Almost in Focus – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Almost In Focus, hosts Tom Warland andTobias Beach-Wyld are joined by Arno Peever from Vintage Visual to discuss the resurgence of analogue photography and their innovative products that make homefilm development more accessible.

They explore the importance of community feedback, the benefits of temperature control in processing, and the excitement surrounding future developments in the film photography space. The conversation highlights the joy of teaching photography and the role of technology in enhancing the film experience.

If you are interested in getting your own AGO Processor go to:
Best price in the UK for the processor, and also some of the accessories: https://analoguewonderland.co.uk/products/ago-film-processor?_pos=2&_sid=8b32cac20&_ss=r

For all other AGO products and AGO purchases worldwide: https://www.vintagevisual.eu/shop/  and don’t forget to use code TBW120 to have5%

In honour of St Nicholas Day, we turn our attention to a photographer celebrated for his documentation of British traditions.

In this episode of Almost In Focus, hosts Tom Warland and Toby Beach sit down for an engaging conversation with distinguished documentary photographer Homer Sykes. They discuss the evolution of traditional customs across Britain, the craft of storytelling through images, and the singular experiences that have shaped Homer’s long and influential career. From the challenge of capturing fleeting moments to the satisfaction of recording cultural heritage, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insight and inspiration for photography enthusiasts and cultural historians alike.

You can explore more of Homer’s work on his official website: http://www.homersykes.com
Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homer.sykes/

Key Books by Homer Sykes:

• Once a Year: Some Traditional British Customs

• My British Archive: The Way We Were 1968–1983

• Colour Works: The 1980s and 1990s

• An Annual Affair: Some Traditional British Calendar Customs

In this episode of "Almost In Focus," hosts Toby and Tom explore the intersection of photography and disability. Toby shares his personal journey with a stoma and his project "This Bag Saved My Life," documenting the experiences of people with stomas. Tom discusses his recent experience of breaking his hand, which has temporarily impacted his ability to engage in photography, offering him a glimpse on the daily-reality of those living with a disability.

The discussion covers ethical considerations in photographing disability, emphasising collaboration and understanding. Key photographers discussed include Dexter McLean, known for challenging stereotypes with his work on disability pride, and Diane Arbus, celebrated for her empathetic approach to photographing marginalized communities. The episode also examines societal perceptions of disability and photography's role in shaping these narratives.

• Dexter McLean's Website: https://www.dextermclean.com

• Toby's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobiasbeachwyld/

• Toby's Website:https://www.tobiasbeach-wyldphotography.co.uk/

  
  

  
  

In this episode of Almost In Focus, hosts Tobias Beach-Wyld and Tom Warland explore the intersection of photography and politics, reflecting on their personal experiences and the evolution of British photography over the decades.

They discuss the influence of iconic figures like Martin Parr, the romanticism of historical photography, and the ongoing racial and social issues within British society. The conversation also looks at how social media has reshaped the photographic narrative, highlighting community resilience, activism, and representation.

Tom and Tobias consider the significance of photography in documenting social change, the importance of community in shaping history, and the impact of technology on how we perceive and engage with photography today. They reflect on the romanticisation of the working class, the cultural reset brought about by the pandemic, and the future of photography in a rapidly changing world.

References and Links:

• Tish (BBC Documentary): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001xyrg/tish
  Simon Roberts – We English: https://simoncroberts.com/series/we-english/ | https://www.instagram.com/simoncrobertsphoto/
  
• Misan Harriman: https://www.instagram.com/misanharriman/
  Robert Frank – The Americans: https://www.moma.org/artists/1917
  
• Nick Waplington – Living Room / The Wedding: https://www.nickwaplington.org/ | https://www.instagram.com/nickwaplington/

This week we are joined by conceptual artist Ben Bird for a chat around the value of tactile photography through the print, photo-book and his experiences with cyanotype sculptural installation.

See more of his work at https://www.benbirdphoto.com/ and following him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_benjaminbird/?hl=en

Don't forget to give this podcast a follow on your favourite podcast platform.

Join us: Tom & Toby as they dive into the dreaded creative block — sharing our personal experiences and some practical ways to move past it. We reference inspiring photographers like:

• Paul Sebastian Smith — http://www.paulsebastiansmith.com

• Jonas Bendiksen — https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/jonas-bendiksen/

• Amelia Ullman — https://www.ameliaullman.com

Got thoughts or tips of your own, or want to share results of your #OneRollProject? Tag us on Instagram and use #AlmostInFocusPodcast — we’d love to hear from you!

@tombobwarland & @tobiasbeachwyld

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This week we were having some minor (but irritating) audio issues so we apologise for disruptive clicks and pops around half way through!

In this debut episode of "Almost in Focus," hosts Tom and Toby dive into the evolving world of photography. They explore the transition from traditional photo books to the dynamic realm of social media, discussing how platforms like Instagram are reshaping photographic education and practice. With candid conversations about their own journeys and the influence of iconic photographers, this episode sets the stage for a podcast that doesn't always stay sharp but promises engaging insights into the art of photography. Join them as they navigate the blurred lines between documentary, art, and commercial photography.

In this episode of "Almost In Focus," hosts Tobias Beach-Wyld and Tom Warland dive into their New Year resolutions, exploring the balance between personal creativity and professional commitments. They discuss the importance of embracing local projects, the myth of the productive photographer, and the value of enjoying photography without the pressure of social media metrics. Join them as they share insights on setting realistic goals and finding joy in the creative process.

In this episode, hosts Tom Warland and Tobias Beach-Wyld celebrate their 10th episode by discussing the challenges of justifying camera collections, accepting their levels of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) , and the impact of social media on personal branding in photography. They explore the psychology behind owning multiple cameras, the importance of using the right tool for the right job, and the joy that comes from engaging with subjects through photography. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about upcoming events and a potential competition for listeners.

In this reflective episode, Toby and Tom explore the powerful idea of “photographs we didn’t make” and how those unseen moments can shape us just as much as the images we publish. Through candid stories and hard-earned experience, they unpack the hesitation, ethics, and inner conflict that influence our decisions behind the camera.

From a teenage photographer documenting a homeless man on the streets of Cardiff without understanding his humanity, to moments in hospitals and personal crises, this conversation examines why some images stay with us as emotional archaeology—while others are left behind because they’re neither necessary nor kind.

This episode challenges photographers and storytellers to confront the ethical line between bearing witness and causing harm, asking when to shoot, when to step back, and how those choices ultimately shape our integrity, empathy, and impact.