www.elliotterwitt.com(Branding etc) Tom Wright - https://www.instagram.com/bytomwDaniel Knight Harris - https://www.danielknightharris.comNaomi Goggins - https://www.naomigogginphoto.comHis wedding photographer - https://damianbrandon.com
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Raw Podcast - EP50 - A conversation with Ryan Devereux
Episode 50 – Ryan DevereuxFor our 50th episode, we sat down with Ryan Devereux — a man who’s quietly carved out a space as one of Ireland’s most respected wedding photographers. You’ll probably know his work even if you don’t know his name. Ryan is someone who lets the photographs do the talking, and they speak volumes — honest, considered and full of atmosphere.In this conversation, we trace Ryan’s journey from a call centre desk to the chaos of back-to-back wedding weekends. He talks about the early pull of photography, a hand-me-down camera from a family member, and the moment he realised he had an eye for it. We dive into everything from the artistic roots that shaped his style, to navigating the peaks and troughs of the industry and why he’ll always accept a cup of tea from the mother of the bride.There’s plenty here for anyone trying to balance commercial work with creative exploration — from his passion for film photography and street work, to personal projects and cultural festivals that offer a different kind of challenge. He’s honest about the burnout, the busyness, and the beauty of this job, and it makes for a rich, wide-ranging chat.Highlights include:• Ryan’s path into photography• Why personal projects are essential for growth• The ongoing tug between digital and film• Balancing technical evolution with creative integrity• The quiet artistry of capturing cultural festivals• Tips on navigating wedding season without losing your mind• Why breaks, bad photos, and bizarre festivals matterShow Links.Ryan Wedding Insta https://www.instagram.com/ryandevereux.weddings/Ryan’s Personal Insta https://www.instagram.com/ryandevereux/His amazing blog on La Feria de Abrill https://www.ryandevereux.ie/blog/la-feria-de-abril-x100viMartin Ellard’s Zines https://www.martinellardphotography.co.uk/martin-ellard-published-photography-zines/Dave Cremin https://www.instagram.com/dave_creminAnd Ryan’s recommendation on who to check out - Sinna Nasseri AKA Strange Victory https://www.instagram.com/strange.victory/Follow us on Instagram:@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography
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Raw Podcast - EP49 - A conversation with Tim Millen
Episode 49 – Tim Millen (This Modern Love)In this episode, we chat with Tim Millen — the creative mind behind This Modern Love, and a man who lives a bit of a double life. By day, he’s a wedding photographer capturing real moments with honesty and heart. But when the cameras are down, you’ll find him in the studio painting — a slower, more solitary process that gives him space to reflect and create differently.We talk about everything from his childhood influences and the cousin who handed down a photojournalist’s camera, to the artistic contrast between film and digital, painting and photography. There’s loads here about creative constraints, the pressures of the job, and the little things that keep us going — like staying hydrated and knowing when to drive less.Highlights include: • The parallels between painting and photography • Why setting creative rules can be freeing • Balancing commercial work with personal projects • Shooting weddings on film in a digital world • What the Helsinki Bus Station Theory has to do with finding your style • Building rapport and capturing silent moments • Working through wedding nerves — especially when shooting fellow photographers weddings. • The ongoing journey of maintaining passion in a saturated industryShow Links.https://www.thismodernlove.co.uk/https://www.timmillen.com/Helsinki Bus Station Theory – Arno Rafael MinkkinenBuzzFeed Feature – “The Most Beautiful Wedding Photos Ever”Kirsten LewisFollow us on Instagram:@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography@thismodernlovephoto
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Raw Podcast - EP48 - A conversation with Lucy Nuzum
Episode 48 – Lucy NuzumIn this episode, we chat with the brilliant Lucy Nuzum — a photographer whose path took her from self-portrait experiments as an art student to a thriving career in wedding photography. Lucy opens up about everything from creative influences and personal projects to navigating wedding trends, working with musicians, and the joys (and oddities) of flotation tanks.We talk about her first wedding, her approach to blending documentary and portraiture, and the systems she’s had to build to balance creativity with workflow. There’s loads here on community, confidence and client connections.Highlights include:Lucy’s shift from art school to weddingsHer love–hate relationship with flotation tanksWhy she prefers one camera and one lensThe balance between posed and candid momentsUsing a pre-wedding questionnaire to really get to know her couplesThoughts on trends like direct flash and blurHow social media helps and hinders creativityThe value of personal projects and staying inspiredMentions in this episode:Lucy's Wedding WebsiteLucy's Commercial and Portraiture WorkLucy’s FlickrKirsten LewisGruber ImagesFollow us on Instagram:@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography
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Raw Podcast - EP47 - A conversation with Darren Kirwan
Episode 47 – Darren KirwanIn this episode of The Raw Podcast, we’re joined by Darren Kirwan — one of Ireland’s most consistently brilliant wedding photographers, known for his calm presence and sharp eye for real moments.This is a wide-ranging and honest chat about the craft of wedding photography. Darren talks us through his early days in photography, how his documentary style developed, and why working close to home keeps him creatively sharp. We get into the pressure and reward of Same Day Edits, the importance of building a strong local reputation, and what it means to attract the right kind of clients.There’s loads here — from balancing family life with work, the role of word-of-mouth in today’s industry, and the fine line between observation and interaction when capturing a wedding day. We also dig into editing, creative blocks (or the lack of them), and the ongoing debate between colour and black and white photography.Darren shares his thoughts on awards, including his recent run with This is Reportage — where he’s been named Ireland Storyteller of the Year 2024 and landed over 30 individual awards. He reflects on the meaning and pressure that comes with that kind of recognition, and how it fits into the bigger picture of his work and purpose.Towards the end, we touch on the importance of personal projects, preserving family stories, and encouraging creativity in the next generation.A thoughtful, generous episode from a photographer who continues to do things his own way.Mentions in this episode:Darren’s WebsiteNiki BoonThe is ReportageFollow us on Instagram:@therawpodcast@davidmcclellandphotography@moathillphotography
Join us on The Raw Podcast, where Irish documentary wedding photographers Dave and Paul dive into the world of photography. Expect candid conversations with incredible photographers, insights on gear and techniques, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're a pro or just love great images, we’ve got stories, tips, and craic to share.
Ireland